Abstract: A controlled relative motion system comprising a base support, a manipulable support, and a plurality of hinged doubled pivoting links rotatably coupled to the base support and rotatably coupled to the manipulable support. A plurality of force imparting members has at least one coupled to one of the plurality of doubled pivoting links so as to be able to cause it to rotate. Also, at least one is coupled to the base support so as to be able to cause that base support to move toward or away. This joint can be used with a similar control joint, coupled thereto by coupling shafts held apart by a slidable separator, to form an extended length inserter for inserting an object positionable by the insertion joint in an obstructed location reached along a constricted passageway. These structures, positioned within a barrel, can rotate together but an activator slider, positioned at least partially about that barrel though not rotatable therewith, is coupled to the separator to cause sliding thereof.

Abstract: An energy irradiation device for medical use to irradiate a living body with energy includes a data storage for storing data indicative of correlations between information about bloodstream quantities and amounts of tissue necrosed in living bodies for a plurality of living bodies differing in bloodstream quantity that are irradiated with a predetermined quantity of the energy, a calculation unit for calculating a quantity of the energy with which to irradiate a predetermined living body based on the data stored in the data storage, the information about the bloodstream quantity in the predetermined living body, and the amount of tissue to be necrosed in the predetermined living body.

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 surgical probe and methods for targeted treatment of structures of the heart with heat and radiofrequency energy. The probe which is designed to operated by hand has a elongate member with a handle and an energy-delivering member in an adjustable loop configuration. The control placed on the handle allow the user to alter the length of the loop configuration of the energy-delivering member and to thus place energy-delivering elements located on the energy-delivering member at selected or targeted portions of the heart or structures within the heart. The elongate member is conformable and can be bent into different configurations to allow additional targeted treatment of the particular portions of the heart.

Abstract: Microwave catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a microwave transmission element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Renal neuromodulation may be achieved via dielectric heating in the presence of microwave irradiation that modulates neural fibers that contribute to renal function or alters vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

Abstract: A system 30 and method(s) 100 for thermal treatment of a selected target within a subject is disclosed. System 30 includes RF source 10, phase shifter 14, impedance matching network 11 and resonator 13. Stationary water molecules 1, such as those in fat cells, are heated. The invention is useful in selective heating of cellulite bodies as a means of treating cellulite.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for relieving pain associated with an intervertebral disc having a disc nucleus pulposus and an outer annulus fibrosus surrounding the nucleus pulposus. The method includes the steps of providing an elongated thermal or electromagnetic probe member having a flexible guidable region adjacent the distal end thereof; introducing the flexible guidable region of the probe into the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc; and supplying thermal or electromagnetic energy, from an energy source, to heat or induce an electromagnetic field adjacent to the annulus fibrosus sufficient to produce a thermal or electromagnetic effect on the intervertebral disc. The flexible guidable region of the probe may be introduced at a location which is in relative close proximity to the region of intervertebral disc to be thermally or electromagnetically treated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating tissue at or near a sphincter provide for transluminal introduction of an energy delivery device. The device includes a tissue compression member to compress target tissue at or near the sphincter. A radiofrequency energy source is coupleable to the delivery device to deliver radiofrequency energy to the target tissue. Energy is delivered to heat the tissue to a desired temperature. The desired temperature is selected to induce an injury-healing response or to inducing shrinkage of collagen fibers in the target tissue to thereby reduce laxity in the target tissue.

Abstract: A therapy system comprises a therapy module to perform successive deposits of energy in a target zone, the therapy system being provided with a control module is configured to prior the deposits of energy produce an a priori estimate of the induced heating. For example a thermometry module is provided to measure temperature in a measurement field. The induced heating may be derived on the basis of a tissue model from the settings of the therapy module. In particular the therapy module is a high-intensity focuses ultrasound transmitter. A magnetic resonance examination system configured for thermometry is employed as the thermometry module.

