Abstract: The current invention concerns systems, devices and methods for the ablation of a vessel's wall from the inside, more specifically to implant devices and to the ablation of the wall of one or more renal arteries from the inside, preferably transmural ablation. Hereby, one or more implant devices can be implanted in the vessels and can subsequently be heated by external energy-providing means.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ablation efficacy are described herein where a hood having a deployable elongated feature can extend beyond a distal face of the hood. The elongated feature can channel the energy to the deeper regions within the tissue (such as trabeculated regions or other tissue structures) such that the energy can be delivered to the target tissue despite small or large irregularities in the target tissue surface (or region) and/or changes in the relative distances between the hood and the target tissue.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate.

Abstract: A circuit for generating a radio-frequency signal for a surgical device is disclosed. The circuit has a voltage regulator that supplies direct current (DC) voltage, a first MOSFET, a second MOSFET, and a MOSFET driver. The MOSFET driver receives the DC voltage supplied from the voltage regulator and has a local oscillator. The local oscillator switches the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET on and off at a frequency generated by the local oscillator. The circuit further includes a transformer connected to the first and second MOSFETs, having a center tap and a main voltage applied at the center tap, and providing an alternating current (AC) output.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a forceps and a blade. The forceps includes a first working jaw and a second working jaw. The blade extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a notched section. The blade is located between the first working jaw and the second working jaw. A first therapy current can be connected to the first working jaw, the second working jaw, or both so that tissue gripped between the first working jaw and the second working jaw and within the notched section can be coagulated. While the tissue is gripped between the first working jaw and the second working jaw, the blade is moveable along its longitudinal axis so that the tissue is cut with the notched section without repositioning the first working jaw, the second working jaw, or both.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical power and an electrosurgical device coupled to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical device includes a transformer and one or more active electrodes coupled thereto, wherein the transformer is adapted to step down the voltage of the power supplied by the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: Methods for treating polycystic ovary syndrome with therapeutic ovarian neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. Polycystic ovary syndrome can be associated, for example, with a condition including at least one of oligo/amenorrhea, infertility, hirsutism, obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and increased cardiovascular risk profile. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate an ovarian artery of an ovary of a patient. Sympathetic drive in the patient can thereby be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for the polycystic ovary syndrome. Ovarian sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated along afferent and/or efferent pathways. The modulation can be achieved, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a therapeutic assembly, e.g.

Abstract: Various surgical devices are provided having mechanisms for preventing premature actuation of a cutting mechanism. These devices generally include a handle having one or more actuators and an effector disposed at a distal end of the device and configured to grasp tissue. When the end effector is in an open position, a firing actuator can be positioned so that it cannot be actuated by a user. For example, the firing actuator can be obstructed by a shield or arm when the end effector is in the open position. In other embodiments, the firing actuator can be hidden in a recess formed in the closure actuator until the end effector is moved to the closed position. When the end effector is in the closed position, the firing actuator can be engaged to advance a cutting mechanism, thereby cutting the tissue grasped by the end effector.

Abstract: A method of treating cardiac tissue is provided, including positioning a first chamber of a medical device adjacent an atrial wall; directing a cryogenic coolant into the first chamber; anchoring the first chamber to the atrial wall through cryoadhesion; directing a distal portion of the medical device into the coronary sinus; and positioning a cardiac lead through at least a portion of the coronary sinus with the distal portion. The method may include measuring a temperature of the first chamber; removing the first chamber from the atrial wall once a predetermined threshold temperature of the first chamber is reached; anchoring a second chamber of the medical device to a portion of the coronary sinus; and/or perfusing blood flow through at least a portion of the second chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of realizing percutaneous (transperineal) ablation of prostate tumor regions, using a radio frequency based coiled device. A bipolar electrode assembly comprising an outer helical electrode and an inner electrode arranged concentric with the outer helical electrode, wherein prior to applying radio frequency energy, at least the outer helical electrode is inserted percutaneously into the prostate. An image of the prostate and of the outer helical electrode as inserted is acquired, such that the outer helical electrode is visualized on the image. A graphical representation of a target position of the bipolar electrode assembly is superposed on the image.

