Abstract: An operating unit constituting a stent delivery system is provided with a first rotary roller having a first gear and a second rotary roller having a second gear. The first gear is meshed with a first tooth portion of a rack member and the second gear is meshed with a second tooth portion of the rack member. The first gear is formed to have a large diameter relative to the second gear and at the time of releasing a stent, after positioning a distal end of an outer tube body close to the stent through the rack member with the rotation of the first rotary roller of the operating unit, it is possible to move the outer tube body toward a proximal side at a lower speed than that in the previous state with the rotation of the second rotary roller.

Abstract: A device for extending a lead according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body having proximal and distal ends, the distal end having first and second apertures, the body having an inner lumen, the first and second apertures extending from an outside of the body to the inner lumen; a filamentous element extending out of the first aperture and into the second aperture to form a filament loop extending from the body; a tightening mechanism configured to twist the filamentous element to compress a lead body between the filament loop and the body; and a tether coupled to body and configured to extend further proximally than a proximal-most end of the lead body when the lead body is compressed between the filament loop and body, the tether further configured to transfer at least a portion of a tension force applied to the tether to the lead body.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device and a method of orienting the electrosurgical device are provided. The device includes a rotation mechanism including a first and a second connector where the first connector is rotatable relative to the second connector. The device also includes a handle operably connected to the first connector; and a catheter operably connected to the second connector where the handle is rotatable relative to the catheter. The device further includes a first wire having a distal portion anchored to a distal portion of the catheter so that the distal portion of the wire is orientable by rotation of the handle relative to the catheter. At least one of the rotation mechanism or a proximal portion of the wire forms a conductive connection that operably connects a power source to the distal portion of the first wire to energize the distal portion of the first wire in the electrosurgical device.

Abstract: A bipolar sphincterotome may include an elongate tubular member, a cutting wire, and a return path. The return path may include a conductive ink portion disposed on an outer surface at a distal portion of the tubular member. The return path may also include a return wire disposed within the tubular member that is electrically coupled to the conductive ink portion. In some example embodiments, the return wire may be disposed within a lumen configured to have two or more functions, one of which being to house the return wire. Additionally, in some example embodiments, the conductive ink portion may be circumferentially disposed on the outer surface to provide visual access to a wire guide lumen. Also, for some example embodiments, the bipolar sphincterotome may include two electrically isolated return paths.

Abstract: A medical device may include a distal end having an expandable grasping portion with a plurality of movable branch members, and at least one filament connected to and slidably movable within at least a portion of the plurality of movable branch members. The proximal end of the device may include a handle having an actuation guide and an actuation selector connected to and movable along the actuation guide. The actuation selector may be coupled to ends of the at least one filament and may be configured to exert a force on the filament to vary the size of the grasping portion between a plurality of pre-selected discrete configurations of the grasping portion. In addition, the medical device may include a sheath member extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. The proximal ends of the plurality of movable branch members may be disposed within the sheath member.

Abstract: A medical device including a tissue characterization probe having an elongated carrier for carrying an array of tissue characterization sensors arranged in a spaced-apart relationship at least along an axis of said carrier within at least a distal portion thereof, such that progression of the probe through a tissue mass provides for locating and determining a dimension of an abnormal tissue specimen inside said tissue mass based on characterization signals from the sensors in the array. The elongated carrier has two integral portions including said distal portion and a hollow portion extending between a proximal end of the carrier and said distal portion. The carrier is configured for passing a predetermined treatment tool through the hollow portion thereof and enabling at least a part of the treatment tool to project from the hollow portion and extend along the distal portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an external fixation strut for an external fixation device having a ball joints that can be attached to the outer or inner surface of the ring and locked to increase overall stability of the external fixation device. Some embodiments of the fixation strut include a first ball joint coupled to a first end portion of a strut housing, the strut housing having an axial bore defined therethrough. A second ball joint is coupled to a second end portion of an elongated member. The elongated member is coupled to an adjustment mechanism, which is coupled to an upper end portion of an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is slidably disposed in the axial bore of the strut housing, and is used to effect coarse strut length adjustments. Gradual strut adjustments are effected by translating the elongated member.

Abstract: A tissue resection cap assembly configured to be secured to the distal end of an elongated medical device, such as an endoscope, and a method for resecting tissue. The cap assembly may include a cap structure comprising a working channel and a resection device channel, wherein the resection device channel extends inside the cap structure to a resection device track positioned substantially around the working channel adjacent the distal end of the cap structure. The resection device channel is adapted to direct a resection device from the working channel of the endoscope to the resection device track. The cap assembly further includes one or more ligation bands on the outside surface of the cap structure and a trigger line for deploying the ligation bands from the distal end of the cap structure. The method includes deploying a ligation band around tissue and using a resecting loop to cut the tissue.

