Abstract: A surgical tool holder has a shank having a central axis, a first driveable end and second coupling end. The second end has a coupling device having interfaces each for mating with corresponding structures on the inside of a hollow reamer. The interfaces mate with centering structures at or near a base end of each tool, the tool being held in functional assembly to the shank by a releasable locking mechanism.

Abstract: A tissue ablation apparatus is disclosed that includes an elongate, flexible device operable to be percutaneously place in vasculature of a patient. The device has an array of 8 or more tissue ablation elements carried on a flexible circuit substrate located at a distal end portion. A cable is also included that has a number of electrical conductors insulated from one another that are each electrically coupled to a different one of the elements. One or more connectors are electrically coupled to the cabling at a proximal end portion of the device.

Abstract: Method and system for illuminating a selected body component with light to encourage selected beneficial reactions of the body component as a result of such exposure and to provide phototherapy. Light is provided using a light delivery module having one or more components that fit around a body component, or fit within a mouth, or other body cavity, for dental or mouth interior or cavity interior therapy, or are located at a particular site (such as an acupuncture terminal) on the body, where each light delivery component can be independently controlled. The body component is exposed to light in a first wavelength range and to light within a second wavelength range, in a first time interval and in a second time interval, respectively, that are separated by a selected dark field time interval where substantially no light exposure occurs, except for ambient lighting.

Abstract: The present invention provides positioning mechanisms for devices that cause conduction blocks or ablation in desired areas of tissue. The positioning mechanisms allow for variable geometry of the target sites and enable more accurate therapy at the tissue site.

Abstract: A cryotherapy system is provided with multiple cryoprobes, each of which has a shaft with a closed distal end adapted for insertion into a body and conduits for flowing a cryogenic fluid through the shaft to reduce a temperature of the distal end. A source is provided for the cryogenic fluid, and flow-control metering valves are provided in fluid communication with the conduits and source of the cryogenic fluid. A compressor is provided in fluid communication with the conduits of the cryoprobes to define a self-contained fluid system. The flow-control metering valves and the compressor are controlled by a computer processor to provide the desired flows of the cryogenic fluid through the conduits of the self-contained fluid system.

Abstract: A tissue anchor having a length of filament held so that an applied force greater than a threshold force will cause the filament to move longitudinally, while an applied force less than the threshold force will not move the filament, and methods of attaching soft, tissue to bone using such an anchor.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques and devices for treating atherosclerotic disease using controlled cryogenic cooling, often in combination with angioplusty. The efficacy of endolusninal cryogenic cooling is enhanced by cooling of target tissues using an insulated cryogenic balloon, the lnsulation ideally comprising a fluid which undergoes a phase change at a predetermined temperature. A combination cryogenic/angioplasty catheter avoids exchange procedures between dilation of a stenotic region within a vessel wall and the application of cryogenic cooling. The combination angioplasty/cryogenic cooling catheter may cool the diseased blood vessel before, during, and/or after dilation. Controlled cooling of the vessel wall may change its mechanical properties, weakening the vessel and allowing it to be expanded at a much lower pressure than with conventional uncooled angioplasty.

Abstract: An expandable tip cannula system, comprising: a hollow cannula shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and an expandable tip mounted at the distal end of the hollow cannula shaft, the expandable tip comprising a plurality of generally-triangular shaped petals held together in a radially-inwardly tapered arrangement between adjacent petals, each petal comprising a nerve sensing electrode disposed therein.

