Abstract: A biomedical electrode comprises a connector stud (1) anchored in a patch of adhesive-coated backing material (7) which is used to secure the electrode to the skin of a patient. The connector stud (1), which is located in a pierced opening in the backing material (7), has a head portion (2) to which an electrical lead of an electromedical monitoring/diagnostic system can be attached, and an electrode plate (3) which, when the biomedical electrode is in use, is placed in electrical communication with the skin of the patient. A strip of ionically-conductive adhesive (9) extends across the backing material and over the electrode plate (3) and a strip of scrim material (17) is located adjacent the adhesive coating on the backing material, underneath the adhesive strip (9). The two strips (9, 17) are displaced, relative to the electrode plate (3), towards a tab (13) which is used for removing the electrode from the skin of the patient.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surgical instrument preferably for high-frequency surgery, which is designed for simple operation. For this purpose, by means of an operating device consisting of a movable handle and a grip handle, the housing 8 of the instruments of the electrode 5 moves longitudinally, through the motion of the thumb, so that the electrode 6 can be brought into working position or an APC mode can be selected. Through spring force, for instance, upon activation of a catch button or by setting aside the instrument, the electrode can automatically be retracted into the housing 8 or the housing 8 can be brought to a position surrounding the electrode 5.

Abstract: A directional ablation instrument for ablation of a targeted tissue. The instrument includes a transmission line having a proximal portion suitable for connection to an electromagnetic energy source, and an elongated antenna device having a longitudinal axis and an end coupled to the transmission line. The antenna is adapted to generate an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation of the targeted tissue. An elongated support assembly includes a central axis, and a ablation surface extending longitudinally along an exterior surface portion of the support assembly. The support assembly is configured to receive the antenna device in the ablation surface such that the longitudinal axis of the antenna device is off-set from the support assembly central axis. Further, the antenna device is oriented toward the surface portion for positioning of the antenna device substantially adjacent to or in contact with the targeted tissue during operable use.

Abstract: In a dissecting instrument for surgical operations a working instrument such as a blade with cutting edge is fastened to a holding device such as a handle. Coagulation devices are provided, with a gas-supply apparatus to supply an ionizable (noble) gas and current-conducting means to supply an HF coagulation current. It is proposed to mount electrode devices that form part of the current-conducting means in such a way that they are separate from the working instrument but nevertheless close to it, and to make the working instrument electrically insulating so that the coagulation current can be guided to the tissue without being conducted through the working instrument even while the latter is in contact with the tissue.

Abstract: This is an artificial occlusion kit for implanting and retaining an artificial occlusion device in a body space adjacent to and extending from a body lumen in a mammal. The includes at least one occlusion device and a retaining device for blocking the migration of the occlusion device out of the occlusion site. The retaining device is radially expandable at a retaining site adjacent the body space to be occluded to a diameter that is sufficient to engage the body lumen wall at the retaining site and form a barrier across the entrance zone of the body space to be occluded. The expanded retaining device also forms a lumen for flow through body lumen at the retaining site. At least one semi-penetrable space may also be provided in the retaining device, allowing introduction of occlusion devices into the body space to be occluded, but preventing subsequent migration of the occlusion devices out of the body space.

Abstract: Techniques whereby electrical stimulation to treat symptoms from central and peripheral nervous system disorders such as those found in e.g. Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, psychiatric illness and intractable pain, using a quadripolar deep brain stimulation electrode connected to an implantable pulse generator have been expanded. By an implantation of an electrode, it is important for the outcome to determine the optimal placement of the electrode. By the invention, an electrode device is provided allowing stimulation of a large volume of neural tissue in combination with simultaneous microelectrode recording. Other improvements involve a temporary electro-physiological microrecording microelectrode/stilette 1, a bent electrode tip, a split electrode tip or an asymmetrical electrical stimulation field.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed which includes a deformable electrode device. In one illustrative embodiment, the deformable electrode is in the form of a braided member, at least a portion of which is electrically conductive. The braided member is extended over an elongated inner member, such as a guide wire, catheter shaft, or the like. A proximal sheath is slidably extended over the inner member and is connected to the braided, electrically conductive member. The proximal sheath may be advanced distally to deform the braided member so that it defines a distally facing, ablative ring, and is operative to form an annular lesion.

