Abstract: A brachytherapy device including a base adapted for being at least partially introduced into a body of a subject and a plurality of radionuclide atoms of a first alpha-emitting isotope, coupled to the base in a manner that not more than 15% of the radionuclide atoms leave the base in 24 hours, in methods other than radioactive decay. When installed in a human subject, the brachytherapy device emits radionuclide atoms of the first alpha-emitting isotope at a rate of at least 0.1% of the number of radionuclide atoms of the first alpha-emitting isotope coupled to the base, per 24 hours.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an atmospheric-pressure plasma equipment for fabric functional finishing and its application, and belongs to the field of textile printing and dyeing engineering. The atmospheric-pressure plasma equipment, including a discharging system, a grafting instrument and a cloth guider, can conduct continuous plasma treatment on fabrics under an atmospheric pressure, including plasma etching and plasma grafting, which breaks through the disadvantage of batch processing of vacuum plasma equipment. The equipment and method of the present disclosure realize functional finishing of the fabrics in the absence of water, and this finishing process is cost efficient, environmentally friendly, uniform, shorter treatment time and higher reactivity, and applicable to many materials and can keep the bulk properties of the treated substances.

Abstract: Apparatus for planning a diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy (DaRT) treatment session. The apparatus includes an output interface and a memory configured with a plurality of tables which provide an accumulated measure of radiation over a specific time period, due to one or more types of DaRT radiotherapy sources which emit daughter radionuclides from the source, for a plurality of different distances and angles relative to the DaRT radiotherapy source. In addition, a processor is configured to receive a description of a layout of a plurality of DaRT radiotherapy sources in a tumor, to calculate a radiation dose distribution in the tumor responsive to the layout, using the tables in the memory, and to output feedback for the treatment responsive to the radiation dose distribution, through the output interface.

Abstract: Apparatus for planning a diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy (DaRT) treatment session. The apparatus includes an output interface and a memory configured with a plurality of tables which provide an accumulated measure of radiation over a specific time period, due to one or more types of DaRT radiotherapy sources which emit daughter radionuclides from the source, for a plurality of different distances and angles relative to the DaRT radiotherapy source. In addition, a processor is configured to receive a description of a layout of a plurality of DaRT radiotherapy sources in a tumor, to calculate a radiation dose distribution in the tumor responsive to the layout, using the tables in the memory, and to output feedback for the treatment responsive to the radiation dose distribution, through the output interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a magnetic resonance imaging guided radiation therapy apparatus (100) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system (106). The method comprises: acquiring magnetic resonance data using the magnetic resonance imaging system from an organ (146), the organ being marked by a predefined marker; the magnetic resonance data comprising 3D image data; identifying in a reconstructed 2D image of the magnetic resonance data at least one signal void candidate of the marker; processing the 3D image data and the identified signal void for calculating a likelihood that the identified signal void candidate is part of the marker; outputting an indication of the calculated likelihood; in response to the outputting, receiving a user input specifying performing a radio therapy; and controlling the irradiation of the organ using the radiation therapy.

Abstract: An ablation instrument (e.g., an ablation balloon catheter system) includes an elongate catheter having a housing with a window formed therein. An energy emitter is coupled to the elongate catheter and is configured to deliver ablative energy. A controller is received within the window and is coupled to the energy emitter such that axial movement of the controller within the window is translated to axial movement of the energy emitter and rotation of the controller within the window is translated into rotation of the energy emitter. The instrument includes a motor that is at least partially disposed within the housing of the catheter; a first gear that is operatively connected to and driven by the motor; and a second gear that is coupled to the energy emitter and is driven by the first gear to cause rotation of the energy emitter, while allowing the energy emitter to move axially.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the medical field, in particular to the enhancement of brain performances and to the treatment of pathological stress. More specifically the present invention relates to a nanoparticle or nanoparticles' aggregate for use in enhancing brain performances or in prevention or treatment of pathological stress in a subject when the nanoparticle and/or nanoparticles' aggregate is exposed to an electric field, wherein the nanoparticle's or nanoparticles' aggregate's material is selected from a conductor material, a semiconductor material, an insulator material with a dielectric constant ?ijk equal to or above 200, and an insulator material with a dielectric constant ?ijk equal to or below 100. It further relates to compositions and kits comprising such nanoparticles and/or nanoparticles' aggregates as well as to uses thereof.

