Abstract: A refrigerant-containing bladder or container is positioned underneath the body. Heat absorbed from the body vaporizes the refrigerant, which expands to cooler remote regions of the bladder. Heat is then withdrawn from the edges of the container by thermally conductive pathways that distribute heat from this container to a cooler area that is not underneath the body. The cooled refrigerant condenses, and is returned to the regions of the device that are under or adjacent to the central and warmest parts of the body. The heavier and warmer portions of the body force the bladder to the lowest point. Alternatively, heat is transferred from the body via a specific highly thermally conductive layer or layers of material(s) that is (are) soft, pliable, and comfortable to sit or lie on. This layer joins conductive materials that are configured to transport heat and diffuse it to the cooler environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alopecia healing apparatus. The alopecia healing apparatus has a case provided at a first end thereof with a handle section, and a second end thereof with a massage section having a plurality of massage protrusions, a light radiating section including a plurality of LEDs, which arc regularly aligned behind the massage protrusions of the case in equidistance, a laser radiating section aligned in the case corresponding to the massage section so as to radiate low-level laser beam, a vibration device installed in the case so as to vibrate the case, a control section including a microcomputer for controlling operations of the light radiating section, the laser radiating section and the vibration device, and a power source for supplying power to the light radiating section and the laser radiating section. The alopecia healing apparatus radiates low-level laser beam and optical pulses of the LEDs onto the scalp, so that the hair-root cells are activated, thereby promoting hair growth.

Abstract: An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a return electrode pad having a patient-contacting surface configured to conduct electrosurgical energy and a sensor circuit coupled to the return electrode pad. The sensor circuit is configured to monitor at least one of a return electrode pad property and a tissue property to generate sensor data. The return electrode also includes a control circuit coupled to the return electrode pad and to the sensor circuit. The control circuits configured to receive and process sensor data from the sensor circuit and relay the processed sensor data to an electrosurgical energy source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

Abstract: A therapeutic cold pack comprises a sleeve member adapted to accommodate a portion of the leg of an individual. Attached to a surface of the therapeutic cold pack are one or more containment bags each defining an internal volume adapted to hold a therapeutic amount of a cold substance. Each containment bag is positioned to substantially coincide with an intended part of the leg of an individual such that the cold substance provides a therapeutic cooling to that area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and related methods for using those devices in the relieving and/or treating of pain, discomfort, and/or inflammation in the pelvic region using targeted pressure and temperature delivery. The devices and methods for using those devices to deliver targeted pressure and temperature therapy internally to patients through their rectal or vaginal cavities are disclosed.

Abstract: A microenvironment system for use with a heat transfer fluid includes a microenvironment structure and a fluid handling apparatus. The microenvironment structure defines a flow passage to receive a flow of the heat transfer fluid therethrough. The fluid handling apparatus is adapted to provide a flow of the heat transfer fluid through the flow passage. The fluid handling apparatus includes a gas driven pump and a supply of a phase change material (PCM). The gas driven pump is operable to force the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the flow passage. The supply of the PCM is convertible from a solid and/or liquid phase to a gas phase to provide a pressurized drive gas. The fluid handling apparatus is configured to drive the gas driven pump using the pressurized drive gas from the supply of the PCM.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for use by a surgeon that provides additional features and benefits compared with known designs. The operating mode as well as other operating parameters, especially power level, can be preset by the surgeon before commencing the procedure. Five operating modes are available using a three-button fingerswitch handpiece and a 3-way footswitch, including three unipolar modes and two bipolar modes over a full range of power levels including a new turbo mode for treating heavy bleeders.

Abstract: An inflatable convective thermal blanket is designed to have at least one section on its top surface that has securely mounted thereon at least one fluid absorbent mechanism for absorbing fluids from a subject that is placed onto the blanket, or from fluids fallen onto the blanket from other sources. The one section is configured onto the blanket in such a way that it forms a well for collecting the fluids. The fluid absorbent mechanism, which may be in the form of a pad, would absorb the collected fluid to thereby minimize evaporative and cooling effects on the subject. Instead of mounting it on top of the blanket, the fluid absorbent pad may be mounted to the underside of the blanket, with appropriate holes and/or openings provided at the fluid collecting section, so that the collected fluids are drained onto the fluid absorbent pad.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.

Abstract: The method and device of the present invention for pain relief using ultrasound waves in combination with cryogenic energy includes a generator and a transducer to produce ultrasonic waves and a cryogenic source to produce cryogenic energy. Ultrasound waves are delivered to the target in combination with cryogenic energy. Ultrasound waves and cryogenic energy can be delivered to the target from the radial side of the ultrasound horn and/or tip or can be delivered from the distal end of the ultrasound tip. Cryogenic energy can also be delivered directly to the target through a central orifice. Ultrasound energy can also be delivered through a cryogenic spray at the distal end. The use of ultrasound waves in combination with cryogenic energy can provide an analgesic effect.

Abstract: An inflatable convective thermal blanket is designed to have at least one section on its top surface that has securely mounted thereon at least one fluid absorbent mechanism for absorbing fluids from a subject that is placed onto the blanket, or from fluids fallen onto the blanket from other sources. The one section is configured onto the blanket in such a way that it forms a well for collecting the fluids. The fluid absorbent mechanism, which may be in the form of a pad, would absorb the collected fluid to thereby minimize evaporative and cooling effects on the subject. Instead of mounting it on top of the blanket, the fluid absorbent pad may be mounted to the underside of the blanket, with appropriate holes and/or openings provided at the fluid collecting section, so that the collected fluids are drained onto the fluid absorbent pad.

Abstract: A tanning apparatus for radiation treatment for personal care includes at least one gas discharge UV lamp, at least one ballast connected in series with said at least one gas discharge lamp, and at least one incandescent lamp separate from the gas discharge lamp or lamps. The weight of the inductive ballast is reduced in that the incandescent lamp(s) is included in the ballast or ballasts(s).

Abstract: A disposable portable therapeutic cooling system that utilizes convective cooling and re-circulated air to efficiently, safely, and effectively cool the head and body of the patient, clothed or not, after a life-threatening health event, such as a cardiac arrest or stroke.

Abstract: A method of localized cell heating introduces a plurality of ferroelectric comprising particles into a target region of a patient, and applies a time varying electrical field to the target region. The ferroelectric particles absorb energy from the electrical field and heat the target region in response, such as to a temperature sufficient to induce apoptosis of cancer cells in the target region. A ferroelectric hyperthermia-based cancer treatment system includes a time varying electrical field source for applying a time varying electrical field to a plurality of ferroelectric particles disposed in a target cancer containing region of a patient. A composition of matter includes a particle having a ferroelectric portion, the particle being non-toxic, slowly biodegradable in body fluids, and less than 15 ?m in its maximum dimension.

Abstract: A system 30 and method(s) 100 for thermal treatment of a selected target within a subject is disclosed. System 30 includes RF source 10, phase shifter 14, impedance matching network 11 and resonator 13. Applicator 3 conveys output signal 17 from energy source 10 through surface 6 of biological tissue 4 to predetermined energy dissipation zone 5 after output 17 has been processed by the phase shifter 14, IMN 11 and resonator 13. Stationary water molecules 1, such as those in fat cells, are heated. System 30 is operative to heat a volume of biological tissue beneath the biological tissue surface 6 such that surface 6 of biological tissue 4 is maintained at a lower temperature than predetermined energy dissipation zone 5 without a cooling device. The invention is useful in selective heating of cellulite bodies as a means of treating cellulite.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

Abstract: A reversible eye pillow provides a set of opposed sides, each formed of a continuous fabric panel that is resiliently stretchable. Each side includes peripheral portions that conform to and contact peripheral portions of a user's eye and a recessed portion that enables a user to open his or her eye with the eye pillow in place. The eye pillow is tightly filled with small bead like thermal storage filling material that maintains a reduced temperature and includes a smooth surface to provide easy deformability of the eye pillow even at reduced temperatures.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for creating hyperthermia in a selected position in target tissue using the application of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the HF, VHF and UHF microwave region and phased array steering includes an array of applicators and a single channel EMR radiation energy source coupled to at least one of the applicators of the array. A variable reflective termination device is coupled to at least one of the applicators so that a user can vary the energy radiated from the coupled applicator to steer the heating region in the target to a desired position in the target. Several different applicator arrays are suitable for use with the system, and comprise generally cylindrical annuli which emit radiation toward a central axis. Parasitic applicators with variable reflective termination devices can be used in the applicator array along with at least one applicator directly coupled to the energy source.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a mattress envelope having a compartment and comprising a thermal functional layer and an outer layer overlapped thereon and an air cushion including a plurality of individual air chambers evenly disposed in the compartment of the mattress envelope and an air supplying tube communicatively interconnecting the air chamber with each other. A thermal control arrangement includes a liquid supplying tube spirally extending at the thermal functional layer of the mattress envelope for guiding a flow of thermal liquid and a thermal energy generator arranged to regulate a temperature of the thermal liquid such that when the thermal liquid passes through the liquid supplying tube, the thermal liquid thermo-communicating with the thermal functional layer of the mattress envelope towards the outer layer so as to regulate a temperature of the mattress envelope.