1667 results about "Radioactive source" patented technology

A method for increasing the rate of thrombus formation and / or proliferative cell growth of a selected region (21) of cellular tissue (22) including the step of endovascularly irradiating the selected region (21) with radiation, having a dose range of endovascular radiation of about 1 Gy to about 600 Gy at a low dose rate of about 1 cGy / hr to about 320 cGy / hr, to increase thrombus formation and / or cell proliferation of the affected selected region (21). Preferably, the delivery means includes a deformable endovascular prosthesis (25) adapted for secured positioning adjacent to the selected region (21) of cellular tissue (22), and a radioactive source. This source cooperates with the deformable endovascular device (25) in a manner endovascularly irradiating the selected region with radiation, having the above-indicated dose range and low dose rate of endovascular radiation to increase thrombus formation and / or cell proliferation of the affected selected region (21).

An apparatus for selective radiation detection includes a neutron detector that facilitates detection of neutron emitters, e.g. plutonium, and the like; a gamma ray detector that facilitates detection of gamma ray sources, e.g., uranium, and the like; and / or an X-ray analyzer that facilitates detection of materials that can shield radioactive sources, e.g., lead, and the like.

A microwave hyperthermia apparatus that can be inserted into the body which includes a hollow central tube for the insertion of radioactive therapy sources. The use of a coaxial transmission line impedance transformation along the insertable portion of the coaxial cable enables a reduction in the characteristic impedance by increasing the outer diameter of the inner coaxial conductor so that the center conductor can be a metal tube. If the ratio of the outer coaxial conductor diameter vs. the inner coaxial conductor is decreased, the characteristic impedance of the transmission line is lowered. This enables the inner conductor diameter to increase sufficiently to make the central hollow opening large enough to receive standard radioactive sources therein. This provides for a good impedance match that improves microwave energy efficiency while at the same time permitting a large hollow center opening. The combination of the microwave antenna device and brachytherapy sources provides for enhanced effectiveness when the two treatments are delivered simultaneously or in close time proximity to each other.

The invention provides a system which comprises a medical device that delivers a combination of therapies. These therapies include the administration of radiation, biologically active materials, cryotherapy, and thermotherapy. The present invention is also directed to a method of treating body lumen surfaces using the system of the invention. A system is provided for delivering a biologically active material to a surface of a body lumen being exposed to a radioactive source. In one aspect, the system comprises an implantable medical device which has two opposing ends, each having a surface, and a middle portion. The two opposing ends comprise a biologically active material and the middle portion of the medical device is substantially free of any biologically active material. In another aspect, the system delivers a genetic material to a surface of a body lumen which is exposed to a radioactive source. Another system is provided for treating a surface of a body lumen in which the system comprises an implantable medical device which comprises a biologically active material and a device for applying a therapy source to the parts of the body lumen surface that are in contact with the opposing ends of the medical device. The therapy source may be a cryotherapy source or a thermotherapy source.

A staple delivery applicator for delivering radioactive staples during brachytherapy medical treatment has an actuating device for at source staples located distally from the actuating device. 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. An anvil therein crimps the staples. The staple applicator cartridge holder is removably mountable in a connector and the connector is also removably mounted to a surgical staple holder. A trigger device being one of the actuating devices has a control for closing the anvil of the cartridge holder and for firing of the source staples in the cartridge therein to cause the staples to crimp, and a control for opening the anvil and releasing the trigger device from the actuator arm.

The present disclosure provides a brachytherapy apparatus, system and method that delivers partial breast irradiation treatment for post-lumpectomy patients via introduction of a catheter-like device through a trocar. The apparatus may be introduced post-surgically with local anesthesia under image guidance into the previous excision site and into a cavity by a surgeon. The brachytherapy apparatus includes one or more thin-walled tubes, each of said thin-walled tubes being configured to contain one or more radioactive sources, at least one radiation source configured to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation, a whisk adjuster configured to permit adjustment of each of the one or more thin-walled tubes so that the tubes substantially conform to a size of the body cavity; and an expansion element configured to expand outwardly said one or more thin-walled tubes within the cavity so that the thin-walled tubes substantially conform to a shape and / or size of the body cavity.

A camera sub-module is provided for providing tomographic imaging of radiation emissions generated internally by a body. The camera sub-module includes a radiation-emitting layer having a radioactive source for emitting transmission emissions, and at least one radiation-detection layer for contemporaneously detecting and permitting differentiation between the transmission emissions and emissions generated internal to an imaged body administered with a positron-emitting radiotracer. Also provided herein are imaging systems, scanners, and other apparatus and methods.

A portable radioactive-material detection system capable of detecting radioactive sources moving at high speeds. The system has at least one radiation detector capable of detecting gamma-radiation and coupled to an MCA capable of collecting spectral data in very small time bins of less than about 150 msec. A computer processor is connected to the MCA for determining from the spectral data if a triggering event has occurred. Spectral data is stored on a data storage device, and a power source supplies power to the detection system. Various configurations of the detection system may be adaptably arranged for various radiation detection scenarios. In a preferred embodiment, the computer processor operates as a server which receives spectral data from other networked detection systems, and communicates the collected data to a central data reporting system.

