Abstract: Methods for ablating tissue in a patient having atrial fibrillation comprise advancing an elongate flexible shaft through a patient's vasculature into a chamber of a heart. The elongate flexible shaft has an energy source and a sensor. Tissue in the heart is scanned with the sensor and data about the tissue is captured. The captured data is grouped into one of a plurality of tissue classifications and an anatomical map of the tissue showing the grouped data is displayed. At least a portion of the tissue is ablated so as to form a conduction block that blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the heart. The ablated tissue is grouped into one or more predefined tissue classifications during or prior to the ablation.

Abstract: A tissue ablation method for treating atrial fibrillation in a patient comprises locating an ostium of a pulmonary vein and positioning an interventional catheter adjacent the ostium. The interventional catheter has an energy source. Collateral tissue adjacent the ostium is located and tissue around the ostium is ablated with energy from the energy source so as to form a contiguous lesion circumscribing the ostium. The lesion blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the tissue so as to reduce or eliminate the atrial fibrillation. The ablating is modified so as to avoid ablating or otherwise damaging the collateral tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying a high frequency voltage in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to create a relatively low-temperature plasma for ablation of tissue adjacent to, or in contact with, the plasma. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical probe or catheter is positioned adjacent the target site so that one or more active electrode(s) are brought into contact with, or close proximity to, a target tissue in the presence of electrically conductive fluid. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to generate a plasma adjacent to the active electrode(s), and to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the target tissue. The high frequency voltage generates electric fields around the active electrode(s) with sufficient energy to ionize the conductive fluid adjacent to the active electrode(s).

Abstract: An ablation system for treating atrial fibrillation in a patient comprises an inner shaft having proximal and distal ends as well as a lumen therebetween. A distal tip assembly is adjacent the inner shaft distal end, and the distal tip assembly comprises an energy source and a sensor. The energy source is adapted to deliver energy to a target tissue so as to create a zone of ablation in the target tissue. This blocks abnormal electrical activity and thus reduces or eliminates atrial fibrillation in the patient. The system also has an outer shaft with proximal and distal ends, and a lumen therebetween. The inner shaft is slidably disposed in the outer shaft lumen, and the inner shaft is rotatable, bendable and linearly slidable relative to the outer shaft. The outer shaft is rotatable, bendable and linearly slidable relative to the target tissue.

Abstract: An ablation system for treating atrial fibrillation in a patient comprises an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends, a lumen therebetween and a housing adjacent the distal end of the elongate shaft. An energy source is coupled to the housing and is adapted to deliver energy to a target tissue so as to create a zone of ablation in the target tissue that blocks abnormal electrical activity thereby reducing or eliminating the atrial fibrillation in the patient. A sensor is adjacent the energy source and adapted to detect relative position of the energy source to the target tissue or characteristics of the target tissue. The system also has a reflecting element operably coupled with the energy source and adapted to redirect energy emitted from the energy source in a desired direction or pattern.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an ablation device used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation comprise an elongate shaft and a positioning mechanism adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The positioning mechanism is adapted to facilitate location of an anatomic structure and also to anchor the elongate shaft adjacent the anatomic structure. The positioning mechanism comprises an electrode for stimulating the anatomic structure as well as sensing electrical signals. Also, an energy delivery element is adjacent the distal end of the shaft and is adapted to stimulate the anatomic structure and create a zone of ablation that blocks abnormal electrical activity thereby reducing or eliminating atrial fibrillation in the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a patient include an ablation device for treating atrial fibrillation. The device includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, and an energy source adjacent the distal end of the housing. The energy source has an active portion and an inactive portion. The active portion is adapted to deliver energy to tissue when the energy source is energized. This creates a partial or complete zone of ablation in the tissue that blocks abnormal electrical activity, thereby reducing or eliminating atrial fibrillation in the patient. The inactive portion does not emit energy or emits substantially no energy when the energy source is energized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for noninvasive skin treatment and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for controlled thermal energy delivery to treat subdermal regions of the skin. First, specific control parameters such as power, skin temperature, and ultrasound frequency are chosen so as to provide localized delivery of ultrasound to a region of interest. Then, ultrasound energy is delivered at a frequency, depth, distribution, timing, and energy density to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying a high frequency voltage in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to create a relatively low-temperature plasma for ablation of tissue adjacent to, or in contact with, the plasma. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical probe or catheter is positioned adjacent the target site so that one or more active electrode(s) are brought into contact with, or close proximity to, a target tissue in the presence of electrically conductive fluid. High frequency voltage is then applied between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to non-thermally generate a plasma adjacent to the active electrode(s), and to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the target tissue. The high frequency voltage generates electric fields around the active electrode(s) with sufficient energy to ionize the conductive fluid adjacent to the active electrode(s).

