摘要:
Methods and apparatus are provided for improved administration of brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate disease. More particularly, a prostate visualization device is provided comprising a catheter coupled to at least one deployable member at the distal end of the catheter. The deployable member is preferably manufactured from a shape memory alloy having a petal-shaped configuration suitable for engaging and defining the proximal region of a patient's bladder. The deployable member may comprise tubing filled with air or other radiopaque agents to facilitate ultrasonic imaging of the deployable members near the bladder/prostate junction.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus are provided for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles. The apparatus comprises an apparatus with chambers, and radioactive seed and spacer cartridges received therein. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a standard brachytherapy needle coupled to the distal end of the apparatus. The plunger dislodges seeds and spacers from the cartridge chambers to load the needle with a predetermined packing arrangement.
摘要:
Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues in a manner analogous to use of a standard needle gripper. Cycling the handle from a closed position to an open position and back to the closed position may alternate the device between gripping the needle with a first clamp (for example, along a proximal portion of the needle) to gripping the needle with a second clamp (for example, along a distal portion of the needle) and optionally back to gripping with the first clamp, with the needle often staying at a substantially fixed location relative to the suturing device body. Related single-clamp needle grasping devices can be bent plastically by a surgeon, and/or have bodies that are grasped by a hand while a portion of the hand actuates a handle.
摘要:
Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues in a manner analogous to use of a standard needle gripper. Cycling the handle from a closed position to an open position and back to the closed position may alternate the device between gripping the needle with a first clamp (for example, along a proximal portion of the needle) to gripping the needle with a second clamp (for example, along a distal portion of the needle) and optionally back to gripping with the first clamp, with the needle often staying at a substantially fixed location relative to the suturing device body. Related single-clamp needle grasping devices can be bent plastically by a surgeon, and/or have bodies that are grasped by a hand while a portion of the hand actuates a handle.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus are provided for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles. The apparatus comprises an apparatus with chambers, and radioactive seed and spacer cartridges received therein. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a standard brachytherapy needle coupled to the distal end of the apparatus. The plunger dislodges seeds and spacers from the cartridge chambers to load the needle with a predetermined packing arrangement.
摘要:
Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods for maintaining a position and orientation of a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a suturing device. An exemplary device include a clamp having opposing grasping surfaces for grasping the needle at a first location, and a needle contacting surface for contacting the needle at a second location, the second location a distance axially away from the first location so as to inhibit unintended movement of the needle relative to the device, which may include rotation of the needle about the first location and rotation of the needle about its axis. In many embodiments, the device includes a first and second clamp and a mechanism for alternating grasping of the needle between the first and second clamp. The device may also be incorporated into a single-clamp needle grasping device.
摘要:
Medical suturing devices, systems, and methods will be useful for endoscopic (with or without access ports) or other surgeries in which access is limited, including ear, nose, and throat procedures. Articulation motions may be transferred from a handle to needle grasping jaws using an axial movement of a shaft that has axial stiffness (such as being stiff in compression) and lateral flexibility or an axial movement of a cable. An extension body (within which the shaft or cable moves) between the handle and jaws can be pre-bent or custom bent by the user. Portions of the devices may be disposable, replaceable, and/or reusable. A spring adjacent the clamp may open the clamp or impose a gripping force.
摘要:
Medical suturing devices, systems, and methods will be useful for endoscopic (with or without access ports) or other surgeries in which access is limited, including ear, nose, and throat procedures. Articulation motions may be transferred from a handle to needle grasping jaws using an axial movement of a shaft that has axial stiffness (such as being stiff in compression) and lateral flexibility or an axial movement of a cable. An extension body (within which the shaft or cable moves) between the handle and jaws can be pre-bent or custom bent by the user. Portions of the devices may be disposable, replaceable, and/or reusable. A spring adjacent the clamp may open the clamp or impose a gripping force.
摘要:
Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues in a manner analogous to use of a standard needle gripper. Cycling the handle from a closed position to an open position and back to the closed position may alternate the device between gripping the needle with a first clamp (for example, along a proximal portion of the needle) to gripping the needle with a second clamp (for example, along a distal portion of the needle) and optionally back to gripping with the first clamp, with the needle often staying at a substantially fixed location relative to the suturing device body. Related single-clamp needle grasping devices can be bent plastically by a surgeon, and/or have bodies that are grasped by a hand while a portion of the hand actuates a handle.
摘要:
A probe for use in medical procedures includes a longitudinal member, a flexible sheath, and a flexible circuit. The longitudinal member includes at least one electrode and at least one thermocouple disposed thereon. The flexible sheath is coupled to and at least partially surrounding the longitudinal member. The flexible circuit is coupled to the sheath and also to the at least one electrode and the at least one thermocouple. The flexible circuit is configured to provide power to the at least one electrode and a return path to the at least one thermocouple.