Abstract: A system for forming linear lesions in tissue, the system comprising a control unit having an ultrasound vibration driving section, and an ultrasonic applicator operatively connected to the control unit. The ultrasonic applicator comprises an ultrasonic transducer having an acoustic window, and an ultrasonic vibratory element, the ultrasonic vibratory element having a convergent shape with a focus located in the direction of the acoustic window. An air gap is adjacent to the ultrasonic vibratory element in an opposite direction from the focal point. The system further comprises means for controlling the depth of the lesion formed in the tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving blood flow to an ischemic region (e.g., myocardial ischemia) a patient is provided. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned proximate to the ischemic region. Ultrasonic energy is applied at a frequency at or above 1 MHz to create one or more thermal lesions in the ischemic region of the myocardium. The thermal lesions can have a gradient of sizes. The ultrasound transducer can have a curved shape so that ultrasound energy emitted by the transducer converges to a site within the myocardium, to create a thermal lesion without injuring the epicardium or endocardium.

Abstract: A method of thermal ablation using high intensity focused ultrasound energy includes the steps of positioning an ultrasound emitting member, emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitting member, focusing the ultrasound energy, ablating with the focused ultrasound energy to form an ablated tissue area and removing the ultrasound emitting member.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: A method of using a probe that emits energy to coagulate lesions is disclosed. The probe is constructed and arranged to emit light from its distal end, either at an angle to its longitudinal axis, or along its longitudinal axis. Optionally, an end reflector may be used to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. A reinforcing sleeve for the fiber is mounted to a shielded, Piezo-electric motor constructed and arranged to move the fiber both longitudinally and rotationally within an optional elongate cannula. An MRI system is arranged to generate a series of output signals indicative of temperature in the targeted area. The application of energy is stopped when the temperature at the boundary of the lesion reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the placement of a catheter within the human body, in a lumen or vessel such as the fallopian tubes, and controlling the catheter after placement. The system coordinates the operation of treatment electrodes on the catheter with informative displays and prompts to an operator, based on information derived from electrical parameters of position detection electrodes on the catheter.

Abstract: A central venous catheter includes coolant supply and return lumens which communicate coolant to and from first and second heat exchange membranes arranged along the distal segment of the catheter. The coolant in the heat exchange membranes removes heat from the patient. Additional lumens are provided for conventional central venous catheter uses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving blood flow to an ischemic region (e.g., myocardial ischemia) a patient is provided. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned proximate to the ischemic region. Ultrasonic energy is applied at a frequency at or above 1 MHz to create one or more thermal lesions in the ischemic region of the myocardium. The thermal lesions can have a gradient of sizes. The ultrasound transducer can have a curved shape so that ultrasound energy emitted by the transducer converges to a site within the myocardium, to create a thermal lesion without injuring the epicardium or endocardium.

Abstract: Treatment equipment for treating body tissue comprises heater elements which are heated by electric power supplied from an electric power supply circuit, and the heat of the heater elements is provided to the body tissue through a heat transmitting member. The state of thermal connection between the heater elements and the heat transmitting member is determined by a determining device for determining the thermal connection state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical device for decreasing the trauma imposed on soft tissue by extended contact with a surgical device during a surgical procedure by thermally treating the tissue. To thermally treat the tissue, the surgical device can be configured to include a structure for enveloping and receiving at least a portion of the surgical device, where the structure is configured to control thermal energy transfer between the structure and the tissue.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: Surgical cutting instrument includes an electrically heated cutting edge and an automatic control system for maintaining the cutting edge at a constant high temperature for sterilizing the blade, cutting tissue, and cauterizing the incised tissue to reduce hemorrhage from the cut surfaces of the tissues (hemostasis).