Radioactive sources, preferably radioactive seeds, for use in brachytherapy comprising a radioisotope within a sealed biocompatible container, wherein at least one part of the outer surface of the container is grooved, preferably with a curved groove. The grooved outer surface is preferably substantially free from angularities. Such grooves enhance the echogenicity of the source using medical ultrasound at a greater range of angles to the ultrasound probe, thus enhancing the ultrasound visibility of the source. Preferred radioisotopes are palladium-103 and iodine-125.

An angle-responsive sensor, comprising:a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation;at least one radiation absorbing element arranged to block radiation from reaching said detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, said detector and said element, said detector and said element defining an aim for said sensor; andcircuitry coupled to said detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of said relative orientation,wherein said detector and said element are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that said signal defines an accuracy of better than 3 mm within one standard deviation, over said working volume.

A high-speed, three-dimensional, gamma-ray imaging method and system as well as a detector and array of such detectors for use therein are provided which characterize radioactivity distributions in nuclear and radioactive waste and materials facilities by superimposing radiation images on a view of the environment using see-through display screens or shields to provide a stereoscopic view of the radiation. The method and system provide real-time visual feedback about the locations and relative strengths of radioactive sources. The method and system dynamically provide continuous updates to the displayed image illustrating changes, such as source movement. A pair of spaced gamma-ray cameras of a detector subsystem function like “gamma eyes”. A pair of CCD cameras may be coupled to the detector subsystem to obtain information about the physical architecture of the environment. A motion tracking subsystem is used to generate information on the user's position and head orientation to determine what a user “sees”. The invention exploits the human brain's ability to naturally reconstruct a 3D, stereoscopic image from 2D images generated by two “imagers” separated by a known angle(s) without the need for 3D mathematical image reconstruction. The method and system are not only tools for minimizing human exposure to radiation thus assisting in ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) planning, but also are helpful for identifying contamination in, for example, laboratory or industrial settings. Other optically-invisible radiation such as infrared radiation caused by smoldering fires may also be imaged. Detectors are manufactured or configured in curvilinear geometries (such as hemispheres, spheres, circles, arcs, or other arrangements) to enable sampling of the ionizing radiation field for determination of positional activity (absolute or relative amounts of ionizing radiation) or spectroscopy (energy distributions of photons). More than one detector system may be used to obtain three-dimensional information. The detector systems are specifically suitable for direct visualization of radiation fields.

A method for detecting Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) or Radiological dispersion Devices (RDD), comprising: conveying an object along a predetermined path; imaging a distribution of radioactive sources associated with the object as it passes along said path; determining the presence and location of one or both of an RDD or SNM radioactive source within the object.

The invention relates to a noninvasive radiotherapy system for a robot, and belongs to the medical equipment field. The noninvasive radiotherapy system for the robot consists of seven modules, i.e. a radiotherapy planning system, a three-dimensional numerical-control therapy bed, an automatic tracking system for a four-dimensional real-time image, a robot system, a radioactive source, an adjuvant therapy system and an integrated control system, wherein the automatic tracking system for the four-dimensional real-time image consists of a six-freedom-of-degree G-shaped arm real-time image system and an intelligent tracking system; the six-freedom-of-degree G-shaped arm real-time image system is formed by successively connecting a G-shaped arm, a G-shaped arm sliding rail, a G-shaped arm spindle, a G-shaped arm pitch shaft and a G-shaped arm sliding seat; an X ray source and an X ray dynamic flat panel detector are formed into one group, and two groups are correspondingly installed on the G-shaped arm; and the G-shaped arm sliding seat is installed in a rail (9). According to the noninvasive radiotherapy system for the robot, which is disclosed by the invention, the defects of unmatched projection time, time waste and low therapy precision in the prior art are overcome, the precise therapy of the whole body tumor can be carried out, and the cardiovascular disease therapy and the noninvasive regulation of the renal nerve disease can be carried out.

An implantation device for implanting miniature radioactive source in the tumor tissue features that a small and light radioactive source storage cabin able to be separated from the implantation cabin of radioactive source is used. Its advantages are easy operation and easy supplement of radioactive source.

The invention provides a radioactive source on-line monitoring system based on an Internet of Things technology. The radioactive source on-line monitoring system comprises RF (radio frequency) cards, field monitoring terminals, a transmission network and an on-line monitoring informatization management platform, wherein the RF card is fixedly arranged in each monitoring site with a preset distance from a radiation source, unique identity information of a radiation source, approved geographical position information and the standard radiation dose rate are stored in the RF cards, each field monitoring terminal is arranged in the corresponding monitoring site, and comprises an RF card reader-writer, a radiation dose rate measuring instrument, video collecting equipment, a GPS (global positioning system) positioning device, a controller, an in-site warning device, a communication interface and a power supplying power supply, and the processor is respectively connected with the RF card reader-writer, the radiation dose rate measuring instrument, the video collecting equipment, the GPS positioning device, the field warning device, the communication interface and the power supplying power supply. The radioactive source on-line monitoring system has the advantages that the radiation source can be comprehensively monitored, then, through a communication network, the monitoring information can be remotely obtained in time, and the monitoring efficiency is effectively improved.

