Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.

Abstract: Described herein are elongate applicator tools adapted to be inserted into an anatomical structure of a body to deliver electric treatment, for example, high voltage, sub-microsecond electrical energy, to a target tissue. These applicator tools may be configured for insertion into a blood vessel, an otolaryngological structure (such as an ear, nose, or throat, including anatomical structures, such as a turbinate, tonsils, tongue, soft palate, parotid glands, esophageal glands), a gastrointestinal tract (e.g., stomach, small intestine, large intestine, duodenum, colon, etc., including the esophagus), structures of the female reproductive system (e.g., fallopian tubes, uterus), and/or a respiratory tract (e.g., trachea, pharynx, larynx, and bronchi). Also disclosed herein are systems including these tools and methods of their operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices, instruments and systems, including applicator handles for use with pulse generators) for automatically and/or mechanically setting impedance matching for connecting the applicator handle with different electrode tips. These methods and apparatuses may be useful for applying therapeutic energy, including but not limited to short, high field strength electric pulses, while avoiding the risk of arcing or otherwise harming the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices, instruments and systems, including applicator handles for use with pulse generators) for automatically and/or mechanically setting impedance matching for connecting the applicator handle with different electrode tips. These methods and apparatuses may be useful for applying therapeutic energy, including but not limited to short, high field strength electric pulses, while avoiding the risk of arcing or otherwise harming the tissue.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for using the treatment tip apparatuses and high-voltage connectors with robotic surgical systems. For example, retractable treatment tip apparatuses (e.g., devices, systems, etc.) including one, or more preferably a plurality, of electrodes that are protected by a housing (which may be retractable) until pressed against the tissue for deployment of the electrodes and delivery of a therapeutic treatment, are disclosed. In particular, these apparatuses may include a plurality of treatment needle electrodes and may be configured for the delivery of nanosecond pulsed electric fields. Also described herein are high-voltage connectors configured to provide high-voltage energy, such as nsPEF pulses, from a generator to the retractable treatment tip apparatuses.

Abstract: Described herein are elongate applicator tools adapted to be inserted into a body to deliver high voltage, sub-microsecond electrical energy to target tissue. These tools may be configured as laparoscopes, endoscopes, and/or catheters. Also disclosed herein systems including these tools and method of their operation.

Abstract: Applicators, systems, and methods for delivering electrical energy to a target treatment region with large area surface electrodes are disclosed. In one example, a system may include a housing, a pulse generator, and a treatment applicator coupled to the pulse generator and configured to deliver sub-microsecond high-voltage electric pulses from the pulse generator. The treatment applicator may include a first and second electrodes coupled to a substrate, where the first and second electrodes are configured to provide a uniform gap between edges of the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: To distribute electrical treatment to a treatment area of a patient, described herein are electrical therapy devices, methods of their operation and methods for delivery of the electrical therapy to the patient. In some embodiments, the electrical therapy device comprises an electrode assembly that includes at least two electrodes, and a conductive spacer positioned between the electrodes. Methods of selection of the electrical therapy devices and methods of their operation are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for using the treatment tip apparatuses and high-voltage connectors with robotic surgical systems. For example, retractable treatment tip apparatuses (e.g., devices, systems, etc.) including one, or more preferably a plurality, of electrodes that are protected by a housing (which may be retractable) until pressed against the tissue for deployment of the electrodes and delivery of a therapeutic treatment, are disclosed. In particular, these apparatuses may include a plurality of treatment needle electrodes and may be configured for the delivery of nanosecond pulsed electric fields. Also described herein are high-voltage connectors configured to provide high-voltage energy, such as nsPEF pulses, from a generator to the retractable treatment tip apparatuses.

