Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. The array includes conductive regions separated by insulated regions arranged to produce ablation to a predetermined depth. Following placement of the ablation device into contact with the tissue to be ablated, an RF generator is used to deliver RF energy to the conductive regions and to thereby induce current flow from the electrodes to tissue to be ablated. As the current heats the tissue, moisture (such as steam or liquid) leaves the tissue causing the tissue to dehydrate. Suction may be applied to facilitate moisture removal. The moisture permeability and/or absorbency of the electrode carrying member allows the moisture to leave the ablation site so as to prevent the moisture from providing a path of conductivity for the current.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting perforations in a body cavity. In accordance with the method of the invention, a fluid (liquid or gas) is delivered into a body cavity to slightly pressurize the cavity. A pressure sensing system monitors the pressure within the cavity for a predetermined test period. If cavity pressure is not substantially sustained during the test period, the physician is alerted to further assess the cavity for perforations before initiating treatment within the cavity. In a preferred form of the system, a medical treatment system such as an RF ablation system is provided with perforation detection functionality. The system preferably includes a pre-test lockout that prevents RF power delivery unless a perforation detection procedure previously has been performed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing solid tissue from beneath a tissue surface are described. The methods rely on positioning an energy conductive element at a target site beneath the tissue surface and energizing the element so that it can vaporize tissue. The element is then moved in a pattern which provides the desired tissue removal geometry, such as spherical, ovoid, or cylindrical. Usually, the shaft is moved, typically rotated or reciprocated, and the energy conductive element is moved relative to the shaft, typically by pivoting a rigid element or bowing a flexible element.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing solid tissue from beneath a tissue surface are described. The methods rely on positioning an energy conductive element at a target site beneath the tissue surface and energizing the element so that it can vaporize tissue. The element is then moved in a pattern which provides the desired tissue removal geometry, such as spherical, ovoid, or cylindrical. Usually, the shaft is moved, typically rotated or reciprocated, and the energy conductive element is moved relative to the shaft, typically by pivoting a rigid element or bowing a flexible element.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting perforations in a body cavity. A fluid (liquid or gas) is delivered into a body cavity to slightly pressurize the cavity. A pressure sensing system monitors the pressure within the cavity for a predetermined test period. If cavity pressure is not substantially sustained during the test period, the physician is alerted to further assess the cavity for perforations before initiating treatment within the cavity. In a preferred form of the system, a medical treatment system such as an RF ablation system is provided with perforation detection functionality. The system preferably includes a pre-test and post-test lockout system. The lockout system prevents RF power delivery unless, during a predetermined test period, the pressure sensing system determines that no perforation exists, or unless a previously performed perforation detection procedure determined a perforation was present but the lockout system was subsequently overridden by the physician.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissues includes a radio frequency generator which provides a radio frequency signal to ablation electrodes. The power level of the radio frequency signal is determined based on the subject area of ablation. The radio frequency signal is coupled with the ablation electrodes through a transformation circuit. The transformation circuit includes a high impedance transformation circuit and a low impedance transformation circuit. The high or low impedance transformation circuit is selected based on the impedance of the ablation electrodes in contact with the subject tissue. Vacuum level, impedance level, resistance level, and time are measured during ablation. If these parameters exceed determinable limits the ablation procedure is terminated.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing solid tissue from beneath a tissue surface are described. The methods rely on positioning an energy conductive element at a target site beneath the tissue surface and energizing the element so that it can vaporize tissue. The element is then moved in a pattern which provides the desired tissue removal geometry, such as spherical, ovoid, or cylindrical. Usually, the shaft is moved, typically rotated or reciprocated, and the energy conductive element is moved relative to the shaft, typically by pivoting a rigid element or bowing a flexible element.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing solid tissue from beneath a tissue surface are described. The methods rely on positioning an energy conductive element at a target site beneath the tissue surface and energizing the element so that it can vaporize tissue. The element is then moved in a pattern which provides the desired tissue removal geometry, such as spherical, ovoid, or cylindrical. Usually, the shaft is moved, typically rotated or reciprocated, and the energy conductive element is moved relative to the shaft, typically by pivoting a rigid element or bowing a flexible element.

Abstract: A flat bed knitting apparatus and method of knitting are provided in which needles movably carried in opposing needle beds are selected and actuated for movement between various positions required for stitch formation independently of any other needles while completing the formation of a stitch on each selected needle prior to the actuation of the next needle in sequence and while varying the length of needle movement to its stitch forming position as required for uniform stitches throughout the fabric and in which a covered spandex yarn is fed to the needles while varying the tension thereof for uniform stitch formation. The needle selection and actuation further includes tapering the knit fabric by transferring stitches from selected needles in one needle bed onto adjacent needles in the other needle bed so that the knit fabric formed is a tapered, tubular knit product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissue includes an electrode carrying member which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture. The electrode carrying member is mounted to the distal end of an elongate shaft, and an array of electrodes is mounted to the surface of the electrode carrying member. Following placement of the ablation device into contact with the tissue to be ablated, an RF generator is used to deliver RF energy to the electrodes and to thereby induce current flow from the electrodes to tissue to be ablated. As the current heats the tissue, moisture (such as water vapor or liquid) leaves the tissue causing the tissue to dehydrate. The moisture permeability and/or absorbency of the electrode carrying member allows the moisture to leave the ablation site so as to prevent the moisture from providing a path of conductivity for the current.