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US 2014/0236145 A1Published application
Devices and methods for minimally invasive reduction of parathyroid adenomas
AssigneeBoston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
InventorDavid W. Robertson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for performing glandular reduction are described. In an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a needle-like probe containing a scintillation detector for converting gamma and x-rays emitted from a radio-labeled gland into photons that are then carried from the probe through a fiberoptic cable to a photodetector, and a therapy element for causing selective tissue destruction by directing energy toward the radio-labeled gland.
Claims20
A method of glandular reduction in a patient, comprising:
- radio-labeling a gland as a target tissue;
- inserting a probe into the patient toward the target tissue;
- measuring radiation emitted by the target tissue using a scintillation detector within the probe;
- positioning the probe in proximity to the target tissue based upon the measured radiation;
- guiding the probe to the target tissue by rotating and longitudinally translating a radiation shield surrounding the scintillation detector within the probe, wherein the radiation shield has an aperture for allowing radiation to reach the scintillation detector;
- and,
- delivering energy from a therapy element of the probe to the target tissue.
4 more elements
An apparatus, comprising:
- a probe for inserting into a body tissue containing a radio-labeled target tissue;
- a scintillation detector within the probe;
- a therapy element incorporated into the probe for delivering energy to the target tissue;
- a control unit that includes a therapy element actuator and processing circuitry connected to a photodetector;
- wherein the processing circuitry is configured to measure the radiation emitted by the target tissue from signals generated by the photodetector;
- and
- wherein the therapy element actuator is operable to cause delivery of energy by the therapy element to the target tissue.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.