Abstract: A surgical device for localized delivery of beta radiation in surgical procedures, particularly ophthalmic procedures. Preferred surgical devices include a cannula with a beta radiotherapy emitting material at the distal end of the cannula. The surgical device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of treat Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of displacing an area of the macula of an eye, including the steps of placing a substance below the surface of the retina, folding the retina to form a folded portion of the retina, and affixing the folded portion, so that the folded portion substantially maintains a folded shape.

Abstract: A surgical device for localized delivery of beta radiation in surgical procedures, particularly ophthalmic procedures. Preferred surgical devices include a cannula with a beta radiotherapy emitting material at the distal end of the cannula. The surgical device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of treat Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring loading of radiation into an insertion device for use in a radiation therapy treatment to determine whether the treatment will be in agreement with a radiation therapy plan. In a preferred embodiment, optical sensors and radiation sensors are used to monitor loading of radioactive seeds and spacers into a needle as part of a prostate brachytherapy treatment.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a carrier structure bearing a radioactive isotope and a radiopaque marker. According to several embodiments, the seeds include a central plug provided with an axial marker and a relatively transverse bore extending through the marker. A second marker may be positioned in the bore, thereby distinguishing a seed provided with the second marker relative to a seed not provided with the second marker. According to another embodiment, the isotope is deposited on the outer surface of a hollow radiolucent tube. A biologically-compatible, radiolucent, surface-sealing layer seals the external surface of the tube. A radiopaque marker wire of selected length is positioned in the hollow of the tube. Seeds may be distinguished from one another by providing seeds with marker wires of different lengths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for three-dimensional imaging and treatment of a patient's body. The method and apparatus utilize a system for developing a therapy plan for treatment of an organ of the patient, a device for generating ultrasound image data from a treatment region and a device for providing a translucent volume image of a portion of a patient's body and a separate translucent image of the patient organ and a three dimensional viewing device to superimpose a translucent article image to enable viewing of the article image simultaneously with the patient organ and a portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for loading hollow implantation needles with radiation sources made of radiation source chains, and a radiation source chain for interstitial brachytherapy of tissue. It is the object of the invention to develop a device and a method for packing and feeding of radiation sources made of radiation source chains as well as a radiation source chain for interstitial brachytherapy of tissue, whereby a precisely metered quantity of connected radiation sources (seeds) that has been predefined for implantation, and optionally of spacers, can be inserted without remnants into hollow needles located inside or all designed of tissue to be treated, by simple and reliable manipulation without manual intervention. The design safely guides the contiguous seeds through hollow needles with low-friction, reduces the risk of a malfunction and allows optimal cleaning and/or sterilization, while also reliably protecting the surroundings from radiation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a methodology for the characterization and determination of mixed-field dosimetry for 252Cf Applicator Tube (AT)-type medical sources, utilizing ionization chambers, GM counters, and Monte Carlo methods. Unlike the previous methodologies, the present invention discloses a specification of dose to muscle, rather than dose to water, for clinical dosimetry of 252Cf medical sources. A dosimetry protocol, similar to that utilized for ICRU-45, with parameters determined specifically for 252Cf brachytherapy is disclosed. Neutron isodose distributions and data necessary for clinical implementation of 252Cf AT sources are also disclosed herein. Additionally, novel methods for the encapsulation, storage, and delivery/implantation of 252Cf radionuclide sources are disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of radioactive seeds or encapsulated seeds having ends with projections or indentations connected by a polymer. The seed strand is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands at the patient's bedside. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising a substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated member made of material, which is bio-absorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the member. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of a radiation source which is a low energy X-ray emitter, e.g. with an energy of emission of the principal photon in the range of 20 to 100 keV, preferably 20 to 40 keV and with a half life of 10 to 100 days, preferably 15 to 70 days, for the treatment of restenosis. Suitable radioisotopes include palladium-103, dysprosium-159, samarium-145, cadmium-109, ytterbium-169 and preferably iodine-125. High activity radioactive bodies and sources comprising such radioisotopes, and methods for the manufacture of such sources, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of tubular shaped, hollow radioactive seeds with a bore. The seed strand as assembled with a material provided in the bore and between the spaced seeds is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: An arranged row of radioactive seeds and non-radioactive spacers with a predetermined pitch can be provided with physical coherence by applying connectors between the separate seeds and spacers. In a first embodiment the connectors are elongated with introversions at both ends, in a second embodiment a connector also forms a spacer and is provided at one end with an introversion and at another end with a projection in the form of a seed.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising a substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated strand made of material, which is bio-absorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the strand. The delivery system and method further customize the strand based on a prescription. The strands can have custom end spacings, which allow the optimal placing of seeds within the treatment tissue by implanting a plurality of strands to the same depth. A plurality of these strands can be implanted at the same time by the use of a guiding device.