Abstract: A single-coil RF electrode, along with an associated method of operation, has been developed for use in an RF applicator, RFA apparatus or RFA system for heating tumors, including large tumors with a single heating session. The RF electrode generally has a helical geometry, although many variations exist, and is provided with an excitation current having a frequency that is sufficient for magnetic induction and coupling of various electric and magnetic fields to produce an electric field within the volume surrounded by the coil for directly applying heat to the tissue therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a microwave heating method and apparatus for evenly heating an object, such as a person's body. The methods and apparatus involve use of microwave source (or sources) that outputs multiple microwaves that are non-correlated with each other in phase; an array of antennas that radiate substantially plane microwaves to form a pseudo uniform microwave electromagnetic field, where the microwaves are not phase-correlated, in order to eliminate non-uniform heating caused by interference. Each of the antenna array consists of multiple antenna units, each antenna unit consists of at least one microwave radiator and at least one converter that converts the spherical microwave to plane microwave. A computer based control system and a temperature monitoring subsystem can be used to adjust the output of each antenna, in order to enhance the uniform heating effect. The apparatus and method can be used to perform whole-body hyperthermia or regional hyperthermia.

Abstract: A medical device for ablating tissues within a heart chamber comprising a guiding member intended to be introduced in the oesophagus of the patient and an ablating member comprising an ablation electrode mounted at the distal end or tip of catheter. Both the head of the guiding member and the tip of the ablating member are magnetised and can enter into magnetic coupling when their distal ends are brought in close contact. Once the magnetic coupling is achieved, the tip of the ablating member is guided by moving the guiding member. The guiding member can include sensors enabling to monitor physiological parameters during the intervention.

Abstract: A catheter with temperature sensing has a catheter body and a tip section with an integrated thermosistive temperature sensor on its outer surface. The temperature sensor includes a microfabricated thin film assembly of which one layer is a sensor layer of thermoresistive material. In one embodiment, the tip section has a flexible tubing with a temperature sensor on its outer surface. In another embodiment, the tip section has an extended tip electrode with a temperature sensor on its outer surface.

Abstract: A technique for detecting and providing alerts or indications that can be used for controlling or altering the displacement speed of an applicator coupling skin heating energy across a treated skin. A temperature sensor monitors the rate of skin temperature change and provides feedback related to altering the applicator displacement speed according to the rate of skin temperature change. Disclosed is also an applicator for implementing this method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to thermal profiling systems for hypothermic and/or ablative energy systems and methods of their use. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a system for profiling a thermal or electromagnetic treatment system, including an energy delivery probe, is provided. The profiling system includes a bath including a fitting supported on a side wall thereof configured for selective insertion of a distal tip of probe therethrough; a test gel disposed within the bath; and at least one piece of a reactive medium submerged in the test gel.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for repairing defective occlusions are provided. One embodiment includes an elongate body having a first lumen extending from a proximal end toward a distal end of the elongate body. An elongate structure, having a lumen extending from a proximal end toward a distal end of the elongate structure, is extendably and rotatably positioned at least partially within the first lumen of the elongate body. An energy emitting device is coupled to a portion of the elongate body proximal the distal end of the elongate body to emit focused ultrasound.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for tightening tissue of the female genitalia by heating targeted connective tissue with radiant energy, while cooling the mucosal epithelial surface over the target tissue to protect it from the heat. Embodiments include a handle and treatment tip that has both an energy delivery element and a cooling mechanism. The handle may be a two-handed handle allowing control even while rotating and maneuvering the treatment around the genital opening. The apparatus or system may also include an integrated controller, which may confirm tissue contact without applying RF energy, based only on the temperature of the applicator and the time since the last application of energy from the applicator.

Abstract: A radio frequency diathermy application device, including a flexible pad and a flexible coil structure coupled to and supported by the pad The flexible coil structure has a flexible spiral-like primary winding and a flexible spiral-like secondary winding coupled to the primary winding, the primary and secondary windings each substantially lying in separate substantially parallel planes when the pad is in an unflexed state.

Abstract: A tissue ablation device assembly ablates a region of tissue in a body of a patient. The tissue ablation device assembly comprises an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. A tubular porous membrane having a porous wall with an inner surface that defines an inner space is located along the distal end portion of the elongated body. An ablation element is disposed over the porous membrane, with the ablation element having a fixed position with respect to the porous membrane. A fluid passageway extending through the elongated body and communicates with the inner space. The fluid passageway is adapted to be fluidly coupled to a pressurizeable fluid source for delivering a volume of pressurized fluid from the fluid source to the inner space. The porous membrane allows at least a substantial portion of the volume of pressurized fluid to pass through the porous wall for enhancing ablative coupling between the electrode and the region of tissue.