Abstract: An electrode device of an electrosurgical instrument is known, comprising at least one electrically conductive electrode section and an electrically insulating carrier section, wherein both the electrode section and the carrier section are made from a ceramic material. In order to improve the mechanical and electrical properties and in order to simplify the production, a green body of the carrier section and a green body of the electrode section are connected to each other, in particular materially, to form a single composite green body and are jointly sintered.

Abstract: A retrieval device is provided for retrieving stones, calculi, and other objects from a body. The device allows for a retrieval basket to be articulated and extended simultaneously. The device also allows for the basket to be articulated and retracted simultaneously. The device comprises a body, an articulator movably connected to the body, a first wire and a second wire having distal ends, and a tool formed by the distal ends of the first wire and the second wire.

Abstract: A medical device for resecting tissue. The medical device is slidably disposed within a working channel of an elongate introduction sheath. The medical device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The distal end of the elongate shaft may include an opening in communication with the lumen. In addition, the medical device includes a support structure having a slot extending along an inner surface of the support structure in communication with the lumen of the elongate shaft. The medical device further includes a snare loop having a first position disposed within the slot of the support structure, and a second position disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft. An actuation member is slidably disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft and is connected to the snare loop.

Abstract: A medical device for resecting tissue. The medical device includes a catheter shaft having a proximal portion and two or more distal branch portions. The distal branch portions are moveable between a closed position, and an open position. One or more lumens extend between the proximal portion and through each distal branch portion. An actuation element extends through the lumen of each distal branch portion. A snare loop is connected to each actuation element.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument and apparatus for use with the instrument A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use with an electrosurgical generator. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument incorporates a transformer having an input side or end electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and an output side or end electrically connected to said bipolar electrosurgical instrument. The inexpensive bipolar electrosurgical instrument can be used with most conventional bipolar electrosurgical generators as well as with bipolar electrosurgical generators specifically designed for use with said instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for treating tissue comprises an elongate shaft including a proximal region, a distal region having an electrically conductive region and one or more lumens through the shaft. A stylet is located within one of the lumens for obturating at least a portion of an opening defined by a distal end of the elongated shaft. The stylet distal end has a sensor and may include an occluding component substantially surrounding and affixed to it. The elongated shaft and the stylet can possibly be configured to allow passage of fluid through the lumen while the stylet is located within the lumen. Related stylet configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula comprises a vessel access sheath having a hollow interior and an exit port, a side access needle catheter configured to fit within the hollow interior of the sheath, a needle configured to be inserted into a blood vessel through the side access needle catheter, a toggle delivery catheter configured to fit within the hollow interior of the sheath, and a toggle apparatus configured to be delivered into a vessel through the toggle delivery catheter. The toggle apparatus comprises a shaft and a toggle member pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft. A source of RF energy or resistive heat energy may be provided for application to the toggle member and/or to a heater insert in the toggle delivery catheter, for the purpose of creating the fistula.

Abstract: Catheter assembly in which the catheter sleeve is provided with a flexible tip at its distal end for carrying out medical procedures. In order to be able to vary the position of the free end of the flexible tip, a control element is present consisting of an actuating wire. The actuating wire is attached to the free end of the flexible tip and extends externally with respect to the flexible tip, in the direction of the catheter, and then passes through an opening into the inside of the catheter to the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Abstract: A device for stimulating nerves adjacent the vagina includes a nerve stimulating element coupled to a main body. The nerve stimulating element is positioned and designed to stimulate the vesical, Frankenhauser's and/or inferior hypogastric plexuses. The device may reside in the vaginal fornices. An implant is also provided which has a nerve stimulating element in contact with a uterosacral ligament.

Abstract: A treatment device according to the present invention includes: an elongated sheath having flexibility, the sheath being passed through an endoscope and introduced to an object to be treated; an incision knife section disposed approximately along an axial line of the sheath around an outer periphery at the distal end thereof, the incision knife section being used for incising tissue of the object to be treated; and a rotation-torque-transmitting section extending from a proximal end of the elongated sheath maneuvered by an endoscopist to an intermediate section of the incision knife section in the axial line direction, the rotation-torque-transmitting section rotating the sheath by transmitting rotation torque input at the proximal end of the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flex-knife that enables a technique such as tissue excision to be carried out more easily, and is provided with: a rod-shaped high frequency knife which is endoscopically inserted into a body cavity and is for performing cutting procedures; a wire, the high frequency knife connected to the front end thereof; a sheath consisting of an insulating material, into which the wire is inserted; a main body, the back end of the sheath being connected thereto; and a slider to which the back end of the wire is fixed and which is disposed to the main body to enable sliding in the axial direction; wherein the high frequency knife has a large diameter part at its distal end, the large diameter part having an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the sheath.

