Abstract: In an energy control device, a processor detects a gradual decrease start time at which the electric characteristic value in relation to electric energy output to an ultrasonic transducer starts a gradual decrease after a gradual increase. The processor calculates a difference value by subtracting the electric characteristic value from a peak value at gradual decrease start time and calculates an integrated value of the difference value from the gradual decrease start time. The processor executes, based on a fact that the integrated value become greater than a predetermined threshold, at least one of causing to stop or reduce the output of the electric energy to the ultrasonic transducer, and notifying that the integrated value become greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods for treating Blepharitis, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Dry Eye Syndrome include thermal massage, thermal debridement, and thermal expression. Particular embodiments include use of handheld devices that provide the thermal therapy to tissue by contacting a surface heated with thermal energy to a patient's tissue. Thermal energy can be continuously provided during operation. In particular embodiments, a handheld device comprises a base assembly operatively connected to a removeable thermal energy applicator. A wide range of thermal applicators may be connected to the base assembly to provide different treatments, including heat application, debridement, and expression of the treated tissue or gland.

Abstract: Methods for effectuating ovarian denervation include advancing a disruptor intravaginally to access an ovarian nerve and applying the disruptor to the ovarian nerve to denervate the ovarian nerve to limit ovarian sympathetic neural activity and control hormonal secretion.

Abstract: A method for treating emphysema with a condensable vapor includes creating a plurality of collateral channels through the airway walls, and delivering the condensable vapor to the airways. The condensable vapor flows to the diseased parenchymal tissue through the airways and the collateral channels. Condensable vapor to contact the tissue heats the tissue, reducing it in volume. Apparatuses are described to create the openings and ablate the lung tissue.

Abstract: A mouthpiece having particular suitability for cooling oral tissue of a patient undergoing chemotherapy or other medical treatments in which reducing oral cavity temperature is beneficial. The mouthpiece includes a cooling medium contained within the top element and the bottom element and able to retain a cooling environment within the mouth, preferably sufficient to reduce capillary blood flow to the patient's mouth. In one embodiment, an external chamber extends from the front of the mouthpiece to house a cooling medium. A bladder is positioned inside the external chamber for storing a solution having a freezing temperature above the freezing point temperature of the cooling medium to assist in cooling the cooling medium. At least one breathing tube extends through the external chamber to permit a patient to breathe through the mouth when the mouthpiece is emplaced within the mouth in the operative close-fitting relationship.

Abstract: Thermal cutting surgical instruments incorporate a blade incorporating a first substrate of high thermal conductivity material in the heated portion of the blade and a support and, the first substrate of high thermal conductivity material joined to a second substrate of low thermal conductivity material in the support region of the blade; an electrically insulative dielectric layer disposed on the first surface of the first substrate and on the first surface of second substrate; an electrically resistive heating element disposed on the electrically insulative dielectric; electrically conductive power leads and electrically conductive sense leads disposed on the electrically insulative dielectric layer and that are in electrical communication with the electrically resistive heating element; and an electrically insulative dielectric overcoat layer disposed on the electrically resistive heating element and on the distal portion of the electrically conductive power leads and electrically conductive sense leads.

Abstract: A generator, ultrasonic device, and method for controlling a temperature of an ultrasonic blade are disclosed. A control circuit coupled to a memory determines an actual resonant frequency of an ultrasonic electromechanical system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade by an ultrasonic waveguide. The actual resonant frequency is correlated to an actual temperature of the ultrasonic blade. The control circuit retrieves from the memory a reference resonant frequency of the ultrasonic electromechanical system. The reference resonant frequency is correlated to a reference temperature of the ultrasonic blade. The control circuit then infers the temperature of the ultrasonic blade based on the difference between the actual resonant frequency and the reference resonant frequency.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, system and method for adjusting a compression force applied by a surgical instrument are disclosed. The method includes determining tissue impedance of tissue in contact with an end effector of the surgical instrument, determining a tissue type based on the tissue impedance, selecting a first energy modality to deliver to the surgical instrument, generating a first signal waveform based on the first energy modality, selecting a second energy modality to deliver to the surgical instrument, generating a second signal waveform based on the second energy modality, outputting the first and second signal waveform to deliver energy to the end effector, and adjusting a compression force applied by the end effector by changing a size of a gap between the tissue and the clamp arm based on a proportion of the first signal waveform to the second signal waveform.