Abstract: A medical implant identification system is disclosed. The implant identification system may include a probe reader extending from a proximal end to a distal end and the distal end may include a faraday cage. The probe reader may be in communication with an operating room computer and/or a display. The implant identification system may include at least one digital set screw comprising an antenna disposed in an antenna portion of the digital set screw. In various embodiments, the faraday cage may have a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the antenna portion of the digital set screw. Additionally, the antenna may be configured to transmit identity information to the probe reader, and the identify information may be displayed by the display and/or stored in a data store of the operating room computer.

Abstract: A biocompatible medical device can be at least partially implantable into a living human or animal subject to provide active treatment of biofilm that can occur use within the subject. The medical device can include a catheter, including an interior conduit capable of permitting fluid flow. A heating device can be located on a portion of the catheter to be located within the subject, the heating device including at least a pair of electrodes having a variable spacing therebetween, the variable spacing specified to allow heat to be generated using a time-varying electromagnetic input signal providing a variable frequency to control a variable location along the electrodes at which heat is generated, such as can provide a virtual matrix of local heat sources.

Abstract: Optical connection systems including electrical-and-optical connection systems and methods thereof are disclosed. An electrical-and-optical connection system can include an extension tube having a plug and a relay module having a receptacle. The plug can be formed of a metal piece around electrical wires, which, in turn, are around optical-fiber cores that extend along a length of the extension tube. The plug can be configured to pierce through at least a sterile barrier. The relay module can include electrical wires and optical-fiber cores within a housing of the relay module, as well as a receptacle disposed in the housing. The receptacle can be configured to simultaneously accept insertion of the plug therein and establish both electrical and optical connections between the plug and the receptacle from a sterile field to a non-sterile field set up by the sterile barrier. Shape-sensing systems including the optical connection systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a treatment tool having a heater and bipolar electrodes to grip a treatment target. An energy source apparatus is used to electrically communicate with the treatment tool. The energy output source is configured to output high-frequency electric power to the bipolar electrodes through a first circuit. A high-frequency current flows through the treatment target between the bipolar electrodes. The energy output source is configured to output heater electric power to the heater for generating heat through a second circuit. At least one processor is used to control the energy output source.

Abstract: A perineal prostate biopsy apparatus comprising a cannula for reaching a prostate gland of an adult human male through his perineum; and a coaxial needle comprising a hollow needle shaft having an open piercing tip at its distal end and being arranged to lie within the cannula so that the piercing tip protrudes from a distal end of the cannula; and, a stylet adapted to lie within the hollow needle shaft so that a distal tip of the stylet closes the piercing tip of the needle.

Abstract: Optical connection systems including electrical-and-optical connection systems and methods thereof are disclosed. An electrical-and-optical connection system can include an extension tube having a plug and a relay module having a receptacle. The plug can be formed of a metal piece around electrical wires, which, in turn, are around optical-fiber cores that extend along a length of the extension tube. The plug can be configured to pierce through at least a sterile barrier. The relay module can include electrical wires and optical-fiber cores within a housing of the relay module, as well as a receptacle disposed in the housing. The receptacle can be configured to simultaneously accept insertion of the plug therein and establish both electrical and optical connections between the plug and the receptacle from a sterile field to a non-sterile field set up by the sterile barrier. Shape-sensing systems including the optical connection systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A skin treatment device includes: an RF generator configured to generate an RF output; and an applicator being of a bipolar type and including an applicator body and needles, wherein the needles are arranged on a front surface of the applicator body, inserted into a dermal layer of the skin of a person to be treated and electrically connected to the RF generator to transmit the RF output, wherein, when the applicator is turned on, the applicator transmits a single or a plurality of RF pulses according to the RF output to the person to be treated, and the RF output is 5 W or more and 13 W or less, and a frequency of the RF output is greater than 1 MHz and less than 3 MHz, and a duration of the RF pulse according to the RF output is 50 ms or more and 100 ms or less.

