Abstract: A system and method are provided for assessing the compliance of internal patient tissue for purposes of catheter guidance and/or ablation procedures. Specifically, the system/method provides for probing internal patient tissue in order to obtain force and/or tissue displacement measurements. These measurements are utilized to generate an indication of tissue elasticity. In one exemplary embodiment, the indication of elasticity is correlated with an image of the internal tissue area and an output of this image including elasticity indications is displayed for a user.

Abstract: A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.

Abstract: A flameless heater apparatus and method whose heating capacity and performance can be selected and tuned at the time of manufacture, and which is easily used and has a long shelf life. The apparatus and method may be used in flameless ration heaters, such as may be used in military or emergency situations. There is provided a flameless heating method and apparatus in which the solid reactive ingredients (not including liquid reactant, typically water) are not all blended or mixed together at the time of apparatus fabrication. Rather, at least one key ingredient (typically a super-corroding alloy of magnesium and iron) in a dry powder form is kept physically segregated from all the other ingredients, such as catalysts (normally acids such as acetic or tartaric acid or acidic mixtures) and surfactants. The exothermic chemical reaction is initiated only after at least one (typically a dry powder catalyst) goes into aqueous solution after the application of water (saline or non-saline).

Abstract: Methods for treating dyspnea with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated system and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods that block, reduce, and/or inhibit renal sympathetic nerve activity to achieve a reduction in central sympathetic tone. Renal sympathetic nerve activity may be altered or modulated along the afferent and/or efferent pathway. The achieved reduction in central sympathetic tone may carry therapeutic benefits for patients with dyspnea.

Abstract: A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction comprising a heating element that applies heat to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands, which assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force application device may also apply force to tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in tissue that causes convective heat loss, and to help express obstructions from the meibomian gland, including from a channel of the meibomian gland, with reduced discomfort to the patient. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device with a reclining surface (6) for a patient and with two radiant heaters (3, 4) directed towards the reclining surface (6) and with a control unit (5), which is set up to control the heat output of each of the radiant heaters (3, 4). The reclining surface (6) includes structure for pivoting about an axis of rotation (12) at right angles to a body axis (11) of the patient. An angle or slope sensor (13) detects the deviation of the position of the reclining surface (6) from the horizontal plane. The control unit (5) is connected to the angle or slope sensor and adapts the heat output of each of the first radiant heater and of the second radiant heater (4) as a function of the detected measured value of the slope such that the heat output of each heater differs by a predetermined factor and the heat output of each heater is equal when the reclining surface is in the horizontal position .

Abstract: An interventional device (12) is configured to be positioned in a body and includes an electrically operable unit (E1, E2) configured to carry out an interaction with the body upon a receipt of electric power. The device further includes a sensor (2) configured for wirelessly receiving electromagnetic energy from a remote source. The sensor is configured as a resonant circuit (2a, 2b) which converts the received electromagnetic energy into the electric power. The electrically operable device may include a diagnostic and/or therapeutic module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus 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: A cryoprotectant for use with a treatment device for improved removal of heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin is provided. The cryoprotectant is a non-freezing liquid, gel, or paste for allowing pre-cooling of the treatment device below 0° C. while preventing the formation of ice thereon. The cryoprotectant may also prevent freezing of the treatment device to the skin or ice from forming from moisture seeping out from the skin. The cryoprotectant may further be hygroscopic, thermally conductive, and biocompatible.

Abstract: A thermal surgical instrument having a system to control the delivery of power from an energy source to active element located on a tip. The system for controlling delivery to the tip may include a control algorithm which uses one or more measurements, such as tip current, SWR, and rapid changes in reflected power, to manage power without affecting cutting efficacy, and in a manner that may be imperceptible by a surgeon. The system may utilize a state machine to determine the current environment in which the tip may be in. Power delivered to the tip may be selectively managed according to a fixed power index or a repeatedly executed power profile.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treatment of heart arrhythmia via renal neuromodulation. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, ablation, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of an electric field. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of neuromodulatory agents, of thermal energy and/or of high intensity focused ultrasound. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion.