Abstract: Therapeutic sources for use in the practice of brachytherapy comprise a radioactive composite that includes (a) a polymeric matrix and (b) a radioactive powder, e.g. Pd-103 or I-125, consisting essentially of very fine radioactive particles that are randomly and essentially uniformly dispersed within the polymeric matrix. The composite may be in the shape of one or more solid cylindrical rods surrounded by a non-radioactive sleeve. Alternatively it may be a hollow rod, suture, film, sheet, or microspheroidal particles. The composite may be shaped by molding, extrusion or other methods, may be made with a flexibility suitable to its intended use or may be encapsulated in a metallic capsule.

Abstract: A coupled seed train is formed by placing a plurality of seed train members into the lumen of a hollow tube. A plurality of accommodation slots are formed in the tube in spaced relation to one another along the length of the hollow tube. The members of the seed train are positioned within the lumen such that each accommodation slot is in registration with a space between contiguous members of the seed train. An adhesive is introduced into each accommodation slot to join the members of the train to one another in end-to-end relation with one another. The seed train and plunger are then placed into the lumen of a needle and the needle is introduced into the tissue of a patient. A plunger abuts the trailing end of the seed train and remains stationary as the needle is withdrawn over the seed train and plunger. The seed train is deployed at the proper position within the tissue. The needle and the plunger are then withdrawn from the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loader device, for dispensing implantation seeds from a seed magazine and, optionally, a spacer magazine.

Abstract: A radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising a molded elongate, bioabsorbable carrier material with spaced radioactive sources disposed therein, and methods for the manufacture thereof. The radioactive members may be used in treatment of, for example, prostate cancer.

Abstract: A radioactive seed which discloses the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography is provided. The seed contains multiple X-ray detectable markers which will disclose the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography. The seed can also have a single marker which wraps around the external surface of the seed or wraps around a carrier body within the seed. The single marker will also disclose the orientation as well as the location of the seed.

Abstract: A surgical device for localized delivery of beta radiation in surgical procedures, particularly ophthalmic procedures. Preferred surgical devices include a cannula with a beta radiotherapy emitting material at the distal end of the cannula. The surgical device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of treat Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: A flexible source wire is provided containing a radioactive source that is capable of maneuvering through a tortuous narrow passage to a treatment site within the body. This source wire includes a thin flexible housing tube, housing therein a flexible backbone wire, wherein both the tube and the wire are constructed from a material exhibiting little or no memory retention when bent. A radioactive core is provided in the proximal end (i.e., the treatment end) of the thin flexible housing tube and abuts the proximal end of the backbone wire. Both ends of the source wire are sealed and the proximal end of the source wire is rounded to allow ease of movement as it travels through the bends and turns in the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for simultaneously treating a tumor or cancerous growth with both hyperthermia and X-ray radiation using brachytherapy. The device includes a needle-like introducer serving as a microwave antenna. Microwaves are emitted from the introducer to increase the temperature of cancerous body tissue. The introducer is an inner conductor of a coaxial cable. The introducer contains a hollow core which houses an X-ray emitter. The X-ray emitter is connected to a high voltage miniature cable which extends from the X-ray emitter to a high voltage power source. The X-ray emitter emits ionizing radiation to irradiate cancerous tissue. A cooling system is included to control the temperature of the introducer. Temperature sensors placed around the periphery of the tumor monitor the temperature of the treated tissue.