Abstract: A mineral insulated heating cable for a heat tracing system. The heating cable includes a sheath having at least a first, and optionally a second layer, wherein the thermal conductivity of the second layer is greater than a thermal conductivity of the first layer. In addition, the first and second layers are in intimate thermal contact. The heating cable also includes at least one heating conductor for generating heat and a dielectric layer located within the sheath for electrically insulating the heating conductor, wherein the sheath, heating conductor and dielectric layer form a heating section. In addition, the heating cable includes a conduit for receiving the heating section. Further, the heating cable includes a cold lead section and a hot-cold joint for connecting the heating and cold lead sections. In addition, a high emissivity coating may be formed on the first layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for skin tightening after incising or excising tissue portions from a subject. Exemplary methods and devices include tunable dressings having an adhesive layer and a regulatable layer or an un-stretched layer that responds to one or more external stimuli to contract or expand the dressing, where the contraction or expansion can be uniform or non-uniform.

Abstract: A digital measurement system includes an oscillator, a mixer, and a controller coupled to each other. The oscillator provides a reference signal having a second frequency. The mixer generates a down-converted signal based on the output signal and the reference signal. The controller then determines a characteristic of the output signal (e.g., frequency or phase) based on the down-converted signal. An analog measurement system includes a filter having a center frequency, a rectifier, and a controller. The filter filters the output signal and the rectifier rectifies the filtered signal. The controller samples the rectified signal and determines a characteristic of the output signal based on the level of the rectified signal. The reference signal controller may adjust a characteristic of the output signal based on the determined frequency and/or phase of the output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of soft tissue includes a source of radiation, a handpiece which is adapted to transmit radiation emitted from the source of radiation to a region of soft tissue, resulting in irradiated soft tissue, said handpiece being positioned adjacent to or in contact with said soft tissue region, a grid element adapted to hold at least one temperature sensor in contact with or embedded in said region of soft tissue, and a microprocessor, which converts a signal from the at least one temperature sensor into a measure of damage produced in at least two components of the irradiated soft tissue, said components comprising at least one normal tissue component and at least one malignant, hypertrophic, diseased, or unwanted component.

Abstract: A therapy system includes a therapy module to perform successive deposits of energy in a target zone. The therapy system further includes a control module configured to, prior to deposits of energy, produce an a priori estimate of the induced heating. A thermometry module is configured to measure temperature in a measurement field. The induced heating may be derived based on a tissue model from the settings of a therapy module. The therapy module includes a high-intensity focused ultrasound transmitter. A magnetic resonance examination system configured for thermometry is employed as the thermometry module.

Abstract: A method of ablating a tissue site includes at least two stages. A first stage involves conducting bipolar ablation between a first pair of electrodes situated in an opposing arrangement on opposing sides of the tissue site to form a pair of opposing first stage ablation regions extending from respective sides of the tissue towards the center. A second stage involves conducting bipolar ablation between a second pair of electrodes situated in a diametrical arrangement with respect to the first stage ablation regions, which forms a second stage ablation region intermediate the pair of first stage ablation regions. The second stage completes the ablation through the entire depth of the tissue site. Since the overall process can accommodate incomplete ablation during the first stage, lower power, reduced ablation times or both may be used during the first stage, avoiding overheating and with a decrease in ablated tissue volume.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling microwave antennas are disclosed herein. The cooling systems can be used with various types of microwave antennas. One variation generally comprises a handle portion with an elongate outer jacket extending from the handle portion. A microwave antenna is positioned within the handle and outer jacket such that cooling fluid pumped into the handle comes into contact directly along a portion of the length, or a majority of the length, or the entire length of the antenna to allow for direct convective cooling. Other variations include cooling sheaths which form defined cooling channels around a portion of the antenna. Yet another variation includes passively-cooled systems which utilize expandable balloons to urge tissue away from the surface of the microwave antenna as well as cooling sheaths which are cooled through endothermic chemical reactions. Furthermore, the microwave antennas themselves can have cooling lumens integrated directly therethrough.

Abstract: Devices and methods for contactless skin treatment use feedback power control for non-invasive treatment of skin and human tissue. Electromagnetic energy heats skin or tissue. A feedback system measures an output physical quantity before the output of electromagnetic waves from the device into the patient. Alternatively the feedback system scans values of a physical quantity on or near the patient. The devices and methods allow for delivering the optimum amount of energy to the patient while reducing the thermal load of the device.

