An amount of radiation exposure of a medical staff is significantly reduced, and a large working area is ensured during an operation. A size of each component of a radiation protection equipment is reduced so as to decrease a weight thereof. The radiation protection equipment is provided, which can be installed within a short time period before an operation and easily put away after the operation. The radiation protection equipment, includes: a first protection sheet arranged on a periphery of a radiation source device and configured to shield radiation; a second protection sheet formed separately from the first protection sheet, arranged on a side of an operation table, and configured to shield radiation; and a third protection sheet formed separately from the first and second protection sheets, arranged on a periphery of a surgical field so as to expose the surgical field, and configured to shield the radiation.

Provided is a reference array holder, including a first segment configured to be mounted to a reference structure, and a second segment supporting a reference array having at least one tracking marker, wherein the second segment is movably coupled to the first segment via at least one coupling, and wherein the at least one coupling includes a sensor that provides information as to the spatial position of the second segment relative to the first segment. Also provided is tracking and/or navigation system including such reference array holder and to a computer implemented method of controlling a reference array holder.

The shield for an electrosurgical suction coagulator includes a cylindrical cuff and a shielding portion. The cylindrical cuff is sized for releasably engaging a distal end of a shaft of an electrosurgical suction coagulator. The shielding portion has an arcuate cross-sectional contour and is mounted on the cylindrical cuff such that the shielding portion extends distally therefrom. The shielding portion has a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of the cylindrical cuff and is positioned coaxially therewith. A plurality of shields for the electrosurgical suction coagulator may be provided in a kit, along with the electrosurgical suction coagulator. In the kit, a circumferential length of each shielding portion of each shield is unique, such that a user of the electrosurgical suction coagulator may select a desired one of the shields for a desired amount of shielding coverage.

Method and apparatus are disclosed for esophageal heat transfer devices and methods for cardiac tissue ablation procedures. An exemplary method includes collecting esophageal data via one or more sensing elements of an esophageal heat transfer device positioned within an esophagus of the patient. The exemplary method includes determining, based on the esophageal data and/or operator selected power setting, a temperature setting and/or a flow rate setting for fluid flowing through the esophageal heat transfer device to maintain a target temperature of esophageal tissue adjacent to the ablation site via a heat transfer region. The exemplary method includes adjusting, via the controller, a fluid source to provide the fluid to the esophageal heat transfer device at the temperature setting and/or a flow rate setting.

Apparatus and techniques for blocking radiation in a medical environment are described. In one or more embodiments, a lock-block shield device includes a base that is configured to adhesively couple to an object associated with a patient. In some embodiments, the base includes a lock mechanism for securing a work piece that has a generally tubular shape. A shield that is configured to at least partially block transmission of radiation can be coupled to the base in a releasable manner. For example, a clasp is used to secure the base and shield together. In embodiments, a ball and socket joint couples the shield and base to permit, for example, the shield to pivot and articulate with respect to the base.

A removable implant having a radiation shield adapted to reduce radiation exposure to one or more secondary radio-sensitive tissues during breast cancer radiation therapy is provided herein, the implant including: a flexible casing having: a base adapted for anchoring the implant to a chest wall of a patient; a cap disposed on the base; and a radiation-absorbing core adapted to absorb at least a portion of cardiac impact zone radiation when compared to a control, wherein the cap encloses the radiation-absorbing core, and wherein the radiation-absorbing core includes: a flexible solid polymer; and a plurality of radiation-absorbing members dispersed throughout the flexible solid polymer. In another embodiment, the implant further includes a breast tissue expander disposed on a top face of the flexible casing of the implant. Methods of use of the described implants are also provided herein.

An end effector structure (e.g. jaws structure or similar), configured with an internal antenna for delivery of electromagnetic energy in microwave range to a straight, curved or circular end effector structure in which the portion of end effector structure includes a microwave absorbing material that absorbs microwave energy emitted by the antenna and transfers microwave energy into the heat. Such end-effector also includes surgical fasteners or staples for strengthening tissue, providing a hemostasis, tissue joint and/or welding. The microwave antenna is connected by a coaxial cable with a microwave generator. The heat generated in the microwave absorbing material is applied to the treated material (e.g. tissue) by means of capturing material in the end effector (jaw structure) and heating the tissue to the desired temperature either before, during or after a stapling procedure.

Provided are multi-segmented inflatable brachytherapy devices. Also provided are systems and methods including multi-segmented inflatable brachytherapy devices.

The insertion device is adapted to hold a high-frequency treatment tool for performing high-frequency current treatment, by means of a distal-end component of a flexible tube for insertion into lumens. The insertion device includes: a first indicator disposed on the front portion of the distal-end component; a first cover formed of an insulating elasto-plastic material and covering the first indicator at the time of the prescribed attachment; an electrical insulation part as a second indicator disposed at the joint portion between the distal-end component and the flexible tube; and a second cover closely contacting the first cover and the electrical insulation part to apply an elastic force to each of them and covering the second indicator at the time of the prescribed attachment so that the leakage of high-frequency currents is prevented.

The shield for an electrosurgical suction coagulator includes a cylindrical cuff and a shielding portion. The cylindrical cuff is sized for releasably engaging a distal end of a shaft of an electrosurgical suction coagulator. The shielding portion has an arcuate cross-sectional contour and is mounted on the cylindrical cuff such that the shielding portion extends distally therefrom. The shielding portion has a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of the cylindrical cuff and is positioned coaxially therewith. A plurality of shields for the electrosurgical suction coagulator may be provided in a kit, along with the electrosurgical suction coagulator. In the kit, a circumferential length of each shielding portion of each shield is unique, such that a user of the electrosurgical suction coagulator may select a desired one of the shields for a desired amount of shielding coverage.