Abstract: An ablation apparatus for creating a lesion in target tissue, the ablation apparatus including a handle, an elongate shaft extending from the handle to a distal tip, where the shaft includes a first portion, an ablation portion distal to the first portion and having an outer sheath, and at least one ablation energy element disposed within the outer sheath, where a space is formed between the at least one ablation energy element and the outer sheath. The ablation apparatus further includes a thermally conductive liner disposed within the space.

Abstract: The ablation and mapping catheter dedicated to treatments in electrocardiology and ablation of cardiac arrhythmias with the possibility of visualisation includes a distal tip, diagnostic rings, a main tube, a guiding handgrip, and an electrical connector for a generator through which the diagnostic rings and a distal ring are connected to a system for three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping. The catheter includes at least 8 (up to 14) diagnostic rings, wherein 4 diagnostic distal rings are connected to one generator and through it to the system for three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping and to an electrophysiological system, and subsequent 4 (up to 10) diagnostic proximal rings are connected to a second generator and/or to the system for three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping and to the electrophysiological system.

Abstract: Methods and surgical devices for performing an anastomosis of a living tissue. More particularly the methods and devices relate to anastomosis of tissue performed through tissue fusion performed by delivering energy to the tissue.

Abstract: A temperature management device for warming or cooling a person's body includes a device body, which has a fluid conduit for flowing fluid through the device body. The device body includes a contact surface to face and contact the person's body on which the device body is applied and is configured to conform to the person's body wherein the contact surface contacts the person's body and follows a surface topography of the person's body, and further provides a thermally conductive surface for transmitting thermal energy from the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit to the person's body.

Abstract: A fungal infection treatment includes a container comprised of a thermally conductive material. In this way the container can be heated by the boiled water when the boiled water is poured from the cup into the container. A cover is positionable on the container to close the container to inhibit the boiled water from being spilled from the container. A drape is provided that has an opening extending therethrough. In this way the drape can be positioned on a respective one of the user's appendages having the opening exposing a nail on the respective appendage. The container is positionable in the opening when the drape is positioned on the appendage. In this way the container can transfer heat from the boiled water to the nail on the respective appendage for treating a fungal infection of the nail bed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing thermal comfort using two point or multipoint heating or cooling that is applied to portion of a human body part to produce a warm or cool sensation over a larger area than that where the heating or cooling is directly applied. The body is induced to heat or cool itself by adjusting its neutral temperature setpoints. Increased warming perception from two-point, multipoint, and switching point stimulation causes downward adaptation in the neutral skin temperature of the user. Because spot heating and cooling sources operate at higher temperature differences from the skin than do area sources, they create a stronger perceived thermal sensation for the same power consumption. Point heating or cooling, rather than whole-area heating, can result in power savings and cost savings while improving occupant comfort.

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: A thermal transfer device for providing thermal treatment to a patient. A patient support portion supporting and contacting the patient includes a first segment of a fluid flow path to receive a fluid from a fluid source. A flexible covering coupled and movable relative to the patient support portion defines a space therebetween that substantially conforms to the patient. The flexible covering includes a second segment of the fluid flow path. The fluid is circulated through an inlet, an outlet, and fluid flow path for supplying heat to or removing heat from the patient support portion and the flexible covering. A fluid circulation system with a controller may selectively adjust heat transfer from temperature zones defining the patient support portion. The thermal transfer device or a mattress cover may provide for controlling the microclimate, or conditions at or near the interface between the patient and the patient support portion.

Abstract: Selectively controllable apparatus for insertion into an ear canal, and related methods of use and operation for behavioral control. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a body configured for insertion into an ear canal. In one variant, the body includes one or more thermal mechanisms which enable selective increase or decrease of temperature of at least portions of the ear canal so as to implement behavioral control of the user, such as to mitigate cravings for food, alcohol, narcotics, or other potentially deleterious substances. In one variant, a mild nausea or pre-nausea condition is created within the user according to a time-temperature profile so as to induce the aforementioned behavioral modification.