Abstract: Provided is an ablation catheter system with a balloon which can improve the effect of therapy by ablation by eliminating variation in the surface temperature of a balloon in the ablation catheter with a balloon which cauterizes the tissue. An ablation catheter system with a balloon comprising a catheter shaft, a balloon fixed to the catheter shaft, a lumen which penetrates the catheter shaft in the direction of the long axis and communicates with the interior of the balloon, a heating electrode arranged in the balloon, a heating device which applies electrical energy to the heating electrode, and a vibration imparting device which imparts a vibration to the heating liquid by periodically repeating suction and ejection of the heating liquid from the lumen.

Abstract: A method of predicting a radiation pattern emitted by an energy applicator includes the steps of providing thermal profile data for an energy applicator, determining a specific absorption rate around the energy applicator as a function of the thermal profile data, and generating a simulated radiation pattern for the energy applicator as a function of the determined specific absorption rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a region of interest of an object, animal or person to an alternating magnetic field has a source of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation arranged to provide the alternating magnetic field in an exposure volume defined by the apparatus, and a shield arranged between the source of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and the exposure volume. The shield includes a material that has a sufficient thickness and arrangement to reduce power deposition to at least regions outside of the region of interest of the object, animal or person during exposure in the exposure volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia device for capacitive coupling comprising a radiofrequency source, an amplifier, a sensor, a feedback amplifier and a modulation signal generator, wherein the radiofrequency source produces a source signal which is modulated by the modulation signal generator, amplified by the amplifier and directed to a target, the sensor receives a feed back signal from the target that is directed to the feed back amplifier, wherein the feedback signal is amplified by the feedback amplifier and modulates the source signal to generate a target modified signal. This radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia device is designed for increasing the selectivity of the hyperthermia treatment.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy.

Abstract: An electrophysiologic catheter with an improved control handle is provided. The catheter includes a heat transfer assembly to better dissipate heat in the control handle. The heat transfer assembly includes a pump, a reservoir containing a coolant, a heat transfer member, and a coolant transport network transporting coolant between at least the reservoir and the heat transfer member. In one embodiment, the heat transfer member is located within the control handle as a heat exchanger on the circuit board to receive the coolant for transferring heat from the integrated circuits to the coolant. In another embodiment, the heat transfer member is located on the circuit board directly surrounding the integrated circuits to internally cool the integrated circuit within the control handle. A second heat transfer member is located outside of the control handle as a heat exchanger.

Abstract: In order to perform balloon ablation and spot ablation by one ablation catheter without exchanging an ablation catheter body at the time of treatment by catheter ablation, an ablation catheter with a balloon is provided with a catheter shaft, a balloon which is mounted to the front end side in the longitudinal direction of the catheter shaft, a lumen which communicates with the balloon from the end face on the back end side in the abovementioned longitudinal direction, an in-balloon electrode and an in-balloon temperature sensor which are disposed in the balloon, and a front end electrode and a front end temperature sensor which are mounted in a front end region including the end face on the front end side in the abovementioned longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A microwave hyperthermia treatment system employs a set of antennas individually controllable to provide different phase and amplitude outputs and controlled to cycle through different sets of phases and amplitudes over time to minimize the effect of hotspots formed by any given set of phases and amplitudes and creating limiting high temperatures outside of a desired treatment area.

Abstract: A heating and monitoring system is described having a radiometer to monitor temperature of internal tissue and or bodily fluids in a non-invasive way. The radiometer may comprise a multi-frequency radiometer to allow for taking a temperature reading at a desired depth within the tissue of a patient.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for treating a bladder within a body of a subject, including inserting one or more heaters into the bladder wall of a subject, and selectively heating the one or more heaters by a remote device.