Abstract: An articulating mechanism capable of transmitting torque for remote manipulation of a surgical or diagnostic tool comprises at least two adjacent links. A first adjacent link of the adjacent links has a ball and a second adjacent link of the adjacent links has a socket for receiving the ball to form a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint includes at least one engaging pin and reciprocal slot that provides for torque transmission between the adjacent links while also allowing for pivoting movement of the first adjacent link relative to the second adjacent link. The articulating mechanism also comprises at least one set of cables connecting the first adjacent link and the second adjacent link to one another such that movement of the first adjacent link causes corresponding relative movement of the second adjacent link.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a tissue with an electric treatment by rotating a pattern of electrodes partway through a treatment is disclosed. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses to treat tissue, including treating skin disorders, by selectively de-nucleating epidermal cells without provoking a significant inflammatory response, e.g., without increasing the density of leukocytes in the treated skin, and without affecting the non-cellular components of the dermis.

Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.

Abstract: Electrodes that are configured to apply energy within the tissue while moving relative to the tissue. The apparatuses (devices, assemblies, systems) described herein may be configured with one or more electrodes that may move slightly in oscillatory movement and/or rotation relative to the tissue. The apparatuses described herein may be used to apply energy to a patient while minimizing or preventing the unintended modification of the tissue adjacent to the electrode, such as by arcing.

Abstract: A tool comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion spaced apart by a shaft along a longitudinal axis. The distal portion includes a distal link and the proximal portion including a proximal link. The distal link and proximal link form a pair of links. The tool also comprises a set of tension load bearing members connecting the proximal link and the distal link and terminating at the links of the pair to transfer movement therebetween. The tool also comprises an articulation lock positioned between the distal portion and the proximal portion and configured to allow through passage of the set of tension load bearing members. The articulation lock is adjustable between an unlocked configuration in which the proximal and distal links are moveable and a locked configuration in which an effective length of the shaft is increased, creating a force to impede movement of the proximal and distal links.

Abstract: A surgical tool comprises a pair of opposing jaws moveable relative to each other between a closed position and first and second open positions. The opposing jaws remain substantially parallel to one another when moving between the closed position and the first open position and remain non-parallel to one another when moving between the first open position and the second open position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices, instruments and systems, including applicator handles for use with pulse generators) for automatically and/or mechanically setting impedance matching for connecting the applicator handle with different electrode tips. These methods and apparatuses may be useful for applying therapeutic energy, including but not limited to short, high field strength electric pulses, while avoiding the risk of arcing or otherwise harming the tissue.

Abstract: A handheld, therapeutic electrode and connector that are compatible with high voltages from a pulse generator are disclosed. The electrode includes therapeutic terminals on a tip configured to deliver high voltage pulses safely to a patient. The electrode includes sleeves, bosses, wiring channels, and other features that maximize a minimum clearance distance (across non-conductive surfaces) and air clearance between conductive connectors themselves or the connectors and a user, thus preventing dangerous arcing. Internal surfaces and seams are taken into account. The connector and its mating outlet can include similar features to maximize clearance distance. Skirts, skirt holes, and finger stops are also employed, and they can be on either the connector or outlet, or the tip or handle of the electrode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a tissue with an electric treatment by rotating a pattern of electrodes partway through a treatment is disclosed. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses to treat tissue, including treating skin disorders, by selectively de-nucleating epidermal cells without provoking a significant inflammatory response, e.g., without increasing the density of leukocytes in the treated skin, and without affecting the non-cellular components of the dermis.

Abstract: A handheld, therapeutic electrode and connector that are compatible with high voltages from a pulse generator are disclosed. The electrode includes therapeutic terminals on a tip configured to deliver high voltage pulses safely to a patient. The electrode includes sleeves, bosses, wiring channels, and other features that maximize a minimum clearance distance (across non-conductive surfaces) and air clearance between conductive connectors themselves or the connectors and a user, thus preventing dangerous arcing. Internal surfaces and seams are taken into account. The connector and its mating outlet can include similar features to maximize clearance distance. Skirts, skirt holes, and finger stops are also employed, and they can be on either the connector or outlet, or the tip or handle of the electrode.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for reducing or eliminating skin glands (e g , sebaceous, eccrine and apocrine) with an electric treatment. Also described herein are methods for treating and/or preventing a disorder of a skin gland. For example, described herein are methods of treating sebaceous hyperplasia.