Abstract: A sphincterotome having a pair of ribs that are disposed equidistant from each other about an outer surface of a tubular member of the sphincterotome is disclosed. The pair of ribs is oriented perpendicular to a radial direction in which a cutting edge of a cutting wire disposed at a distal portion of the tubular member extends.

Abstract: An ablation device includes a cannula having a distal end and a lumen, an array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, each of the electrodes having a first configuration when inside the lumen, and a second configuration when unconfined outside the lumen, the electrodes having respective distal ends that point at least partially towards a distal direction when deployed, and an operative electrode secured to the distal end of the cannula. In one embodiment, the operative electrode has a shape that is different from the array of electrodes. In another embodiment, the operative electrode is not retractable within the lumen.

Abstract: A thermal surgical tool comprising a conductor having a ferromagnetic material attached thereto is provided. The conductor may include a support of sufficiently high Young's modulus to resist bending when the surgical tool is being used to treat tissue. One or more intervening layers may be disposed between the support and the ferromagnetic material. Each of the intervening layers may be selected for a property that facilitates construction of the surgical tool and/or enhances a functionality of the surgical tool. The thermal surgical tool can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Abstract: A rooter includes a rotatable element, an actuator for causing the rotatable element to rotate, and a coupling feature for rotatably coupling an elongated medical instrument to the rotatable element. The rotatable element may be at least partially contained within the interior of a housing or another element that remains substantially stationary as the actuator causes the rotatable element to rotate. The rooter may be used with a variety of elongated medical instruments, such as needles, drill bits, trocars, wires, catheters, tubes, and other elongated instruments that are used to enable or effect medical procedures within the body of a subject. The rooter may be used for a variety of purposes, including, without limitation, the introduction of an elongated medical instrument into the body of a subject or its removal from the subject's body; removing, breaking up, or eliminating obstructions (e.g., blood clots, plaques, etc.) from the body of a subject; and obtaining samples from a subject's body.

Abstract: Symmetrical and asymmetrical snares are used for endoscopically controlled methods by which tumors in hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract can be ensnared and RF-surgically removed from the organ wall for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. These snares are characterized in that one of the two snare portions, in the case of asymmetrical snares the longer of the two snare portions, is completely electrically insulated or is made from electrically non-conductive material and that the other of the two snare portions is made from electrically conductive material and its surface is not electrically insulated. In one embodiment, the asymmetrical snare is characterized in that the long snare portion is so much flexurally stiffer than the short snare portion that it tensions the short snare portion like the string of a bow.

Abstract: A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube (8) having a distal end portion, and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) comprises first and second electrodes (14, 16) separated by an insulation member (15). When an electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly (13), and relative movement is initiated between the tube (8) and the tissue, a slug of severed tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. The bipolar electrosurgical assembly (13) has a first circumferential region (A) and a second circumferential region (B), the first circumferential region (A) being longer than the second circumferential region (B).

Abstract: A high-frequency treatment instrument having a sheath; an elongated extension member; a narrow portion provided on an inner surface of the sheath; and a pressing member which allows the elongated extension member to advance and retract only in a part of the sheath. The elongated extension member is advanced to form a first treatment electrode extending along a central axial line of the sheath and the elongated extension member is further advanced to form a second treatment electrode which intersects with the central axial line of the sheath.

Abstract: Systems, delivery devices, and methods to treat, ablate, damage, or otherwise affect tissue in an airway of a patient. The treatment systems are capable of delivering a coolable ablation assembly that ablates targeted tissue while cooling non-targeted tissue to protect the non-targeted tissue from damage. The coolable ablation assembly damages nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input.

Abstract: An interchangeable tip comprising: a stylet; a blade module including: an enclosure that electrically connects, signally connects, or both the interchangeable tip to a power source, a signal source, or both; and blade circuitry having: one or more control buttons, one or more switches, or both for controlling operation one or more functions of the interchangeable tip.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue, the instrument (3) comprising an instrument shaft (14) having a longitudinal axis, a suction lumen (16) extending at least partially along the instrument shaft, and a chisel electrode (21) at the distal end of the shaft. The chisel electrode (21) includes a body portion (22) at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a hook portion (23) extending from the body portion at a second angle to the longitudinal axis. The chisel electrode (21) also includes a plurality of apertures (35, 36, 37, 38, 40) providing a suction lumen through the electrode, there being at least one aperture (35, 36, 37, 38, 42) in the body portion (22), and at least one aperture (40, 45) in the hook portion (23).

