Abstract: An apparatus for locating and mapping a catheter in a heart invasive operation, includes a permanent magnet with a north pole face, a permanent magnet with a south pole face, a frame for positioning the magnets on opposite sides of a person's body; first and second motors for revolving the permanent magnets in synchronism and in alignment with each other to create a directional magnetic field that revolves 360 degrees through the person's heart; a catheter for insertion into the heart, the catheter including a first sensor group of three mutually orthogonal sensors at the tip thereof and a second sensor group of three mutually orthogonal sensors in axially spaced relation to the first sensor group, each for detecting the relative strength of the revolving magnetic field; a magnetic field position detector which detects the angular position and speed of movement of the directional magnetic field; a plurality of electrodes spaced along an outer wall thereof for detecting electric signals which run alo

Abstract: Systems and methods well suited for use in catheter-based tissue ablation systems employ thermocouples for temperature sensing. The systems and methods combine accuracy with compact, low profile construction.

Abstract: An infrared rays cauterizing structure is composed of a base, locating devices, fixed cauterizers and a hand-held cauterizer. In light of locating devices, the cauterizers can be located in proximity of a specific point of the human body without attendance of a medical personnel. The base is provided in the interior thereof with a plurality of temperature controllers and timers for regulating the treatment temperature and the treatment duration of a heater of the cauterizers. The heater is capable of bringing about a predetermined energy for treating disease or relieving pain of the specific point of the body of a patient under treatment.

Abstract: A heated fluid surgical instrument including a palm-sized handpiece having a cannula adapted to be inserted into a patient's body by way of a natural access (e.g., mouth) or a small incision. A channel is provided within the handpiece and the cannula for permitting the passage of a surgical accessory implement to the surgical site. Additional, channels are provided for passing fluid pumped into the handpiece from a remote fluid source to the surgical site. An irrigation control valve assembly on the handpiece permits a surgeon to selectively direct the flow of fluid through the handpiece and into one of two fluid flow paths. One of the paths heats the fluid and passes it to the surgical site to effect a therapeutic result. The other path sends the fluid directly to the surgical site.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an intravascular device for occluding a patient's blood vessel by coagulating blood in a desired location within the blood vessel to form occluding thrombus therein by means of RF electrical energy which preferably has a frequency of about 0.3 to about 1.5 megahertz. The intravascular device is particularly useful in terminating arrhythmia in a patient's heart by occluding a coronary artery to terminate the flow of oxygenated blood to a region of the patient's heart where aberrant signals causing the arrhythmia either originate or through which they are conducted. The device may also be used to occlude other blood vessels such as in the treatment of intracranial berry aneurysms.

Abstract: A system for reducing the radius of curvature of a cornea is provided which includes a device having an electrically-resistive ring, an insulative shaft coupled to the ring, and an electrical lead coupled to the ring, and an insulative handle coupled to the ring which facilitates manipulating the ring for placement on and removal from the cornea of the eye and through which the lead extends. The lead is couplable to a current source. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, a function generator is provided between the current source and the ring to generate a function of heat energy provided to the ring. The function generator permits very precise applications of current to the ring, and may be configured to heat the ring to a desired temperature, to maintain the temperature for a predetermined amount of the time, or to provide a heat profile. An astigmatism correction device, preferably operable in conjunction with the hyperopia heating device, is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for treating subcutaneous histological features without affecting adjacent tissues adversely employs microwave energy of selected power, frequency and duration to penetrate subcutaneous tissue and heat target areas with optimum doses to permanently affect the undesirable features. The frequency chosen preferentially interacts with the target as opposed to adjacent tissue, and the microwave energy is delivered as a short pulse causing minimal discomfort and side effects. By distributing microwave energy at the skin over an area and adjusting power and frequency, different conditions, such as hirsuitism and telangiectasia, can be effectively treated.

Abstract: A medical device for treating the uvula or airway obstructions by reducing the mass of cellular tissues, wherein a plurality of elongate tubular shafts comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer means disposed at its distal end portion of each shaft, an ultrasonic energy generating means, and a means for generating vibration at the distal section of the tubular element to effect the ablation having an additional vibrational massage therapy for the tissues.

Abstract: A device and method for treating infected or damaged heart valve tissue by selectively heating, applying pressure, or both to the heart valve tissue to sterilize any infected portion of the tissue, reshape any misshapen portion, effect selective thinning of any thickened portion, and reduce the floppiness of any selected portion. The heat can be applied to or induced in the heart valve tissue.

