Abstract: A permanent, biocompatible material for soft tissue augmentation. The biocompatible material comprises a matrix of smooth, round, finely divided, substantially spherical particles of a biocompatible ceramic material, close to or in contact with each other, which provide a scaffold or lattice for autogenous, three dimensional, randomly oriented, non-scar soft tissue growth at the augmentation site. The augmentation material can be homogeneously suspended in a biocompatible, resorbable lubricious gel carrier comprising a polysaccharide. This serves to improve the delivery of the augmentation material by injection to the tissue site where augmentation is desired. The augmentation material is especially suitable for urethral sphincter augmentation, for treatment of incontinence, for filling soft tissue voids, for creating soft tissue blebs, for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis, and for mammary implants. It can be injected intradermally, subcutaneously or can be implanted.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe including a probe body which defines a longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe also includes a first and second conductive electrode, each disposed along the probe axis. The surface area of the first conductive electrode is greater of the surface area of the second conductive electrode. The ratio of the surface area of the first conductive electrode to the surface area of the second conductive electrode may be adjustable. Another aspect of the present invention is an electrosurgical probe having a probe body which defines a single longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe of this aspect of the invention further includes more than two electrodes operatively disposed at separate and distinct positions along the axis of the probe body. The electrodes may be selectively connected to one of or a combination of a stimulation energy source, an ablation energy source or a ground for either energy source.

Abstract: A material and method for augmenting soft tissue. The tissue augmentation material consists essentially of water and a polysaccharide gel former selected from the group consisting of a cellulose polysaccharide, starch, chitin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, hydrophobe modified polysaccharide, an alginate, a carrageenan, agar, agarose, an intramolecular complex of a polysaccharide, an oligosaccharide and a macrocylic polysaccharide. Glycerin may also be included. The material may be used to augment soft tissue in a variety of areas, including the facial region and vocal folds.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method for preparation of a tissue augmentation material. A polysaccharide gel composition is prepared with rheological properties selected for a particular selected application. The method includes preparing a polymeric polysaccharide in a buffer to create a polymer solution or gel suspending properties in the gel and selecting a rheology profile for the desired tissue region.

Abstract: A medical delivery or extraction system comprising a needle assembly having a needle and a hub coupled to the needle. The hub includes a verification region or component. A syringe body rotatably coupled to the needle assembly includes at least one indicia on the outer surface thereof. When the indicia corresponds to the verification region, the user is provided with an indication that the se body is properly connected to the needle assembly.

Abstract: A medical delivery or extraction system comprising a needle assembly having a needle and a hub coupled to the needle. The hub includes a verification region or component. A syringe body rotatably coupled to the needle assembly includes at least one indicia on the outer surface thereof. When the indicia corresponds to the verification region, the user is provided with an indication that the syringe body is properly connected to the needle assembly. The system also includes a lever arm coupled to the needle assembly. The lever arm is sized and positioned to provide a user with a mechanism of easily securing the needle assembly to the syringe without the use of external tools.