Abstract: Electrosurgical lysing methods. In some implementations, the method may comprise delivering a lysing tip through an entrance incision into a patient's body, wherein the lysing tip comprises at least one bead comprising an at least substantially electrically non-conductive surface; and at least one lysing segment extending within a recess defined, at least in part, by the at least one bead. The at least one bead may protrude both distally and proximally relative to the at least one lysing segment. The method may further comprise forming opposing tissue planes using the lysing tip to create an implant pocket; and inserting an implant through the entrance incision and into the implant pocket.

Abstract: Lysing surgical instruments and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the instrument may comprise a lysing tip comprising at least one bead. The at least one bead may comprise an at least substantially electrically non-conductive surface and at least one lysing member defining at least one lysing segment extending within a recess defined, at least in part, by the at least one bead. The at least one bead may also protrude both distally and proximally relative to the at least one lysing member.

Abstract: Selective predator incapacitation devices, along with related methods and systems. In some embodiments, the device may comprise an enclosure comprising an exterior opening. A gate may be positioned within the exterior opening, which gate may be selectively openable to allow for receipt of a head of a predator therethrough. Some embodiments may incorporate facial recognition or other anatomical feature recognition to ensure that only the desired predator, or only mostly the desired predator, is captured and/or incapacitated by the device. The device may further comprise means for incapacitating the predator.

Abstract: Electrosurgical lysing methods. In some implementations, the method may comprise delivering a lysing tip through an entrance incision into a patient's body, wherein the lysing tip comprises at least one bead comprising an at least substantially electrically non-conductive surface; and at least one lysing segment extending within a recess defined, at least in part, by the at least one bead. The at least one bead may protrude both distally and proximally relative to the at least one lysing segment. The method may further comprise forming opposing tissue planes using the lysing tip to create an implant pocket; and inserting an implant through the entrance incision and into the implant pocket.

Abstract: Electrosurgical lysing devices and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the lysing device may comprise a lysing tip comprising at least one bead comprising an at least substantially electrically non-conductive surface and at least one lysing member defining at least one lysing segment extending within a recess defined, at least in part, by the at least one bead, wherein the at least one bead protrudes both distally and proximally relative to the at least one lysing member.

Abstract: A railway facility with high throughput loop track includes a series of adjacent parallel staging tracks connected to a main line to receive and depart trains, arranged in a path so that trains transverse around the railway facility. A balloon loop track, which includes a loading or unloading facility, is connected to the staging tracks loops and reverses the direction of the train so that upon completion of loading or unloading a train can depart or be re-staged without requiring repositioning or turning of locomotives. Staging tracks are included for staging both arriving and departing trains. In alternative embodiments transload tracks and at-grade access roads allow storage and retrieval of cargo to interior space within the staging tracks, and an escape track allows expedited exit of trains from the balloon loop track.

Abstract: Lysing surgical instruments and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the instrument may comprise a lysing tip comprising at least one bead. The at least one bead may comprise an at least substantially electrically non-conductive surface and at least one lysing member defining at least one lysing segment extending within a recess defined, at least in part, by the at least one bead. The at least one bead may also protrude both distally and proximally relative to the at least one lysing member.

Abstract: Switches for electrosurgical devices comprising a plurality of electrode sets and related devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, a first electrode set may be configured to deliver CUT radiofrequency energy and a second electrode set configured to deliver COAG radiofrequency energy. A switch assembly may be configured to allow for selection between at least three modes, the at least three modes comprising a first, neutral mode, in which the electrosurgical device is configured such that no radiofrequency energy is delivered to either the first electrode set or the second electrode set, a second, CUT mode, in which the electrosurgical device is configured such that CUT radiofrequency energy may be delivered to the first electrode set through the switch assembly, and a third, COAG mode, in which the electrosurgical device is configured such that COAG radiofrequency energy may be delivered to the second electrode set through the switch assembly.

Abstract: A railway facility with high throughput loop track includes a series of adjacent parallel staging tracks connected to a main line to receive and depart trains, arranged in a path so that trains transverse around the railway facility. A balloon loop track, which includes a loading or unloading facility, is connected to the staging tracks loops and reverses the direction of the train so that upon completion of loading or unloading a train can depart or be re-staged without requiring repositioning or turning of locomotives. Staging tracks are included for staging both arriving and departing trains. In alternative embodiments transload tracks and at-grade access roads allow storage and retrieval of cargo to interior space within the staging tracks, and an escape track allows expedited exit of trains from the balloon loop track.