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: A thermal energy delivery apparatus has a probe including a distal end and a proximal end. A first electrode is positioned at the distal end of the probe such that the electrode is positioned on a recessed longitudinal portion of the probe. The first electrode is configured to deliver sufficient thermal energy to a fibrillated cartilage surface to reduce a level of fibrillation of the fibrillated cartilage surface. A cabling is coupled to the proximal end of the probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ablating body tissue use an electrode for contacting tissue to form a tissue-electrode interface. The electrode is coupled to a source of ablation energy for transmitting ablation energy at a prescribed ablation power level into tissue to form, over a prescribed ablation time period, a therapeutic result. The therapeutic result includes a lesion that extends beneath the tissue-electrode interface to a boundary depth between viable and nonviable tissue and a maximum tissue temperature developed within the lesion between the tissue-electrode interface and the boundary depth. The systems and methods include an element to cool the electrode. An input element inputs a desired therapeutic result including at least a targeted lesion boundary depth.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for ablating body tissue employ an electrode for contacting tissue to form a tissue-electrode interface. The electrode is adapted to be connected to a source of ablation energy to conduct ablation energy for transmission by the electrode into tissue at the tissue-electrode interface. The systems and methods also include an element to cool the electrode. The systems and methods hold a tissue temperature sensing element in a carrier in thermal conductive contact with tissue beneath the tissue-electrode interface. The systems and methods include a controller that is coupled to the tissue temperature sensing element to control either the supply of ablation energy, or the rate at which the electrode is cooled, or both based, at least in part, upon temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element.

Abstract: The non-joined thermocouple electrode configuration, for use in an RF ablation catheter for ablating biological tissue such as cardiac tissue, allows temperature to be monitored at two locations of a band electrode while only using a single pair of thermocouple wires. The thermocouple wires are connected to the electrode at separate locations. They preferably are formed of metallic materials having Seebeck coefficients that are substantially equal in magnitude but opposite in sign relative to the electrode material connecting the two. In the case of a band electrode, the two thermocouple wires are preferably spaced apart on the band electrode so that the first junction contacts the tissue having a first temperature and the second junction contacts circulating blood having a second temperature.

Abstract: A catheter delivers an electrode within a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of esophageal varices using RF energy. The catheter is introduced into and positioned within the section of the vein to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy towards the vein, and the surrounding venous tissue becomes heated and begins to shrink. The extent of shrinkage of the vein is detected by fluoroscopy. The electrode remains active until there has been sufficient shrinkage of the vein. The electrode may remain active for an extended period of time so as to promote a thickening of the immediately surrounding esophageal tissue. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage of the vein to the diameter of the member. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter and the electrode are repositioned within the venous system to treat different sections until all desired venous sections are rendered functionally competent.

Abstract: An apparatus to treat an uterus includes an expandable member configured to be positioned in a uterine cavity in a non-deployed, state, receive an expansion media and extend to a deployed state. At least a portion of the expansion media is released through an expandable member exterior surface. Upon removal of at least a portion of the expansion from the expandable member, the expandable member contracts to a non-deployed state. An energy delivery device is coupled to the expandable member. A frame member is positionable in the interior of the expandable member. The frame member includes a first arm coupled to a second arm. The frame member has a non-deployed state and a deployed state where the first and second arms distend away from each other. Each of the expandable member and the frame member have a non-deployed size to be introduced into the uterine cavity.

Abstract: The invention refers to an equipment (10) for the generation of ultrasonic waves with regulation of the frequency and power range with two possibilites of working, i.e. in continuous or pulsating modes, to be transmitted by adequate means to the transducers (14), The invention discloses a supporting means such as a harness (16) or similar. Said harness (16) is directly applied on the breast with capacity to act on the same in a selective way by programming the amount of power to be transmitted to transducers (14) in an individualized form. The invention permits the elimination of capsular contractures corresponding to degree IV in the Baker scale.