Abstract: A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction comprising a heating element that applies heat to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands, which assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force application device may also apply force to the patient's eyelid during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss, and to help express obstructions from the meibomian gland, including from a channel of the meibomian gland. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue is provided, including positioning a stimulation device proximate a phrenic nerve; stimulating the phrenic nerve with the stimulation device; measuring a physiological response to the stimulation; defining a threshold physiological response value based at least in part on the measured physiological response; positioning a thermal treatment element proximate to an arrhythmogenic cardiac tissue region; applying a thermal treatment regimen to the cardiac tissue region with the medical device; measuring a physiological parameter during the thermal treatment regimen application; and conveying the measured physiological parameter to a controller, the controller comparing the measured physiological parameter to the defined physiological response value threshold, the controller adjusting the thermal treatment regimen in response to the comparison of the measured physiological parameter to the defined physiological response value threshold.

Abstract: A multi-layered therapy pad is provided having a comfortable and supportive structure that houses heat therapy and electrotherapy means for treating back injuries and sores while an individual lies thereon. The pad comprises a first and second outermost layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam sandwiching an internal layer of higher density foam, which also supports electrical connections between the therapy controller, the power source, and the two therapy means within the pad. The electrotherapy means comprises static or tethered electrodes that apply pulsing electric current directly onto the user's back for stimulation and easing of back pain, while the heat therapy is applied using a resistance heating element within the pad, which heats a majority of the pad for applying heat to the user's back. The operation of the therapy means is controlled by an external controller, while power in received through an external source or an internal battery pack.

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 system that can be used to provide highly controlled thermal therapy and compression to both cool and heat a skin surface and a joint and surrounding tissue below the skin surface is provided. The system includes a joint conforming wrap; a power supply module for supply power to the joint conforming wrap and a cable operably coupling the wrap and the power supply module. The joint conforming wrap and power supply module include opposing thermoelectric modules. The joint conforming wrap is designed to provide heat transfer processes to the body of a patient to warm or cool the skin and a joint and surrounding tissue disposed under the skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for preventing or significantly reducing the risk of thrombus formation. More specifically, the devices and methods of the present invention provide energy to blood flowing within a chamber or vessel to prevent or reduce blood stasis and thereby prevent or significantly reduce the risk of thrombus formation. The present invention is ideally suited for prevention or reduction of risk of blood clot formation in the atria in patients with atrial fibrillation, in blood vessels of patients at risk of clot formation, in areas adjacent to, or on, artificial heart valves or other artificial cardiovascular devices, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and a method for thermally comforting a patient include pneumatic, convective device providing thermal treatment for persons or animals, which is adapted for use in combination with a clinical garment such as a hospital gown, robe, bib, and other equivalents. The pneumatic convective device provides convective warming focused or directed primarily on the thorax or body core. The pneumatic convective device includes at least one inlet for being accessed through a clinical garment, a region in distribution with the inlet for distributing a stream of pressurized, thermally treated air, and a permeable member for emitting pressurized, thermally treated air from the distribution region.

Abstract: A device and a method for thermal treatments of target material with various thermal interactions are disclosed. A preferred treatment includes at least one capacitor and thermal heat generator that provides a predetermined known quota of energy to the target surface. In particular, the launching of thermal energy quanta from various energy sources in lumps of energy quanta and leading to the treatment and healing of a variety of skin conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a mattress 20, a detector 54 and an energy management system comprising thermally conductive pathways and a controller 60. The controller activates one or more selected pathways in response to information from the detector to regulate energy transfer at a detected region of risk 66 on the mattress.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing therapeutic heating are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a device body configured to provide heat to a portion of skin. The device body also includes a low-level heating region and a high-level heating area. The low-level heating region provides a continuous amount of heat at a first temperature, and the high-level heating area provides an intermittent amount of heat at a second temperature greater than the first temperature.

Abstract: A combinational hot compress device comprises a first and second hot compress pads and a first and second positioning elements are respectively disposed around the two hot compress pads. A first and second areas are adjacently disposed on top of the first hot compress pad and a first heating device is disposed in the first area. A third and fourth areas are adjacently disposed on top of the second hot compress pad and a second heating device is disposed in the fourth area. When the first or the second hot compress pad is folded in half, the two halves thereof are coupled by the first or the second positioning element, so that the first and the second areas or the third and the fourth areas are overlapped with each other. Thereby, the two hot compress pads are formed which can be used independently.

Abstract: A device and method for the sanitary provision of wax to the skin of patrons. Paraffin wax containers shaped to conform to the patrons face, hands, and feet provide individual reservoirs of paraffin which are heated and subsequently applied to the patron's body. Exothermic pouches are provided to heat the individual portions of paraffin wax housed in the body-part-shaped containers.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for thermotherapy based on optical imaging.

