Abstract:
A device for administering brachytherapy to a patient includes a vessel that may be in the form of a hollow cylindrical cup, for fleshing into and substantially filling the open-ended cavity. The vessel has a closed outer end, which may be a removable cover, and a source guide penetrates the closed outer end so as to extend deep into the vessel, to receive a radiation source in the source guide. A manipulator can be connected to the radiation source, and also to the source guide, for allowing several different types of manipulation of the source orientation and position within the vessel during the brachytherapy procedure.
Abstract:
A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therein to provide observation during surgical procedures. The laparoscope provides direct observation of dissection through the open distal end of the tunneling member. Observation is provided both when the device is used to tunnel between tissue layer to a region of interest within the body of a patient, and during subsequent balloon inflation when the tissue layers are dissected to cause separation of the tissue layers and the creature of an anatomical working space. After the anatomic space has been created, the device and laparoscope are withdrawn through the incision. If needed, a trocar can be inserted into the incision to provide access back to the previously created space where the surgical procedure is to be performed. The anatomic working space may be insufflated with an insufflation gas if required for the particular procedure. The apparatus is prepared for use by inserting the tunneling member into the interior of the balloon forming the balloon into a generally cylindrical roll about the tunneling member, and preferably, through the use of an integral balloon cover, securing the balloon roll to the tunneling member to form a semi-rigid blunt tipped obturator.
Abstract:
An everting applicator for brachytherapy of body cavities such as the vagina has a flexible sleeve secured to a distal mandrel, both the sleeve and the mandrel having internal lumens. The flexible sleeve has a diverging opening at its distal end, preferably bell-shaped or cone-shaped, such that when the open end is pushed against the mouth of a vagina, the sleeve will evert back upon itself, progressively unrolling to an inside out configuration wherein, fully inserted, the sleeve is fully everted back over the exterior surface of the mandrel. A radiation source, isotopic or electronic, is then inserted into the mandrel lumen to commence a therapeutic irradiation procedure of tissues of the vagina.
Abstract:
This invention relates generally to retainers and methods of using retainers. In particular, the invention relates to a suture retainer adapted for application on a subject by use of an introducing device, such as a catheter. The suture retainer comprises two elements, such as wedge-shaped or substantially wedge-shaped elements, that are positioned such that the elements are juxtaposed with respect to each other. In operation the two elements are engaged by a spring which forces the two elements into contact. Additionally, a housing can be provided.
Abstract:
Methods and applicator apparatus are disclosed for brachytherapy treatment of tissue surrounding a cavity in a patient, particularly a resection cavity. In treatment regimes requiring recovery time between successive radiation treatments, applicators of the invention are retained under the skin, with the skin allowed to at least partially heal, and are re-accessed later for one or more subsequent treatments. To reduce patient discomfort an anesthetic agent can be infused through the applicator to patient tissue, for insertion, balloon inflation or removal of the applicator.
Abstract:
A balloon apparatus adapted for sequential dissection of an anatomical space and associated methods are provided. The balloon apparatus comprises a tubular member having a lumen, a tunneling member slidably disposed in the lumen of the tubular member, a flattened substantially rectangular balloon sealed about the tubular member, a sleeve which contains the deflated balloon in generally cylindrical rolls about the tunneling member, and a retainer which prevents an inverted substantially heel-shaped portion of the balloon from everting and inflating prior to inflation of the remainder of the balloon. In a preferred method of operation, the balloon apparatus enters an anatomical space whereby the entry point into the anatomical space divides the space into a superior and inferior portions. The tunneling member is advanced into the superior portion of the space and the balloon inflated, thereby dissecting the superior portion of the anatomical space. Then the retainer is released, permitting the heel-shaped portion to be inflated, thereby dissecting the inferior portion of the anatomical space.
Abstract:
A laparoscopic bladder neck suture suspension procedure that anchors a suture in Cooper's ligament and, transvaginally, in the anterior vaginal wall to provide upper and lower suspension points and, then, ties and tensions a knot intracorporeally within the retropubic space between the upper and lower suspension points. The laparoscopic bladder neck suture suspension procedure utilizes a surgical instrument that combines a knot tying device mounted over a suture passing device. The suture passer may incorporate a grasper at its tip for purposes of passing a suture through body tissue as desired. The knot tying device is used to suture intracorporeally under tension using sliding knots such that the tension can be increased incrementally as the surgeon tests the elevation of the bladder neck by feel.
Abstract:
The present invention pertains to a magazine that is loaded with a needle and an attached length of suture pre-tied in a knot on the magazine. The magazine is used in loading the needle onto a surgical instrument and in loading the tied length of suture onto the surgical instrument.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate metallic members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the metallic member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the metallic member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the metallic member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the metallic member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature. Preferably the invention provides such a device or apparatus which is of elongate form for surgical manipulation of matter within a living body, and which has the manipulator means at its distal end with the metallic member(s) having pseudoelasticity at the temperature to be encountered within that body, and wherein the actuating means is operable from the proximal end of the device.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.