Abstract: Disclosed are three embodiments of a method for determining the formation of a "biological stent" for permanently maintaining the widened bore portion of the urethra of a male patient undergoing treatment for a disease of the prostate. In this treatment, the bore portion is first temporarily widened by squeezing pressure on urethral tissue thereof applied by an inflated balloon of a microwave balloon catheter inserted in the urethera and then microwave energy sufficient to form the "biological stent" is applied to the urethral tissue. The first embodiment involves noting an observable drop in the measured value of the inflation pressure inflating the balloon when the urethral tissue has been sufficiently heated to effect a noticeable drop in the elasticity of the irradiated urethral tissue.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter body, a tip section, and a control handle. The catheter body has proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The control handle is located at the proximal end of the catheter body. The tip section has proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough, with the proximal end of the tip section being fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. A tip electrode is fixedly attached at the distal end of the tip section. The tip electrode has a blind hole extending therethrough. A wire, preferably a puller wire, extends and is fixedly attached into the blind hole of the tip electrode. At least two temperature sensors are fixedly attached along the length of the wire within the blind hole.

Abstract: A device and method for treating infected or damaged heart valve tissue by selectively heating, applying pressure, or both to the heart valve tissue to sterilize any infected portion of the tissue, reshape any misshapen portion, effect selective thinning of any thickened portion, and reduce the floppiness of any selected portion. The heat can be applied to or induced in the heart valve tissue.

Abstract: A thrombus is generated in an aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation or fistula by means of a catheter having an insulated heating coil coupled to an insulated delivery wire. In one embodiment, two delivery wires are coupled to heating coils to provide a closed circuit. The heating coils may be in the form of a double helix or a single helix in combination with a straight heating coil. The heating coils are permanently connected to the delivery wires. Alternatively, a single insulated heating coil may be attached to a single insulated delivery wire with a uninsulated coil attached to the tip of the insulated heating coil. The electrical circuit is then made through the heating coil and non-insulated electrode coil into the vascular system and to a body electrode. A catheter may also be used for heating blood within the vascular system which is directly flowed into a tumoral mass for the purposes of thermal treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A resistively heated thermally cutting and coagulating surgical instrument which may be employed with a conventional electrosurgical generator having bipolar output ports and a bipolar cable. The instrument utilizes a heating element which is heated to a predetermined upper temperature limit while in still air under a starting condition. Under this condition, heat dissipation by radiation, convection, and conduction through the instrument itself provides a high temperature end form of regulation. Under a subsequent working condition wherein the heated component or element is in contact with the tissue, heat dissipation is by thermal conduction both into the tissue and through the thermally conductive components of the instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ an energy emitting electrode to heat tissue. The systems and methods derive a temperature prediction for a future time period. The systems and methods control the application of energy to the energy emitting electrode based, at least in part, upon the temperature prediction.

Abstract: An ablation electrode carries a temperature sensing element for measuring the temperature of the tissue being ablated. A thermal insulating element associated with the sensing element blocks the transfer of heat energy from between the temperature sensing element and the body. The temperature sensing element therefore measures temperature without being affected by the surrounding thermal mass of the electrode.

Abstract: A gauging system for monitoring channel depth in percutaneous endocardial revascularization surgery includes a catheter for percutaneous insertion into a heart chamber, including a source of tissue ablative energy for ablating a part of the wall of the heart chamber where a channel is to be created; a sensor device proximate the distal end of the catheter for sensing a boundary of the heart wall proximate the channel; and a detection circuit, responsive to the sensor device, for determining the position of the terminus of the channel in the heart chamber; alternatively, a mechanical stop extending radially beyond the distal tip may be used for physically limiting penetration of the catheter tip into the drilled channels.

Abstract: A multi-electrode ablation catheter comprises a plurality of thick-walled gold alloy electrodes mounted on the tip section of an elongated electrophysiology catheter. Each electrode is electrically connected to a switching unit by leads comprising paired copper and constantan wires. The switching unit is electrically connected to an RF generator, a temperature monitor and an ECG monitor. The switching unit enables an operator to switch between a first mode for monitoring ECG and a second mode for delivering RF energy for tissue ablation to a selected electrode and monitoring the temperature of that electrode. The copper wire of the lead delivers RF energy and the copper wire and constantan wire combine to form a thermocouple for temperature monitoring.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and devices for heating a thermally conductive fluid within an internal body organ to thermally ablate or necrose the body organ. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a thermal ablation device having an elongate member with a proximal end and a distal end. A heating apparatus is provided near the distal end of the elongate member which is constructed to heat a thermally conductive fluid without substantial direct heating of the heating apparatus. A fluid circulator is provided near the heating apparatus which circulates the thermally conductive fluid past the heating apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for treating body tissue using controlled application of heat includes a control unit providing electrical power to a bipolar electrode positioned within an expandable member filled with conductive fluid. Electrical power applied to the bipolar electrode by the control unit causes current to pass from the active electrode, into the conductive fluid, and to the return electrode, thereby heating the conductive fluid. The temperature of the conductive fluid is monitored by the control unit, and power is increased and decreased in accordance with a comparison of the monitored temperature against the desired temperature range. The control unit also includes a pressure sensor for regulating the pressure in the bladder. Pressure and temperature displays and other operator controls are located on the control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating body tissue using controlled application of heat includes an catheter having an expandable device defining a fluid reservoir about the distal end of the catheter. Fluid is provided to the fluid reservoir through a fluid supply conduit, and fluid drains from the fluid reservoir via a fluid drainage conduit. The apparatus includes a first pressure control valve that controls the outflow of fluid through the fluid drainage conduit, so that fluid pressure within the fluid reservoir is maintained within a desired range. The apparatus may also include a second pressure control valve that drains the fluid reservoir in case of an overpressure, such as may occur upon failure of the first pressure control valve.