Abstract: Catheter apparatus comprises a coaxial cable having proximal and distal ends. The cable includes a hollow center conductor, an outer conductor and an electrically insulating layer between the conductors. An antenna is at the distal end of the cable, and a diplexer is connected to the cable, the diplexer including a transmit path for connecting the antenna to a transmitter which transmits first frequency signals and a receive path for connecting the antenna to a receiver which detects second frequency signals the diplexer isolating the signals on the two paths from one another. A transmission line connects the cable to the diplexer, the transmission line having a segment with a tubular inner conductor one end of which is connected to the center conductor and a second end of which is adapted for connection to a coolant source, the center and inner conductors forming a continuous coolant pathway.

Abstract: Nanoparticle-sized magnetic absorption enhancers (MAEs) that exhibit a controlled response to a magnetic field, including a controlled mechanical response and inductive thermal response. The MAEs have a magnetic material that exhibits the inductive thermal response to the magnetic field and is embedded in a coating, such that the MAE conforms to a particular shape, e.g., a hemisphere, a dome or a shell, that is chosen to produce the desired controlled mechanical response of the entire MAE to the magnetic field. A targeting moiety for specifically binding the MAE to a pathogen target is also provided. The MAEs are preferably bound by a flexible linker to promote the desired mechanical response, which includes interactions between MAEs that are not bound to their pathogen target for the purpose of forming spheres, spherical shells, or generally spherical dimers.

Abstract: A massage apparatus is provided with a housing, and a substrate mounted for rotation to the housing and driven by a motor. A massage node and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater are mounted to the substrate. A pair of contacts and a pair of brushes maintain electrical engagement of the PTC heater with the housing during rotation of the substrate. Another embodiment provides an infrared light emitting diode (LED) beneath the massage node in electrical communication with the housing due to the contacts and brushes. Another embodiment provides a method for imparting a heated massage effect by providing a massage apparatus with a message mechanism, a PTC heater and a plurality of infrared LEDs. A massage effect is imparted and a warm-up operation is initiated of the PTC heater and the LEDs. The warm-up operation of the PTC heater is discontinued upon the massage mechanism reaching a predefined temperature.

Abstract: Instruments for thermally-mediated treatment of a patient's lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to induce an injury healing response to thereby populate the extracellular compartment of walls of the LES with collagen matrices to alter the biomechanics of the LES to provide an increased intra-esophageal pressure for preventing acid reflux. A preferred embodiment is a bougie-type device for trans-esophageal introduction that carries conductive electrodes for delivering Rf energy to walls of the LES (i) to induce the injury healing response or (ii) to “model” collagenous tissues of the LES by shrinking collagen fibers therein.

Abstract: Systems and method for treating organic tissue of a patient's body in precisely controlled regions of the body such as the parathyroid glands. The systems and methods include introducing an energy or substance into contact with target tissue to control functionality of the target tissue and preventing the energy or substance from contacting surrounding non-target tissues sufficiently that functionality of critical non-target tissues is substantially not affected.

Abstract: A heat therapy device including a care unit presenting a lying surface for supporting an infant, a hood (1) which is moveable between a closed position covering the care unit and an opened position clearing the top of the care unit, a radiation heating (4) arranged such that it can irradiate the lying surface in the opened position of the hood, a convection heating (2), and control units which are configured and arranged to control the operation of the radiation and convection heatings, wherein the control units are configured and arranged to control the operation of the convection heating (2) as a primary heating when the hood (1) is in the closed position and to control the operation of the radiation heating (4) as the primary heating when the hood is in the opened position.

Abstract: An imaging and diagnostic system and method to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant tissue of a prostate and surrounding region. The system acquires imaging data from the prostate and surrounding proximal region, and processes the data to differentiate areas of tissue malignancy from non-malignant tissue. A sectioning device or ablative device is provided. The ablative device is operable by automation for receiving the imaging output coordinates and defining the trajectory and quantity of energy or power to be delivered into the malignant tissue. A control system determines calculated energy or power to be deposited into the malignant tissue during ablation, to minimize destruction of the non-malignant tissue within the prostate and surrounding tissue. The system operates on generated ablative device output data.

