Abstract: Devices and methods for ligating and coagulating tissue are provided. In one embodiment, a device is provided having an end effector that is adapted to access tissue to be treated at a surgical site and has the capability to both ligate and coagulate the targeted tissue. The end effector can include at least one ligation band that is removably disposed in a delivery configuration on a portion of the end effector and is adapted to be configured in a tissue-engaging configuration upon release from the end effector. The end effector can also include a pair of spaced electrodes disposed adjacent to each other on a tissue contacting portion of the end effector.

Abstract: Improved systems, devices, and methods for delivering cryogenic cooling fluid to cryosurgical probes such as cryosurgical endovascular balloon catheters take advantage of the transients during the initiation and termination of cryogenic fluid flow to moderate the treatment temperatures of tissues engaged by the probe. A flow limiting element along a cryogenic fluid path intermittently interrupts the flow of cooling fluid, often cycling both the fluid flow and treatment temperature. This can maintain the tissue treatment temperature within a predetermined range which is above the treatment temperature provided by a steady flow of cryogenic fluid. In another aspect, room temperature single-use cooling fluid cartridges are filled with a sufficient quantity of cryosurgical fluid to effect a desired endovascular cryosurgical treatment.

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: An implant system including a transurethral prostatic implant positioned in a prostate and including a lumen with an inner perimeter that surrounds an outer perimeter of a urethra at the prostate. The implant system may include a delivery tool including a shaft having a distal portion and an implant-holding portion proximal to the distal portion, the distal portion being sized for entry into a urethra, and the implant-holding portion being thicker than the distal portion, and an implant positioned on the implant-holding portion.

Abstract: An electrocautery instrument in accordance with the present invention facilitates a relatively non-invasive procedure for treating small varicose and spider veins. In the furtherance of this and other objectives, an electrocautery device is provided that does not have to be inserted or into the veins in order to satisfactorily treat them. In particular, an exemplary electrocautery instrument can destroy the target tissue when brought into with the target vein. Moreover, the electrocautery instrument can destroy target veins without causing collateral damage to neighboring tissue. In the furtherance of this and other objectives a thin sheath of biocompatible material coats substantially the entire needle portion of the electrocautery instrument so as to prevent the exposure of neighboring tissue to its therapeutics. The sheath effectively shields surrounding tissue from exposure, while being sufficiently thin to allow for unobstructed insertion of the needle through the skin of a patient to the target site.

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: Method, system and apparatus for carrying out a controlled heating of dermis to achieve a percentage of linear collagen shrinkage. Implants are employed which preferably are configured as a thermal barrier defining support of an outwardly disposed support surface which carries one or more heater segments. Located along heating channels at the interface between dermis and next adjacent subcutaneous tissue, the structure protects the latter from thermally induced damage while directing heat energy into the former.

Abstract: Provided is the combined use of pulsating electromagnetic signals and dose of Botulinum toxin to treat patients suffering from osteoporosis. Also provided is the use of electromagnetic signals generated by pulsating, impulse-modulated direct current for the treatment of osteoporosis.

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: The present invention provides for a hair restoration device and methods of manufacturing and using the same. In one embodiment, the hair restoration device is comprised of (i) a hairbrush body housing a plurality of wide-pattern laser LEDs configured to cooperate to project a precision laser light pattern at a focal plane proximate a skin area to be irradiated; and (ii) bristles extending from the hairbrush body and terminating substantially at the focal plane.

Abstract: Ablation systems and methods for treating atrial fibrillation utilizing RF energy are provided. The system generally includes a first conductive member having a shape which defines a desired lesion pattern or a portion of a desired lesion pattern, and a second conductive member effective to transmit ablative radiation to the first conductive member. The first conductive member is adapted to be positioned on a first tissue surface, and the second conductive member is adapted to be positioned on a second, opposed tissue surface. In use, ablative radiation is transmitted from the second conductive member through the tissue to the first conductive member to form a lesion having the desired lesion pattern.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.

Abstract: A catheter having an extended treatment zone for cooling tissue is provided. The catheter includes an elongate catheter body having a distal tip, and a fluid injection conduit disposed inside the catheter body defining a return lumen therein. The fluid injection conduit further defines two or more injection orifices including a first distal orifice near the distal tip, and a second orifice longitudinally offset along the fluid injection conduit to be less proximate the distal tip than the first orifice. Fluid cryogen flowing through the orifices creates an extended tissue cooling contour about the distal end portion of the catheter. At least one ECG ring electrode is provided about the catheter body near the second orifice. The catheter may thus provide for electrocardiographic mapping of tissue nodes lying transversely between the distal tip and the ECG ring electrode.

Abstract: A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A non-retractable ablation assembly is attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The ablation assembly comprises proximal and distal non-conductive tubings, each having a lumen extending therethrough and a generally tubular electrode mounted between the proximal and distal non-conductive tubings. The tubular electrode is formed of a material having shape-memory and has at least one irrigation port through which fluid can pass from the inside to the outside of the electrode. The ablation assembly further comprises a non-conductive protective tubing extending generally parallel to and along the outside of the tubular electrode. The protective tubing has proximal and distal ends extending into the proximal and distal non-conductive tubings, respectively.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a source for supplying pressurized ionizable gas to the proximal end of the tube. The apparatus also includes a hollow sleeve made from a shape memory alloy having a generally curved austenite state and displaying stress-induced martensite behavior. The hollow sleeve is restrained in a deformed stress-induced martensite configuration within the tube and partial extension of a portion of the hollow sleeve from the tube transforms the portion of the sleeve from the deformed configuration to the generally curved austenite configuration such that the gas is directed transversely at the tissue. An electrode ionizes the gas in the region between the sleeve and the tissue.

Abstract: A catheter particularly useful for ablation lesions within a tubular region of or near the heart is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible tubular catheter body having an axis and proximal and distal ends. An ablation assembly is mounted at the distal end of the tubular body. The ablation assembly has a preformed generally circular curve having an outer surface and being generally transverse to the axis of the catheter body. The ablation assembly comprises a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends that carries a tip electrode at its distal end. An electrode lead wire extends through the catheter body and into the ablation assembly and has a distal end connected to the tip electrode. In use, the distal end of the catheter is inserted into the heart of a patient.

Abstract: A convective warmer to which blankets of different dimensions may be connected is capable of providing air to the various blankets at flow rates that optimally inflate those blankets to achieve the optimal clinical result for the patients covered by those blankets. The blanket connected to the warmer may range from a full size adult warming blanket to a pediatric warming blanket. The convection warmer may have multiple fixed air flow rates each selectable by a user, via switch(es) either electronically or mechanically. For the electronic selection of a given flow rate, a motor adaptable to rotate a different speeds is used. To vary the flow rate mechanically, a valve is controlled to vary the amount of air that may pass to the blanket. Instead of different fixed flow rates, variable air flow rates, selectable by the user, may be used. Also, a feedback circuit that maintains the pressure sensed at the outlet of the warmer to a preset pressure may be used to eliminate the need for user intervention.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool includes a cutting loop, which can be an RF cutting loop, which is secured to a shaft which rotates about an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool.