Abstract: An electrode wearable or harness permits for easy, quick, and unsupervised administration or self-administration of a resting 12-or-more-lead ECG. Various advantageous features of the electrode wearable or harness include: inflatable or padded cushions at the lateral sides of the torso that function to press LA and RA electrodes mounted on the cushions against the downward-resting arms of the subject, permitting good electrode abutment with distal electrode placement without the need for adhesives, straps, bands, bracelets, or gloves on the arms; padding over the sternum to avoid tenting in the V1, V2, V3 and V3R electrodes whenever present, easy-to-don, one-piece design with an adjustable single point of connection and an adjustable shoulder strap; Lund or modified Lund placement; dry electrodes; and various other features. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A multi-mode LLETZ or LEEP device for performing LLETZ surgery and argon plasma coagulation using a single device is disclosed. The disclosed device has a body with a channel therein and movable arms having a wire therebetween at a distal end of the body such that the arms may be extended to perform conventions LLETZ surgery or may be moved together for performing argon plasma or beam coagulation.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system and method of use is provided to endoscopically access portions of the human esophagus experiencing undesired growth of columnar epithelium. The ablation catheter system and method includes controlled depth of ablation features and use of either radio frequency spectrum, non-ionizing ultraviolet radiation, warm fluid or microwave radiation, which may also be accompanied by improved sensitizer agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for treating herniated or swollen discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to contract or shrink the collagen fibers within the nucleus pulposis. This causes the pulposis to shrink and withdraw from its impingement on the spinal nerve.

Abstract: A two-part medical instrument is proposed, comprising a first part having a peg and a second part having a peg receiver, wherein first part and second part are connected to one another by a peg/peg receiver connection and the first part is made of a plastics material, wherein the peg has a peripheral edge bead.

Abstract: Large tissue regions are treated using pairs of electrode arrays. The electrode arrays may be concave and disposed in tissue so that their concave portions are opposed to each other. Axial conductors may be provided extending from the arrays and toward each other in order to increase the heating of tissues lying along the axis between the deployed electrode arrays. By properly spacing the electrode arrays apart and selecting the diameters of the arrays, desired volumes of tissue may be treated, typically with a bipolar, radiofrequency current.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating a target tissue by delivering a fluid at a defined temperature to a patient's body. An apparatus of the invention includes a fluid delivery unit for delivering fluid in at least close proximity to the target tissue, an aspiration unit for withdrawing the fluid, and a fluid source unit for providing the fluid at the defined temperature. A method of the invention includes forming a void in at least close proximity to the target tissue, and circulating a preheated fluid through the void, wherein the target tissue undergoes adjustment from body temperature to a treatment temperature due to heat exchange between the fluid and the target tissue.

Abstract: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle having an elongated tube affixed thereto. The tube includes first and second jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces attached to a distal end thereof which are movable from a first position for approximating tissue to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The handle includes a fixed handle and a handle which is movable relative to the fixed handle to effect movement of the jaw members from the first position to the second position for grasping tissue. The jaw members connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A stop is included for maintaining a minimum separation distance between opposing sealing surfaces. A ratchet is also included to maintain a closure force in the range of about 7 kg/cm2 to about 13 kg/cm2 between opposing sealing surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a catheter, a conductive element and a balloon. The catheter has a lumen. The conductive element is disposed along the catheter. The balloon has an interior in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter. The balloon is formed of a conductive material conductively coupled to the conductive element. The balloon has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a physiological signal detection module which has a heating member and a multi-channel connector. The heating member maintains an electrode's contact with a user skin at a constant temperature, and the multi-channel connector module for electrical connection transmits the physiological signal to an external physiological signal detection apparatus. It is possible to prevent the skin from being directly contacted with the electrode in the cold state and have a less impact given by a change of the impedance due to a skin temperature based on the change of the season and external temperature, so that the stable physiological signal can be detected without distortion.

Abstract: Ablation systems comprise a support body, an energy transmitting element supported by the support body and an insulating member covering a portion of the support body and energy transmitting member. Ablation energy is transmitted from an uncovered, exposed portion of the energy transmitting element. The insulating member may be a distal portion of an introducer sheath. An open segment may be provided in the distal portion to expose a portion of the energy transmitting element. When used in cardiac ablation therapy, for example, the insulating member decreases the amount of ablation energy dissipated in the blood circulating through the heart and thermally insulates the energy transmitting member and the tissue at the ablation site, enabling better control of the ablation process.