Abstract: This relates to treating reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more particularly, to exchanging energy with airway tissue such as that found in human lungs. This exchange of energy reduces the ability of the airways to constrict, reduces the resistance within the airway to the flow of air through the airway, reduces mucus plugging of the airways, and/or increases the airway diameter. This energy exchange also may reduce the ability of the lung to produce at least one of the symptoms of reversible obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example method may include a method for treating tissue near a body passageway using an apparatus including a catheter having a plurality of electrodes, a radio-frequency energy generator, and a controller coupling the energy generator to the plurality of electrodes and configured to selectively energize the electrodes. The method may include using the apparatus to subject the tissue near the body passageway to a plurality of energy treatment cycles. The treatment cycle may include determining desired voltages for at least a subset of the electrodes for maintaining a predetermined target temperature profile proximate the subset of electrodes, setting an output voltage of the energy generator to correspond to the desired voltage determined for one of the electrodes, and energizing at least some of the electrodes at the output voltage to deliver energy to the body passageway.

Abstract: A method and device for inducing anaesthesia in mammals by the application of RF energy to create hyperthermia derived neural anaesthesia. An RF generator drives a plurality of electrodes placed in tissue surrounding the target nerve fiber to desiccate the desired length of nerve fiber to be desiccated in a single deployment. The device allows high-speed selection/de-selection of bipolar electrode pairs or sets under continuous RF excitation. Activation of electrode pairs is adapted in response to sensed current density and temperature (by electrodes not in the current discharge activation phase) in order to create lesions of complex and well defined shape necessary for the production of hyperthermia derived neural anaesthesia.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems can be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Selection of a plurality of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause visual display of a corresponding activation path in the graphical representation. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting tissue contact prior to and/or during energy delivery to tissue. For example, the methods may include calculating temperature and detecting tissue contact based on signal(s) received from a radiometer. The radiometer may provide information about whether a treatment device is in contact with the tissue, and thus provide feedback to assist a clinician in properly contacting and treating the tissue.

Abstract: A apparatus for performing tissue modification procedures on a patient's body can include a device, which can be adapted for connection to at least two electrodes, where temperature sensors can be incorporated into tip portions of said electrodes, a high frequency generator, which can be operatively associated with said device, wherein said generator can deliver non-simultaneously a high frequency signal output to each of said electrodes, and a feedback control circuit, which can be configured to regulate the signal output delivery to each of said electrodes so it can maintain a user settable temperature at tip portion of said electrodes when the electrodes can be in contact with the patient's body.

Abstract: Embodiments of dermalogical cell treatment are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A medical apparatus (300, 400, 500, 600, 700) comprises a heating system (304) for heating a target zone (324) of a subject (320), wherein the energy density in a predefined volume is modeled (338) using a thermal model and a processor (330) for controlling (340) the heating system (304).

Abstract: A circuit (10, 110, 210) configured for connecting an electrode (28, 126, 228) to a catheter or sheath is disclosed. The circuit (10, 110, 210) includes a member (12, 112, 212) having a longitudinal axis (14, 214) and configured to extend along at least a portion of the length of the catheter or sheath. The circuit (10, 110, 210) further includes a trace (16, 116, 230) printed on the member (12, 112, 212), where the trace (16, 116, 230) includes at least a longitudinal segment (18, 118) extending generally along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis (14, 214) and a transverse segment (20, 120) extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis (14, 214). In an embodiment, the circuit further includes a pad (26, 126, 226) integral with and extending from the (10, 110, 210) proximal the transverse segment (20, 120) of the trace (16, 116, 230). A catheter or sheath assembly comprising the circuit (10, 110, 210) and an electrode (28, 126, 228) connected to the circuit (10, 110, 210) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for radiometrically measuring temperature and detecting tissue contact during ablation. An interface module includes a first input/output (I/O) port for receiving radiometer and thermocouple signals from an integrated catheter tip (ICT) that includes a radiometer; a second I/O port for receiving ablative energy from an electrosurgical generator; a temperature display; a patient relay; a computer-readable medium storing radiometer and thermocouple parameters and instructions for causing the processor to: calculate a temperature adjacent to the ICT based on the radiometer and thermocouple signals and the parameters; causing the temperature display to display the calculated temperature; closing the patient relay to pass ablative energy from the second to the first I/O port; determining whether the ICT is in contact with tissue based on the radiometer signal. An output device indicates whether the ICT is determined to be in contact with the tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for providing treatment feedback for a thermal treatment device (100) is provided. In certain embodiments, a thermal transmitter (120) is configured to apply an amount of thermal energy (104) to a target site (106), the thermal energy having a selected frequency and a selected power level for penetration to a depth beneath the surface of the skin. A thermal imager (140) is also provided, the thermal imager (140) being configured to capture thermal data and thermal images of the target site. The device may further provide a thermal display (160) configured to display the thermal images and thermal data, providing feedback to a user (201).