Abstract: According to the present invention, a heat generating element to be current-carried is provided at a grasp portion on the tip side of a treatment portion, the patient's body tissue grasped between a pair of grasp portions is coagulated by heat of the heat generating element, and a metal scissors blade for cutting the patient's body tissue is provided on the rear side of the grasp portion in the treatment portion.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermally destroying tumors in which heat is generated by electrical resistance heating conducted to the target tissue. Computerized scanning is used to optimize the geometry of a thermal probe. The probe has a metal tip heated by a remote laser. The metal tip is mounted on the end of a wave guide fiber for transmitting the laser radiation to the metal tip. The tip is coated with a thin layer of biocompatible ceramic to avoid coagulated tissue sticking to the tip. The tip has one or more thin, thermally-conductive elements which deploy in stages to coagulate the tumor. The conductive elements may be thin wires or blades. On one embodiment, the conductive elements are composed of a shape memory material that is folded against the tip at lower temperatures and deploys at selected higher temperatures. In another embodiment, the conductive elements are blades that are deployed mechanically.

Abstract: An excisional biopsy method is disclosed. The method can include rotating an arcuate shaped electrode around a tissue specimen, and drawing a sheath around the tissue specimen as the specimen is cut from a tissue mass. In one embodiment, the method includes tunneling to a tissue site with one electrode, and cutting with a second electrode to obtain the tissue specimen.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: Surgical methods and apparatus for positioning diagnostic an therapeutic elements on the epicardium or other organ surface. The apparatus include a relatively short shaft and a tissue cooling apparatus.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an infarct scar on a heart comprising an electric cable with proximal and distal ends; a handle with proximal and distal ends with the proximal end connected to the distal end of the cable; a stem with proximal and distal ends with the proximal end of the stem connected to the distal end of the handle; a heating element with a first surface for contacting infarct scar tissue connected to the distal end of the stem wherein the heating element comprises at least two electrodes and at least one temperature sensor positioned on the first surface for sensing a temperature of infarct scar tissue adjacent to the sensor; an energy source connected to the electrodes via the electric cable; and a regulator connected to the energy source and the temperature sensor of the infarct scar tissue, for controlling the temperature of the infarct scar tissue from about 60 degrees C. to about 99 degrees C.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods place a temperature sensing element in an “edge region” between an energy transmitting electrode and a non-electrically conducting support body, where higher temperatures are likely to exist. Reliable temperature sensing, which is sensitive to variations in temperatures along the electrode, results.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy gently heats fascia and other collagenous support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy will preferably be applied between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces separated by an insulating rib or film. Such cooled plate electrodes are capable of directing electrical energy through an intermediate tissue and into fascia while the cooled electrode surface prevents injury to the intermediate tissue.

Abstract: The intersomatic spine implant comprises a body, at least one anchoring element movable relative to the body to project from a contact face of the body making contact with a vertebra, and at least one cam slidable relative to the body and suitable for displacing the anchoring element relative to the body by the effect of a ramp engaging the anchoring element. The cam and the anchoring element are arranged so that the cam moves the anchoring element in two opposite displacement directions.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement is provided having at least one electrode for insertion into a human or animal body for electrothermal treatment of the body. The electrode is situated on an electrode support and is connected to an alternating current source via a supply lead and to a temperature stabilizer device for influencing the effective temperature profile in the treatment area. The electrode support and the electrode, or electrodes, are constructed for direct insertion into the body tissue, said insertion being channel forming. The temperature stabilizer device has a timed heating device for thermal support of the insertion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a prostate in a patient in need thereof and a heating catheter, or an electromagnetic radiation applicator, system suitable for effecting the present inventive method. The present inventive method provides for substantial unexpected improvement in patient outcome by providing, inter alia, a preferred therapeutic temperature for thermotherapy of the prostate and a method of decreasing a patient's intolerance due to pain. The present inventive system provides for, inter alia, automatic implementation of the present inventive method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating female stress-induced incontinence and other similar diseases associated with weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. A guiding catheter with temperature sensor(s) is positioned in patient's urethra. An inflatable balloon carried by a forward end of the catheter is inflated to sit in a neck of a bladder. Measuring indicia on the exterior of the catheter is indicative of a distance between the bladder neck and external meatus. A vagina probe member provided with a laser output in a forward portion thereof is then positioned in place such that the laser output is at about a level of the bladder neck, as facilitated by the guiding catheter. The laser output is operationally connected to a medical laser generating and monitoring device that delivers a laser beam to selected areas in the pelvic floor to cause denaturing and recoiling of the tissue collagen in the area surrounding the urethra.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods place a temperature sensing element in an “edge regions” between an energy transmitting electrode and a non-electrically conducting support body, where higher temperatures are likely to exist. Reliable temperature sensing, which is sensitive to variations in temperatures along the electrode, results.

