Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions are provided for implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue (e.g., muscle, brain). A subject implantable device includes: (i) a biocompatible substrate, (ii) a conduit (e.g., an electrode, a waveguide) that is disposed on the biocompatible substrate, and (iii) an engagement feature (e.g., a loop) for reversible engagement with an insertion needle. The biocompatible substrate can be flexible (e.g., can include polyimide). The implantable device is implanted using an insertion needle that includes an engagement feature corresponding to the engagement feature of the implantable device. To implant, an implantable device is reversibly engaged with an insertion needle, the device-loaded insertion needle is inserted into a biological tissue (e.g., to a desired depth), and the insertion needle is retracted, thereby disengaging the implantable device from the insertion needle and allowing the implantable device to remain implanted in the biological tissue.

Abstract: A medical instrument can include a wrist, an end effector, pull wires that extend through the wrist toward for controlling a motion of the end effector, and a conductive cable that extends through the wrist to the end effector. The wrist can have proximal and distal clevises and proximal and distal pulleys through which the conductive cable passes. The conductive cable can extend over one or more redirect surfaces of the distal and/or proximal clevises.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for resecting tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a tissue resecting device may comprise an elongated structure having a longitudinal axis, the elongated structure comprising an outer sleeve with a distal window configured to receive uterine polyp tissue and an inner sleeve configured to move between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the window. In some further embodiments, the device may also comprise an electrode element coupled to the inner sleeve. In some even further embodiments, the device may include an insulative layer covering at least a portion of the inner sleeve, wherein the tissue resecting device is configured to fail when used to resect tissue more fibrous than uterine polyp tissue.

Abstract: A tool assembly for use with an electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a base portion, an electrical insulator extending distally from the base portion, a return lead adapted to be electrically coupled to a return terminal, and an active lead adapted to be electrically coupled to an active terminal. The return lead is movably supported on the electrical insulator. The active lead is fixed to the electrical insulator. The return lead is rotatable about a pivot and translatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the electrical insulator and the active lead. Upon activation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut tissue in contact with the active lead.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe includes an elongated shaft assembly having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. A distal housing is mounted on the distal end of the shaft and optionally includes a laterally open window where a plane of the window is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. An interior channel extends axially through the shaft and further through an interior of the housing to the window in the housing. An electrode member with a serrated or other elongated edge may extend longitudinally across the window and may be configured to reciprocate the elongated edge longitudinally relative to the window.

Abstract: A power controller device and system allows verification, monitoring, and control of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula creation catheter which comprises a main housing having a power supply, an embedded electronic controller and a user interface display, and which is configured to allow connection to an intravascular catheter. When activated, the device verifies that a valid catheter is connected, downloads stored manufacturing calibration data from the catheter, and provides a user interface to allow initiation of AV fistula creation. Once creation of the AV fistula is initiated, the device provides closed loop control of the catheter heating element and provides a means of monitoring the catheter temperature and tip position to a prescribed parameter to automate the arteriovenous fistula creation procedure.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to devices and methods for preparing an existing, implanted prosthetic aortic valve for subsequent prosthetic aortic valve implantation. To prepare the existing valve, a valve preparation device is delivered to the valve and valve leaflets are severed either via mechanical cutting or electrodes so that the leaflets cannot obstruct a blood flow path once a prosthetic valve is subsequently implanted within the valve. Similarly, in alternate embodiments, devices and methods of the disclosure can be used for preparing a native aortic valve for delivery and implantation of a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A catheter system for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula includes a proximal base having a distal end surface. A distal tip is connected to the proximal base and is movable relative to the proximal base. The distal tip has a proximal end surface. The distal end surface and the proximal end surface are adapted to contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create the fistula. A peripheral edge defines the distal end surface of the proximal base. A stop is formed in the peripheral edge and is configured to limit movement of the distal tip in a proximal direction.

Abstract: An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade includes top and bottom thin elongated conductive members in vertical alignment and spaced apart from one another along their lengths, a non-conductive coating covering both the top and bottom thin elongated conductive members and the space located between them to create opposing non-conductive sides of the blade with conductive cutting and ends and conductive non-cutting ends exposed, and both return and active contact layers located on each of the opposing non-conductive sides of the blade. An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade assembly having argon beam capability further includes a non-conductive tube member having a slot positioned over the top of the ultrapolar electrosurgery blade and a conductive hollow tubular member contained within at least a portion of the non-conductive tube member.

Abstract: A heating and/or cooling device for contact with a human body is provided having a power source outputting electrical energy, a temperature controller operably coupled to the power source configured to maintain a predetermined temperature parameter, and at least one heating and/or cooling module operably coupled to the temperature controller for selectively receiving the electrical energy and being responsive thereto to heat and/or cool the human body. The at least one heating and/or cooling module having a pair of electrodes spaced apart by a thermoelectric powder and an insulator at least partially surrounding the thermoelectric powder.