Abstract: A removable semi-insulating sheet for use in self-limiting electrosurgical return semi-insulating sheet for use with electrosurgery. Through the selection of impedance characteristics for the electrode materials of the principal body of the semi-insulating sheet, and through tailoring of semi-insulating sheet geometries, the return electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. The semi-insulating sheet has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 ?·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. The configuration of the presently described return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as the urethra of a patient to treat urinary incontinence. The device includes an expandable element or membrane such as a balloon attached pressure-tightly to a flexible conduit at its forward end and includes a rear port portion containing an elastic septum and flow connected to the expandable element by a first passageway. The conduit contains a second passageway which allows it to be slid along an elongated guide probe initially inserted surgically into a patient's body adjacent the body lumen which is to be adjustably restricted. A suitable flowable material is injected from a syringe source into the device rear port sufficient to expand the membrane element and restrict the body lumen to the desired degree. The syringe and guide probe are removed and the skin incision is closed over the rear port end of the implanted device.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-functional medical catheters, systems and methods for their use. In one particular embodiment, a medical catheter (100) includes a flexible elongate body (105) having a proximal end (110) and a distal end (120). A plurality of spaced apart electrodes (130-136) are operably attached to the flexible body near the distal end. At least some of the electrodes are adapted for mapping a tissue and, in some embodiments, at least one of the electrodes is adapted for ablating a desired portion of the tissue. The catheter includes a plurality of tissue orientation detectors (140-146) disposed between at least some of the electrodes. In this manner, the medical catheter is capable of tissue mapping, tissue imaging, tissue orientation, and/or tissue treatment functions.

Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongated catheter body including a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough is provided. A mapping assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and includes at least two loop shaped arms. Each arm includes two ends with a loop shaped portion extending therebetween. Both ends of each arm are mounted in the distal end of the catheter body. A plurality of electrodes are mounted on each arm.

Abstract: An electrode for obtaining a biopotential signal from the skin of a subject. The electrode comprises an adhesive element, an electrode body, an electrically conductive electrode pad, a sponge element, soaked with conductive gel, and means for skin abrasion. The means for skin abrasion comprises abrasion elements forming an integrated structure with the electrode pad, the abrasion elements being so dimensioned that the sponge element prevents the abrasion elements from touching the skin when biopotential signals are measured and enables mechanical contact between the skin and the abrasion elements when the electrode pad is pushed towards the skin. The electrode body is made flexible to enable intentional movement of the electrode pad relative to the adhesive element.

Abstract: A system for detecting and analyzing electrical activity in the anatomy of an organism underlying an electrode array provides signals corresponding to electrical activity adjacent each electrode. Such signals are correlated to the underlying anatomy of the organism and representative outputs presented through various types of output devices. Such outputs may include variations in coloration or other qualities in correspondence with representations of underlying anatomical structures. The system includes novel electrode structures (200, 224, and 284) and methods for producing and attaching electrode arrays (240 and 280) to the organism. The exemplary form of the invention is used in connection with the diagnosis of muscle activity in the lower lumbar regions of humans. Levels of muscle activity detected are analyzed by correlation with the muscular structures underlying the electrode array. Forms of the invention may be used in other applications.

Abstract: A plasma surgical device for reducing bleeding in live tissue by means of a gas plasma. The device comprises a plasma-generating system having an anode (1), a cathode (8) and a gas supply channel (17) for supplying gas to the plasma-generating system, the plasma-generating system comprising at least one electrode (3, 5), which is arranged between said cathode (8) said anode (1), and the plasma-generating system being enclosed by a housing (12) of an electrically conductive material, which is connected to the anode (1). The device is characterised in that said housing (12) forms said gas supply channel (17).

Abstract: In a body surface bio-potential sensor, and an apparatus for detecting biomedical signals having the same, the body surface bio-potential sensor includes a flexible membrane having a wire layer, a plurality of electrodes attached on a first surface of the membrane at predetermined intervals, each of the plurality of electrodes having a plurality of needles on a surface thereof, each of the plurality of needles having a predetermined height, and a cohesive layer covering the first surface of the membrane, the cohesive layer exposing regions of the flexible membrane corresponding to positions of the plurality of electrodes.