Abstract: An antenna assembly has an energy propagating region that is encapsulated in a material having a high dielectric constant for minimizing the loss of energy while having a high thermal conductivity for dissipating conductive heat patterns about the energy propagating region.

Abstract: An 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: An apparatus for ablating body tissue has an electrode for contacting tissue to transmit ablation energy. A tissue temperature sensing element is held in a thermally conducting carrier on the electrode. The carrier holds the tissue temperature sensing element in thermal conductive contact with tissue, while keeping the temperature sensing element in isolation from thermal conductive contact with the electrode. The carrier has prescribed thermal conductive characteristics that significantly improve the sensitivity of the temperature sensing element to tissue temperature and not the temperature of the electrode.

Abstract: A radio-frequency ablation system is disclosed in which the power, voltage, or temperature delivered to multiple electrodes may be dynamically controlled, and in which the electrodes may be simultaneously energized in phase with each other to achieve a desired lesion pattern. The system comprises a multiple electrode ablation catheter, each electrode having a temperature sensor operatively associated therewith. Each electrode is energized by its own RF amplifier, and all of the electrodes are driven in phase with each other by a common sine wave oscillator. A feedback network controls the degree of amplification of the separate RF amplifiers. According to a further aspect of the invention, a modular power supply arrangement is disclosed which is configurable to dynamically control the power, voltage, or temperature delivered to multiple electrodes of a multipolar ablation device.

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: A surgical instrument having a resistively-heated heating component responsive to a power source for generating thermal excitation effective for cutting tissue and carrying out hemostasis. The surgical instrument includes a support assembly having two leg extensions connected in heat transfer relationship with the heating component. Two thermal transition regions are provided within the heating component and have extents effective to provide a decreasing temperature gradient and to restrict temperature levels exhibited at the support assembly. The support assembly is formed of high thermally conductive material and extends from the transition regions to an elongate shaft. This shaft is in heat transfer relationship with the support assembly and is formed from a high thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A coagulating microknife includes at least one knife blade that is comprised of a doped semiconductor body that exhibits a resistive current-carrying characteristic and a sharp cutting edge. A power supply is connected to the knife blade and applies a metered current which heats the knife blade to a controlled temperature for cauterizing tissue during a cutting action. The semiconductor body includes a pair of contact areas which extend into the body and enable localized heating at the tip of the knife blade.

Abstract: A method and system for forming an ultrasound image of a tissue while simultaneously ablating the tissue in which the application of therapy current is sequenced with at least the ultrasonic detection phase of the ultrasonic visualization process. In this way, no ultrasonic detection takes place while therapy current passes, and no therapy current passes while ultrasonic detection takes place. The sequencing can take place using a communication protocol between a therapy system controlling the application of therapy current and an ultrasonic imaging system controlling the ultrasonic visualization process. Depending on the communication protocol used, the therapy system and the ultrasonic imaging system can handoff control to one another or one system can have exclusive control over the other.

