Mick Radio-Nuclear Instruments, Inc.

United States

The Mick® Sterilization and Storage Cassette is an anodized, light weighted aluminum case for the Mick® TPTPV Applicator. It protects and prevents loss of delicate instrumentation by offering designated component placement and silk screened component locators. The Mick® Sterilization and Storage Cassette is ideal for steam or ETO sterilization.

The Mick® TP Applicator uses Manchester source placement principles and allows for seed placement adjustments during the implant in order to adapt to changes of the prostate position and size. When attached to an implanted Mick® Applicator Needle, the applicator allows for seeds to be inserted individually per pre-plan or real-time technique. Treatment modifications can be done on the spot and without interruptions. The design of the Mick® System offers optimal seed placement flexibility and a significant reduction in radiation exposure to staff and personnel.

The Diddler is a device to adjust the position of transperineal prostate seeding needles (Mick® TP Needles) behind the transperineal template. The Diddler is constructed of stainless steel and consists of a slender tip with a long handle. The tip is constructed such that needles can be adjusted without fingers up, down and sideways even if there is a needle right next to it.

The Mick® Magazines are designed to optimally shield staff and patient from excess radiation exposure before and during the implant procedure. When inserted in the Mick® TPTPV Applicator, the exposure rate around the magazine nears background readings. The hexagonal magazine head is threaded for safe storage in the Loading V-Block or Seed Sterilizer and Carrier. Mick® Magazines may conveniently be received on-site ready loaded and sterile from e.g. Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG. Various magazine types are offered:

Reverse Action Tweezers are ideal for picking up seeds. The tip of the tweezer is provided with a groove ascertaining a gentle “controlled” grip on the seed. Deformation of a seed due to excessive pressure is avoided due to the tweezer`s “reverse action” soft clamping force. Tweezers are made of stainless steel and two insulator pads provide for better gripping.

The slim hub design favors the implantation of loose seeds with the Mick® TPTPV Applicator. The trocar tip stylet avoids needle deflection. 0.5 cm markings on the outer cannula support orientation whilst pulling back the Mick® TPTPV Applicator during seed placement. 17 and 18G needles are available. They are available as 25 needles per carton, 3 pouches of 5 needles and 10 pouches of 1 needle. Mick® TP Needles remain open and free of bone wax to allow monitoring for drainage of blood or urine.

The Seed Sterilizer and Carrier is designed to store, transport and sterilize I-125 and Pd-103 seeds and consists of a stainless steel outer container (housing) and a magazine storage block. The storage block accepts up to 10 Mick® Magazines. This unit is ideal for steam sterilization of loaded Reusable or Disposable Mick® Magazines. The Seed Sterilizer and Carrier provides excellent shielding.

The Radiation Inspector is a small hand held microprocessor controlled radiation measuring instrument which offers excellent sensitivity to low levels of alpha, beta, gamma and x-rays. The digital readout is displayed with a red count light and audible beeps provide instant indications of the radiation level. Other benefits include an adjustable timer and external calibration controls.

The Loading V-Block holds magazines firmly in place during the seed loading process. Five threaded holes provide proper shielding and safe storage of loaded magazines. A seed well facilitates the process of picking up seeds to load cartridges. Additionally, the Loading V-Block is a back-up device. Left over or “recover” seeds can be safely reloaded into magazines.

Reusable Templates are manufactured from the highest grade aluminum and surface-coated (black anodized). Close tolerances are kept for smooth and straight needle guidance. Lettering and numbering are located peripherally 1-7 and A-G. All orifices are spaced 5 mm apart and provided in 17 and 18G sizes with chambers for easy insertion of implant needles.