Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treatment of a body part. More particularly, a method and apparatus for heat treatment of tissue using a catheter inserted into a body part is described along with means for positioning the catheter and means for positioning a set of electrodes relative to a tissue sample for treatment. Still more particularly, radio frequency energy at about 400 to 500 kilohertz is used to provide heat for the tissue treatment.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treatment of a body part. More particularly, a method and apparatus for heat treatment of tissue using a catheter inserted into a body part is described along with means for positioning the catheter and means for positioning a set of electrodes relative to a tissue sample for treatment. Still more particularly, radio frequency energy at about 400 to 500 kilohertz is used to provide heat for the tissue treatment.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treatment of a body part. More particularly, a method and apparatus for heat treatment of tissue using a catheter inserted into a body part is described along with means for positioning the catheter and means for positioning a set of electrodes relative to a tissue sample for treatment. Still more particularly, radio frequency energy at about 400 to 500 kilohertz is used to provide heat for the tissue treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by applying a form of energy to tissue in the vicinity of the urethra and/or bladder outlet to change tissue compliance without substantially narrowing the urethral and/or bladder outlet lumen. The apparatus comprises an elongated shaft having a means for treating urethral tissue and an expandable member deployable distal of the means for treating. The expandable member is configured to be anchored against the bladder outlet to dispose the means for treating at a desired treatment site in the urethra using only tactile feedback. The means for treating may include a needleless RF electrode, an ultrasound transducer, or a cryogenic probe configured to be advanced through a hollow needle, each of which are designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treatment of a body part. More particularly, a method and apparatus for heat treatment of tissue using a catheter inserted into a body part is described along with means for positioning the catheter and means for positioning a set of electrodes relative to a tissue sample for treatment. Still more particularly, radio frequency energy at about 400 to 500 kilohertz is used to provide heat for the tissue treatment.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump is provided that simplifies the loading of tubing and automatically self-centers the tubing relative to the pump wheel, wherein the pump includes an elongated arm having slotted pinch forks for engaging the tubing. The pinch forks are arranged substantially tangential to the pump wheel to reduce tubing kinking. The pump further includes a spring-loaded clamp that moves the elongated arm between engaged and disengaged positions, the clamp optionally including a sensor element used to detect when the pump is ready for operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for treating disorders in parts of the body. A particular treatment can include on or more of, or some combination of: ablation, nerve modulation, three-dimensional tissue shaping, drug delivery, mapping stimulating, shrinking and reducing strain on structures by altering the geometry thereof and providing bulk to particularly defined regions. The particular body structures or tissues can include one or more of or some combination of region, including: the bladder, esophagus, vagina, penis, larynx, pharynx, aortic arch, abdominal aorta, thoracic, aorta, large intestine, sinus, auditory canal, uterus, vas deferens, trachea, and all associated sphincters. Types of energy that can be applied include radiofrequency, laser, microwave, infrared waves, ultrasound, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by applying a form of energy to tissue in the vicinity of the urethra and/or bladder outlet to change tissue compliance without substantially narrowing the urethral and/or bladder outlet lumen. The apparatus comprises an elongated shaft having a means for treating urethral tissue and an expandable member deployable distal of the means for treating. The expandable member is configured to be anchored against the bladder outlet to dispose the means for treating at a desired treatment site in the urethra using only tactile feedback. The means for treating may include a needleless RF electrode, an ultrasound transducer, or a cryogenic probe configured to be advanced through a hollow needle, each of which are designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by injecting a bulking agent at the interface between the mucosal and submucosal layers of the urethral wall. The remodeling device comprises an elongated shaft preferably having means for forming a localized inward protrusion of the urethral wall, and a needle, movable between retracted and deployed positions, for delivering a bulking agent into the urethral wall in the vicinity of the localized inward protrusion to thereby reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by applying a form of energy to tissue in the vicinity of the urethra and/or bladder outlet to change tissue compliance without substantially narrowing the urethral and/or bladder outlet lumen. The apparatus comprises an elongated shaft having a means for treating urethral tissue and an expandable member deployable distal of the means for treating. The expandable member is configured to be anchored against the bladder outlet to dispose the means for treating at a desired treatment site in the urethra using only tactile feedback. The means for treating may include a needleless RF electrode, an ultrasound transducer, or a cryogenic