Abstract: A heat sealing instrument for use in the treatment and prevention of hair loss and stimulation of new hair includes a heating element, a protective shroud, a handle, and control circuitry. The heating element is heated to a temperature of from about 400 to about 1,000° F. sufficient for fusing and sealing the cuticle, cortex, and medulla layers of a hair shaft. The instrument includes a control panel for monitoring and adjusting the temperature of the heating device and a vacuum source and filter combination for drawing in and filtering the fumes from the area around the heating element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for causing necrosis of tissue and specifically intended for thermal ablation of the uterine cavity to cauterizing the endometrial tissue. The apparatus includes a liquid-tight, liquid filled system having a distal flexible member; a proximal flexible member; and a catheter joining and providing a liquid path between these distal and proximal members. The apparatus further includes a pressurizable pneumatic chamber into which the proximal flexible member is inserted and a means to controllably heat the contents of the pneumatic chamber. The system operates to: first withdraw substantially all of the liquid into the proximal flexible member contained within the pressurizable pneumatic chamber; second to heat this liquid to a temperature such that it can cause tissue necrosis; and third to force the heated liquid from the proximal flexible member into the distal flexible member where it is maintained for a predetermined time and at a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An electro-surgical unit (ESU) pencil apparatus is disclosed in which an improved handpiece enables the surgeon to vary the length of working electrode without having to use cutting electrodes of varying lengths. This is achieved by installing the electrode in an assembly that may, as desired by the surgeon, be extended from, or retracted into, the body of the ESU pencil apparatus. Means are provided for supplying uninterrupted RF supply to the electrode tip and uninterrupted smoke evacuation for the ESU pencil apparatus as the electrode assembly is expanded or retracted. Additionally, means are provided for locking the electrode assembly at the desired length, so that it does not move during the operation. The ESU pencil apparatus is also adapted for use with an ESU-argon beam coagulator pencil.

Abstract: A method of tonsil reduction by thermal ablation using high intensity focused ultrasound energy includes the steps of introducing an ultrasound emitting member in a patient's oral cavity, positioning the ultrasound emitting member adjacent an external surface of one of the patient's tonsils, emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitting member into the tissue of the one tonsil, focusing the ultrasound energy in the one tonsil, ablating the tissue of the one tonsil with the focused ultrasound energy to form an ablated tissue area in the one tonsil containing unablated tissue of the one tonsil and a plurality of lesions at which the tissue of the one tonsil is ablated, and withdrawing the ultrasound emitting member from the oral cavity. The ablated tissue area is surgically removed or is allowed to remain in the patient's body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for causing necrosis of tissue and specifically intended for thermal ablation of the uterine cavity to cauterizing the endometrial tissue. The apparatus includes a liquid-tight, liquid filled system having a distal flexible member; a proximal flexible member; and a catheter joining and providing a liquid path between these distal and proximal members. The apparatus further includes a pressurizable pneumatic chamber into which the proximal flexible member is inserted and a means to controllably heat the contents of the pneumatic chamber. The system operates to: first withdraw substantially all of the liquid into the proximal flexible member contained within the pressurizable pneumatic chamber; second to heat this liquid to a temperature such that it can cause tissue necrosis; and third to force the heated liquid from the proximal flexible member into the distal flexible member where it is maintained for a predetermined time and at a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A device for heating a biotissue employing a strong light, characterized in that, in thermotherapy comprising leading a biotissue to necrosis by heating the biotissue by a strong light from a light source, in order to lead a predetermined biotissue to necrosis in a temperature region before reaching tissue transpiration during the raising of the temperature of said biotissue, temperature measurement is performed by a temperature meter measuring the spatial temperature distribution of the biotissue at real time, and that the light output of the light source, the on-time of intermittent irradiation and the off-time of intermittent irradiation are controlled on the basis of the information at real time to accomplish remedial conditions.