Abstract: This relates to methods and devices for achieving contact between the wall of a cavity or passageway and a medical device when used in tortuous anatomy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to apparatus and methodology of thermal applicators in cancer therapy. In particular, the present embodiments are directed to a technique called “nanoparticle ferromagnetic resonance heating,” where ferromagnetic resonance heating in addition to an RF hyperthermia treatment is used to cause cell apoptosis and necrosis. An apparatus for carrying out a ferromagnetic resonance heating treatment of a tumor, comprises a volume concentration of super paramagnetic particles contained within the interior of the tumor, the concentration ranging from about 0.1 to about 1 percent; a magnetic field source configured to deliver a gradient DC magnetic field to the region of the tumor; and an energy source configured to deliver to the tumor an RF field at a frequency ranging from about 100 to 200 MHz.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting vulnerable plaques embedded in the wall of a patient's blood vessel includes an intravascular catheter containing a microwave antenna, an extracorporeal radiometer having a signal input, a reference input and an output, a cable for electrically connecting the antenna to the signal input, and a device for applying an indication of the patient's normal tissue temperature to the reference input so that when the catheter is moved along the vessel, the locations of the vulnerable plaques are reflected in a signal from the output as thermal anomalies due to the higher emissivity of the vulnerable plaques as compared to the normal tissue. A second embodiment of the apparatus has two coaxial antennas in the catheter serving two radiometers. One measures the temperature at locations in the vessel wall, the other measures the temperature at the surface. By subtracting the two signals, the locations of vulnerable plaque may be visualized.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave irradiation tool encompasses a narrow tube (endoscope probe) (7) defined by an outside diameter of 0.1 mm-20 mm, having an electromagnetic wave irradiation terminal (3) configured to irradiate an electromagnetic wave (2) having a frequency equal to a characteristic frequency of a microorganism (11) at the top of the narrow tube (7) and an electromagnetic wave generation unit (3) configured to generate the electromagnetic wave (2) and to supply the electromagnetic wave (2) to the electromagnetic wave irradiation terminal (3). The electromagnetic wave irradiation tool drives the microorganism (11) into a resonant vibration state selectively so that the microorganism (11) can be destroyed, without giving damages to biological body (1) for medically treating the disease induced by the microorganism (11).

Abstract: A system (10) for heating a biological site in a patient's body includes a transformer (14) having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The secondary winding has a tap (24) to provide a ground reference and two sources of radio frequency (RF) energy. An active electrode (16) is connected to each source to apply energy from its associated source to the site, the energy applied by one electrode (16) being out of phase with the energy applied by the other electrode (16).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for administering chemotherapy to a patient. The method includes heating target tissue to a first temperature to cause hyperthermia, wherein the temperature is in the range of about 40° C. to about 45° C. The method includes allowing the body to compensate for the hyperthermia by causing hyperfusion and increased blood flow to the target tissue. The method includes administering a chemotherapeutic drug adjacent the target tissue and allowing the chemotherapeutic drug to perfuse the target tissue; and heating tissue to a second temperature to ablate the target tissue.

Abstract: Clamp based low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods.

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: A treatment system for occluding a hollow anatomical structure comprises a treatment device sized for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure. The treatment device comprises a therapeutic element configured to treat the hollow anatomical structure. The system comprises a sensor configured to sense a first treatment parameter. A controller is in communication with the treatment device and with the sensor. The controller is configured to determine a second treatment parameter based on the first treatment parameter and output the second treatment parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of tissue within a body requiring thermotherapy includes a catheter to be inserted into a bodily conduit, an energy-emitting source disposed within the catheter, a compression balloon surrounding the energy-emitting source where the compression balloon has an inflated diameter that is greater than that of the bodily conduit in a relaxed state and an outside surface of the balloon is coated with one of gene modifiers and drug or medication, and means for activating the energy-emitting source to radiate energy to heat the drug-coated compression balloon and tissue to be treated whereby the heated drug-coated compression balloon effectively delivers the one of the gene modifiers and drug or medication to a target area of the diseased tissue. In addition, methods for using the above apparatus to treat diseased tissue are disclosed.