Abstract: A method of performing endometrial ablation comprising heating entire surface of the endometrium to a temperature of between 45.degree. C. and 70.degree. C. to destroy the cells of the endometrial lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42.degree. C. An apparatus for performing an endometrial ablation comprising an expandable membrane such as a balloon adapted to fit within the uterus and contact the endometrial lining when expanded. A web of light diffusing fiber-optic cables arranged on the outer surface the balloon such that the web contacts the endometrial lining of the uterus when the balloon is expanded. The fiber-optic web is connected to an array of high intensity lamps via a series of fiber-optic cables. The temperature of the endometrium is monitored by a of a series of temperature sensors arranged upon the surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A system and associated method ablate body tissue using multiple emitters of ablating energy. The system and method convey ablating energy individually to each emitter in a sequence of power pulses. The system and method periodically sense temperature at each emitter and compare the sensed temperatures to a desired temperature established for all emitters to generate a signal individually for each emitter based upon the comparison. The system and method individually vary the power pulse to each emitter based upon the signal for that emitter to maintain the temperatures at all emitters essentially at the desired temperature during tissue ablation.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ an energy emitting electrode to heat tissue. The systems and methods follow a prescribed temperature set curve, in which a setpoint temperature changes over time, to control the application of energy to the electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a stenosis or blockage in a bodily fluid passageway is described. The system includes a catheter and a controller for generating radio frequency energy along a pair of output lines, a monitoring circuit for monitoring the phase of the radio frequency energy along the output lines, and an impedance matching circuit for adjusting the output impedance of the generator so that it equals that of a load, e.g., the patient. The catheter includes a catheter body which is insertable into the bodily passageway and operatively connected to the controller. A lumen in the catheter body defines an opening and a stainless steel, metallic-plated mandril is disposed within the lumen so that a terminal end thereof extends through the opening and into the bodily passageway.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation system and method employs an ablation electrode having an energy emitting body. A temperature sensing element senses the temperature of the tissue being ablated by the electrode. The system monitors tissue temperature using the temperature sensing element. A control element controls the therapeutic characteristics of the ablated lesion based upon sensed tissue temperature conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods ablate body tissue using an electrode for contacting tissue at a tissue-electrode interface to transmit ablation energy at a determinable power level. The systems and methods include an element to remove heat from the electrode at a determinable rate. The systems and methods employ a processing element to derive a prediction of the maximum tissue temperature condition occurring beneath the tissue-electrode interface. The processing element controls the power level of ablation energy transmitted by the electrode, or the rate at which the electrode is cooled, or both, based, at least in part, upon the maximum tissue temperature prediction.

Abstract: A temperature feedback device and method is provided for the monitoring of tissue treatment status during the application of surgical heating energy. In a preferred embodiment a function of the temperature over time is used to determine when coagulation of tissue has occurred to a desired degree. Preferably an electrosurgical hemostatic energy is used to coagulate tissue. A feedback signal is provided to a user or to a controller of an electrosurgical energy source to control delivery of energy to the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ an energy emitting electrode to heat tissue. The systems and methods control the application of energy to the electrode using adjustments that take into account, in a non-linear fashion, changes in monitored operating conditions.

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

Abstract: Multi-phase RF ablation employing a two-dimensional or three-dimensional electrode array produces a multitude of currents paths on the surface of the ablation zone. This results in a uniform lesion with a size defined by the span of the electrode array. An orthogonal electrode catheter array suitable for cardiac ablation is used in conjunction with a two-phase RF power source to produce uniform square-shaped lesions of size 1.2 cm.sup.2. Lesions of larger size are created by successive adjacent placement of the square-shaped lesions. A temperature sensor at the electrode tip allows monitoring of ablation temperature and regulation of thereof to minimize the electrode tips from being fouled by coagulum.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ablating body tissue use an electrode for contacting tissue to form a tissue-electrode interface. The electrode is adapted to be connected to a source of ablation energy to conduct ablation energy for transmission by the electrode into tissue at the tissue-electrode interface. The electrode is preferably cooled. The systems and methods include multiple temperature sensing elements. One element senses tissue temperature. A second element senses electrode temperature. A third element senses the rate at which the electrode is cooled. The systems and methods control the supply of ablation energy to the electrode based, at least in part, upon the multiple temperatures sensed by the different temperature sensing elements.

Abstract: An ablation electrode carries a temperature sensing element for measuring the temperature of the tissue being ablated. A thermal insulating element associated with the sensing element blocks the transfer of heat energy from between the temperature sensing element and the body. The temperature sensing element therefore measures temperature without being affected by the surrounding thermal mass of the electrode.

Abstract: A thermatological device comprising an applicator and a main body. The applicator has a microwave-applying section, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The main body contains a control unit. The microwave-applying section applies microwaves to an affected part, thereby treating the part. The first temperature sensor detects the temperature of the affected part being treated. The, the second temperature sensor detects a part located adjacent to the affected part. The control unit controls the microwave-applying section to render the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor equal to a preset target temperature. The control unit causes the microwave-applying section to stop or reduce the emission of microwaves when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor reaches a preset burn temperature.