Abstract: An Auger plate for converting line emission x-ray photons into cascades of Auger electrons that form transient electric charges and for channeling the transient electric charges to an optical imager for conversion of the transient electric charges into a radiographic signal, the Auger plate including an array of Auger sensors which are graphite fibers coated with CsI or Gd coatings. The coatings are configured and arranged to bind the graphite fibers together and to convert the line emission x-ray photons into the cascades of Auger electrons to form the transient electric charges. The graphite fibers are configured and arranged to channel the transient electric charges toward the optical imager. Also, a detector including the Auger plate, a conductive film and an optical imager and a method for preparing the Auger plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing irradiation targets for radioisotope production in instrumentation tubes of a nuclear power reactor, the method comprising the steps of: providing a powder consisting of an oxide of a rare earth metal having a purity of greater than 99% and, optionally, an organic binder; pelletizing the powder and optionally the organic binder to form a substantially spherical green body having a diameter of from between 1 to 10 mm; and sintering the spherical green body in solid phase at a temperature of at least 70 percent of a solidus temperature of the rare earth metal oxide powder and for a time sufficient to form a round sintered rare earth metal oxide target having a sintered density of at least 80 percent of the theoretical density.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for locating radioactive material implanted in a living body, the method having the steps of implanting a stent into the body, the stent containing the radioactive material; imaging the body to determine a first position of the stent relative to remote points on the body; determining a second position of the stent at a second time later than the time of the implanting step; and measuring the distance between said first position and said second position. Also provided is a system for determining movement of a radiation source implanted in a living body, the device having a radiographic film overlaying a region of the body so as to oppose the radiation source, whereby the film is positioned relative to a reference point on the body; a grid disposed between the film and the body; and a radio-opaque substrate overlaying the film.

Abstract: Radioactive hydrogels for the delivery of localized radiotherapy, methods of making the radioactive hydrogels, and methods of using the radioactive hydrogels are disclosed. A radioisotope may be conjugated to a high molecular weight molecule, which may be encapsulated in a microparticle, where the microparticle is then dispersed within a hydrogel. The radioactive hydrogel may prevent leakage of the radioisotope to provide radiotherapy to a surgical margin while minimizing damage to surrounding normal tissue.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bioactive implant including the steps of (a) forming a mixture of an bioactive agent and a setting agent capable of transitioning from a flowable state to a rigid state; (b) converting the mixture into a flowable state; and (c) transitioning the mixture into a solid state in a shape of the implant.

Abstract: A surgical buttress for use in a surgical stapling apparatus is provided. The surgical buttress includes an elongate rectangular body portion defining a width; a nose portion integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the body portion, the nose portion defining a width that is less than the width of the body portion; a neck portion integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the nose portion, the neck portion defining a width; a head portion integrally formed with and connected to a distal end of the neck portion, the head portion defining a width; and a tail portion integrally formed with and extending from a proximal end of the body portion, the tail portion defining a width that is less that the width of the body portion. The surgical buttress is formed from a material having filaments. The surgical buttress include radioactive material.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methodologies are disclosed for delivering a chemical agent to tissue, e.g., for delivering an anti-restenotic agent to tissue comprising a wall of a blood vessel. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a delivery member is disclosed comprising a body that includes a plurality of discrete, separable sections, wherein each section includes a housing defining an internal cavity, and a penetrating member that extends from the housing.

Abstract: Composition in the form of a shaped device, for use as a fiducial marker in tissues in the animal body, in radiotherapy and/or radiosurgery, characterized in that it comprises:—a core consisting of a colloidal dispersion of metal nanoparticles and/or oxides or metal salts having X-ray-contrast properties, where said nanoparticles are stabilized with surfactants, polymers or capping agents in a liquid vehicle, and—a polymeric casing that encapsulates the core, said device having a minimum size of not less than 500 microns and a maximum size not greater than 3000 microns.