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: A device for treating tissue, via a cooled antenna, within a body is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating tissue adjacent to a bodily conduit using thermotherapy, while preventing obstructions of the bodily conduit due to edema employs the circulation of warmed fluid to maintain the temperature of the bodily conduit walls and compresses the tissue to be treated to increase the effectiveness of the irradiated heat. An energy-emitting source containing catheter is inserted in a bodily conduit and is positioned in a region of the tissue to be treated so that the energy-emitting source radiates energy to the tissue to be treated. Fluid warmed to over 30° C. is circulated into and through the catheter to warm walls of the bodily conduit adjacent the catheter. The circulated fluid inflates a balloon to a pressure to compress the tissue to be treated. The combination of warmed fluid over 30° C.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for therapeutically heating a target zone of a collagenous support tissue within a patient body. In exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides electronically determining an acceptable or unacceptable contact condition between an energy source and a first tissue layer disposed proximally to the target zone. Upon determining an acceptable contact condition, the target zone is irradiated or otherwise heated for a finite time period with energy. A determination of an unacceptable contact condition causes cessation of irradiating.

Abstract: A system is described having a heating device with a focused antenna array, a chair, a cabinet, at least one temperature monitoring device, a cooling system, and a controller. The system may be used to heat and monitor internal tissue and/or fluid in an individual in a non-invasive way.

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: An applicator and method for application of electromagnetic energy to an area of tissue is described. The applicator includes a visually-transparent, high-dielectric interfacing assembly which has a conformable tissue-engaging surface and an opposed antenna-engaging surface. At least one balanced, circularly-polarized antenna is disposed in a plane substantially parallel and adjacent to the antenna-engaging surface. The interfacing assembly and at least one antenna are substantially transparent to enable visual viewing of the area of tissue. This enables monitoring of the tissue for adverse treatment effects while electromagnetic energy is being applied to the at least one antenna and radiated into the tissue.

Abstract: Methods include determining whether an infection is in proximity to an implanted rechargeable medical device. If an infection is determined to be present, the recharge process is allowed to sufficiently heat the device to facilitate clearing of the infection. Additional methods include monitoring temperature in proximity to an implantable rechargeable device in connection with recharging the device. If the monitored temperature falls outside a desired range, one or more parameters associated with recharge energy are modified to cause the temperature to reside within the desired range. The desired temperature range, may be a range that can facilitate treatment of a condition in proximity to the implanted device without causing undesired damage to the patient's tissue surrounding the implanted device.

Abstract: A method for thermotherapy of a biological tissue by determining the temperature at which to heat a target site to be treated to provide a temperature to the site to effect therapy, the temperature above body temperature but below a protein denaturation temperature, as determined by a patient's experience of a sensation of pain. Thermotherapy is effected in the absence of coagulative effects by providing oscillatory energy at the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a microwave energy delivery device including a body, the body defining a chamber portion. The chamber portion is configured to receive a portion of a microwave energy delivery device and the body is configured to absorb energy transmitted by the microwave energy delivery device at a predetermined absorption rate.

Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy, a measurement system, a switching network configured to connect the microwave energy delivery device between the microwave energy source and the measurement system, a tuner connected between the switching network and the microwave energy delivery device and a control system. The tuner adjusts the circuit impendence of the microwave energy delivery device based on a tuner control signal. The control system is configured to receive data from the measurement system, determine an impedance mismatch between the microwave energy delivery device and the microwave energy source and provide the control signal to the tuner. The measurement system includes an analog input configured to receive a first signal related to the energy delivered by the microwave energy source and an analog output configured to produce a second signal configured to drive the microwave energy delivery device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and method for treating urinary incontinence generally relying on energy delivered to a patient's pelvic support tissue to selectively contract or shrink at least a portion of that pelvic support tissue so as to reposition the bladder. The energy will preferably be applied to the endopelvic fascia and/or an arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. A variety of devices and methods are provided for applying gentle resistive heating of these and other tissues to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. By applying sufficient energy over a predetermined time, the tissue can be raised to a temperature which results in contraction without significant necrosis or other tissue damage. By selectively contracting the support tissues, the bladder neck, sphincter, and other components of the urinary tract responsible for the control of urinary flow can be reconfigured or supported in a manner which reduces urinary leakage.

Abstract: A system and method for heating a tissue volume under a skin surface of an individual from an initial temperature to a predetermined treatment temperature in the range of 42°-60° C. The method comprises applying electrodes to the skin surface and providing from the electrodes a continuous wave RF energy or a quasi-continuous wave RF energy, where the RF energy has a power selected to heat the tissue volume to the final temperature in an amount of time exceeding 0.5 sec. The system of the invention comprises electrodes and an RF generator configured to provide a continuous wave RF voltage energy or a quasi-continuous wave RF voltage across the electrodes where the RF energy has a power selected to heat the tissue volume to the final temperature in an amount of time exceeding 0.5 sec.

