Abstract: A medical heating device is based on an electrical heater formed out of a self-limiting conductive material, such as a conductive polymer or ceramic. An electrical resistance that gradually changes with temperature characterizes the material such that heat production from electrical current through the material varies with temperature. A thermally insulating jacket contains the self-limiting heater element, which can be coupled to an electrical power supply. A probe thermally coupled to the heater extends outward from the jacket. The self-limiting medical heating device can be used by touching the end of the probe to target tissue, such as skin, adipose tissue, nerves, glands, vascular tissue, or abnormal growths or tumors to effect the desired treatment, typically by thermally ablating, cutting, or shrinking the target tissue where touched by the probe or in the vicinity therein.

Abstract: A high frequency alternating current medical device and method of using such is disclosed. High frequency alternating current medical device comprises a power source, an electric field generator, a self-limiting conductive material electrical component, at least one probe or needle-type projection, and at least two conductive segments located on probe or needle-type projection. At least two conductive segments are electrically connected to electric field generator so that an electric field is created between conductive segments, which induces an electrical current, which generates heat, and causes a certain desired precise cell injury. Self-limiting conductive material electrical component allows such precise cell injury because it limits electrical current through target tissue. Invention may be used in medical, dental, or veterinary applications. Exemplary embodiments include cosmetic applications, treatment of wrinkles, remodeling of subcutaneous tissue, treatment of muscle spasms, and others.

Abstract: A high frequency alternating current medical device and method of using such is disclosed. High frequency alternating current medical device comprises a power source, an electric field generator, a self-limiting conductive material electrical component, at least one probe or needle-type projection, and at least two conductive segments located on probe or needle-type projection. At least two conductive segments are electrically connected to electric field generator so that an electric field is created between conductive segments, which induces an electrical current, which generates heat, and causes a certain desired precise cell injury. Self-limiting conductive material electrical component allows such precise cell injury because it limits electrical current through target tissue. Invention may be used in medical, dental, or veterinary applications. Exemplary embodiments include cosmetic applications, treatment of wrinkles, remodeling of subcutaneous tissue, treatment of muscle spasms, and others.

Abstract: A medical heating device is based on an electrical heater formed out of a self-limiting conductive material, such as a conductive polymer or ceramic. An electrical resistance that gradually changes with temperature characterizes the material such that heat production from electrical current through the material varies with temperature. A thermally insulating jacket contains the self-limiting heater element, which can be coupled to an electrical power supply. A probe thermally coupled to the heater extends outward from the jacket. The self-limiting medical heating device can be used by touching the end of the probe to target tissue, such as skin, adipose tissue, nerves, glands, vascular tissue, or abnormal growths or tumors to effect the desired treatment, typically by thermally ablating, cutting, or shrinking the target tissue where touched by the probe or in the vicinity therein.