Abstract: A method, and system, to induce remission in diseases characterized by excess production of sTNR and interleukin 2 has been developed. In the most preferred embodiment, the system consists of antibodies to sTNFR1, sTNFR2 and sIL2R immobilized in a column containing a material such as SEPHAROSE™. The patient is connected to a pheresis machine which separates the blood into the plasma and red cells, and the plasma is circulated through the column until the desired reduction in levels of sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and IL2 is achieved, preferably to less than normal levels. In the preferred method, patients are treated three times a week for four weeks. This process can be repeated after a period of time. Clinical studies showed reduction in tumor burden in patients having failed conventional chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Abstract: Apparatus and method support the configuration and testing of therapy parameters for a medical device system in the treatment of nervous system disorders. With the embodiment, the medical device system operates in a manual treatment therapy mode, in which the medical device system evaluates a set of information that is indicative of a system configuration. The medical device system determines if the set of information is acceptable. During the manual treatment therapy mode, the medical device system applies therapeutic treatment to a patient in accordance with the set of information. If the patient cannot tolerate the therapeutic treatment, the user indicates so through a user interface. The medical device system may associate the patient's intolerance to therapeutic treatments that equal or exceed the patient's level of tolerance. Moreover, the medical device system may use this information to prevent a delivery of therapeutic treatment that exceeds the patient's level of tolerance during a run mode.

Abstract: A functional adhesive bandage includes an adhesive layer and a cover layer. A sensor for measuring a vital parameter, a control unit, an energy storage device, and an actuator are arranged between the adhesive layer and the cover layer. The control unit is configured to evaluate the vital parameter measured by the sensor. The control unit is further configured to regulate the actuator based on the evaluation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for multi-vessel neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the multi-vessel neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation optionally may be performed bilaterally.

Abstract: This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung.

Abstract: Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms.

Abstract: A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction comprising a heating element that applies heat to the inside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands, which assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. Temperatures at the meibomian glands reach desired higher temperature levels more quickly and efficiently when heating the inside of the eyelid, which may assist in removing obstructions in the meibomian glands. Less time may also be required to reach desired temperature levels when applying heat to the inside of the eyelid. A force application device may also apply force to the patient's eyelid to express the obstruction from the meibomian gland, including from a channel of the meibomian gland, and to increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels.

Abstract: A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Abstract: A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Abstract: A system is described for removing heat from a subject's subcutaneous lipid-rich regions, such as tissues, organs, cells, and so forth. In various embodiments, the system includes a controller, a computing device, a data acquisition device, a chiller, and one or more applicators. The system can employ these components to receive a selection of a treatment profile and apply the selected treatment using an applicator. The treatment profile may be received from a patient protection device that connects to an applicator.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating tissue, wherein the apparatus heats the tissue in a controlled manner so as to promote therapeutic inflammation in the tissue, whereby to augment healing of the tissue.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for ablating biological tissues, in which a cannula is configured to affect biological tissue and a heat transmitting end-effecter is coupled to the cannula. A source of electromagnetic energy is provided via an electro-magnetic energy emitter and a wall of the heat transmitting end-effecter is made of an electromagnetic-energy-absorbing material that absorbs electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: An interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus having co-acting movable probe holders which facilitate positioning of a laser probe and thermal probe in different positions relative to a tissue mass such as the tumor to be treated and relative to each other to facilitate treating tissue masses based on the exact position, size and shape of the tissue mass.

Abstract: A cerebral cooling device that uses a pressurized source to deliver a fluid that evaporates in the nasal cavity to provide cooling and has a balloon on the distal end that inflates from some of the pressure front the pressurized source. The device includes a nasal catheter having delivery ports located in the distal region and a balloon on the distal end. The proximal end of the catheter is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of a low boiling point fluid. A manifold located between the pressurized source and the catheter distributes the fluid and pressure from the pressurized source to a first lumen of the catheter to inflate the balloon and to a second lumen of the catheter through the delivery ports to cool the nasal cavity. A check valve in the manifold ensures that the fluid and pressure are first delivered to the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired. The method and system further provide for the cooling of initially hypothermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been warmed above the desired target level and the warming of initially hyperthermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been cooled below the desired target temperature.

Abstract: An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for controlling charging power based on a cumulative thermal dose to a patient are disclosed. Implantable medical devices may include a rechargeable power source that can be transcutaneously charged. An external charging device may calculate an estimated cumulative thermal dose delivered to the patient during charging over a predetermined period of time. Based on the estimated cumulative thermal dose, the external charging device may select a power level for subsequent charging of the rechargeable power source. In one example, the charging device may select a high power level when the cumulative thermal dose has not exceeded a thermal dose threshold and select a low power level when the cumulative thermal dose has exceeded the thermal dose threshold.