A method of controlling or containing radioactive contamination by providing a neutron absorbing material to a radioactive contamination site. Preferably the neutron absorbing material is present as a powder, granule, slurry or suspension, allowing the neutron absorbing material to blanket cover the radioactive contamination site. Suitable neutron absorbing materials include lanthanide elements having a cross section of 100 Barns or greater, as well as hafnium, zirconium, tantalum, silver, indiu...

A radioactive iodine-labeled compound represented by the following formula ##STR1## wherein X represents a radioactive iodine atom which may substitute at an arbitrary position on the benzene ring (preferably .sup.123 I, .sup.125 I and the like.), n represents an integer of 1 to 3, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, Y represents an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (preferably methylene group), M represents a counter ion, and m re...

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.

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 se...

A radioactive source ribbon assembly may be reusably utilized in conjunction with a delivery sheath or catheter for delivering therapeutic dosages of ionizing radiation to various anatomical regions. The radioactive source ribbon assembly comprises an outer jacket formed from or coated with a lubricious coating for insertion into the delivery sheath or catheter. The assembly also comprises a radiation resistant sleeve formed from a braided structure which encapsulates a radioactive source and co...

An injection and solidification operation as well as a kneading and solidification operation can be performed by a single facility. A decreased amount of radioactive secondary waste is generated. A solidifying agent paste is prepared by kneading a solidifying agent and additive water. The solidifying agent paste is injected into a solidifying container. The radioactive waste is charged into the solidifying container and kneaded.

A treating element source train that comprises a plurality of treating elements, with each treating element comprising a hollow outer housing closed on each end and a radiation emitting substance encapsulated therein. The treating elements are aligned end-to-end, and a wire is wound around the exterior of the treating elements to maintain the treating elements in their end-to-end relationship. The wire may be helically coiled about the treating elements, or braided around them. Also, the wire ma...

A method for delivering multiple doses of radiation to a target area of a vessel. The method includes delivering multiple radioisotopes to a target area of a vessel and allowing the radioisotopes to dwell in the target area for a period of time to deliver a predetermined and uniform radiation dose.

Disclosed are novel radioactive compositions which are particularly suited for treating solid mass tumors via catheter delivery.

An apparatus is described that efficiently resupplies radioactive seeds to a brachytherapy applicator. A seed-holding system includes a holder and a transfer device. The holder, which may be disposable, stores the radioactive seeds and the transfer device, which may be reusable, helps shield and dispense the seeds. The holder is coupled to the transfer device, and the apparatus is mated to an applicator. After seeds have been dispensed, the apparatus may be disconnected from the applicator and t...