Abstract: A method of preparing a radioactive material to serve as a radiation source for an intra-lumen imaging capsule, including, receiving a radioactive substance having grains in powder form, forming a solid pellet wherein the grains of the radioactive substance are dispersed homogenously in the pellet and surrounded by less dense materials having lower radiation absorption.

Abstract: A system and method include a shape sensing enabled device (116) having at least one optical fiber (118). A source positioning module (124) is configured to receive optical signals from the at least one optical fiber within a structure and interpret the optical signals to provide motion information of treatment sources within the device. A dose determination module (130) is configured to provide one or more temporal bins representing a total treatment time. For each temporal bin, the dose determination module is configured to determine a dose received by a target area to be treated using the motion information of the treatment sources. The dose determination module is further configured to combine the dose received by the target area for each of the one or more temporal bins to determine a total dose received by the target area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of delivering drugs to a subject in a controlled release fashion by administering a magneto-electric nanoparticle having ionic bonds to a drug then applying a magnetic field to weaken the ionic bonds and release the drug.

Abstract: The invention relates to nuclear technology, and to irradiation targets and their preparation. One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for preparation of a target containing intermetallic composition of antimony Ti—Sb, Al—Sb, Cu—Sb, or Ni—Sb in order to produce radionuclides (e.g., tin—117m) with a beam of accelerated particles. The intermetallic compounds of antimony can be welded by means of diffusion welding to a copper backing cooled during irradiation on the beam of accelerated particles. Another target can be encapsulated into a shell made of metallic niobium, stainless steel, nickel or titanium cooled outside by water during irradiation. Titanium shell can be plated outside by nickel to avoid interaction with the cooling water.

Abstract: A system combines hyperthermia and radiation treatments in a single treatment modality by using a radioactive seed having magnetic properties.

Abstract: Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating a target tissue with a radioisotope. Some methods include determining a distance between a target tissue and a surface of a matrix material to be positioned adjacent the target tissue and, based on the determined distance, determining an activity to be mixed with the matrix material to obtain a desired activity concentration. Some methods further include mixing the radioisotope with the matrix material. In some embodiments, the matrix material is a bone cement, and the target tissue is a tumor in a bone. The radioisotope may be a beta-emitting radioisotope mixed in the cement at a concentration to form a radioactive cement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable medical appliance with means of migration prevention, which is either coated with a biocompatible polymer or coated with a biocompatible adhesive, or injected with a biocompatible adhesive after the insertion of the implantable medical appliance into a living body, or equipped with a foldable anchor. The implantable medical appliance of the present invention characterized by the means equipped on the surface of the same to prevent intratissue migration can be effectively used for such implantable medical appliance as a sealed source used for brachytherapy, a fiducial marker used for increasing accuracy of IGRT, a clip for surgical operation, and a transponder for the generation of radio frequency, etc, since the migration of the medical appliance is prevented after the insertion.

Abstract: Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.

Abstract: An applicator device is provided including a connecting unit. The connecting unit includes a first connector coupled to a first colpostat and a second connector coupled to a second colpostat. The first connector includes a first contact portion and a body portion, the first contact portion being immovably fixed to the body portion. The second connector includes a second contact portion and a third contact portion, the second contact portion being configured to contact and pivotally engage the first contact portion. The first connector further includes a fourth contact portion configured to contact the third contact portion. The second contact portion and the third contact portion are disposed between the first contact portion and the fourth contact portion, and the first contact portion are disposed in closer proximity to a point of delivery of a radiation source than the second, third, or fourth contact portions.

Abstract: Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.

Abstract: An instrument used for brachytherapy delivery in the treatment of cancer by radiation therapy including a handle having first and second handle actuators; an end effector; and an instrument shaft that connects the handle with the end effector. The end effector has first and second adjacent disposed staple cartridges that each retain a set of staples. The first mechanism is for holding standard staples in a first array, and dispensing the standard staples under control of the corresponding first handle actuator. The second mechanism is for holding radioactive source staples in a second array, and dispensing said radioactive source staples under control of the corresponding second handle actuator. The actuating device is removably attachable to an actuator arm on a proximal end. A staple applicator cartridge holder is attached to the actuator arm on a distal end. The staple applicator cartridge is mountable in the holder and having a plurality of slots for mounting of radioactive source staples therein.