Abstract: Systems, delivery devices, and methods to treat to ablate, damage, or otherwise affect tissue. The treatment systems are capable of delivering a coolable ablation assembly that ablates targeted tissue without damaging non-targeted tissue. The coolable ablation assembly damages nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated housing having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is configured to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy via first and second channels extending along a length of the housing to the distal end thereof. The distal end includes a reflector having a dielectric load operably coupled thereto and configured to receive at least a portion of the first conductor therein. In a first mode of operation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted to the first channel and reflected from the reflector to electrosurgically treat tissue. The reflector is configured to receive at least a portion of the second channel therein. In a second mode of operation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted to the second channel to dissect tissue.

Abstract: An ablation catheter comprises an elongated catheter body; at least one ablation element disposed in a distal portion which is adjacent the distal end of the catheter body; an illumination optical element disposed in the distal portion, the illumination optical element being light-transmissive to emit light from the illumination optical element to the targeted tissue region; and a collection optical element disposed in the distal portion, the collection optical element being light-transmissive to collect one or more of returned, backscattered or newly excited light from the targeted tissue region. The illumination or excitation optical element and the collection optical element are axially spaced from one another and axially optically isolated from one another within the distal portion to substantially prevent light from traveling between the illumination optical element and the collection optical element along a path within the distal portion.

Abstract: An electrode assembly (17) is provided for use in a resectoscope, the electrode assembly (17) comprising an elongate shaft (33), at least one arm (33), first connection means (4) for connecting the arm to a source (1) of electrosurgical energy, and a tissue treatment element (26) at the end of the arm. The arm includes a suction lumen (34) extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end of the suction lumen (34) terminating in the general region of the tissue treatment element (26), and the proximal end of the suction lumen including second connection means for connecting the suction lumen to a source of suction.

Abstract: A lumen extension member is provided for a catheter having a catheter body and an elongate electrode coupled to the catheter body. The elongate electrode defines an electrode lumen extending therethrough. The lumen extension member is positioned within the electrode lumen and is coupled to the catheter body. The lumen extension member includes a tubular member including a sidewall and at least one opening that extends through the sidewall.

Abstract: A shape-imparting mechanism for a catheter that includes an elongate element dimensioned to fit within a lumen of an electrode sheath of a catheter. An insertion facilitating arrangement is carried at a distal end of the elongate element for facilitating insertion of the distal end of the elongate element into the lumen of the electrode sheath of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter is described for use in cannulating a bile duct in ERCP or sphincterotomy procedures. The catheter has a continuous compound curve that has first and second curves. The first and second curves have radii of curvature and lengths that orient the tip of the catheter selectively toward a bile duct.

Abstract: A high-frequency treatment tool (1) includes an operating wire (12) having a treatment part (10) including a treatment electrode; a first tube (23) formed from an insulating material, in which the operating wire (12) for enabling the treatment part (10) to protrude and recede is inserted; and a second tube (21) having a passive electrode (22) at a distal end, in which inserted the first tube (23) such as to cover an inner peripheral face of the passive electrode (22) is inserted. An engagement part (25) and an engaged part (22C) that can engage with each other are formed in the first tube (23) and the passive electrode (22), and the engagement of the engagement part (25) with the engaged part (22C) restricts the relative movement of a distal-end part of the first tube (23) to a proximal-end side of the first tube (23) with respect to the passive electrode (22).

Abstract: Systems, delivery devices, and methods to treat to ablate, damage, or otherwise affect tissue. The treatment systems are capable of delivering a coolable ablation assembly that ablates targeted tissue without damaging non-targeted tissue. The coolable ablation assembly damages nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a body, a lever, an end effector, and a tissue severing assembly. The end effector has a pair of jaws configured to open and close on tissue. The end effector is also capable of delivering RF energy to the tissue. The lever is configured to drive the pair of jaws. The tissue severing assembly comprises a trigger having at least one elongate member, at least one gear, and a firing beam. The trigger may also comprise a button operable to activate the RF energy. The firing beam is operable to sever tissue captured between the jaws. The at least one elongate member, at least one gear, and firing beam are associated such that longitudinal movement of the trigger in a first direction causes longitudinal movement of the firing beam in a second direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an intraosseous nerve. The method includes positioning a hollow shaft through the cortical shell of a vertebral body and into a cancellous bone region of the vertebral body. The hollow shaft includes an annular wall having a longitudinal bore therein, a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a first window extending transversely through the annular wall. An electrosurgical probe is advanced within the longitudinal bore from the proximal portion toward the distal portion. The electrosurgical probe includes a first treatment element at a distal end of the probe, wherein the first treatment element being in electrical connection with a power supply. The first treatment element is slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore so that the first treatment element is advanced radially outward from the window and shaft to affect treatment of the intraosseous nerve within the cancellous bone region.