probe configured to be advanced through a hollow needle, each of which are designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump is provided that simplifies the loading of tubing and automatically self-centers the tubing relative to the pump wheel, wherein the pump includes an elongated arm having slotted pinch forks for engaging the tubing. The pinch forks are arranged substantially tangential to the pump wheel to reduce tubing kinking. The pump further includes a spring-loaded clamp that moves the elongated arm between engaged and disengaged positions, the clamp optionally including a sensor element used to detect when the pump is ready for operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for ablation of body structures or tissue in a sphincter, sinus or orifice such as the rectum, colon, esophagus, vagina, penis, larynx or pharynx. In one aspect of the invention, the environment surrounding the targeted ablation region can be isolated or controlled by blocking the flow of gases or liquids using an inflatable balloon positioned immediately adjacent to the tissue that is to be ablated. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable balloon also serves to anchor the catheter in place and prevent the catheter from being expelled from the body. The inflatable balloon also insures that locally administered drug remain in the area where most needed. In a second aspect of the invention, positive pressure is used to inflate the balloon. Inflation of balloon triggers the extension of at least one curvilinear electrode into the targeted tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for treating body structures or tissue allows treatment by any of ablation, coating, expansion, plumping, shaping, and shrinking. Treatment sitesinclude any of a sphincter, sinus or orifice. During treatment, electrodes emerge from apertures in a balloon. The balloon with liquid from a circulating bath cools tissue in direct contact with electrodes and immediately adjacent, so that discrete regions are treated, with minimal damage to adjacent structures. Sensors, coupled to electrodes, measure treatment properties such as: temperature, impedance and nervous activity. Measurements are used for: diagnostic assessment, determining treatment parameters, providing nervous stimulation and/or blocking, and feedback for controlling energy delivery. The catheter includes an optical path that can be coupled to external viewing apparatus. Endoscopic methods, including fluoroscopic, fiber optic, or radioscopy allow examining tissue and determining position of electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for treating disorders of the genito-urinary tract and other disorders in other parts of the body. A particular treatment can include one or more of, or some combination of ablation, nerve modulation, three-dimensional tissue shaping, drug delivery, mapping, stimulating, shrinking (by creation of a pattern of thermal lesions) and reducing strain on structures by altering the geometry thereof and providing bulk to particularly defined regions. The particular body structures or tissues can include one or more of, or some combination of regions, including the bladder, esophagus, vagina, penis, larynx, pharynx, aortic arch, abdominal aorta, thoracic aorta, large intestine, small intestine, sinus, auditory canal, uterus, vas deferens, trachea and all associated sphincters. In one aspect of the invention, a catheter is deployed in the body.

Abstract: Apparatus for remodeling in the urinary tract of a human female comprising a remodeling device having a shaft with a profile and with proximal and distal extremities. A handle is secured to the proximal extremity of the shaft. A member is mounted on the distal extremity of the shaft. A plurality of needle electrodes are carried by the distal extremity of the shaft and are disposed circumferentially of the shaft. A pusher is carried by the handle for moving the needle electrodes from a retracted position in which they are within the profile of the shaft and an extended position in which they extend sidewise beyond the profile of the shaft. A pump is connected to the handle for supplying a cooling liquid to the distal extremity of the shaft so that it exits from the shaft in the vicinity of the needle electrodes. An RF generator is coupled to the handle and to the needle electrodes for supplying radio frequency energy to the needle electrodes.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system for the curative treatment of female uro-genital disorders. One aspect of the invention is that it allows the gynecologist to coagulate the entire endometrium and upper layers of the myometrium in one short procedure that can be performed in a physician's office or other outpatient setting, using local or regional anesthesia. A second aspect of the invention is that it can be used to tighten the urethral sphincter and bladder outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating a controlled pattern of ablation throughout the interior of an organ or body cavity while minimizing thermal damage to collateral tissue includes a microporous balloon mounted on a catheter. The balloon, bearing electrodes embedded in the surface, is inserted into the target body region and inflated, whereupon the electrodes come into contact with the interior of the targeted organ. Because of its microporous nature, fluids for cooling or various therapeutic purposes may pass through the surface of the balloon to the target site. Sensors monitor conditions such as temperature and impedance at the site, providing required feedback for delivery of RF energy for ablation, and administration of cooling and hydrating fluids. A second balloon or other means isolates the treatment area and controls the flow and accumulation of body fluids and treatment fluids minimizing adverse treatment effects from fluid accumulations, and anchoring the catheter in place.