Abstract: A portable, personal therapy chamber for provision of radiation therapy. The therapy chamber includes a pair of telescopically positionable units that are lightweight and easily portable by a single user. The therapy chamber is configured for use by a single person lying generally prone on a surface. The units are formed from a plurality of pivotably coupled panels that are foldable in a first direction to a rolled up, tube-like storage configuration and unfoldable in a second direction to an arched formation or use configuration. The units, in the use configuration, are disposed to overlie the user and include a plurality of emitters that direct infrared energy toward the user's body.

Abstract: A garment structure having an adjustment mechanism for abutting at least one pad unit against a human body includes a garment body, at least one adjustment belt, and at least one pad unit being an electrode pad unit, a heating pad unit, or an electrode pad unit with a heating unit. The adjustment belt has one end connected to the garment body, and another end fixed to an outer surface of the garment body. When the adjustment belt is pulled tight, the garment body is dragged to move toward the skin. The pad unit is disposed on the garment body, and moves, along with a portion of the garment body being dragged, to abut against the skin. A user wearing the garment structure can pull and secure the adjustment belt to enable the pad unit to easily and quickly abut against the skin to proceed with electrotherapy and/or heat therapy.

Abstract: A power controller device and system allows verification, monitoring, and control of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula creation catheter which comprises a main housing having a power supply, an embedded electronic controller and a user interface display, and which is configured to allow connection to an intravascular catheter. When activated, the device verifies that a valid catheter is connected, downloads stored manufacturing calibration data from the catheter, and provides a user interface to allow initiation of AV fistula creation. Once creation of the AV fistula is initiated, the device provides closed loop control of the catheter heating element and provides a means of monitoring the catheter temperature and tip position to a prescribed parameter to automate the arteriovenous fistula creation procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment apparatus including a housing, an insertion unit provided on one side of the housing and formed to be inserted into a tissue through a tissue surface, and a cooling unit cooling the one side of the insertion unit within the housing to prevent thermal damage to the tissue touched when the insertion unit heated during a treatment time is drawn out from or inserted into the tissue, and a method of controlling the same and a treatment method. According to the present invention have effects in that they can prevent a problem in that unnecessary damage to a tissue occurs while maintaining a treatment effect of the skin because the heated end of the insertion unit is cooled and moved.

Abstract: Heat exchange pads for use on a patient are described herein. An example heat exchange pad can include a surface defining an internal volume and having a flexible patient contacting portion, an inlet fluidly connected to the internal volume for delivery of fluid into the internal volume, an outlet fluidly connected to the internal volume for removal of fluid from the internal volume, and at least one extended surface structure positioned within the internal volume to disrupt laminar flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for identifying and/or ablating targeted nerves are provided. A probe with stimulating electrodes and/or ablation members are provided. The probe may be inserted into a nasal cavity and current may be introduced through the electrodes to stimulate a targeted area. The response to stimulation may be used to identify the targeted nerve. Once identified, the ablation member may ablate the targeted nerve.

Abstract: A catheter and tissue cutting system percutaneously permits the creation of an anastomosis between a first and second anatomical structure, such as a vein and an artery. The system comprises a catheter having a main body with a lumen and tapered distal tip, configured to be moved distally into the first anatomical structure over a primary guidewire. A cutting electrode is nested in the main body, with a lumen which tracks over a secondary guidewire, and is insertable into the secondary anatomical structure. An energy supply is operative to energize the cutting electrode in order to cut a tissue wall defining the first anatomical structure.

Abstract: A thermal therapy pod adapted to maintain a desired therapeutic temperature and change temperature on the fly without needing to be heated or chilled by an external thermal source. The therapy pod is self-contained and uses an electric powered thermal transferring element that can provide both heat and cold therapy. The temperature and duration of use may be controlled using an application on a mobile device. The therapy pod can be positioned on a user using straps, wraps, sleeves, or other wearable therapy pod retaining devices.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes first and second shaft members defining proximal and distal end portions and including handles at the proximal end portions thereof. A pivot member couples the distal end portions with a gap defined therebetween proximally of the pivot member. First and second jaw members extend distally from the shaft members, distally of the pivot member. A lockout bar is movable between an unlocked position, withdrawn from the gap, and a locked position, disposed within the gap. The handles are pivotable between spaced-apart and approximated positions to pivot the jaw members between open and closed positions. The handles are yawable between the approximated position and a yawed position to yaw the jaw members between the closed position and a cutting position. The gap provides clearance to permit yawing such that, when the lockout bar is disposed in the locked position, yawing of the handles is inhibited.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical system includes a medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a distal end, at least one cutting element disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a position-tracking transducer disposed at the distal end of the shaft, and electrically insulated from the shaft and the at least one cutting element, and at least one metal coagulation electrode disposed at least partially over the position-tracking transducer, which electrically isolates the at least one metal coagulation electrode from the shaft, a signal generator coupled to apply an electrical current to the at least one metal coagulation electrode, and processing circuitry configured to receive signals generated by the position-tracking transducer, and track a location of the distal end responsively to the received signals.