The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 23, 2002
Filed:
Aug. 25, 2000
Thomas C. Green, Seattle, WA (US);
Michael J. Horzewski, San Jose, CA (US);
Neoseed Technology LLC, San Francisco, CA (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for improved administration of brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate disease. More particularly, a prostate visualization device is provided comprising a disk-shaped bladder neck balloon that sealing engages and defines an enclosed space within a proximal region of a patient's bladder. The device is preferably coupled to a catheter for injection of echo-contrast agent into the enclosed space to facilitate imaging of the patient's bladder/prostate junction with an ultrasound system. The device may alternatively be radiopaque. Apparatus for selectively stiffening the catheter is also provided.