Abstract: Disclosed is a bed for diagnosis which can block a water vein and an electromagnetic wave and generate an ultra-long wave. The bed prevents the influence of a water vein or an electromagnetic wave on a patient or a sleeper, and alleviates pains on various parts of the body by its function of thermotheraphy. In addition, the bed generates far-infrared and ultra-long waves to expedite the recovery of health.

Abstract: A health device includes: a far-infrared massaging device for a user's leaning, seating or lying thereon and for intimately radiating far-infrared rays towards the user to improve the user's blood circulation and metabolism for enhancing his or her health; and a juxtapositional far-infrared and anion generator movably juxtapositioned to the far-infrared massaging device for radiating far-infrared rays towards the user and for releasing anions into the air for deodorizing the air surrounding the user for synergetically promoting the user's health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods of modifying the neuronal activity of a neural system comprising neurons, comprising, one or more of the following steps, measuring the neuronal activity of a neural system; and applying an oriented electric field to said neural system effective to modify the neuronal activity of the neural system, wherein the magnitude and polarity of said applied electric field is changed in response to the measured neuronal activity. The present invention also relates to devices and methods for treating brain disorders, such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, comprising, one or more of the following steps, applying a sub-threshold and oriented electric field in situ to the brain of a patient having such a disorder in an amount effective to reduce the abnormal activity of the brain, wherein the electric field is applied through field electrodes in contact with the brain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for simultaneously treating a tumor or cancerous growth with both hyperthermia and X-ray radiation using brachytherapy. The device includes a needle-like introducer serving as a microwave antenna. Microwaves are emitted from the introducer to increase the temperature of cancerous body tissue. The introducer is an inner conductor of a coaxial cable. The introducer contains a hollow core which houses an X-ray emitter. The X-ray emitter is connected to a high voltage miniature cable which extends from the X-ray emitter to a high voltage power source. The X-ray emitter emits ionizing radiation to irradiate cancerous tissue. A cooling system is included to control the temperature of the introducer. Temperature sensors placed around the periphery of the tumor monitor the temperature of the treated tissue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the treatment of diseases by exposures to electromagnetic fields. Also, apparatus is described for focusing the biological effectiveness of such fields on specific cells, tissues or organs of a human or animal body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the treatment of diseases by exposures to electromagnetic fields. Also, apparatus is described for focusing the biological effectiveness of such fields on specific cells, tissues or organs of a human or animal body.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a vulnerable plaque associated with a blood vessel of a patient is disclosed. The method includes rupturing a fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque. A portion of liquid contents of the vulnerable plaque are released into a blood vessel lumen as a result of the fibrous cap rupture. The method further includes capturing at least one of any emboli present within the blood vessel as a result of the fibrous cap rupture. The system includes a rupture device that ruptures a fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque and a capture device that captures at lest one embolus within the blood vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the treatment of keratinized tissue infected with a pathogen. The invention utilizes electromagnetic energy, particularly microwave energy, as a treatment means to reduce the amount of or eliminate the pathogen from the keratinized tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of seating and/or reclining furniture, especially a bed, which emits rays of light. In particular, a mattress (10) is provided with illuminants (12) in the mattress core (17) and/or in the cover (18), or between the mattress core (17) and the cover (18). The light irradiation, to which a person (11) is exposed promotes the stimulus for sleeping and/or waking up. The mattress also promotes therapeutic effects, for example wound-healing properties.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for irradiating at least a portion of a subject's oral cavity with radiation having at least one selected wavelength component so as to cause a desired biostimulation effect.