Abstract: Systems for treating a mucosal surface of an alimentary canal tissue region are provided. The systems can include an elongate support structure, an expandable member positionable at a distal portion of the support structure and one or more radio frequency (RF) ablation electrodes carried by the expandable member. The elongate support structure and the expandable member can be adapted to place the one or more electrodes in contact with a mucosal surface of an alimentary canal tissue region. The system can further include an RF energy source connected to the one or more electrodes.

Abstract: A system 30 and method(s) 100 for thermal treatment of a selected target within a subject is disclosed. System 30 includes RF source 10, phase shifter 14, impedance matching network 11 and resonator 13. Applicator 3 conveys output signal 17 from energy source 10 through surface 6 of biological tissue 4 to predetermined energy dissipation zone 5 after output 17 has been processed by the phase shifter 14, IMN 11 and resonator 13. Stationary water molecules 1, such as those in fat cells, are heated. System 30 is operative to heat a volume of biological tissue beneath the biological tissue surface 6 such that surface 6 of biological tissue 4 is maintained at a lower temperature than predetermined energy dissipation zone 5 without a cooling device. The invention is useful in selective heating of cellulite bodies as a means of treating cellulite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode for an electrosurgical unit for the use in ablating and necrosing a living tissue by RF electric energy.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for predictively controlling the temperature of a coolant delivered to a treatment apparatus configured to non-invasively treat a patient's tissue with doses of electromagnetic energy. The treatment apparatus includes a closed-loop cooling system connected with an energy delivery device used to deliver the electromagnetic energy to the patient's tissue. Coolant is pumped from a reservoir to the energy delivery device in the closed-loop cooling system. The control temperature of the coolant in the reservoir is adjusted based upon the specific room air temperature. This predictive adjustment promotes better control over the coolant temperature at the energy delivery device by lessening the effects of heat gain in transit from the reservoir to the energy delivery device.

Abstract: A procedure electrically stimulates a nerve or group of nerves. Unlike conventional systems this procedure is tuned to target a large or small group of neurons using noninvasive electromagnetic induction. This system is capable of doing this by using the principles of the alternating current in a capacitance inductance series resonance circuit. In this system the nerve resonator treats the neuron like a thin conductor placed between the plates of a capacitor in series with an inductor and then tuned to resonate with the appropriate frequency of alternating current. The system could also be inductance tuned for a given frequency. Once the system is tuned, the current amplitude in the entire circuit including the thin conductor or nerve fiber can be externally controlled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for thermal therapy, especially to detection-guided, -controlled, and temperature-modulated interstitial thermal therapy. Thermal therapy may be used to treat the tissues of a patient. In the case of interstitial thermal therapy, energy is applied to generate heating of the tissue to affect treatment, such as, for example, thermally inducing tissue damage (e.g. thermally-induced tissue necrosis), which may be useful in treating tumors and/or other diseased tissues. Since targets for thermal therapy are internal to the patient, the use of detection guidance may be useful in locating and monitoring treatment of a target tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for retrieving information about one or more states of a mammalian body comprising: (a) a magnetic resonance imaging device comprising a first set of one or more radio-frequency coils for measuring the body temperature Ti at a selected location of a mammalian body, (b) a local heating means including a second set of one or more radio-frequency coils, said second set comprising at least two channels for delivering focused radio frequency energy to said selected location of said mammalian body and raising the temperature Ti thereof, and (c) means for modulating said radio-frequency energy delivered by said second set of coils as a function of said temperature Ti in order to reach and maintain a predefined temperature Tp above the normal mammalian body temperature Tb.

Abstract: Retrograde methods of accessing and treating collagenous pelvic tissue from a fixed point behind the endo-pelvic fascia, particularly from a space of retzius, are disclosed. Performing treatment from the space of retzius provides for simple and reliable placement and application of the system which in turn enhances both safety and efficacy of such retrograde methodologies. Generally, the systems of the present invention comprise at least a two-part assembly including a penetrating cannula or trocar and an expansible energy applying applicator that is preferably dismounted from behind the endo-pelvic fascia, particularly the space of retzius. The systems and methods are particularly well suited for the treatment of incontinence and other conditions related to insufficient collagenous pelvic tissue support.