Abstract: A device and method suitable for remodelling the internal surface of a hollow vessel at least partially occluded by a mass is provided. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising a tip portion located at the distal terminus of the body, and at least one heating element located proximally to the tip portion within the distal end. The at least one heating element is configured to be greater in dimension proximally than distally and thereby tapers towards the distal end. Furthermore, the at least one heating element is arranged so that it can be deployed outwardly from the body of the device and in so doing exert an expansion force on the hollow vessel. The at least one heating element is capable of delivering sufficient energy to remodel the internal surface, and if necessary caused localized ablation, of the hollow vessel without inducing closure of the hollow vessel.

Abstract: A device for generating localized heating in a selected body tissue includes an applicator having a source of microwave radiation and an array of retractable needles arranged so as to extend from one face of the applicator and, in operation, to confine the irradiated microwave energy field emanating from the applicator. The device has application for controlling excessive bleeding from severed tissue during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A device for generating localized heating in a selected body tissue includes an applicator having a source of microwave radiation and an array of retractable needles arranged so as to extend from one face of the applicator and, in operation, to confine the irradiated microwave energy field emanating from the applicator. The device has application for controlling excessive bleeding from severed tissue during surgical procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods suitable for causing tissue ablation at a specified therapeutic site in the body of a patient. The apparatus comprises an ablation device having a distal end and a proximal end and a central lumen extending along its length, the distal end comprising at least one energy delivery element suitable for causing tissue ablation. A penetrating member having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising a sharp tip suitable for piercing tissue and creating a channel for the device in the tissue, is coaxially positioned within the central lumen of the ablation device and is capable of being advanced distally out of the central lumen of the device and retracted back to within the central lumen of the device. The apparatus may further comprise an endoscope for delivery of the device to the site of treatment.

Abstract: A method for maintaining patency in a duct or hollow vessel located within the body of a patient is described wherein the duct includes one or more obstructions. The method comprises the steps of introducing a device into the duct, the device comprising a catheter having a distal and a proximal end, wherein the distal end includes a distal tip portion and wherein the distal tip portion comprises at least one energy delivery member; locating the device within the duct at a position proximal to the obstruction; delivering energy to the duct and any surrounding tissue via the at least one energy delivery member for a specified time period, so that the obstruction is removed from the duct; and withdrawing the device from the duct. It is optional to subsequently place a device such as a stent at the therapy site in order to further maintain long term patency of the duct. It is also optional to apply a dilation force to the duct or hollow vessel after the energy delivery phase.

Abstract: A device for generating localized heating in a selected body tissue includes an applicator having a source of microwave radiation and an array of retractable needles arranged so as to extend from one face of the applicator and, in operation, to confine the irradiated microwave energy field emanating from the applicator. The device has application for controlling excessive bleeding from severed tissue during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A removable stent (10) has guide member pairs (16) and loops (20), the guide member pairs being used to align arms of a framework (28) which may expand or collapse the stent. The stent can be retained inside an outer sheath (30) of a catheter (32) with a collapsible filter net (34). Magnetic stents and stents with springs (170) and hinges (156) are also provided.

Abstract: A device is provided that is suitable for percutaneous insertion into a hollow vessel, such as a blood vessel, within the body of a patient for purpose of causing endoluminal closure of the vessel at a specified therapeutic site in the body of a patient. The device suitably is in the form of a catheter that is slidably mounted on a guidewire. The catheter may comprise one or more heating modules, as well as one or more extendable structures located on the device and optionally on the associated guidewire, that lead thermal ablation of the vessel walls and subsequent collapse of the vessel. The catheter can function alone or in cooperation with an associated guidewire to induce sealing of the vessel. Methods of using the catheter to treat lesions such as tumours or hemorrhages are also described.

Abstract: A flexible RF device (1) can be deployed through a flexible endoscope. An electrode structure has a central electrode (12) and outer electrode (11). Flexible electrodes (30), circular electrodes (51, 53) and circular loop assemblies (55, 56) with different diameters are also disclosed, as well a tweezer electrodes (41) with pads (43) for increasing contact area. Retractable electrodes (100) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of tumours comprising an elongate catheter (102), a plurality of flexible needles (402) confined within the catheter which, when extended therefrom, take up a curved form and which, together, define a structure for surrounding a tumour to be treated; the needles being arranged to heat and embolise a shell of tissue surrounding the tumour, thereby cutting off the tumour's blood supply. The invention further extends to a method of treatment using such a device.

Abstract: A device includes an applicator and electrode needles forming two rows. Needles may be inserted into tissue and electromagnetic power may be applied thereto, following which a blade may be used to cut the tissue. The blade may be located between or outside and parallel to needle rows. The blade is located on an actuator operable by a handle, which may be in the form of a rod.

Abstract: A surgical organ resection device comprising a plurality of elongate electrodes for insertion into organ tissue, the electrodes being capable of operating in a bipolar manner, and an input for receiving a drive signal for driving the electrode, the elongate electrodes being arranged in a two-dimensional array and/or the device being arranged such that, in use, subsets of the elongate electrodes are driven in turn.