Abstract: A catheter for emitting radiation is disclosed, comprising a catheter shaft and an x-ray unit attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft. The x-ray unit comprises an anode and a cathode coupled to an insulator to define a vacuum chamber. The cathode is preferably a field emission cathode of graphite or graphite coated with titanium carbide, for example. The anode is preferably tungsten and the insulator is preferably pyrolytic boron nitride. The x-ray unit is preferably coupled to a voltage source through a coaxial cable. The anode is preferably a heavy metal such as tungsten. The cathode may also be a ferroelectric material. The x-ray unit can have a diameter less than about 4 mm and a length less than about 15 mm. Methods of use of the catheter are also disclosed. The catheter of the present invention can be used to irradiate the site of an angioplasty procedure to prevent restenosis. It can also be used to treat other conditions in any vessel, lumen or cavity of the body.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for introducing a fluid cooling media to a skin surface includes a template with a skin interface surface. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. A fluid cooling media introduction member is coupled to the template. Resources controllably deliver energy from the energy delivery device to the skin surface. In a related embodiment, the resources are configured to controllably deliver the flowable cooling media to the introduction member. In another embodiment, a sensor is coupled to the resources and to the skin surface.

Abstract: A cancer thermotherapy apparatus of the present invention has an ortho-hexahedral cavity resonator and a loop antenna on a upper inner wall surface of the cavity resonator. The loop antenna is attached so that its loop face can be parallel to two side inner wall surfaces which are opposed each other, and orthogonal and adjacent to the upper inner wall surface. A high frequency electric power introduced into the cavity resonator is resonated in the parallel direction to the side wall surfaces on an excited mode with a constant electric field intensity along the side wall surfaces. A human body is set in the direction parallel to the side inner wall surfaces in the cavity resonator, and the resonated high frequency electric power is applied to the human body.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and compositions to conductively or to inductively heat substrates using electromagnetic energy. Also provided are methods, devices and compositions to inductively alter or treat a substrate by inducing a conformational change in the compositions and/or the substrates. The compositions provided comprise an energy absorbing species to transduce heat to the substrates to effect such alterations or treatments.

Abstract: A spa system of the invention includes a room of a structure having a plurality of faces defining a room interior space. A plurality of panels each have a front surface and a rear, with the front surface of each of the panels having an emissivity characteristic with respect to infrared radiation of from 0 to approximately 0.3. A securing device is provided for securing each of the panels to one of the faces of the room, with the securing device being positioned on the rear of each of the panels. An infrared radiation emitter generates infrared radiation and disperses the radiation about the room interior space. The infrared radiation emitter is positioned in the interior space such that infrared radiation generated by the infrared radiation emitter strikes the front surfaces of the plurality of panels.

Abstract: A method of treating a food object in an electrostatic field to thaw food rapidly at temperatures between 0° C. and a freezing temperature of an object to be treated. By applying the electrostatic field, the freezing temperature of the food is lowered but the food does not freeze in the electrostatic field. Accordingly, foods are kept fresher longer and the freshness can be maintained over a range of temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detachable combination health-care and treatment instrument has a optimal matching parameter, fits the shape of different parts of body, can be used in several parts of body simultaneously, and possesses a energy field multiplexed by a permanent magnetic field, a pulse magnetic field, a thermal effect and far infrared rays. It relates to a health-care and treatment instrument. The instrument includes a main unit, panel units and soft units. In the case of the panel unit, the magnetic induction intensity is 100˜130 mT, the inductance of the coil and the core is 30˜80 mH, and the impedance of the heater panel is 3˜5&OHgr;. In the case of the soft unit, the magnetic induction intensity is ≧100 mT, the inductance of the coil and the core is 30˜80 mH, and the impedance of the sheet heater is 7˜9&OHgr;.

Abstract: Skin including hypotrophic scars is irradiated with laser radiation having a wavelength between about 525 and 550 nanometers. The irradiation is delivered at a fluence that stimulates wound healing responses without actually inflicting a wound. The wound healing properties promote growth of dermal extracellular matrix. Absorption properties of hemoglobin and melanin in the 525 to 550 nanometer wavelength range provide that wound healing response is concentrated close to upper regions of the skin and accordingly close to the location of the scars. The growth of dermal extracellular matrix “bulks-up” irradiated dermal tissue. This makes the depressions of hypertrophic scars shallower and less apparent. The method has also been observed to cause shrinkage of enlarged pores.

