A micro-machined retro-reflector for improving light yield in ultra-high-resolution gamma cameras.

High-resolution imaging of x-ray and gamma-ray distributions can be achieved with cameras that use charge coupled devices (CCDs) for detecting scintillation light flashes. The energy and interaction position of individual gamma photons can be determined by rapid processing of CCD images of individual flashes. Here we investigate the improvement of such a gamma camera when a micro-machined retro-reflector is used to increase the light output of a continuous scintillation crystal.

Three-dimensional controlled interstitial hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy for locally advanced prostate carcinoma--a feasibility study.

Purpose: To perform a feasibility study of three-dimensional spatially controlled interstitial hyperthermia for locally advanced prostate cancer.

Methods And Materials: Twelve patients with prostate cancer (T3NxM0) were treated with conventional external beam radiotherapy and one interstitial hyperthermia treatment. Hyperthermia was delivered with the 27-MHz multielectrode current source (MECS) interstitial hyperthermia technique on an outpatient basis.

A versatile tool for exposure in minimally invasive surgery.

Background: Endoscopic surgery in a major cavity in the body requires space for manipulation and presentation of the target organ or site. For coronary artery grafting on the working heart, additional local cardiac wall immobilization is indispensible.

Methods: A passive hydraulic arm was developed to be mounted on the operating table rail.

Growth and function of the right ventricular outflow tract after Fontan's procedure for tricuspid atresia: a two-dimensional echocardiographic study.

Two patients with classical tricuspid valve atresia were studied by two-dimensional echocardiography before and up to 6 years after Fontan's correction. Preoperative investigation revealed a diminutive right ventricular outflow chamber, which increased in size postoperatively and became functional. These data were compared to those obtained in normal individuals.

Intraoperative epicardial two-dimensional echocardiography.

The usefulness of intraoperative epicardial two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography using a commercially available 5 MHz mechanical sector scanner was evaluated in 200 patients. The scanhead was inserted into a gas sterilized plastic bag and placed on the exposed heart. Unsuspected new diagnoses were made in 7 patients.