Abstract: A thermoacoustic measurement probe includes an open-ended hollow radio-frequency (RF) waveguide; at least two RF feeds positioned within the open-ended hollow RF waveguide, wherein each RF feed is configured to provide RF energy; and a thermoacoustic transducer, wherein the open-ended hollow RF waveguide, in the form of a sleeve, surrounds and is mechanically joined to the thermoacoustic transducer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a change in a medium. A first method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium at least one upconverter including a gas for plasma ignition, with the upconverter being configured, upon exposure to initiation energy, to generate light for emission into the medium, and (2) apply the initiation energy from an energy source including the first wavelength ?1 to the medium, wherein the emitted light directly or indirectly produces the change in the medium. A second method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium an agent receptive to microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation, and (2) apply as an initiation energy the microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation by which the agent directly or indirectly generates emitted light in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet range to produce at least one of physical and biological changes in the medium.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic measurement probe may include an open-ended hollow radio-frequency (RF) waveguide; and a thermoacoustic transducer, wherein the open-ended hollow RF waveguide, in the form of a sleeve, surrounds and is mechanically joined to the thermoacoustic transducer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a change in a medium. A first method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium at least one upconverter including a gas for plasma ignition, with the upconverter being configured, upon exposure to initiation energy, to generate light for emission into the medium, and (2) apply the initiation energy from an energy source including the first wavelength ?1 to the medium, wherein the emitted light directly or indirectly produces the change in the medium. A second method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium an agent receptive to microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation, and (2) apply as an initiation energy the microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation by which the agent directly or indirectly generates emitted light in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet range to produce at least one of physical and biological changes in the medium.

Abstract: This present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods relating to modulating the temperature of a target tissue in a subject for various therapeutic purposes. In particular, the present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for the focal delivery of cytostatic hypothermia to a target tissue to treat a disease or condition in a subject (e.g., cancerous tumors).

Abstract: An RF applicator has an open-ended waveguide having an aperture and a dielectric cone extending through the aperture and is electrically connected to an RF source that is configured to generate RF energy pulses. A top fin is mounted to an inner top surface of the waveguide and comprises a conductive material, is electrically connected to the RF source, and has dimensions configured to optimize a bandwidth that the RF applicator applies to tissue. A bottom fin is mounted to an inner bottom surface of the waveguide and comprises a conductive material electrically isolated from the RF source, with dimensions configured to optimize a bandwidth that the RF applicator applies to tissue. A dielectric cone is inserted into the waveguide. A filler material between inner surfaces of the waveguide and the solid dielectric cone can fill gaps and has a dielectric constant similar to the dielectric cone.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of treating cancer, such as (but not limited to) metastatic bladder and breast cancer. The disclosed method comprises using two treatment modalities to synergistically treat primary and secondary tumor cells in a subject. The first element of the method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a plasmonics-active metal nanoparticle to a subject comprising a primary cancer and a distant metastatic site, wherein the nanoparticle concentrates at the primary cancer. The method further comprises exposing the subject to photon radiation at the site of the primary cancer. The second element of the disclosed method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of an immune checkpoint modulator to the subject. The synergistic combination provides a rapid, safe, and effective treatment of local and distant lesions, better than each modality alone.

Abstract: This present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods relating to the modulation of tissue temperature. In particular, the present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for rapidly cooling or heating tissue in a subject as a therapeutic and/or prophylactic means for treating tissue that has been injured or damaged.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a change in a medium. A first method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium at least one upconverter including a gas for plasma ignition, with the upconverter being configured, upon exposure to initiation energy, to generate light for emission into the medium, and (2) apply the initiation energy from an energy source including the first wavelength ?1 to the medium, wherein the emitted light directly or indirectly produces the change in the medium. A second method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium an agent receptive to microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation, and (2) apply as an initiation energy the microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation by which the agent directly or indirectly generates emitted light in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet range to produce at least one of physical and biological changes in the medium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a change in a medium. A first method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium at least one upconverter including a gas for plasma ignition, with the upconverter being configured, upon exposure to initiation energy, to generate light for emission into the medium, and (2) apply the initiation energy from an energy source including the first wavelength ?1 to the medium, wherein the emitted light directly or indirectly produces the change in the medium. A second method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium an agent receptive to microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation, and (2) apply as an initiation energy the microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation by which the agent directly or indirectly generates emitted light in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet range to produce at least one of physical and biological changes in the medium.

Abstract: A device for taking a core biopsy sample comprising a flexible catheter assembly and a needle is provided. The flexible catheter assembly comprises a first flexible catheter and a second flexible catheter partially received within the first catheter, and the first flexible catheter and second flexible catheter are coupled to a spring.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of treating cancer, such as (but not limited to) metastatic bladder and breast cancer. The disclosed method comprises using two treatment modalities to synergistically treat primary and secondary tumor cells in a subject. The first element of the method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a plasmonics-active metal nanoparticle to a subject comprising a primary cancer and a distant metastatic site, wherein the nanoparticle concentrates at the primary cancer. The method further comprises exposing the subject to photon radiation at the site of the primary cancer. The second element of the disclosed method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of an immune checkpoint modulator to the subject. The synergistic combination provides a rapid, safe, and effective treatment of local and distant lesions, better than each modality alone.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a change in a medium. A first method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium at least one upconverter including a gas for plasma ignition, with the upconverter being configured, upon exposure to initiation energy, to generate light for emission into the medium, and (2) apply the initiation energy from an energy source including the first wavelength ?1 to the medium, wherein the emitted light directly or indirectly produces the change in the medium. A second method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium an agent receptive to microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation, and (2) apply as an initiation energy the microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation by which the agent directly or indirectly generates emitted light in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet range to produce at least one of physical and biological changes in the medium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a change in a medium. A first method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium at least one upconverter including a gas for plasma ignition, with the upconverter being configured, upon exposure to initiation energy, to generate light for emission into the medium, and (2) apply the initiation energy from an energy source including the first wavelength ?1 to the medium, wherein the emitted light directly or indirectly produces the change in the medium. A second method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium an agent receptive to microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation, and (2) apply as an initiation energy the microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation by which the agent directly or indirectly generates emitted light in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet range to produce at least one of physical and biological changes in the medium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a change in a medium. A first method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium at least one upconverter including a gas for plasma ignition, with the upconverter being configured, upon exposure to initiation energy, to generate light for emission into the medium, and (2) apply the initiation energy from an energy source including the first wavelength ?1 to the medium, wherein the emitted light directly or indirectly produces the change in the medium. A second method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium an agent receptive to microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation, and (2) apply as an initiation energy the microwave radiation or radiofrequency radiation by which the agent directly or indirectly generates emitted light in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet range to produce at least one of physical and biological changes in the medium.