Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response.

Abstract: A catheter has a catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A tip section distal the catheter body includes an irrigated tip electrode and a segment of flexible tubing with at least one lumen therethrough. The tip electrode has a stepped profile which provides laminar flow (or at least minimizes turbulent flow and eddies) of irrigation/cooling fluid over its surface, which in turn provides more uniform cooling of the tip electrode, particularly where the tip electrode is elongated. In one embodiment, the tip electrode has a longitudinal axis, an outer ring surface generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and an outer cylindrical surface extending distally from the outer ring surface along the longitudinal axis. Openings are provided in the outer ring surface to permit fluid (e.g., saline) to pass from an interior of the tip electrode to the outer ring surface and flow in a laminar manner over the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: An electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue is disclosed. The forceps includes one or more shaft members having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members movable from a first position to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a first energy source which communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. The forceps also include an energy-based cutting element adapted to connect to a second energy source and disposed between the jaw members. The energy-based cutting element is moveable from a first configuration when said jaw members are in the first position to a second configuration wherein the energy-based cutting element is disposed at an angle between the jaw members.

Abstract: Method and system of increasing safety of ablation of cardiac arrythmias, especially AVNRT and antero-septal accessory pathway ablations. A computer based system acquires, conditions, and analyzes the timing relationships between atrial and ventricualr signals during normal sinus (NSR) and junctional rhythms (JR) during ablation. If the timing analyses determines a safety issue, such as loss of retrograde conduction during junction rhythm, while slow pathway modification is being performed, the computer electronically disconnects the ablation circuit. This immediately stops the energy delivery to the tissues and provides a chance to reposition the ablation catheter tip to a more safer location. The ablation may be using radiofrequency (RF), cryoablation, or with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The functionality and circuitry of the system may also be incorporated within an ablation generator, EP recording and monitoring system, or a cardiac mapping system.

Abstract: A surgical device integrating a suction mechanism with a coagulation mechanism is provided for improving lesion creation capabilities. The device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about means for coagulating soft tissue. Openings through the covering expose regions of the coagulation-causing elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source. A fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface may be provided in order to push the maximum temperature deeper into tissue.

Abstract: An interface for remotely controlling a medical device in a patient's body provides a two dimensional display of a three dimensional rendering of the operating region, and allows the user to select the orientation or location of the distal end of the medical device on the display and then operate a navigation system to cause the distal end of the medical device to approximately assume the selected orientation or location.

Abstract: An ablative apparatus that can be used to treat atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias by ablating cardiac tissue is disclosed. When the distal end of the apparatus reaches the tissue to be ablated, an ablation probe driven by a transducer is vibrated. Scratching the tissue with abrasive members, the vibrating ablation probe is capable of mechanically ablating tissues. This mechanical ablation may be utilized to penetrate epicardial fat, thereby exposing the underlying myocardium. The ablative apparatus may then be used subject the exposed myocardium to mechanical ablation, cryoablation, ultrasonic ablation, and/or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A temperature measuring unit of a temperature sensor has electrodes disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of a temperature measuring element, thin-film substrates disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrodes, and laser beam shield plates disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the thin-film substrates. One of the electrodes is bonded to the temperature measuring element by a conductive adhesive, and the other electrode is not bonded to the temperature measuring element by a conductive adhesive. When the temperature sensor is bonded to a hollow cylinder of an insert, the temperature measuring unit is curved along the surface of the hollow cylinder, tending to develop tensile stresses in the other electrode. At this time, the other electrode is positionally displaced depending on the developed tensile stresses, allowing the temperature sensor to be adjusted in length. Consequently, the temperature sensor is prevented from being broken or damaged.