Abstract: A method of tongue reduction by thermal ablation using high intensity focused ultrasound includes the steps of introducing an ultrasound emitting member in a patient's oral cavity, positioning the ultrasound emitting member adjacent an external surface of the tongue, emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitting member into tissue of the tongue, focusing the ultrasound energy within the tongue at a focusing zone contained in a target area disposed beneath the external surface, heating the tissue with the focused ultrasound energy such that the tissue at the target area is heated to an ablative temperature to form a lesion and withdrawing the ultrasound emitting member from the oral cavity. The lesion is allowed to be absorbed by the patient's body and/or to remain as altered tissue such that the tongue is reduced in size to correspondingly increase the size of the patient's airway and/or is stiffened to resist vibration.

Abstract: A method of tongue reduction by thermal ablation using high intensity focused ultrasound includes the steps of introducing an ultrasound emitting member in a patient's oral cavity, positioning the ultrasound emitting member adjacent an external surface of the tongue, emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitting member into the tissue of the tongue, focusing the ultrasound energy in the tongue, ablating the tissue of the tongue with the focused ultrasound energy to form an ablated tissue area below the external surface of the tongue containing unablated tissue of the tongue and a plurality of lesions at which the tissue of the tongue is ablated, and withdrawing the ultrasound emitting member from the oral cavity. The lesions are allowed to be absorbed by the patient's body and/or to remain as altered tissue such that the tongue is reduced in size to correspondingly increase the size of the patient's airway and/or is stiffened to resist vibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tightening a surface of a skin with an underlying collagen containing tissue applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A porous membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to an underlying subcutaneous layer or deeper soft tissue layers that includes loculations of fat with fibrous septae made of collagen tissue. This creates a desired contour effect without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A membrane conforms a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane. A focussing element focuses thermal energy to the underlying collagen tissue. The focusing element and the electrolytic solution create a reverse thermal gradient from the skin to the collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes.

Abstract: Multiple electrodes are coupled together in monopolar or bipolar arrays to form lesion patterns in tissue regions at or near a sphincter. A controller couples the electrodes to a generator so that a single power channel serves more than a single electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a prostate in a patient in need thereof and a heating catheter, or an electromagnetic radiation applicator, system suitable for effecting the present inventive method. The present inventive method provides for substantial unexpected improvement in patient outcome by providing, inter alia, a preferred therapeutic temperature for thermotherapy of the prostate and a method of decreasing a patient's intolerance due to pain. The present inventive system provides for, inter alia, automatic implementation of the present inventive method.

Abstract: A hand held applicator for delivery of microwave energy to skin surfaces is provided that is compact, easily manipulated, precisely positionable and secure against malfunction. Microwave energy of a chosen frequency is supplied for a given duration at a predetermined energy level, via one or more waveguides having a distal end section that is dielectrically loaded and matched to skin impedance. Positioning indicia may be disposed on a single use end cap adjacent the emitter end of the applicator to permit easy visualization by the surgeon or technician. Coolant, such as a pressurized gas refrigerant, is supplied in a burst to the skin surface via an interior solenoid controlled valve. The microwave energy pulse is initiated by control circuits after the effective delivery of coolant is sensed. The initiation of the cycle can be effected by actuation of a switch, movement of the applicator against the skin, or by tracking the movement of the applicator from one position to another.

