The present invention is directed to a device for visualizing structure
located on the interior of a biological substance. The device of the
present invention includes a marker member which may be a solid cylinder
or lumen having an interior volume. The marker member has a proximal end,
and a distal end. The distal end of the device is removably insertable in
the biological substance relative to the interior structure to be
visualized and is composed of a biologically stable substrate material. An
image-enhancing material is contained relative to the marker member in a
manner such that the imaging material does not directly contact the
biological substance; such imaging material will remain self-contained
without causing significant tissue absorption, toxicity or undesired image
distortion. The imaging material of choice is one which is capable of
producing an emission or signal detectable external to the biological
substance by suitable imaging instrumentation. Also disclosed is a method
for visualizing critical structures or radiation therapy targets employing
the device of the present invention, particularly in imaging processes
such as positron emission tomography and/or single photon emission
computerized tomography, MRI or ultrasound either used alone or in
combination with anatomical imaging processes such as computerized
tomography or mammography.