Abstract: Switches for electrosurgical devices comprising a plurality of electrode sets and related devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, a first electrode set may be configured to deliver CUT radiofrequency energy and a second electrode set configured to deliver COAG radiofrequency energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for tissue separation and/or modification. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a tip comprising a plurality of protrusions and at least one lysing element positioned between at least two adjacent protrusions. The apparatus may further comprise a spot coagulator comprising a spot coagulator tip for delivering energy for coagulating a blood vessel during a surgical procedure. The spot coagulator tip may be movable with respect to the plurality of protrusions to allow a surgeon to selectively deliver coagulating energy as desired.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device is comprised of a shaft with a relatively planar but possibly lenticulate and even slightly curved tip that can divide and energize various tissue planes causing contraction especially via the fibrous tissues. Various forms of energy can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause desirable tissue contraction. The device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control power output.

Abstract: A liposuction apparatus and method optionally having a sonic or ultrasonic source with an axial lumen passage in which the shaft can be made to reciprocate (oscillate) in a non-rectilinear fashion. The apparatus may also contain the concomitant use of rectilinear reciprocation motion in addition to ultrasonic motion or energy along the shaft of the apparatus. The advantages of the liposuction apparatus are as follows: 1) non-rectilinear single shaft reciprocating cannula, 2) sonic or ultrasonic energy delivered to the distal tip, 3) rectilinear reciprocating cannula with ultrasonic energy along the shaft from the handle, and 4) any of the above reciprocating components powered by excess unused vacuum capacity in the liposuction aspirator (suction engine) apparatus.

Abstract: Chemical or isotopic labels are added to, e.g., a potentially lethal drug formulation, to generate a unique chemical fingerprint. Combinations of chemical additives are mixed with the drug to aid in their isolation and identification, especially when such drugs are used for illicit purposes. When stable isotopes are incorporated into lethal drugs, the labeling process conveys a very unique internal chemical signature and greatly aids in the identification of the parent drug in body fluids and tissues. When heath-care providers become aware that certain drugs can now be easily tracked and identified in a victim, individuals may be reluctant to utilize these agents for ill purposes.

Abstract: Biocompatible materials are propelled at the skin with sufficient velocity to cause desired resurfacing of tissue to the desired penetration depth. The materials, such as dry ice or water ice, are harmonious with the human body and thus eliminate foreign body reactions. Various materials may be used in combination, including local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors in solid or liquid form. The biocompatible solid or liquid particles are suspended in a cold carrier fluid and propelled through an insulated delivery system to the surface of the skin. The treatment of diseased skin lesions may be accomplished using the present invention as a drug delivery system.

Abstract: A medical device is described that can be used to detect in stent restenosis. This invention consists of a stent of current or modified technology, an electromagnetic wave transmitter to excite the stent and an acoustic sensor to detect stent acoustic oscillations.

Abstract: A noninvasive medical device and diagnostic system is disclosed that can be used to determine the degree of viability, flow and stenosis of a graft within the human body. This invention incorporates a sensing element in or near an AV graft. As stenosis occurs within or near the graft, the change in pressure within the graft can be detected by the sensors and provide the physician with information about the location of the stenosis. This information can than be used to provide the best course of treatment for the patient.

Abstract: Tissue resurfacing is accomplished by propelling biocompatible, non-toxic materials at the tissue with sufficient velocity to cause destruction or loosening of tissues to a desired depth. The biocompatible materials are generated by abrading a solid frozen unit and propelling the abraded material onto the surface of the skin or tissue to be treated. A vacuum line near the delivery tip may used to remove excess materials or reaction by-products that build up on the surface of the skin. The treatment system generally consists of a control unit, a handheld particle generator and a cable that connects the control unit to the particle generator. The control unit can include user controls to select particle temperature, particle flux, particle velocity and vacuum. The handheld particle generator contains a mechanism to push the frozen biocompatible material against a rotating grinding wheel that produces small particles, which are propelled against tissue being treated.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide accurate tissue-lifting and tightening maneuvers that uses minimal external incisions, enhances accuracy, reduces inadvertent consequences while speeding the procedure. The device is comprised of a shaft with a relatively planar but possibly lenticulate or even slightly curved tip that can divide and energize various tissue planes causing net contraction via the fibrous tissue modification. Various forms of energy can also be delivered to cause desirable tissue alterations.

Abstract: A sensor guided needle to be used for the delivery of medication or placement of indwelling catheters, angiocatheters, spinal or epidural catheters, central lines, arterial lines, intraneoplastic, pediatric lines. The needle is comprised of an outer metal sheath with a biocompatible inner core containing sensor or signal elements. The measurements collected by the sensors are analyzed by a control unit to determine tissue type and possibly tissue state.