Abstract: A monopole phased array thermotherapy applicator radiating radiofrequency energy for inducing a temperature rise in a target within a body includes a plurality of monopole elements each for transmitting electric-field radiation; a metallic waveguide with an RF reflecting ground plane surface with a plurality of circular holes for mounting the monopole elements where the metallic waveguide forms an aperture for receiving a body to be treated; a waveform generator providing a source of electric field coupled to each monopole radiating element through a respective phase and power weighting network; at least one electric field probe positioned on a skin surface of the body for detecting electric field radiation from the plurality of monopole elements; and a controller circuit coupled to the electric field probe received feedback signals to adjust the phase and power delivered to the plurality of monopole elements so that one or more adaptive nulls are formed on the surface of the body and a focus is formed at the

Abstract: A catheter-based microwave antenna cardiac ablation applicator has been developed which unlike previously-developed ablation catheters, forms a wide aperture that produces a large heating pattern. The antenna comprises a spiral antenna connected to the center conductor of a coaxial line, and which is insulated from blood and tissue by a non-conductive fluid filled balloon. The antenna can be furled inside a catheter for transluminal guiding. Once in place at the cardiac target, the balloon is inflated, and the coiled spiral antenna is ejected into the inflated balloon. The wide aperture antenna generates a ring-shaped power pattern. The heat generated from this deposited power is conducted through a volume larger than the spiral diameter, ablating diseased tissue. The resultant lesion profile is both wider and deeper than that of either conventionally-used RF catheter-based ablation electrodes, or that of other microwave applicators, and provides greater heating accuracy and controllability.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system is described that generates a uniform avascular plane of coagulated tissue to aid in the bloodless or near-bloodless resection of various biological tissues from a variety of organs. The tissue ablation system includes an energy director guide and two or more sets of bipolar energy directors. The energy director guide includes a series of channels that configure the energy directors to provide approximately uniform power distribution or current density through a target tissue volume or plane. The spacing among the channels of the energy director guide varies according to the total number of energy directors received in the energy director guide so that relative spacing among the center-most channels is largest and relative spacing among the end-most channels is smallest. The energy director guide secures a selected position of each of the energy directors in the target tissue volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method/system for remote and local controlled delivery of pharmaceutical compounds or biomolecule collection using electromagnetic energy. Controlled electromagnetic energy driven systems are integrated into patches and other delivery devices. Also provided is a drug delivery or biomolecule collection patch electronically monitored by global positioning system.

Abstract: This invention is generally in the field of improved methods for the localized delivery of heat and the use thereof for the repair of tissue. The method involves localized induction of hyperthermia in tissue or materials by delivering nanoparticles to the tissue or materials and exposing the nanoparticles to an excitation source under conditions wherein they emit heat. The generation of heat effects the joining of the tissue or materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating intervertebral discs includes an energy application head having an energy application region and a tissue protecting region. A control member operationally connected to the energy application head preferably controls the energy application head during treatment. The present invention also includes a method for thermally treating an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a skin surface includes a support structure coupled to an electromagnetic energy delivery device. The electromagnetic energy delivery device is configured to be coupled to an electromagnetic energy source. A cooling member is coupled to the electromagnetic energy delivery device and is configured to create a reverse thermal gradient through a skin surface. A memory is coupled to the electromagnetic energy delivery device and is positioned at the support structure or the electromagnetic energy delivery device. The memory is configured to store information to facilitate operation of at least one of the cooling member, and the electromagnetic energy source. Resources are coupled to the cooling member to permit different levels of cooling at different times of treatment.