Abstract: A therapeutic assembly that contains a therapeutic agent, a ctyotoxic radioactive material, and a nanomagnetic material with nanomagnetic particles. The nanomagentic particles have an average particle size of less than about 100 nanometers; and the average coherence length between adjacent nanomagnetic particles is less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: Radioactive sources are manufactured for treating a tumor or cancerous area occurring around a conduit or duct in the body by emitting X-rays to destroy or reduce the tumors. The sources contain ytterbium which is substantially enriched in 168Ytterbium and which is activated by exposure to neutron flux so as to contain a minor, but significant, fraction of X-ray and gamma-emitting 169Ytterbium. The radioactive 169Ytterbium source is inserted through a catheter or applicator or needle to the site of the cancer where it is maintained in position for a period of time to reduce the occurrence of cancer. The ytterbium also acts as an X-ray-opaque marker to facilitate external visualization of the sources during their delivery to the treatment site. The sources are encased in a shell to prevent direct contact of the radioactive material with human tissue. This encapsulation may be formed by welding a pair of end caps to a tubular member.

Abstract: To provide versatile radioactive implants and methods of radiation therapy, plating methods such sputtering, as are used to coat single elements such as microspheres, wires and ribbons with radioactive metals, protective layers and identification layers. The resulting solid, radioactive, multilayered seamless elements are implanted individually or combined in intercavity applicators, with fabrics and in ribbons. Because they have selected half-lives and intensities, they provide flexibility in treatment, permitting low intensity or high intensity treatment using temporary or permanent implants and implants with high intensity or low intensity or contoured intensity to permit different therapies.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a carrier structure bearing a radioactive isotope and a radiopaque marker. According to several embodiments, the seeds include a central plug provided with an axial marker and a relatively transverse bore extending through the marker. A second marker may be positioned in the bore, thereby distinguishing a seed provided with the second marker relative to a seed not provided with the second marker. According to another embodiment, the isotope is deposited on the outer surface of a hollow radiolucent tube. A biologically-compatible, radiolucent, surface-sealing layer seals the external surface of the tube. A radiopaque marker wire of selected length is positioned in the hollow of the tube. Seeds may be distinguished from one another by providing seeds with marker wires of different lengths.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing interstitial radiation seed strand implants is provided. The system includes a seed dispenser, a member for handling an elongated half-shell member; and a controller in communication with the seed dispenser. The controller commands the seed dispenser to place the radioactive seed elements at desired locations in a first elongate half-shell member. The first half-shell member is mated with a second half-shell member to form a seed strand implant. The seed strand implant is axially stiff and longitudinally flexible, and constructed from bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: The radioactive seed used in brachytherapy includes a casing of titanium and a radioactive substance element positioned within the casing, typically in the form of a band/coating, such as on a marker rod, or in the form of individual beads. The seed includes an emission element which produces emissions detectable by an MRI apparatus. The emission element can be in the form of a band/coating on a marker rod, or positioned on the casing or in the form of beads positioned within the casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spacing apparatus for use with radiation therapy devices, and in particular, for use with a brachytherapy device. The spacing apparatus is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue proximate to the extraction site, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patient's body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical extraction site.

Abstract: A low attenuation radioactive seed utilizing a core having a fluted or non-circular cross section is utilized for increasing the dose rate, decreasing the dwell times and improving the clinical outcomes by increasing the dose consistency throughout the treatment zone. The fluted or non-circular cross section core would increase the surface area for the deposition of the radioactive substance thereby increasing the therapeutic efficacy of the seed. In addition, the fluted or non-circular cross section may be designed in a manner to reduce photon emission attenuation by reducing the distance an inwardly directed photon would have to travel to traverse the core.

Abstract: An implantable radiation therapy device includes a biocompatible radiotranslucent outer capsule containing a radiation shielding element and a radioactive isotope at least partially shielded by the shielding element. When the device is at or below body temperature, radiation is prevented or limited from being transmitted through the outer capsule by the shielding element. When non-ambient energy is applied to the device, the shielding element and radioactive isotope are reconfigured such that an increased level of radiation is transmitted through the outer capsule and emitted by the device.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a terminus-spacer component that comprises a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is configured to form a coupled connection with an implantation seed. The second end portion serves to terminate a string that comprises one or more spacer components that comprise the terminus-spacer component and one or more implantation seeds that comprise the implantation seed.