Abstract: A thermal pad system is disclosed in which two or more thermal pads can be connected together to cover a larger region of the body than a single pad, and the joining is done in such a way that there is substantially no gap between the volumes of thermal material in each pad on the side of the pads that is applied to the user's body. Each thermal pad is substantially flat, and includes a fringe portion around a volume of thermal material, wherein the two sides are joined together to create a liquid barrier. A joining clip is used to connect two thermal pads together by lifting the fringe portions along corresponding edges of the two pads away from the side of the pads to be applied to the body, and the joining clip is configured to not just hold the fringe portion sections together, but also to urge the two volume portions together under the joined fringe portion sections.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for generating a plasma discharge beam is provided. In one aspect, the electrosurgical apparatus includes a first fluid flow housing, a second fluid flow housing, and an electrode. A first gas is provided to the distal end of the first fluid flow housing, where the electrode is energized to ionize the first gas and generate a plasma discharge beam. A second gas is provided to the distal end of the second fluid flow housing, where the distal end of the second fluid flow housing injects the second gas into the plasma discharge beam. In another aspect, the electrosurgical apparatus includes a single fluid flow housing having an external electrode and an internal electrode. In another aspect, the electrosurgical apparatus includes a transformer assembly having a plurality of serially-connected transformers.

Abstract: A method of treating a skin tissue area (3) having a skin surface (5) is provided. The method comprises the steps of: deforming the skin tissue area into a deformed shape comprising a plurality of folds (17) in the skin tissue area; arranging radiofrequency electrodes (13) in contact with the skin surface on opposite sides of the deformed skin tissue area; and, while maintaining the skin tissue area in said deformed shape, providing a spatially continuous radiofrequency energy flow between the radiofrequency electrodes on opposite sides of the deformed skin tissue area through the deformed skin tissue area, thereby heating at least a portion (19) of the deformed skin tissue area; and releasing the skin tissue area from said deformed shape, thereby deforming said heated portion (19) into a wave-shaped zone of heated skin tissue having a depth relative to the skin surface that varies between a minimum and a maximum value in a direction between said opposite sides.

Abstract: A system and method for providing Anal Perineal Prostate Vaginal Pelvic Floor contrast therapy are presented. The system may comprise a human interface device, fluid tubing, a pump, and a reservoir. The system may be operable to apply any combination of heat, cold, and pressurized compression to a therapy recipient and demonstrates particular utility for treating anal-prostate-perineal and vaginal areas. The system may be operable to impart a desired therapy temperature to the human interface device and to expand a membrane containing a therapy fluid. The expanded membrane may conform to the contours of a therapy site. Operation of the human interface device may be controlled using a remote-control device. The therapy recipient may be able to control the temperature of the fluid circulating through the membrane and may be able to control the pressure of the fluid within the membrane.

Abstract: An auditory guidance system and method for medical systems and procedures are disclosed. A method for providing auditory guidance during a medical procedure includes selecting a song for playing during the medical procedure. At least a portion of the song is assigned to the medical procedure. Parameter information for at least one parameter associated with the medical procedure is obtained during the medical procedure. The obtained parameter information is compared against predetermined thresholds for each parameter. The portion of the song associated with the parameter information is modified in accordance with the comparison and the modified portion of the song is played to provide auditory guidance during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A heating device includes: a temperature change unit that changes a temperature of a temperature change area; an induction unit that applies a stimulus to an induction area; and a controller, wherein the induction area is an area on skin surface, or an area that occupies a space that can be perspectively projected on the skin surface, the induction area is an area that does not overlap with the temperature change area, the induction unit applies at least one of a tactile stimulus and a visual stimulus to the induction area, the controller executes a first control for changing a temperature of a first temperature change area of the temperature change area and a second control for applying a stimulus to a first induction area of the induction area, and the second control is performed in accordance with the first control.

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: An emergency management system having an ice water immersion bag capable of rapidly cooling an overheated individual body through its combination of elements, apertures, and capacity. An overheated individual is placed within the ice immersion bag, yet there body may still be accessed in the event of a medical emergency through the use of one of the many openings containing throughout the bag. The openings otherwise remain sealed and waterproof to prevent the ice water from escaping the bag, further effectuating ice water immersion to rapidly cool the overheated individual.

Abstract: Systems for maintaining normothermia in a patient via compression and warming are disclosed and include a first warming element configured to apply warming to the popliteal fossa, a second warming element configured to apply warming to the sole of the foot, and a compression element configured to apply compression to the calf.

Abstract: A multi-probe system and a method of lesioning for targeting a region of a vertebral body are disclosed. The method includes inserting a first introducer assembly into a first target location of the vertebral body to provide a first trajectory to access the vertebral body, the first introducer assembly including a first cannula. The method also includes inserting a second introducer assembly into a second target location of the vertebral body to provide a second trajectory to access the vertebral body, the second introducer assembly including a second cannula. The method further includes inserting a first bipolar probe through the first cannula of the first introducer assembly, the first bipolar probe including a first active tip at a distal end of the first bipolar probe, the first active tip including at least two electrodes.