Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating back pain are provided, in which an implantable stimulator is configured to communicate with an external control system, the implantable stimulator providing a neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy designed to cause muscle contraction to rehabilitate the muscle, restore neural drive and restore spinal stability; the implantable stimulator further including one or more of a number of additional therapeutic modalities, including a module that provides analgesic stimulation; a module that monitors muscle performance and adjusts the muscle stimulation regime; and/or a module that provides longer term pain relief by selectively and repeatedly ablating nerve fibers. In an alternative embodiment, a standalone implantable RF ablation system is described.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed including impedance sensors and a control circuit. The impedance sensors are configured to apply a therapeutic level of RF energy to tissue, sense a real time impedance of the tissue, sense a first tissue impedance based on an initial contact with the tissue, sense a second tissue impedance of the tissue without applying a therapeutic amount of RF energy to the tissue. The control circuit is configured to determine a control parameter of a motor based on the first tissue impedance and the second tissue impedance, determine a percentage of use of an end effector, detect a change of the real time impedance of the tissue, adjust the control parameter of the motor based on the change of the real time impedance and the percentage of use of the end effector, and control delivery of a therapeutic energy application to the tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device may include an electromechanical ultrasonic system defined by a predetermined resonant frequency and include an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade. A method of delivering energy to the device may include applying energy to the blade at a first power level via the transducer coupled to the blade, measuring a complex impedance of the transducer, receiving a complex impedance feedback data point, comparing the complex impedance feedback data point to a reference complex impedance characteristic pattern, and determining that the blade is contacting a vessel based on the comparison. The method may also include disabling the power applied to the transducer and switching to a lower power level. The method may further include generating a warning that the blade is contacting a vessel, such as a light or a sound. An ultrasonic surgical instrument may effect the method.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. 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.

Abstract: A system and method for providing greater control over the temperature of a thermal treatment element of a medical device, enabling an operator to extend a thawing period of a cryoablation procedure. The system may include a fluid flow path that bypasses a subcooler, giving the operator selective control over the temperature of refrigerant delivered to the treatment element and, therefore, treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include a fluid delivery conduit that is in communication with a liquid refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant. Adjustment of the ratio of liquid to gaseous refrigerant also offers control over the treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include one or more valves and/or heating elements in the fluid delivery and recovery conduits to control the treatment element temperature.

Abstract: A multi-cannula surgical instrument having an inner cannula movably disposed within an outer cannula, the inner cannula having a blunt distal tip, one or more first inner ducts and one or more first flow-through orifices arranged to allow one or more fluid flows therethrough, where the inner and the outer cannula at the proximal ends thereof are mounted onto a hub that includes a biasing mechanism coupled to the inner cannula and arranged to bias the inner cannula automatically from a retracted towards an advanced position in case of absence of resistance against the inner cannula, wherein the outer cannula comprises one or more second flow-through orifices that are in fluid communication with one or more second ducts arranged between the outer and the inner cannula, wherein the second flow-through orifices, the hub and the second ducts are configured to allow at least one fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A medical system, including a medical device having a plurality of deployable arms, and at least one electrode on at least one of the plurality of arms; and an electric signal generator in communication with the medical device, the electric signal generator programmed to deliver pulsed energy to the medical device sufficient to induce irreversible electroporation ablation.

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of a probe, containing a lumen and having a distal end configured to contact tissue of a living subject. A temperature sensor is located at the distal end, and a pump, having a pump motor, is coupled to deliver a cryogenic fluid through the lumen to the distal end of the probe and to receive the cryogenic fluid returning from the probe. There is a separator, coupled to separate the returning cryogenic fluid into a returning cryogenic liquid and a returning cryogenic gas, and a flow meter, coupled to measure a rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas. A processor is configured to control a rate of pumping of the pump motor in response to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an RF ablation system including a plurality of electrodes, a ground pad, and a signal generator. The electrodes are positioned at respective tissue sites within a patient's body, and the ground pad is positioned on the patient's body. The signal generator is coupled to the ground pad and the electrodes via corresponding channels including a selected channel and unselected channels. The signal generator commutates switching circuits for the corresponding channels to close the selected channel and to open the unselected channels, and measures a first impedance over the selected channel. The signal generator commutates the switching circuits to close the selected channel and the unselected channels, and then measures a second impedance. The signal generator computes a difference between the first and second impedances, and determines the ground pad has at least a poor electrical connection to the patient's body when the difference exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A body orifice remodeling device includes a cylindrical handpiece having a defined length which is adapted to be inserted into the body orifice and an elongated monopolar electrode mounted outside on the circumference of the cylindrical handpiece and extending substantially along the length of the handpiece. A source of radio frequency (RF) energy in the handpiece is configured to generate RF energy to the elongated monopolar electrode; and a source of electromagnetic stimulation energy (EMagS) in the handpiece is configured to generate (EMagS) energy.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.