Abstract: A neutron source for neutron brachytherapy is disclosed that may generate neutrons to treat cancer and other tumors. The neutron source in accordance with the invention may include a capsule into which the neutron emitting material is loaded and a guide wire. A coiled wire may be placed around the capsule and the guide wire to strengthen the capsule and guide wire. In accordance with one embodiment, the capsule containing the neutron emitting material is sufficiently thin so that the helium gas generated during the decay of the neutron emitting material may escape into the atmosphere. In a preferred embodiment, the neutron emitting material may be Californium (Cf225).

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and radially flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands is also provided. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: A radiation therapy apparatus and method for significantly reducing or preventing restenosis after angioplasty utilizes a stainless steel guide wire having a phosphorus beta emitting radiation source ionically bonded thereon at its distal end by a positive vapor deposition process. The radiation therapy wire is similar in size, shape, and flexibility to the conventional guide wire used for the angioplasty procedure, and is introduced using the same catheter to carry out the radiation therapy procedure. When the beta emitting source reaches the critical section in a vessel or artery, a protective sleeve is retracted and the radiation source is exposed to the damaged area for a sufficient amount of time for the vessel to absorb the required dosage. Because the range of beta radiation is much lower than gamma radiation, the risk of radiation damage to other areas is minimal.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region of a human or other mammalian body. In some embodiments, a flexible brachytherapy device is implanted that includes a therapy delivery portion having one or more radioactive sources securely retained thereto, and a tail portion extending from the therapy delivery portion. Once implanted, the tail portion may extend outside the body, where it may be folded and secured flat against the skin. The device may be removed at therapy completion. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for delivering brachytherapy devices to the body.

Abstract: A radiopaque brachytherapy seed for implantation into a subject includes a biocompatible component, a therapeutically active component including a non-radioactive drug, and a radiopaque marker. The biocompatible component is (a) physically associated with a therapeutically active component and (b) in contact with the radiopaque marker. The brachytherapy seed has a size and shape suitable for passing through the bore of a needle having an interior diameter of less than about 2.7 millimeters (10 gauge).

Abstract: A radioactive seed which discloses the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography is provided. The seed contains multiple X-ray detectable markers which will disclose the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography. The seed can also have a single marker which wraps around the external surface of the seed or wraps around a carrier body within the seed. The single marker will also disclose the orientation as well as the location of the seed.

Abstract: A radioactive or activatable seed for use in brachytherapy, and a method for producing the seed, the seed comprising a closed and self-supported casing consisting of (a) a radioactive or activatable metallic material selected from the group consisting of a metal, an alloy and a metal composite or mixtures thereof, optionally in combination with (b) a non-radioactive, non-activatable metallic material; wherein (a) comprises a radioactive nuclide selected from the group consisting of Pd-103, Tm-170, Sr-90, Y-90, Yb-169, P-32, Ge-71, Se-75, Cl-36, Ta-182, Tl-204, Re-188, W-188, Ce-144, Pr-144, Sn-123, Ru-106, Rh-106 and mixtures thereof, and/or an activatable precursor nuclide thereof selected from the group consisting of Pd-102, Rh-103, Tm-169, Y-89, Yb-168, P-31, Ge-70, Se-74, Cl-35, Ta-181, Tl-203, W-186, Sn-122 and mixtures thereof, excluding metallic Pd with natural abundance of Pd-102.

Abstract: The invention relates to an activatable seed consisting of at least one cylindrical body comprised of: a) a metal, for example metallic palladium, a palladium compound, a composite material made of a Pd compound and metal or mixtures thereof, optionally combined with b) a metallic material not containing Pd, wherein the palladium contained in a) contains Pd102.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a carrier structure bearing a radioactive isotope and a radiopaque marker. According to several embodiments, the seeds include a central plug provided with an axial marker and a relatively transverse bore extending through the marker. A second marker may be positioned in the bore, thereby distinguishing a seed provided with the second marker relative to a seed not provided with the second marker. According to another embodiment, the isotope is deposited on the outer surface of a hollow radiolucent tube. A biologically-compatible, radiolucent, surface-sealing layer seals the external surface of the tube. A radiopaque marker wire of selected length is positioned in the hollow of the tube. Seeds may be distinguished from one another by providing seeds with marker wires of different lengths.