Abstract: A device for loading and customizing brachytherapy carriers based on the principles of optimizing a more precise and predictable dosimetry, and adaptable to the geometric challenges of a tumor bed in a real-time setting. The present invention relates to a specialized loading device designed to enable a medical team to create a radionuclide carrier for each patient and tumor reliably, reproducibly and efficiently.

Abstract: The use of dianhydrogalactitol provides a novel therapeutic modality for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme and medulloblastoma. Dianhydrogalactitol acts as an alkylating agent on DNA that creates N7 methylation. Dianhydrogalactitol is effective in suppressing the growth of cancer stem cells and is active against tumors that are refractory to temozolomide; the drug acts independently of the MGMT repair mechanism.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for permanent application of radioactive sources in the field of brachytherapy are described. In an embodiment, an implantable device for radiation therapy of pathological tissues directed toward the administration of radiation to tissue adjacent a cavity wall or surgical excision. The device may include an insertable member, such as a substantially cylindrical member, having at least two ends, a central section positioned between the ends, and a fixation element to retain the implantable device implanted in tissue at a desired position. The device may further include a radioactive source at least partially positioned within the insertable member and that is disposed to deliver radiation to a desired area.

Abstract: A spacer for use in brachytherapy, and radiotherapy, is formed of an encapsulating material in a generally cylindrical or elongated shape. Regions are formed within the spacer and retaining therapeutic loads, such as radiation sources and/or pharmaceutical therapeutic loads, and/or other substances to treat a patient, such as drug liquids, powder or particles (e.g., microparticles or nanoparticles), with the particles or powders combined with binders, such as polyacrylamide, that are selected to gradually disperse the powder or particles at a desired rate. Such regions can be formed at various locations within the spacer, and can have various shapes depending on the particular design and intended usage. The outer surface of the encapsulating material can optionally include one or more fins, ribs or other physical protuberances or features that improve the fixity of the spacer when implanted within a patient's body.

Abstract: In order to increase the accuracy and speed of catheter reconstruction in surgical procedures such as an HDR prostate implant procedure, an automatic tracking system is provided preferably using an electromagnetic tracking device. The system uses a transmitter with a sensor used for catheter position. Due to substantial interference in the electromagnetic field from the surgical table, implant stepper/stabilizer etc, a calibration algorithm using a scattered data interpolation scheme is implemented to correct tracking location errors. The invention includes methods and systems used to carry out the methods.

Abstract: An afterloading device for effectuating a brachytherapy treatment, comprising a first elongated flexible transport element, arranged to maneuver a radiation source between a storage position inside the afterloading device and a treatment position outside the afterloading device, the afterloading device further comprising a second elongated flexible transport element, having at least one transducer, the second transport element being arranged to move the at least one transducer between a first transducer position and a second transducer position.

Abstract: A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.

Abstract: Methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating tissue through an opening or port through an airway wall. A passageway is created extending from the airway to the target tissue. The passageway provides local access to the target tissue for treatment instruments and for delivering agents.

Abstract: Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.

Abstract: A laser accelerator driven electronic brachytherapy system, device, and method for particle based treatment of a tumor or other human diseases and conditions.

Abstract: A brachytherapy needle holder includes a needle card holding one or more brachytherapy needles preloaded with one or more brachytherapy seeds, wherein the needle holder includes a scored needle card shield that may be bent at the score so that the needle card may stand up on its own, providing one-handed access. A brachytherapy needle holder includes a needle card holding one or more brachytherapy needles preloaded with one or more brachytherapy seeds, wherein the needle holder further includes a needle card shield that provides one or more of rigidity and shielding from radiation for one or more of a physician and other medical personnel.

Abstract: Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.