Abstract: The electrosurgical device comprises at least one hollow body of elongated shape and having: a gripping portion, in turn, comprising a proximal ending part connectable to a current generator and to feeding means of an electro-conductive fluid; a contact portion comprising a distal ending part having one active electrode and one neutral electrode adapted to come into contact with the body of a patient; and at least one tubular duct passing through the hollow body and having one feeding hole of the fluid formed on the proximal ending part, and one delivery hole of the fluid formed on the distal ending part; the delivery hole is at least partially circular and extends around at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic waveguide extending through a body assembly. An ultrasonic blade connects to the ultrasonic waveguide. A clamp arm assembly of the surgical instrument is able to move from an opened position for receiving a tissue toward a closed position for clamping the tissue. The clamp arm assembly includes a clamp body and a clamp pad facing the ultrasonic blade. A clamp arm actuator of the surgical instrument is able to move from a first position toward a second position to direct the clamp arm assembly from the opened position toward the closed position. A modular coupling of the surgical instrument connects to the clamp pad such that at least the clamp pad can be disconnected relative to the ultrasonic blade for replacement thereof.

Abstract: A cautery pen tip accessory cover comprises a cylindrical member that can receive a cautery pen in a first end and the tip of the cautery pen can extend from a second opposite end when the cover is in a retracted configuration. The cylindrical member has an opened lateral exposure that allows the feel of the cautery pen therethrough. A cover exposure opening in the cylindrical member to provide access to a trigger of the cautery pen when the cautery pen tip cover is in the retracted configuration. A resilient member urges the cautery pen tip cover to the non-retracted configuration where access to the cautery pen trigger is prevented. The cylindrical member is easily retracted by a finger ring configured permanently into the cylindrical member, allowing easy retraction of the cover by the operator squeezing the cover to a resistance bar stabilization system accessory configured over the cautery pen.

Abstract: A system for tracking a catheter in a patient. The system including a plurality of surface electrodes and a surface patch attached to the patient and a processor coupled to the plurality of surface electrodes and the surface patch. The processor determines a location of at least one of the plurality of surface electrodes, stores locations of the surface patch and the at least one of the plurality of surface electrodes, determines a three-dimensional shell shape that corresponds to a portion of the patient, determines a model of an impedance tracking field in at least a portion of the three-dimensional shell shape, injects current through one or more of the plurality of surface electrodes, fits measured voltages from the catheter to the model of the impedance tracking field to determine locations of the catheter, and provides therapy to the patient based on the locations of the catheter.

Abstract: A system includes a pulse waveform generator and an ablation device coupled to the pulse waveform generator. The ablation device includes at least one electrode configured for ablation pulse delivery to tissue during use. The pulse waveform generator is configured to deliver voltage pulses to the ablation device in the form of a pulsed waveform. The pulsed waveform can include multiple levels of hierarchy, and multiple sets of electrodes can be activated such that their pulsed delivery is interleaved with one another.

Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining an insulative tissue-contacting surface and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the insulative surface. A second jaw member of the end effector assembly includes an ultrasonic blade body positioned to oppose the insulative surface of the first jaw member, and first and second electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces disposed on either side of the ultrasonic blade body and positioned to oppose the first and second electrically-conductive surfaces, respectively, of the first jaw member. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a moxibustion container assembly for localized application of therapeutic herbal smoke originated from gas-producing combustible material, an air pump connectable to the moxibustion container assembly via an inlet tube to supply air to the moxibustion container assembly, a vacuum pump connectable to the moxibustion container assembly via an outlet tube to create a partial vacuum to draw air from the moxibustion container assembly and exhaust air thereafter, and an air purifier connected to the vacuum pump to remove the contaminants in the air exhausted from the vacuum pump.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and method for medical ice slurry production. In particular, systems and methods are provided for medical ice slurry production that enable an end user to produce and deliver a sterile medical ice slurry at the point of care.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ablation device, which relates to the technical field of cryoablation treatments, and is used for solving the technical problem of an excessive burden on an operator caused by the volume of a delivery device being too large. The ablation device of the disclosure comprises an ablation needle and a working medium transmission device connected to the ablation needle. The working medium transmission device comprises a first delivery tube and a second delivery tube. The first delivery tube and the second delivery tube are configured to be of split structures that are independent of each other, such that the structure of the working medium delivery device at the rear end of the ablation needle is smaller and lighter, and thus the burden on the operator's operation can be reduced, making the operation to be more flexible and convenient.