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.

An angle-responsive sensor, comprising:a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation;at least one radiation absorbing element arranged to block radiation from reaching said detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, said detector and said element, said detector and said element defining an aim for said sensor; andcircuitry coupled to said detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of said relative orientation,wherein said detector and said element are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that said signal defines an accuracy of better than 3 mm within one standard deviation, over said working volume.

A modified Fletcher-Suit tandem tube applicator includes a balloon which can be inflated to both positionally secure the applicator within the vaginal canal and to distend the confronting vaginal wall thereby increasing the distance of such tissue from the radioactive source contained in the tandem tube of applicator and correspondingly reducing radiation damage to nearby tissues and organs such as the rectum and bladder.

The invention is a novel adaptive CT-compatible brachytherapy applicator with remotely-controlled radial and longitudinal motion radioactive source lumen shields that can be manipulated by the radiation oncologist to optimize the dose distribution to the target and normal tissue structures for brachytherapy procedures.

A method for carrying out CT safety detection on liquid by radioactive source includes setting detected liquid article on rotary platform, emitting ray on liquid article by radioactive source and passing ray through said article to be received by detector and data collector just facing ray beam and to be formed as projective data, transmitting projective data to computer data processor for obtaining liquid density of detected liquid article, comparing obtained density to density of dangerous article stored in databank and displaying detection result of detected liquid article in direct ¿C viewing way.

A portable radioactive-material detection system capable of detecting radioactive sources moving at high speeds. The system has at least one radiation detector capable of detecting gamma-radiation and coupled to an MCA capable of collecting spectral data in very small time bins of less than about 150 msec. A computer processor is connected to the MCA for determining from the spectral data if a triggering event has occurred. Spectral data is stored on a data storage device, and a power source supplies power to the detection system. Various configurations of the detection system may be adaptably arranged for various radiation detection scenarios. In a preferred embodiment, the computer processor operates as a server which receives spectral data from other networked detection systems, and communicates the collected data to a central data reporting system.

The invention relates to a method and apparatus that provide autonomous power supply by converting energy of sources of a non-electrical nature into the electric energy using charge generators. For such apparatuses, as charge generators can be used piezoelectric elements, triboelectric elements, as well as radioactive sources of charged particles that do not require periodic replacement of re-charging-in contradistinction to the convention sources of power supply, galvanic batteries. Charge generator (1), when activated, produces a portion of electric charges q having a high electric potential Uin, which portion is applied to the input of charge energy converter (2). The function of the converter (2) is to increase the initial value of charges q up to value of Q, with simultaneous reduction of their potential to Uout value, which less than Uin. For the purpose to store charges Q obtained as a result of the conversion, which charges Q are needed for the electronic systems power supply, electric charge storage (3) is positioned at the output of the apparatus.

A modified Fletcher-Suit tandem tube applicator includes a balloon which can be inflated to both positionally secure the applicator within the vaginal canal and to distend the confronting vaginal wall thereby increasing the distance of such tissue from the radioactive source contained in the tandem tube of applicator and correspondingly reducing radiation damage to nearby tissues and organs such as the rectum and bladder.

The invention relates to a radiation therapy device of a multi-alignment body which comprises a shield, and a source body and a final alignment body which are arranged on the shield, wherein a plurality of radioactive sources are loaded in the source body, at least one middle alignment body is arranged between the source body and the final alignment body, the source body, the middle alignment body and the final alignment body are respectively connected with a gear power transmission mechanism, which can independently rotate relative to the same rotary center line, the final alignment body comprises various groups of through holes with different diameters, the middle alignment body comprises at least one group of though hole, at least one group of through hole in high-latitude regions and at least one group of through hole in low-latitude regions. In the process of treatment, the invention can automatically combine radiation beam according to the need of treatment proposal, the dynamic conformity of a dose field is realized, the auxiliary time of the radiation therapy is shortened, and the efficiency of the radiation therapy is improved.

A method for increasing the rate of thrombus formation and / or proliferative cell growth of a selected region (21) of cellular tissue (22) including the step of endovascularly irradiating the selected region (21) with radiation, having a dose range of endovascular radiation of about 1 Gy to about 600 Gy at a low dose rate of about 1 cGy / hr to about 320 cGy / hr, to increase thrombus formation and / or cell proliferation of the affected selected region (21). Preferably, the delivery means includes a deformable endovascular prosthesis (25) adapted for secured positioning adjacent to the selected region (21) of cellular tissue (22), and a radioactive source. This source cooperates with the deformable endovascular device (25) in a manner endovascularly irradiating the selected region with radiation, having the above-indicated dose range and low dose rate of endovascular radiation to increase thrombus formation and / or cell proliferation of the affected selected region (21).