Abstract: The invention provides for a medical apparatus (200, 300, 400) comprising: a magnetic resonance imaging system (202), a display (270), a processor (228), and a memory (234) for storing instructions for the processor. The instructions causes the processor to receive a brachytherapy treatment plan (240), acquire (100) planning magnetic resonance data (244), calculate (102) a catheter placement positions (246, 900, 902) and a catheter control commands (248) the brachytherapy catheters.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, interchangeable and effective overlay plate that will increase the efficiency of brachytherapy radiation treatment and reduce the duration of the radiation exposure during the radioactive seed insertion and positioning in brachytherapy. The overlay plate has a limited number of apertures specific to the treatment of a particular patient and is attached to the matrix used to position and guide the needles with the radioactive seeds. The apertures of the overlay plate may further be truncated-cone-shaped, with the narrow ends aligned with corresponding apertures in the matrix and the flared ends facing the user. The overlay plate minimizes the radiation exposure as much as reasonably possible because any amount of radiation exposure carries a risk to the exposed individual, and the overlay plate may also be manufactured from radiation-protective material to further minimize the radiation exposure.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, interchangeable and effective shield that will protect from radiation during the radioactive seed insertion and positioning in brachytherapy. The shield is attached to the matrix used to position and guide the needles with the radioactive seeds. The shield minimizes the radiation exposure as much as reasonably possible because any amount of radiation exposure carries a risk to the exposed individual.

Abstract: Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.

Abstract: A radioactive seed and method for making a radioactive seed with selective magnetic imaging characteristics are provided. The seed includes a housing which may include a metal shell for at least partially enclosing a radioactive material. The shell encloses a rod having a nickel layer with a phosphorous content, wherein the phosphorous content includes a level of phosphorous sufficient, when the seed is implanted in tissue, to provide a magnetic resonance image of the seed while substantially eliminating gross artifacts in the magnetic resonance image.

Abstract: An oncology therapy method comprises implanting a radioactive seed (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) in an oncology subject (S). In some embodiments the radioactive seed comprises a radioactive material (12, 32, 33, 42) including at least one radioisotope disposed in a biodegradable host (14, 24, 25, 44) configured to biodegrade over a therapy time period when implanted in the oncology subject. In some embodiments the radioactive seed is implanted in soft tissue of an oncology subject (S), and the radioactive seed comprises a radioactive material (12, 32, 33, 42) including at least one radioisotope disposed in a host material (14, 24, 25, 44) having softness comparable with or softer than the soft tissue into which the radioactive seed is implanted.

Abstract: Compensator-based brachytherapy (CBT) for treatment of cancerous tumors or other pathologic tissues. CBT permits, in one aspect, increased dosage conformity for non-radially symmetric tumors by utilizing a device that can shield radiation emanated from an electronic brachytherapy (BT) source or non-electronic BT source. The device can comprise, in one aspect, a radiation compensator having a treated surface that comprises a position-dependent thickness based at least on a radiation therapy plan specific to a patient and geometry of a patient region to be treated. In an additional or alternative aspect, the device can comprise a source of radiation movably inserted into an enclosure coupled to the radiation compensator. As part of CBT, in one implementation, the radiation source can reside at a plurality of locations within the radiator compensator during a respective plurality of dwell times based on the radiation therapy plan.

Abstract: A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.

Abstract: A brachytherapy implant includes a plurality of protrusions to reduce a tendency of the implant to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to spacers that resist migration and rotation. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to fiduciary markers suitable for affixing to a patient that are detectable with respect an imaging modality such as MRI and methods of making the same. The markers include a paramagnetic material disposed therein that generates a distinguishable signal relative to a patient or other biological sample of interest during an imaging data collection session. Further, the markers demonstrate desirable signal to noise ratios across two or more MRI data collection procedures in one embodiment. The length of the markers is also adjustable by, for example, cutting or tearing a substrate upon which a substantially fluid-free region straddles a specified separation position on the substrate.

Abstract: A therapeutic member for use in brachytherapy deliverable to an implant site by way of a needle comprises a single radioactive source encapsulated by a bio-absorbable material having an outer surface including one or more ribs encircling the single radioactive source, a leading edge endcap rib and a trailing edge endcap rib. The one or more ribs reduces a tendency of the member to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation. The encapsulating material further includes a first rail formed from the bio-absorbable material extending at least from opposite sides of the outer surface of the encapsulating material along the longitudinal axis of the therapeutic member, and a second rail formed from the bio-absorbable material extending at least from opposite sides of the outer surface of the encapsulating material along the longitudinal axis of the therapeutic member, the second rail arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the first rail is arranged.