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly for heat treatment of a region of a biological tissue (410) comprising energy-generating means (100) to supply energy to the region; means (200) for measuring and recording spatial temperature distribution in said region; a control unit (300) comprising means for point-to-point digital processing of the temperature distribution in the region. The invention is characterised in that the energy-generating means comprise means(110) for spatial and temporal distribution of the power available to them on said region, the control unit (300) comprising means (330, 350), based on the temperature distribution, for controlling the amount and distribution of energy supplied by the generating means (100).

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for delivering energy to an airway wall of a lung comprising an energy delivering apparatus and a PID controller having one or more variable gain factors which are rest after energy deliver has begun. The energy delivering apparatus may include a flexible elongated member and a distal expandable basket having at least one electrode for transferring energy to the airway wall and at least one temperature sensor for measuring temperature. The PID controller determines a new power set point base on an error between a preset temperature and the measured temperature. The algorithm can be Pi+1=Pi+G(?ei+?ei?1+?ei?2) where ?, ? and ? are preset values and ? is from 1 to 2; ? is from ?1 to ?2; and ? is from ?0.5 to 0.5. In another variation, the controller is configured to shut down if various measured parameters are exceeded such as, for example, energy, impedance, temperature, temperature differences, activation time and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed methods and devices treat lower back pain from degenerated or injured intervertebral discs. Electrodes connected to a pulse generator deliver electrical impulses to nerves located within the posterior longitudinal ligament and posterior annulus fibrosus of lumbar intervertebral discs. Percutaneous and paddle leads containing the electrodes are disclosed. The percutaneous lead, designed to prevent inappropriate stimulation of the thecal sac, is inserted in the anterior epidural space using a special cannula and lead blank. Paddle leads are configured individually for implantation in each patient. The electrical stimulation may reduce back pain reversibly, with or without the simultaneous use of non-thermal irreversible electroporation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for extravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for percutaneous energy delivery in an effective, manner using one or more probes. Additional variations of the system include array of probes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.

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: 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: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for modulating nerves. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal region. Two or more electrodes may be positioned adjacent to the distal end region of the elongate shaft. A control unit may supply power and control algorithms to the electrodes. The control algorithm may allow the electrodes to be operated simultaneously and individually.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for focused remodeling and downsizing the volume of subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, body contouring, and tightening skin tissue, using controlled heating of the targeted areas on the body. Electromagnetic energy heats skin layers or tissues to achieve an aesthetic effect. The electromagnetic energy may be applied via an applicator without touching the skin. A spacer of insulating or dielectric material may be provided between the applicator and the skin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus, methods and procedures for the noninvasive treatment of tissue using microwave energy. In one embodiment of the invention a medical device and associated apparatus and procedures are used to treat dermatological conditions using microwave energy.

Abstract: Radiofrequency (RF) skin treatment devices and methods are provided herein. RF energy is delivered via electrodes in a phase-controlled manner which heats skin volumes below the surface more than the skin surface itself. At least one electrode at least partially encloses at least one other electrode. The combination of controlling the phases of the RF energy delivered to different electrodes and the enclosing configuration of the electrodes allows concentrating the delivered energy in specific regions below the skin surface at a particularly high efficiency. Configurations of the enclosing and the enclosed electrodes, their forms and combinations with other electrodes and the phase polarities applied to the electrodes are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for transcutaneously treating tissue located beneath a skin surface with electromagnetic energy delivered from a treatment electrode. A portion of the treatment electrode is contacted with the skin surface. While maintaining the contact between the portion of the treatment electrode and the skin surface, the electromagnetic energy is delivered from the treatment electrode in a plurality of power pulses through the skin surface to the tissue over a treatment time with a time gap between each consecutive pair of the pulses to lower a level of pain perceived by a patient.