Abstract: The electrosurgical systems and methods of the present disclosure include a tissue resistance measurement system that compensates for capacitive parasitics in a cable connecting an electrosurgical generator to and electrosurgical cable to estimate the real resistance of a tissue load. The electrosurgical generator includes an output stage coupled to an electrical energy source and generates electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical generator includes a plurality of sensors sensing a voltage and current of the electrosurgical energy and a controller controlling the output stage. The controller includes a calculator that calculates a real part of an impedance based on the sensed voltage and current, an estimator that estimates a resistance of the tissue using a solution to a quadratic equation that is a function of the real part of the impedance, and a control signal generator configured to generate a control signal for the output stage based on the resistance of the tissue.

Abstract: Systems, delivery devices, and methods to treat to ablate, damage, or otherwise affect tissue. The treatment systems are capable of delivering a coolable ablation assembly that ablates targeted tissue without damaging non-targeted tissue. The coolable ablation assembly damages nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible portion supported therebetween. The flexible portion permits pivotal movement of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and an end effector supported thereon. A locking mechanism is operatively associated with the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede pivotal motion of the distal portion. The locking mechanism includes a fluid chamber defined within the flexible portion in which a variable viscosity fluid disposed. The variable viscosity fluid is responsive to the application of an electromagnetic field to exhibit increased rigidity in the presence of the electromagnetic field and reduced rigidity in the absence of the electromagnetic field. An electrical coil is arranged such that the electromagnetic field may be selectively induced by the delivery of electrical energy from a power source.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible single piece active element for use in connection with aspirating electrosurgical ablators, particularly those configured for bulk tissue vaporization. The active electrode elements of the present invention provide a simple construction suitable for use with a wide array of electrosurgical components and adjustable to wide range of angled positions to permit access to a variety of tissues, in an array of diverse environments and address a host of ablation needs. Additionally, the novel geometry and positioning of both ablation surface and aspiration ports permit aspiration flow to remove primarily waste heat rather than process heat, to thereby improve vaporization efficiency and reduce procedure time. Thus, active electrodes and ablation devices of the present invention maximize efficiency and adaptability while minimizing manufacturing cost and device profile.

Abstract: A system and method for occluding a pulmonary vein. The device includes a treatment device comprising an inner balloon, an outer balloon, and a space therebetween. Delivery of fluid to the inner balloon inflates the treatment element to a first diameter. If a greater treatment element diameter is required to completely occlude a pulmonary vein, fluid is delivered to the space between the first and second balloons, which expands the second balloon and causes the treatment element to have a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The fluid delivered to the inner balloon and fluid delivered to the space between the balloons may be from different sources and may be delivered and exhausted independently. Once the treatment element is caused to have a diameter sufficient to completely occlude the pulmonary vein, the treatment element is activated to cool or heat ostial tissue.

Abstract: The electrosurgical systems and methods of the present disclosure include a tissue resistance measurement system that compensates for capacitive parasitics in a cable connecting an electrosurgical generator to and electrosurgical cable to estimate the real resistance of a tissue load. The electrosurgical generator includes an output stage coupled to an electrical energy source and generates electrosurgical energy. The electrosurgical generator includes a plurality of sensors sensing a voltage and current of the electrosurgical energy and a controller controlling the output stage. The controller includes a calculator that calculates a real part of an impedance based on the sensed voltage and current, an estimator that estimates a resistance of the tissue using a solution to a quadratic equation that is a function of the real part of the impedance, and a control signal generator configured to generate a control signal for the output stage based on the resistance of the tissue.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting member having a plurality of sharp edges is formed from a wear-resistant ceramic material is carried at the distal end of the elongated sleeve. A motor drive is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated sleeve to rotate the sleeve at cutting member at high RPMs to cut bone and other hard tissue. An electrode is carried in a distal portion of ceramic cutting member for RF ablation of tissue when the sleeve and cutting member are is a stationary position. In methods of use, (i) the ceramic member can be engaged against bone and then rotated at high speed to cut bone tissue, and (ii) the ceramic member can be held in a stationary (non-rotating) position to engage tissue and RF energy can be delivered to the electrode to create a plasma that ablates tissue.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.