Abstract: A device for ablation of target tissue in the living body such as a tumor comprises an elongate member that can be guided over a guide element into the target tissue. The elongated element has an electrode at its distal portion. The electrode is configured to be energized with high frequency energy to ablate the target tissue. The elongate member has a guide hole through it and is configured to pass over a guide element that has perforated and penetrated the skin and tissue along a tract to the target volume. The elongate member can be made of a rigid metal tube or a flexible plastic tube. The elongate member can include a cooling channel within it so that cooling fluid can be circulated within the elongate member to cool the electrode, and thus to enlarge the ablation volume at the target tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light emitting treatment device including one or more light members which are configured to emit energy for photodynamic therapy at a treatment field. The treatment device may be made of a polymeric material configured to conform to a body surface. The light members may be disposed in a substantially uniform array and be configured to emit energy in a substantially uniform pattern. The light emitting treatment device may provide light variable feedback to a control apparatus. The light emitting treatment device may further include a heat dissipating layer, a layer of gold or gold alloy, or a layer of adhesive disposed on at least one of the one or more surfaces. Methods of using the treatment device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for coagulating soft tissue such as atrial tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia; tendon or ligament shrinkage; or articular cartilage removal. The surgical device integrates a suction mechanism with the coagulation mechanism improving the lesion creation capabilities of the device. The surgical device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about conductive elements capable of coagulating soft tissue when radiofrequency or direct current energy is transmitted to the conductive elements. Openings through the insulative covering expose regions of the conductive elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source. Suction causes the soft tissue to actively engage the opening thus the integrated, exposed conductive elements to facilitate the coagulation process and ensure the lesions created are consistent, continuous, and transmural.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding an instrument inserted through an endoscope's instrument channel is provided. The apparatus can attach to an endoscope to guide the position of the end of the instrument, such as by constraining the instrument to bend in a predetermined manner, or otherwise guide the distal end of the instrument extending from the distal end of the instrument channel. The apparatus can be used to assist in positioning the instrument to perform useful work on tissue adjacent the perimeter of the endoscope. The apparatus can also be used to provide cooperation between instruments inserted either through or alongside the endoscope.

Abstract: A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing electromagnetic biostimulation of tissue includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and relay optics operatively connected to the source of electromagnetic radiation for transmitting electromagnetic radiation for biostimulating tissue. An echo imaging device for producing an ultrasonic image of the tissue is also provided. And, control circuitry is used for controlling the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A polypectomy device and method which includes a snare cable, a fixed jaw and a moveable jaw. The snare cable is routed through both the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw. The snare cable forms a hoop for encircling the polyp. Shortening the snare cable positions the jaws about the base of the polyp and further shortening the cable closes the jaws. The fixed jaw includes a heating element which cauterizes the base of the polyp. The closing of the jaws and the heating of the heating element cuts and seals the polyp.

Abstract: A method for non-invasive selective thermal destruction of a skin target by RF current. One or more characteristics of an RF current and a bipolar RF electrode system are determined based upon one or more features of the target in order to create in the target an average energy density exceeding 5 Joules/cm3 but lower than a skin coagulation level. The determined electrode system is then applied to the skin and an average energy density exceeding 5 Joules/cm3 but lower than a skin coagulation level is generated in the target.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a sheath, which includes a side wall enclosing an interior bore, a distal region, and an opening in the sidewall. The assembly also comprises a bendable catheter tube, which is carried for sliding movement in the interior bore. The catheter tube has a distal portion. The assembly further comprises a coupling, which joins the distal region of the sheath and the distal portion of the catheter tube. The coupling causes bending of the catheter tube outwardly through the opening, in response to sliding movement of the catheter tube within the interior bore toward the distal region of the sheath.

Abstract: A method of treating a tumor includes providing a tissue biopsy and treatment apparatus that includes an elongated delivery device that has a lumen and is maneuverable in tissue. A sensor array having a plurality of resilient members is deployable from the elongated delivery device. At least one of the plurality of resilient members is positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state. At least one of the plurality of resilient members includes at least one of a sensor, a tissue piercing distal end or a lumen. The sensor array has a geometric configuration adapted to volumetrically sample tissue at a tissue site to differentiate or identify tissue at the tissue site. At least one energy delivery device is coupled to one of the sensor array, at least one of the plurality of resilient members or the elongated delivery device. The apparatus is then introduced into a target tissue site.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.