Abstract: A system and method for rejuvenating skin through ablation using a handheld device (200) having a removable treatment component (213) with an abrasive material on one surface of the component which surface is on a portion of the treatment component (213) configured to conform to a skin surface. The system further includes application of other elements to facilitate skin recovery and rejuvenation processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gum disease includes a light producing dental appliance that is accessible exteriorly of the body for placement within the mouth of the patient to expose the mouth to light radiation of a selected wavelength and in an amount that is effective for killing or debilitating pathogenic microorganisms and especially Porphyromona gingivalis within the mouth of the patient such that the bacterial load carried to the heart is diminished thereby reducing or eliminating the symptoms of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis vascular inflammation and plaque formation.

Abstract: A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy source transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Abstract: A system and method for rejuvenating skin through ablation using a handheld device (200) having a removable treatment component (213) with an abrasive material on one surface of the component which surface is on a portion of the treatment component (213) configured to conform to a skin surface. The system further includes application of other elements to facilitate skin recovery and rejuvenation processes.

Abstract: A system for treating abnormal mucosa in an esophagus comprises an access catheter, an energy delivery structure near a distal end of the access catheter, and a power supply for delivering energy through the energy delivery structure under conditions which injure or ablate the mucosal layer of the esophageal wall without causing substantial injury or heating of the submucosal layer. By injuring or necrosing metaplastic or other abnormal mucosal cells, regrowth of the mucosa substantially free from abnormal cells can be initiated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition which is generally useful for the treatment of skin and hair. More specifically, the composition is useful for the treatment of androgenetica, also known as androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss. In general, the composition of the present invention comprises one or more phytoestrogens, one or more natural herbal extracts, and optionally a pharmaceutically and/or dermatologically acceptable carrier. Other embodiments of the present invention comprise one or more phytoestrogens, one or more natural herbal extracts, one or more substances selected from the group consisting of vitamins, preferably b-complex vitamins, minerals and brewer's yeast and optionally a pharmaceutically and/or dermatologically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A method, and system, are provided treating a tissue site of a tissue structure that has at least a first and a second tissue plane. An energy delivery device is provided. A barrier is created between the first and second tissue planes. At least a portion of an energy delivery device is positioned at the tissue site. Sufficient energy is delivered from the energy delivery device to create cell necrosis of at least a portion of the first tissue plane.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing tape-like material by applying it to human skin and then stripping the tape from the skin to remove excess or unwanted material. The system further includes application of other elements to facilitate skin recovery and rejuvenation processes.

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: A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy sources transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gum disease includes a light producing dental appliance that is accessible exteriorly of the body for placement within the mouth of the patient to expose the mouth to light radiation of a selected wavelength and in an amount that is effective for killing or debilitating pathogenic microorganisms and especially Porphyromona gingivalis within the mouth of the patient such that the bacterial load carried to the heart is diminished thereby reducing or eliminating the symptoms of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis vascular inflammation and plaque formation.

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: A system for cooling and/or heating skin during laser surgery, the system utilizing cooled or heated gaseous fluid such as air containing a fragrance injected therein. The system comprises a fluid delivery apparatus having an air delivery system. The air delivery system has an air outlet and delivers air through the air outlet. A resilient delivery tube is connected to the air outlet, and terminates at a delivery outlet. A misting tube is provided having a fluid receiving end and a fluid delivering end. The fluid delivering end is connected to the resilient delivery tube at a point adjacent to the delivery outlet. A fluid source is provided connected to the misting tube at the fluid receiving end. Fluid from the fluid source may be fragranced, medicated, lubricated or otherwise treated. Fluid from the fluid source is combined in-stream in a misting pattern with air from the resilient delivery tube to provide the fluid at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A system for cooling skin during laser surgery, the system utilizing cool air containing a fragrance injected therein. The system comprises a fluid delivery apparatus having an air delivery system. The air delivery system has an air outlet and delivers air through the air outlet. A resilient delivery tube is connected to the air outlet, and terminates at a delivery outlet. A misting tube is provided having a fluid receiving end and a fluid delivering end. The fluid delivering end is connected to the resilient delivery tube at a point adjacent to the delivery outlet. A fluid source is provided connected to the misting tube at the fluid receiving end. Fluid from the fluid source may be fragranced, medicated, lubricated or otherwise treated. Fluid from the fluid source is combined in-stream in a misting pattern with air from the resilient delivery tube to provide the fluid at a predetermined location. In certain embodiments, a nozzle may be utilized to form the misting pattern.

Abstract: A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy source transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Abstract: A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy source transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Abstract: A sphincterotome adapted to be used in the lumen of an endoscope for cutting a sphincter in a patient's body using a cutting wire energized by an electrosurgical unit. The sphincterotome has a distal end segment and cutting plane orienting mechanism extending through the length of a sphincterotome tubular body between a handle assembly at the proximal end of the sphincterotome body and a distal end segment thereof for shifting the cutting plane laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sphincterotome tubular body exiting the endoscope lumen. The lateral shift is in at least one lateral direction from an un-shifted position of the cutting plane with respect to the longitudinal axis whereby in use during a sphincterotomy, the cutting wire may be oriented into alignment with a particular feature of the sphincter, e.g.

Abstract: An endoscopic probe has an elongate flexible member and a radially extending tip rotatably mounted on a remote end thereof. A wire extends through the elongate flexible member and into the tip. The wire rotates relative to the elongate flexible member to rotate the radially extending tip to any desired orientation about the axis of the elongate flexible member.

Abstract: A storage and incubation apparatus for temperature sensitive medical test samples includes a clear rack mounted on a base and having a plurality of shelves for supporting one or more test sample slides. The rack includes opposing panels joined by a transverse member and/or a side member, and having an open side defined thereon. The rack is clear to permit viewing of the slides during incubation. Furthermore, a heating element including a thin metal strip is mounted on the interior of the rack directly opposite the test samples to maintain the temperature of the test samples within a narrow predefined range.