Abstract: A method of creating a tissue effect at a tissue site delivers electromagnetic energy through a skin surface from an electromagnetic energy delivery device coupled to an electromagnetic energy source. At least one of the electromagnetic energy delivery device or electromagnetic energy source includes a memory. A reverse thermal gradient is created through the skin surface to sufficiently heat an underlying tissue site to provide that a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of the underlying tissue. Information is stored from the memory to facilitate operation of at least one of the electromagnetic energy delivery device or the electromagnetic energy source. Electromagnetic energy is applied through the skin surface to the underlying tissue. A tissue effect is created on at least a portion of the tissue site.

Abstract: A method and system for using real time closed loop feedback to control the delivery of heat energy is disclosed herein. An energy delivery system may be used to deliver heat energy to a target to effect a change in the target. For example, medical professionals use laser energy to irreversibly damage cells found in cancerous tumors without damaging the surrounding healthy cells. The energy delivery system includes a temperature detection system, a data processor, and a heat generating device. The temperature detection system obtains temperature data from a target and transmits the data to the data processor. The data processor may process the temperature data to provide real time feedback control to the heat generating system, as well as display the data as one or more images on a graphical user interface. The heat generating system receives control commands from the data processor and modulates its heat output accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting overheating in an optical device before harmful consequences, such as severe local heating, can result. In one embodiment of the invention, a blackbody emitter is disposed in close proximity to a therapeutic optical fiber to absorb therapeutic radiation at a fault and re-emit blackbody (infrared) radiation. The emitter can be coupled to the fiber but, during normal operation, lies outside the optical path between the output of the laser radiation and the site of treatment. Systems and catheters incorporating such emitters are also described for effective monitoring of the laser power transmitted along the optical fiber within the phototherapy device.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT), the light activation of methylene blue or benzoporphyrin derivatives to produce free-radicals, was shown in vivo to inhibit intimal hyperplasia (IH) and restenosis. The present invention provides an effective clinical approach for PDT treatment which modulates the vascular intervention injury healing response.

Abstract: Slimming device capable of effectively activating an uncoupling protein to provide a good slimming action. The slimming device physically stimulates an uncoupling protein that is responsible for thermogenesis to activate the uncoupling protein, thereby generating heat. An uncoupling protein can be effectively activated by the physical stimulation.

Abstract: An automatic thermal therapeutic apparatus is disclosed. The thermal therapeutic apparatus includes an upper housing having a recess and a lower housing. A plurality of thermal therapeutic devices are positioned in the recess of the housing. Each thermal therapeutic device has a rectangular shaped body, a pressure member for pressurizing a desired portion of human body, and a lamp located beneath the pressure member in the body for emitting far infrared light. A controller controls all functional components. Lifting means for raise and lower the thermal therapeutic devices to a predetermined height during a prescribed time period based upon an output signal of the controller. The lifting means have a lifting member, the upper portion of the lifting means passing through a hole of the upper housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the treatment of diseases by exposures to electromagnetic fields. Also, apparatus is described for focusing the biological effectiveness of such fields on specific cells, tissues or organs of a human or animal body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric fan including a driving motor, a blower fan unit, and front and rear safety nets. A far infrared ray lamp part including a socket and a far infrared ray lamp is positioned in front of the blower fan unit. The front and rear safety nets are detachably fastened to each other by a fastening ring. A lamp protective net, which is covered with a stainless coating to be decreased in heat conductivity and heat-resistant, is placed in front of the far infrared ray lamp part where heat is generated.

Abstract: The present invention, which relates to a roller type hyperthermo-radiative apparatus, is designed to minimize friction resistance upon horizontal movement thereof. The roller type hyperthermo-radiative apparatus includes a backing plate with wheels fixedly supported at four corners thereof. A plurality of pairs of supporting mechanisms is mounted on the backing plate. Roller type rotating members are rotatably installed between respective pairs of the supporting mechanism and include cylindrical empty spaces formed therein. Heating members are inserted into the empty spaces of the rotating members from both ends of the spaces. Bearing members fixedly support the heating members to the supporting means and rotatably couple the rotating members thereto. Socket portions are connected to the heating members for supplying external electric power. The roller type hyperthermo-radiative apparatus is preferably mounted on a mat for hot compress and acupressure.