Abstract: A directional reflective shield assembly (25) is provided for a microwave ablation instrument (20) having an antenna (23) coupled to a transmission line (21). The antenna (23) is formed to generate an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The shield assembly (25) includes a cradle device (26) disposed about the antenna (23) in a manner substantially shielding a surrounding area of the antenna (23) from the electric field radially generated therefrom. The cradle device (26) further provides a window portion (27) communicating with the antenna (23) which is strategically located relative the antenna to direct a majority of the field generally in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system and methods for repairing an annular organ structure comprising high frequency ablation for the purposes of tightening and stabilizing a tissue. A catheter suitable for high frequency ablation comprises a flexible tissue-contactor means located at the distal tip section of a catheter shaft for contacting an inner wall of the annular organ structure, and a needle electrode means located at or within the flexible tissue-contactor means for penetrating into the tissue, wherein the needle electrode means is deployable out of the tissue-contactor means in a manner essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method and apparatus for tissue electrical impedance determination and electrical power control in a surgical device. In an embodiment of the invention an apparatus for controlling power delivery in an electro-surgical instrument is disclosed. The electro-surgical instrument includes a first channel and a second channel for delivery of energy to a surgical site. The apparatus includes: a switch, a measuring unit, a processor and a drive unit. The switch electrically isolates the second channel during a first measurement interval and the first channel during a second measurement interval. The measuring unit is coupled to the first and the second channel. The measurement unit measures a first power level of the first channel during a first measurement interval and a second power level of the second channel during a second measurement interval. The processor is coupled to the measuring unit and to the switch.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis in an effective, non-invasive manner, which leaves the outer layer of skin intact and undamaged. One embodiment of the invention provides electromagnetic energy to the skin of a patient. The device includes a carrier and an array of electrodes on the carrier. A microporous pad on the carrier overlies the array of electrodes, forming an interior chamber to contain an electrically conductive material. The microporous pad is adapted to contact a patient's skin and ionically transport the applied electromagnetic energy to ohmically heat dermal tissue beneath the epidermal skin region. The shape of the carrier may differ to match different skin topographies and the electrodes may be sized to extend into tissue to heat a dermal skin region.

Abstract: Multifunction and radial deflection wires (66, 64) extend from a catheter shaft (8) and into a handle (4). The multifunction wire is pulled and pushed longitudinally and is rotated about its axis to change the stiffness of and to laterally deflect the tip portion (12). A curve size manipulator (32) on the handle body (24) moves the multifunction wire longitudinally but does not hinder its rotational movement. Rotation of a lateral deflection manipulator (38) on the handle causes the proximal end (70) of the multifunction wire to rotate about its own axis; the free longitudinal movement of the proximal end is unhindered. Any initial corkscrewing or other deflection of the tip portion can be removed at assembly by rotating the proximal end (68) of the radial deflection wire. The longitudinal movement of the manipulators can be limited by movable stops (120).

Abstract: A method and a catheter for passing a therapeutic electric current to, or sensing electric signals from, the body of a patient. The catheter is inserted into the esophagus of the patient, temporarily sealing a space surrounding a portion of the catheter containing one or more electrodes within the esophagus wall. The space is filled with an electrically conductive liquid (electrolyte). Then, an electric current is passed through electrodes to the conductive liquid between the esophagus wall and an electrode carried on the catheter in spaced relation from the esophagus wall or to other electrodes in the heart or body surface.

