Abstract: A portable heating/cooling device for clinical hypo/hyperthermia with cuffs especially designed for arterial cooling/heating for raising or lowering the body temperature of a patient is operable by battery power or a wide range of available external power, and is usable in the field or in medical transport where such external power sources are not available. The small size, weight, and robust nature of the device allows it to be transported with the patient without the need for additional conveying devices.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a treatment device having a heat source, a power source and a heat applicator. The power source includes at least one nanotech battery, ensuring superior properties such as prolonged electricity production and prompt recharging. The heat applicator includes a heat conductive layer made from nanofibers, providing highly efficient heat distribution to the targeted regions. The power source provides energy to the heat source, which generates heat so that the applicator may distribute to an injury site or wound bed of a user. The current device may also be used for cooling, instead of heating applications. In addition to the medical utilizations, the current device may also play a central role in other apparatus that require thermal control capabilities.

Abstract: Therapeutic jewelry is provided that can provide a therapeutic heating or cooling effect to a user. The therapeutic jewelry includes a thread, a first therapeutic container portion, a second therapeutic container portion, and a cap. The first therapeutic container portion defines a first internal cavity, includes a receiving member extending across, and has a hollow interior open at opposite sides of the first therapeutic portion to receive the thread there through. The second therapeutic container portion defines a second internal cavity and is connectable to the first container portion forming a jewelry element body such that the first and second internal cavities cooperatively form an interior fluid cavity. At least one of the first or second container portions define a filling aperture open to the interior fluid cavity of the jewelry element body, enabling filling the interior fluid cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula comprise an elongate member, a distal member connected to the elongate member and movable relative to the elongate member, and a heating member disposed on at least one of the movable distal member and the elongate member. The distal member comprises structure for capturing tissue to be cut to create the fistula, and the heating member is adapted to cut through the tissue to create the fistula. The elongate member comprises an elongate outer tube. A shaft connects the distal member to the elongate member, and is extendable and retractable to extend and retract the distal member relative to the elongate member.

Abstract: A steam-generative warming device 10 having a steam generating element 30 that releases steam in association with heat generation accompanying the oxidation of an oxidizable metal. The steam generative warming device 10 contains a capsaicin analog and a menthol in a capsaicin analog/menthol mass ratio of 1/300 to 1/20000. It is preferred that the capsaicin analog be present in an element adapted to be brought into direct contact with the user's skin and the menthol be present in an element adapted not to be brought into contact with the user's skin.

Abstract: A system for treating uterine atony, and promoting contraction of a uterus includes a heat transference article having a chilled surface in contact with an inner or outer surface of the uterus for a length of time sufficient to promote contraction while avoiding tissue damage. A heat transference medium such as a chilled saline solution, or cold gel is introduced to the article by injection, pre-filling, immersion or other suitable means, and is circulating or non-circulating.

Abstract: A system for a closed circuit forced hot air warmer of patient beds and blankets with improved sterility has a patient mattress or blanket microprocessor controlled warmer that circulates heated air in a closed system without releasing warmed air into the area surrounding the patient or into the operating room. The system helps to avoid the exposure of patients and hospital workers in the operating room to possible infecting microbes carried in unsterile turbulent air currents related to the release of air from non-closed systems. The machinery and flexible hoses of the system are initially sterilized by a microprocessor controlled antimicrobial mist generator. The system does not discharge jets of warmed air due to the closed circuit arrangement. Turbulent air flow previously produced in the vicinity of the patient by high velocity air jets is eliminated. An ambient, quiescent condition accorded by closed circuit heating prevents infection of patients and operating room personnel by microbe migration.

Abstract: A catheter has a hollow conduit through which working fluid from a heat exchange system flows. The conduit in turn is configured to extend along a longitudinal central axis in a continuously varying non-constant azimuthal orientation so that it defines a non-round enclosed passageway through which blood can flow to exchange heat through a wall of the conduit with the working fluid flowing within the conduit.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) treatment apparatus includes a main machine and a treatment handpiece. The treatment handpiece may comprise an RF output device, comprising a controller, an RF electrode module, an RF electrode driving circuit, and an RF generation module. The treatment handpiece may also employ a modified arrangement of the plurality of RF electrodes and/or an adjusted series-connection pattern. The treatment handpiece may also be provided with a microneedle member, which includes a plurality of microneedles, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a substrate plate, wherein the plurality of microneedles comprise a plurality of long microneedles and a plurality of short microneedles.