Abstract: A mattress suitable for medical application in hospitals etc. includes a cushion body having air permeability, an air discharger provided below the cushion body for discharging air into the cushion body, and a heat source provided below the cushion body for performing far infrared radiation into the cushion body. Both the air discharger and the heat source have flexibility.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating a variety of disorders using electromagnetic radiation directed at excitable tissues, including nerves, muscles and blood vessels. By controlling the wavelength, the wavelength bandpass, pulse duration, intensity, pulse frequency, and/or variations of those characteristics over time, and by selecting sites of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, improvements in the function of different tissues and organs can be provided. By monitoring physiological variables such as muscle tone and activity, temperature gradients, surface electromyography, blood flow and others, the practitioner can optimize a therapeutic regimen suited for the individual patient.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a far-infrared (FIR) material that emits strongly in a narrowly defined wavelength range. Radiation of this particular wavelength range has been found to give a warming effect to the body, give therapeutic effects and to have sanitation effects in terms of the reduction of the bacterial count. This wavelength range is also the wavelength range that the body emits which is 8 to 13 microns and peaks at 10 to 11 microns. Most materials do not strongly emit radiation in this wavelength region. The material must fit two main criteria: (1) Emits in the 8 to 14 micron range. (2) Formable so that it can be made into practical therapeutic tools. A search found a material that meets the above two requirements. It emits strongly and exclusively in the range of 9 to 12 microns and it is formable. Thus it is the ideal material for use in FIR therapeutic tools. Embodiments of several tools are described.

Abstract: A method of treating a tapered vessel with radiation. Separate sections of the vessel are treated for independently determined dwell times. A proximal diameter, a distal diameter, and an intermediate diameter can be established upon which prescription points can be based.

Abstract: A multi-lumen balloon for use in a fluted balloon centering catheter and method for providing the same. The multi-lumen balloon maintains a radiation source at the center of a cardiovascular artery, has improved blood perfusion capability, and has improved balloon refolding characteristics. The method of fabricating a multi-lumen balloon designed for a radiation centering catheter uses an improved extrusion process that allows the manufacture of the multi-lumen balloon sub-assembly to be done separately from the catheter shaft assembly.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating prostate glands or other targeted soft tissue using a solid-state laser. The laser can be operated to generate a pulsed output beam having pulse durations of between 0.1 and 500 milliseconds. The output beam is delivered to the targeted tissue through an optical fiber, preferably terminating in a side-firing probe or diffusing tip. By operating the laser in a long-duration pulse mode, charring of the targeted tissue is initiated quickly, thereby increasing ablation rates and reducing overall procedure time.

Abstract: A far infrared radiation health appliance which can effectively stimulate sebaceous glands together with perspiratory glands for dioxins egestion. The appliance includes a plurality of semicylindrical members to be axially coupled to each other in a bush-like manner, and carbon-black-containing planar heating elements arranged over the general entire inner surfaces thereof. The planar heating elements are energized and heated to a temperature of 55-70° C.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a kit, for the treatment of a selected area of the skin and/or subcutaneous tissue, and in particular for the cosmetic treatment of skin conditions such as regional fat deposits including cellulite. The method comprises heating the selected area to a sustained skin temperature of about 32 to about 50° C. for a desired period of time, using a device comprising either a heat source capable of conductively heating the selected area or, alternatively, an infra-red source for emitting infra-red with a wavelength from about 700 nm to about 15000 nm.

Abstract: A mat for hot-heat treatment and fomentation including: a compressor installed in a main body; a cool and hot wind generator for generating a cool wind or a hot wind according to a user's selection and discharging it through a discharge outlet when the compressor is operated; a cover sheet inflated with the cool wind or the hot wind generated by the cool and hot wind generator, lower end portion thereof being sealed with the marginal portion of the main body so as not to leak the cool wind or the hot wind outwardly; and a heater embedded at the bottom of the main body and heated at a predetermined temperature. With this construction, the body of the user can be heated or sweated by the cool and hot wind generator within a limited space, so that more effective hot-heat treatment can be performed.