Abstract: Tanning bed apparatus is provided for providing a person with an artificial sun tan. The apparatus includes a lower tanning unit and an upper tanning unit that is moveable between an open and a closed position where the units together form a tanning chamber. A first longitudinally extending edge of the lower tanning unit is positioned lower than the vertical center of the tanning chamber to ease the task of entering and exiting the chamber. A second longitudinally extending edge of the lower tanning unit includes at least one tanning bulb that is positioned at or above the vertical center of the chamber to eliminate uneven tanning along one longitudinally extending edge of the user. At least one tanning bulb in the first longitudinally extending edge of the upper tanning unit is positioned at or below the vertical center of the chamber to eliminate uneven tanning along the opposite longitudinally extending edges of the user.

Abstract: An improved electrosurgical cutting device for connection to an electrosurgical generator has a non-conductive support member with a peripheral edge and a conducting member in the form of a wire electrode, distinct from the support member, disposed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the support member. The conducting member is electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator suitable for transmitting sufficient high frequency electrical energy to the conducting member, thereby enabling the conducting member to cut body tissue. The support member has a configuration that facilitates the manipulation of body tissue either with or without the presence of electrical energy at the conducting member.

Abstract: A medical device for treating the uvula or airway obstructions by reducing the mass of cellular tissues, wherein a plurality of elongate tubular shafts comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer means disposed at its distal end portion of each shaft, an ultrasonic energy generating means, and a means for generating vibration at the distal section of the tubular element to effect the ablation having an additional vibrational massage therapy for the tissues.

Abstract: Electrodes arrays for monitoring in vivo electrical activity are disclosed. The arrays include a plurality of electrode contact pads in a predetermined spatial orientation held together by a structural matrix material that is preferably bioresorbable. The electrode pads are connected via lead wires to monitoring, analysis, and recording apparatus. The electrode arrays can be individually prepared, and configured (e.g., by irregular spacing between the electrode contact pads) to conform to the region undergoing analysis. Because the matrix material is substantially resorbed in the course of the protocol, the individual electrode cables will no long be attached to each other (or in the case of branching electrodes, the branches will no longer be fixed in position). In either instance, the electrode cables (or trunk and branches) can be removed without a second major operation.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode for an electrocardiograph or similar device is provided. The biomedical electrode includes a disposable electrode having an electrically conductive gel layer and a smooth layer film. The disposable electrode interfaces with a reusable leadwire connector having the relatively expensive metallic conductive material. The reusable leadwire adapter includes a vinyl top layer which attaches to the smooth layer film of the disposable electrode through surface attraction. The reusable leadwire adapter may include a suction cup which attaches to the disposable electrode through a partial vacuum. The reusable leadwire also includes a stud member which snaps into a standard leadwire connector.

Abstract: A steerable electrophysiology catheter includes a shaft having a distal ablation segment with one or more electrodes coupled to a source of electrical energy by a connector extending through the shaft. The distal ablation segment of the shaft is movable between a collapsed configuration sized for percutaneous introduction into the patient and/or endoluminal delivery to the target site and an expanded configuration, in which the distal ablation segment forms a substantially continuous surface transverse to the shaft axis for engaging the heart tissue and creating a linear lesion thereon. The catheter includes one or more force element(s) positioned to apply an axial force between the distal and proximal ends of the ablation segment. The force element(s) provide a sufficiently uniform force against the distal ablation segment to establish continuous contact pressure between the electrodes and the patient's heart tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic operating apparatus includes an ultrasonic vibrator, an oscillation circuit and a power amplifier which serve as a driving energy supply portion for supplying a driving energy for driving the ultrasonic vibrator. A current detector detects a driving energy supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator. A determining device determines whether or not the ultrasonic vibrator is driven normally depending on whether or not the current component of the driving energy detected by the current detector is in a predetermined range. If it is determined that the ultrasonic vibrator is not driven normally, a stop device stops a supply of the driving energy to the ultrasonic vibrator.