Design and characterization of an aperture system and spot configuration for ocular treatments with a gantry-based spot scanning proton beam.

Background And Purpose: Proton therapy is a key modality used in the treatment of ocular melanoma. Traditionally ocular sites are treated using a dedicated eyeline with a passively scattered proton beam and a brass aperture. This work aims to design and characterize a beam-collimating aperture to treat ocular targets with a gantry-based spot scanning proton beam.

A new method for assessing anal distensibility with a barostat and magnetic resonance imaging in healthy and constipated women.

Objectives: Defecation requires relaxation of the internal and external anal sphincters. High anal resting pressure is associated with painful constipation, defecatory disorders, and increased healthcare utilization in constipated patients; the mechanisms are unclear. Perhaps patients with a high anal resting pressure have a less distensible canal, which impedes defecation.

Experimental validation of a new COMS-like 24 mm eye plaque for the treatment of large ocular melanoma tumors.

Purpose: A new Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS)-like 24 mm eye plaque was experimentally characterized using physical and dosimetric measurements in preparation for clinical usage. The new eye plaque will enable surgeons and radiation oncologists to accommodate patients who have larger ocular melanoma tumors.

Methods And Materials: Physical measurement of the Modulay radius of curvature was performed using a FARO Edge, and the base thickness of the Silastic insert was measured with a depth gauge and Vernier caliper.

Gravity Flow in Proposed Enteral Tube Small-Bore Connectors.

Background: Enteral nutrition (EN) misconnections have been identified as a serious and potential deadly problem. An international effort led by EN industry leaders has developed a small-bore enteral connector (ENFit) that in theory will reduce the frequency of misconnections. Despite the potential benefit of preventing misconnections, the full impact of adoption of the ENFit connector is unknown.

Seed coordinates of a new COMS-like 24 mm plaque verified using the FARO Edge.

A 24 mm COMS-like eye plaque was developed to meet the treatment needs of our eye plaque brachytherapy practice. As part of commissioning, it was necessary to determine the new plaque's seed coordinates. The FARO Edge, a commercially available measurement arm, was chosen for this purpose.

Engineering analysis and development of the spheroid reservoir bioartificial liver.

A significant demand exists for a liver support device such as a Bioartifical Liver (BAL) to treat patients experiencing acute liver failure. This descriptive paper outlines the design and development of two of the key components of the Mayo Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver (SRBAL) system. One of the components is the multifunctional Spheroid Reservoir and the other is Multi-shelf Rocker.