Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for the site specific enhancement of cytokine release (through chemotaxis) namely beta chemokines and enhance healing via an enhanced overall immune response. The site specific enhancement of cytokine release is achieved by initiating an inflamatory response by laser therapy.

Abstract: A method for phase shifting the circadian pacemaker or treating seasonal affective disorder in a subject is disclosed. The method includes exposing the subject's eye region to a given-intensity light flash having a flash duration of between about 1-500 msec, at a periodicity of at least about one flash per minute, over a selected time period effective, were the subject exposed to a continuous light pulse of the same intensity for this period, to phase shift the circadian pacemaker or treat the seasonal affective disorder in the subject. Also disclosed is a device for practicing the method.

Abstract: An ablation catheter for the generation of linear lesions in the myocardium is provided with an elongated catheter body and a linear, substantially cylindrical ablation electrode on the distal end of the catheter body. At least one sensing electrode is disposed in the ablation electrode, insulated therefrom and embedded in the jacket thereof.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing percutaneous myocardial revascularization without disrupting the blood pumping activity of the heart. A percutaneous myocardial revascularization system including an active electrode disposed at the end of a catheter and a radio frequency generator coupled to the active electrode for delivering radio frequency energy thereto. Radio frequency energy is selectively applied to the active electrode when the active electrode is properly positioned and when the heart is not in a vulnerable stage of the cardiac rhythm.

Abstract: A method for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A method for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.

Abstract: A high-frequency instrument for an endoscope including an electrically insulating sheath having a high-frequency electrode provided at the distal end thereof. A operating part is connected to the proximal end of the sheath. The operating part has an electrically conducting member electrically connected to the high-frequency electrode. An electrically insulating member covers the whole outer surface of the electrically conducting member. An electrically conductive rod electrically connected to the electrode may be inserted in the sheath. An electrically insulating member covers the whole outer surface of the rod except a portion thereof that is engageable with an operating member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical coagulating and cutting instrument employing pairs of clamping arms having wrist portions proximal to closing ramps and jaws and configured to close at their wrists first, then their distal tips and lastly, their heels. The instrument includes mechanisms for preventing the advancement of a cutting blade when the jaws are not closed. An actuator for closing the jaws includes an actuator handle and a drive head having teeth formed therein and a pawl mounted in the handle for engaging the teeth, these latter structures forming a ratcheting mechanism. Said mechanism is controllably releaseable.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrosurgical aural procedure known as a myringotomy for removing tissue of the tympanic membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode is characterized by a bare active end portion having an outside diameter of 2 mm. In one embodiment, the bare end has a sharp circular edge; In another embodiment, the bare end has a tapered cone shape. When the electrode end is placed against the tympanic membrane and the electrosurgical apparatus activated, a 2 mm hole is punched in the tympanic membrane which allows any middle ear fluid to drain.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrosurgical aural procedure known as a myringotomy for removing tissue of the tympanic membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode is unipolar and characterized by a a flared tapered conical body terminating in a sharp point, the widest part of the tapered conical body having a diameter of about 1.5-3 mm, being the size of a hole to be formed by vaporization in the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is provided having at least one elastomeric seal capable of providing bio-contamination and dielectric protection by inhibiting the ingress of fluids and contaminants through the nose and actuator areas. The elastomeric seal is manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer or resin which while in liquid form is placed within a mold. A housing section having the main circuit components and mechanisms of the electrosurgical device is then placed within the mold. Once the elastomer cures, the elastomeric seal seals the components and mechanisms within the housing partial-section. The elastomeric seal defines a flexible first opening at a distal end of the electrosurgical device to accommodate varying diameters of electrodes or blades connected to the nose area of the electrosurgical device. An actuator seal is also provided on the actuator area of the electrosurgical device to prevent fluids and contaminants from entering the electrosurgical device through the actuator area.

Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a balloon is inflated to occlude the structure before the application of energy.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrosurgical procedure for treating entropion by excising a wedge-shaped portion of the tarsus at the underside of a patient's eyelid. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode is uniquely configured to form a diamond-shaped support terminating in an active wire, generally V-shaped, whose width controls the width of the excised wedge, and the length of whose arms controls the thickness of the excised wedge. The active wire is supported by structure that is completely electrically-insulated to ensure excision only of the desired tissue while avoiding damage to surrounding tissue. The tissue incising is effected with the bare active wire at a depth stopped by a shoulder between the bare wire arms and the adjacent portions of the electrode support.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrosurgical aural procedure known as a myringotomy for removing tissue of the tympanic membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode is characterized by a bare active end portion that is hollow and has an outside diameter of 2-3 mm. In a unipolar embodiment, the bare end has a sharp circular edge; in a bipolar embodiment, the bare end is split into two semi-circular sharp edges that may be axially offset from one another. When the electrode end is placed against the tympanic membrane and the electrosurgical apparatus activated, a 2-3 mm hole is punched in the tympanic membrane which allows any middle ear fluid to drain.

Abstract: A method of assessing the adequacy of contact between an ablation electrode and biological tissue within a biological organ having biological fluid therein includes the steps of positioning the ablation electrode proximal the biological tissue; positioning a reference electrode a distance from the ablation electrode; measuring the impedance between the ablation electrode and the reference electrode at a first frequency and measuring the impedance between the ablation electrode and the reference electrode at a second frequency. The percentage difference between the first-frequency impedance and the second-frequency impedance provides an indication of the state of electrode/tissue contact. In general, a percentage difference of at least approximately 10% serves as an indication of substantially complete electrode/tissue contact. A percentage difference in the approximate range between 5% and 10% serves as an indication of partial electrode/tissue contact.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and kits for treating breast tissue rely on transferring energy to or from cells lining an individual breast duct. Energy can be introduced into the breast duct, e.g., by filling the duct with an electrically conductive medium and applying radiofrequency energy to the medium. Other energy forms could also be used, such as light, ultrasound, radiation, microwave energy, heat, cold, direct current, and the like. By treating individual breast ducts, cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions originating in the duct can be effectively treated.

Abstract: A medical instrument apparatus for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations comprising an elongate dilation tube (expandable sheath), silicone insert and 12′ polyvinyl coated copper wire. The expandable sheath is radially expandable from a small diameter configuration to a large diameter configuration capable of receiving an external stationary tube, for example, a debriding apparatus. The external stationary tube contacts a metal tab housed in the silicone insert which is attached to the 12′ electrical cord, allowing an electrical current to pass down the external stationary metal tube thereby becoming the cauterizing instrument to coagulate hemorrhage in the operative field (joint).

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode comprises a generally L-shaped metal member comprising an electrically-insulated, generally straight shank part for mounting in a standard electrosurgical handpiece, and a generally curved part divided into first, second, third, and fourth sections, the second, third, and fourth of which are electrically-insulating and the first of which is bare and terminates in a pointed end. The second and third sections are covered with a thin electrically-insulating coating, whereas the fourth section, closest to the shank, is covered with a thicker electrically-insulating coating. The first, second, and third sections are dimensioned and constructed so as to enable the surgeon to know fairly precisely the depth of the first section in tissue targeted for radiofrequency thermal ablation. An important application is volumetric shrinkage of tongue base tissue, for example, for treating sleep disordered breathing.

Abstract: A method for controlled removal of surface tissue layer portions with a non-contact energy delivery modality that applies electrical energy to the targeted tissue surface to cause electrochemical ablation. The system provides (i) a UV energy source for irradiating a beam path through a selected neutral gas environment overlying the targeted tissue thereby creating an ionized gas volume (i.e., a conductive non-equilibrium plasma), and (ii) an electrical source for creating an intense electrical field in the ionized gas volume to thereby apply energy to the targeted surface layer to cause volatilization and removal of the surface layer in a plasma-mediated ablation. The ultrafast plasma creation events are repeated at a high repetition rate to ablate surface layer portions in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A cutaneous clamp 8 has angled, hollow tubes 23, 24 leading to hollow jaws 27, 28 having vents 30, 31, with a spacer 40 which can force the tubes together so that the jaws close upon tissue when the spacer is moved along the tubes by operator controlled means 41, 42. The clamp is removably fastened to a source 7 of cryogenic fluid which flows through the tubes and jaws and out the vents 30, 31 and related tubing 33-38.