Abstract: Closed loop heat exchange catheters having bi-directional flow heat exchange regions and their methods of manufacture and use. The heat exchange region may be formed of expandable or non-expandable tubular conduit(s) that are configured in a series of loops or coiled configuration defining a supply flow path and a return flow path through which heat exchange medium is circulated. The individual loops of convolutions of the coiled configuration may be the same or different size. In some embodiments, the tubular conduit(s) may be passed through generally transverse bore holes formed in a catheter shaft so that the loops or convolutions of protrude from the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A catheter has at least two irrigated ablation electrodes and a coaxial irrigation tubing to transport fluid to the electrodes by separate and dedicated flow paths. A valve is used to control flow of fluid into the coaxial irrigation tubing by means of a plunger assembly that allows fluid to flow through one lumen of the coaxial irrigation tubing while regulating the flow into the other lumen of the coaxial irrigation tubing in response to the fluid flow rate and pressure applied to the plunger assembly.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an opposed jaw surface having an electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate disposed thereon. The electrically-conductive tissue sealing plate includes a first portion configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create a main tissue seal and a second portion including a plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending from the first portion. The second portion is configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to create an auxiliary tissue seal extending from the main tissue seal for reducing stress concentrations adjacent the main tissue seal.

Abstract: A device for cosmetic treatment of human skin, including: a needle for inserting into the skin; a DC power source electrically connected to the needle for providing negative current to the needle; an anode that is electrically connected to the DC power source to receive positive current, and that is adapted to be placed in contact with the skin of the person into which the needle is inserted to form a closed electrical circuit; at least one RF transmitter coupled to the needle for radiating the area around where the needle is inserted to provide heat while the needle is deployed.

Abstract: A surgical ablation system features a source of ablation energy, a handle adapted to operably couple to the source of ablation energy, and an ablation probe adapted to operably couple to the handle. The handle includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, a hub included within the housing having a plenum defined therein, and a proximal feedline in fluid communication at a proximal end thereof with the plenum and joined at a distal end thereof to a first coupling member. The ablation probe includes a probe hypotube shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a second coupling member disposed at a proximal end of the probe hypotube shaft adapted to operably couple with the first coupling member, a distal tip adapted to penetrate tissue. Ablation energy is deliverable by the ablation probe when the source of ablation energy is operably coupled to the handle and the handle is operably coupled to the ablation probe.

Abstract: A medical method, device, and system are provided, including advancing an ablation element of a medical device into contact with tissue to be treated, selecting a power level of energy to ablate the tissue, delivering energy at the selected power level to the ablation element, determining whether the ablation element is in continuous contact with the tissue, and reducing the selected power level when the ablation element ceases to be in continuous contact with the tissue.

Abstract: A device for improving the cosmetic appearance of the skin is disclosed, wherein said device comprises RF generating means for generating N independent RF signals of predetermined waveforms, frequencies, amplitudes, and relative phases; control means for controlling the output of said RF generating means, said control means in communication with said RF generating means; N pairs of RF electrodes, each of said pairs in independent communication with said RF generating means, said RF electrodes configured to transmit RF energy to said skin; and an electrically insulating casing adapted to hold said RF electrodes such that said RF electrodes may be placed in simultaneous physical contact with said skin.

Abstract: A medical method, device, and system are provided, including advancing an ablation element of a medical device into contact with tissue to be treated, selecting a power level of energy to ablate the tissue, delivering energy at the selected power level to the ablation element, determining whether the ablation element is in continuous contact with the tissue, and reducing the selected power level when the ablation element ceases to be in continuous contact with the tissue.

Abstract: A system for a closed circuit forced hot air warmer of patient beds and blankets with improved sterility has a patient mattress or blanket microprocessor controlled warmer that circulates heated air in a closed system without releasing warmed air into the area surrounding the patient or into the operating room. The system helps to avoid the exposure of patients and hospital workers in the operating room to possible infecting microbes carried in unsterile turbulent air currents related to the release of air from non-closed systems. The machinery and flexible hoses of the system are initially sterilized by a microprocessor controlled antimicrobial mist generator. The system does not discharge jets of warmed air due to the closed circuit arrangement. Turbulent air flow previously produced in the vicinity of the patient by high velocity air jets is eliminated. An ambient, quiescent condition accorded by closed circuit heating prevents infection of patients and operating room personnel by microbe migration.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method may include a method for heating a body tissue region adjacent to a body lumen. The method may include positioning an energy delivery portion of a catheter within the lumen and engaging the body lumen with the energy delivery portion. Engaging the body lumen may complete a plurality of circuits. The method may also include determining a pulse characteristic in response to a thermal property of a first tissue type and applying controlled pulsed electrical energy with the pulse characteristic from the energy delivery portion through the plurality of circuits.