Abstract: A far infrared heating methods to facilitate a user receiving continued comfortable thermal stimulation. The far infrared heating method, are provided with a temperature sensor for attachment to the object to be heated, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor has reached a predetermined maximum temperature, the radiation from the far infrared radiator is stopped. Furthermore, the user can switch to a timer control mechanism which causes the far infrared radiator to radiate intermittently during a predetermined time cycles.

Abstract: Systems and methods heat or ablate body tissue by positioning an electrode to transmit heat or ablation energy to a tissue region. The systems and methods measure a first temperature using a temperature sensing element associated with the electrode. The systems and methods also measure a second temperature using a temperature sensing element associated with the electrode. The systems and methods process at least one of the first and second temperatures to derive a prediction of maximum temperature of the tissue region. The systems and methods generate an output that controls the transmission of the heating or ablation energy based, at least in part, upon the maximum tissue temperature prediction.

Abstract: An improved guiding catheter system having inflated balloon at its tip section, wherein the inflated balloon having a plurality of electrodes is heated to a predetermined temperature as an ablation means for delivering the thermal energy to a tissue by deploying the balloon to contact the tissue to cause a circular ablation lesion, the plurality of electrodes using RE energy as a heat source for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation indications.

Abstract: An apparatus for in situ saphenous vein bypass includes an operating catheter which includes an optical fiber and an electrode, and a control catheter which includes a valvulotome. The operating catheter and control catheter are locked together and advanced through an incision in the leg. The catheters are closely spaced from each other, on opposite sides of a valve to be disrupted. Then, the valvulotome is manipulated to disrupt the valve, the electrode is manipulated to stanch blood flow from the valve and to close off side branches, and both procedures are viewed by means of the optical fiber. The valves of the saphenous vein are thusly disrupted in sequence, and the side branches to the saphenous vein closed off, to thereby modify the saphenous vein in situ for arterial use. In alternate embodiments, the electrode is used with delivery catheters to stop blood flow through a side branch or varicose vein. The electrode includes an embedded temperature sensor for sensing electrode temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a prostate in a patient in need thereof and a heating catheter, or an electromagnetic radiation applicator, system suitable for effecting the present inventive method. The present inventive method provides for substantial unexpected improvement in patient outcome by providing, inter alia, a preferred therapeutic temperature for thermotherapy of the prostate and a method of decreasing a patient's intolerance due to pain. The present inventive system provides for, inter alia, automatic implementation of the present inventive method.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods place a temperature sensing element in an “edge region” between an energy transmitting electrode and a non-electrically conducting support body, where higher temperatures are likely to exist. Reliable temperature sensing, which is sensitive to variations in temperatures along the electrode, results.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method provides for the application of a cell treatment agent, such as genetic material or drugs to be inserted within the cells of a patient in vivo. The apparatus may be a catheter arrangement with various embodiments for applying heat to a patient's cells in vivo in order to improve transfection efficiency or application efficiency. Laser beams may be applied directly to the cells. Alternately, the cells may be heated by electrical heating, chemical heating, radio frequency heating, microwave heating, infrared heating, ultrasound heating, or indirect laser heating. Further, the treatment agent may be heated prior to its application to the patient such that the treatment agent heats the cells of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting hyperthermia in a narrow body cavity or duct including: a disposable first part (1) having an elongate distal section (5) intended to be inserted into the cavity or duct having a centrally located, heat-releasing element (22), which is either surrounded by an elongate housing (24) or is itself constituted by an elongate housing, and a flexible and/or elastic enclosure (23) surrounding the housing in a liquid-tight manner, further including a device for supplying energy to the heat-releasing element (22) and an axially operating first inlet (135) at the proximal part of the housing, an outlet (133) from the housing being arranged for the supply of heat-transmitting medium under pressure for expansion of the flexible enclosure (23) to accommodate and to exert a controlled pressure on surrounding walls of the cavity or duct, a second inlet (131) to the housing (24), and medium-actuating device (13, 19) for the expansion of the flexible enclosure (23) and for internal circulation of the