Abstract: A brachytherapy apparatus is composed of a tubular needle with forwardly protruding cutting edges at its tip, a holder supporting the needle and a driver for electromechanically causing the needle to undergo a continuous or oscillatory rotary motion around its axis and/or a reciprocating linear motion in the longitudinal direction such that its front opening at its tip can reliably reach a specified position inside a patient's tissue without being deflected or bowing when it encounters an obstruction such as a calcification or a small bone. Such motions may be provided by a piezoelectric hammer and a piezoelectric tamper. After the needle is thus correctly positioned, a brachytherapy device such as a radioactive seed or a reflector may be pushed through and out of the needle by means of a pusher as the needle is retracted to leave a track inside the tissue. A quickly hardening liquid may be thereafter injected through the needle to immobilize the deposited brachytherapy device.

Abstract: An arranged row of radioactive seeds and non-radioactive spacers with a predetermined pitch can be provided with physical coherence by applying connectors between the separate seeds and spacers. In a first embodiment the connectors are elongated with introversions at both ends, in a second embodiment a connector also forms a spacer and is provided at one end with an introversion and at another end with a projection in the form of a seed.

Abstract: Radioactive seeds, particularly 1-125 radioiodine seeds are sterilized by being subjected to dry heat at a temperature of at least 140° C., preferably 150-200° C. A container having loose sterile radioactive seeds therein is disclosed. The container is preferably of glass with a label and a removable heat-resistant silicone closure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a denatured albumin lamina, useful for repairing lesions on solid visceral organs. The lamina comprises human serum albumin, formed into a thin, pliant sheet and denatured. The denatured lamina can be sterilized and stored until used. As well, it can be impregnated with a variety of bioagents. A method for repairing a lesion on a solid visceral organ includes applying an energy-absorbing proteinaceous material to a lesion site on the solid visceral organ lesion; irradiating the proteinaceous material with energy sufficient to fuse the energy-absorbing material at least partially to the lesion site; applying a biocompatible denatured albumin lamina onto the proteinaceous material on the lesion site; and irradiating the biocompatible albumin lamina and the proteinaceous material with energy sufficient to fuse the biocompatible albumin lamina to the proteinaceous material and/or the lesion site.

Abstract: A spacing apparatus for use with radiation therapy devices, and in particular, for use with a brachytherapy device. The spacing apparatus is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue proximate to the extraction site, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patient's body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical extraction site.

Abstract: A radioactive substance absorber is incorporated into an intravascular radiotherapy source ribbon assembly to prevent the migration of radioactive matter throughout the assembly container. The radioactive substance absorber comprises carbon in various forms and configurations. The radioactive substance absorber is positioned in proximity to the source core and absorbs radioactive materials which break free from the source core, thereby containing the radioactive material.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include one or more carrier structures each carrying a radioactive isotope, a ceramic spacer or collar member, a metal ring about the ceramic member, and a capsule formed from two tubular parts, each part including a closed end, an open end, and an interior. The open ends of the capsule abut the metal ring and are preferably welded thereto to form a generally uniform capsule wall such that the carrier structure(s) and ceramic member are contained in the interior of the capsule. The ceramic spacer preferably is hollow and a radiopaque or MRI-visible marker extends therethrough. Each of the embodiments is designed to provide a substantially isotropic distribution of radiation.

Abstract: To provide versatile radioactive implants and methods of radiation therapy, plating methods such sputtering, as are used to coat single elements such as microspheres, wires and ribbons with radioactive metals, protective layers and identification layers. The resulting solid, radioactive, multilayered seamless elements are implanted individually or combined in intercavity applicators, with fabrics and in ribbons. Because they have selected half-lives and intensities, they provide flexibility in treatment, permitting low intensity or high intensity treatment using temporary or permanent implants and implants with high intensity or low intensity or contoured intensity to permit different therapies.