Abstract: A magnetically-guided catheter 100 includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal electrode assembly configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. A magnetically-guided mapping catheter 100 includes an electrically-conductive capsule in the form of a casing 146 that includes a distal ablation surface and isolates the positioning magnet from bio-fluids to prevent corrosion. An open irrigation ablation catheter includes an isolated manifold that isolates the positioning magnet from contact with irrigation fluid to prevent corrosion.

Abstract: An excisional device may comprise an introducer comprising a distal trough portion and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may comprise an axial band element configured to selectively bow out of and away from the distal trough portion and to retract into the distal trough portion and a helical cutting element wound around the axial band element. A rotating drum may be provided to cause the cutting assembly to selectively rotate, bow and retract according to a mechanically-driven first cutting profile that is defined by a shape of a channel formed in the drum. An optical guidance projector assembly may be coupled to the excisional device and may be configured to visually indicate when a distal portion of the excisional device is aligned with an imaging plane of an imaging probe and in a desired position.

Abstract: A cutting device includes an elongated shaft that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A distal arm extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft. The distal arm includes an inner surface defining a cavity and an outer surface defining a blunt tip. At least one proximal arm extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft at a position proximal to the distal arm. The at least one proximal arm having an inner surface defines a cavity including a cutting portion configured to cut tissue.

Abstract: A cutting device includes an elongated shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A lower portion extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft and includes an outer surface and an inner surface spaced apart from the outer surface which together form a blunt end configured as a stop so as to protect adjacent tissue. An upper portion extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft and including an inner surface. The upper portion is configured so as to be disposed opposite the lower portion. A cutting element is disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion and is configured for retractable extension beyond the distal end of the elongated shaft so as to contact tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for performing ablation therapy on body tissue are disclosed. An example ablation device for treating body tissue includes an ionically conductive balloon and a radio-frequency electrode that delivers RF energy into a distal section of the balloon. The balloon can have a composite structure with a non-conductive section and a conductive section. The ablation device can have a steering mechanism configured to deflect the balloon.

Abstract: A cutting device includes an elongated shaft that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A distal arm extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft. The distal arm includes an inner surface defining a cavity and an outer surface defining a blunt tip. At least one proximal arm extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft at a position proximal to the distal arm. The at least one proximal arm has an inner surface defining a cavity including a cutting portion configured to cut tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive system and method for treatment of the heart. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of an anatomical site related to arrhythmogenesis of a heart of a patient comprises creating a target shape encompassing the anatomical site, directing particle beam radiation or x-ray radiation from outside the patient toward the target shape wherein one or more doses of radiation ablates the target shape and disregarding at least one orientation of cardiac motion while creating the target shape or directing the particle beam or both.

Abstract: An endoscopic-use treatment instrument includes: a wire; an Y-shaped knife formed by a flexible material and is disposed at the distal end of the wire and used for treatment conducted in a body cavity; a flexible sheath having the wire passing therethrough; an operation section provided to the proximal end of the wire and capable of rotating the wire around an axial line; a cylindrical bearing fixed to the distal end of the sheath; a rotative member inserted into the bearing and capable of freely rotating relative to the bearing; and a regulator section provided to the rotative member and regulating the rotation of the treatment member relative to the rotative member around the axial line. The rotation of the Y-shape knife relative to the rotative member around the axial line is regulated when the Y-shape knife makes contact with the regulator section.

Abstract: A method for treating a bone body comprises inserting a probe having at least one active electrode into the target tissue and applying a voltage difference between an active electrode and return electrode to ablate the tissue. The method is particularly directed to removing tumors in a bone body and or removing cancellous bone in a bone body. The bone body may be a vertebral body. An apparatus includes a plurality of active electrodes and a distal section including two bends. The bends serve to prevent the active electrodes from impinging upon the shaft of an introducer needle. Also, a kit includes an electrosurgical probe, an electrosurgical generator, an introducer needle, and a fluid connector to connect the introducer needle to a fluid source such that liquid may be supplied to the target site during an application.