How to Safely Perform Magnetic Resonance Imaging-guided Radioactive Seed Localizations in the Breast.

When a breast lesion is seen on only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and needs to be excised, pre-operative MRI-guided radioactive seed localization (RSL) is preferred. However, MRI safety and radiation safety issues associated with the inability to recover a potentially lost seed in the MRI scanner room (Zone IV) have precluded this in the past. This manuscript provides a protocol for MRI-guided RSLs that meets MRI safety and radiation safety criteria established by the American College of Radiology and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Handling of radioactive seed localization breast specimens in the pathology laboratory.

Radioactive seed localization (RSL) is an increasingly utilized and effective approach to surgical excision of radiographically identified lesions in the breast. This approach has been reported to be at least as convenient to the patient, radiologist, and surgeon as the standard wire localized approach but with the considerable added benefit of a lower positive margin rate in some studies. To date, there is little information in the published medical literature concerning the optimal handling of these specimens in the pathology laboratory.

Molecular imaging using light-absorbing imaging agents and a clinical optical breast imaging system--a phantom study.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of using a clinical optical breast scanner with molecular imaging strategies based on modulating light transmission.

Procedures: Different concentrations of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT; 0.8-20.

Potential for contamination during removal of radioactive seeds from surgically excised tissue.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of a scalpel or electrocautery to remove radioactive sealed sources ("seeds") from surgically excised tissue could damage the seed and cause it to leak its radioactive contents. Attempts were made to cut or burn Oncura Model 6711 non-radioactive seeds while in pig muscle or on a stainless steel plate. Additionally, one active 125I seed was purposely charred using pressure with an electrocautery knife to see whether the casing could be damaged.

3D flow study in a mildly stenotic coronary artery phantom using a whole volume PIV method.

Blood flow dynamics has an important role in atherosclerosis initiation, progression, plaque rupture and thrombosis eventually causing myocardial infarction. In particular, shear stress is involved in platelet activation, endothelium function and secondary flows have been proposed as possible variables in plaque erosion. In order to investigate these three-dimensional flow characteristics in the context of a mild stenotic coronary artery, a whole volume PIV method has been developed and applied to a scaled-up transparent phantom.