Abstract: A method and system for using real time closed loop feedback to control the delivery of heat energy is disclosed herein. An energy delivery system may be used to deliver heat energy to a target to effect a change in the target. For example, medical professionals use laser energy to irreversibly damage cells found in cancerous tumors without damaging the surrounding healthy cells. The energy delivery system includes a temperature detection system, a data processor, and a heat generating device. The temperature detection system obtains temperature data from a target and transmits the data to the data processor. The data processor may process the temperature data to provide real time feedback control to the heat generating system, as well as display the data as one or more images on a graphical user interface. The heat generating system receives control commands from the data processor and modulates its heat output accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric fan including a driving motor, a blower fan unit, and front and rear safety nets. A far infrared ray lamp part including a socket and a far infrared ray lamp is positioned in front of the blower fan unit. The front and rear safety nets are detachably fastened to each other by a fastening ring. A lamp protective net, which is covered with a stainless coating to be decreased in heat conductivity and heat-resistant, is placed in front of the far infrared ray lamp part where heat is generated.

Abstract: This invention is generally in the field of improved methods for the localized delivery of heat and the localized imaging of biological materials. The delivery may be in vitro or in vivo and is useful for the localized treatment of cancer, inflammation or other disorders involving overproliferation of tissue. The method is also useful for diagnostic imaging. The method involves localized induction of hyperthermia in a cell or tissue by delivering nanoparticles to said cell or tissue and exposing the nanoparticles to an excitation source under conditions wherein they emit heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying light radiation to an object include: a source of light radiation including infrared radiation, a light guide having a proximal end optically coupled to the source of light radiation and a distal end with a light radiation emitting end surface, a power supply which supplies power to the light radiation source, a photo light energy detector disposed within the apparatus so as to receive energy output emitted from the light radiation source, the photo light energy detector producing an output in response to the received energy output; and a controller coupled to the photo light energy detector and the light radiation source; wherein the controller receives the output from the photo light energy detector and controls the source of light radiation to produce a predetermined light radiation intensity in response to the output.

Abstract: An indwelling RF catheter achieves warming of patients by dielectric heating of blood or other bodily fluids. In one example, the catheter is deployed in a suitable blood vessel, such as the inferior vena cava. The catheter design includes an emitter structure electrically coupled to an RF generator, which provides a source of RF power. The emitter structure, distally located upon the catheter, administers electromagnetic radiation to the blood within the patient, thereby creating heat due to the dielectric qualities of blood. As blood heated by the indwelling RF catheter courses through the patient's body, the patient's body is systemically warmed, raising the body core temperature.

Abstract: In photodynamic diagnosis and photodynamic therapy, the oscillating wavelength of laser light from a light source is fitted to a plurality of different kinds of photosensitizers and exciting conditions thereof. Moreover, diagnosis and treatment are achieved using concurrent diagnosis during treatment is realized as well. A semiconductor laser generates laser light having an oscillating wavelength which is variable and a full width at half maximum which is narrow. A light transmission line guides an irradiated laser light to the vicinity of a focus, an image transmission line observes the focus and the periphery thereof, a fluorescence light extracting device extracts only the fluorescence light emitted from a photosensitizer excited by the irradiated laser light, an image-pick-up/analyzing device picks up and analyzes an image of the extracted fluorescence light and an image display device displays the analyzing result.

Abstract: A device for heat treatment of body tissue, including heating means (10) for local heating of the body tissue, and temperature sensing means (11) for sensing the tissue temperature, said heating means being enclosed in a catheter (12). A first temperature sensing means (11) is connected to a first carrier (13), which is made to be advanced through a first opening in catheter (12), and said first carrier (13) is equipped with a pointed tip for insertion into such body tissue that is to be heat-treated.