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (58) at its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (56) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket (18). The return electrode defines an inner passage (83) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid (50). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode array so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the active and return electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatus and methods for maintaining patency in body passages subject to occlusion by invasive tissue growth. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may be used to open and maintain patency in virtually any hollow body passage which may be subject to occlusion by invasive cellular growth or invasive solid tumor growth. Suitable hollow body passages include ducts, orifices, lumens, and the like, with exemplary body passages including the coronary arteries. The present invention is particularly useful for reducing or eliminating the effects of restenosis in coronary arteries by selectively removing tissue ingrowth in or around stents anchored therein.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (58) at its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (56) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket (18). The return electrode defines an inner passage (83) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid (50). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode array so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the active and return electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for surface tissue ablation on the patient's outer skin, such as the epidermis or the underlying dermis. An electrosurgical probe (130) comprises a shaft (132) having an array of active electrodes (136) on its distal tip and a connector (134) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply. An electrically conducting liquid is directed along a fluid flow path (142) past a return electrode surface (138) to the target site to provide a current flow path between the target site and the return electrode. High frequency voltage is then applied to the active and return electrodes so that an electric current flows from the active electrode, through a layer of vapor formed at the tip of the electrode, and to the return electrode through the current flow path provided by the electrically conducting liquid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. In a method of the invention high frequency (RF) electrical energy is applied to one or more active electrodes on an electrosurgical probe in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue targeted for treatment. In one aspect, a dura mater and spinal cord are insulated from the electrical energy by an insulator positioned on a non-active side of the probe. In another aspect, a plasma is aggressively formed in the electrically conductive fluid by delivering a conductive fluid to a distal end portion of the probe and aspirating the fluid from a location proximal of the return electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for treating herniated or swollen discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to contract or shrink the collagen fibers within the nucleus pulposis. This causes the pulposis to shrink and withdraw from its impingement on the spinal nerve.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe comprises a shaft having an electrode array (12) at its distal end and a connector at its proximal end. The array (12) includes a plurality of isolated electrode terminals, and an electrosurgical power supply (28) is provided with a multiplicity of independently limited or controlled current sources and a connector. The electrosurgical probe and the power supply may be connected through their respective connectors so that the independent current sources are connected to individual electrode terminals. By applying very high frequency electrical energy to the electrode array, target tissue may be cut or ablated while heat dissipation through low impedance paths, such as blood and normal saline, will be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. In one aspect, a method is provided for reducing the volume of enlarge swollen tissue in the patient's nose, such as swollen nasal tissue, mucus membranes, turbinates, polyps, neoplasms, cartilage (e.g., the nasal septum) or the like. In particular, the turbinates are treated by positioning one or more electrode terminal(s) adjacent to the turbinates, and delivering electrically conductive fluid, such as isotonic saline, to the nasal cavity to substantially surround the electrode terminal(s) with the fluid.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method for ablating, resecting, or cutting body structures, with minimal or no damage to tissue adjacent to the treatment site. The system includes an electrosurgical probe having a shaft with a shaft distal end bifurcated to provide first and second arms. First and second electrode supports are disposed on the first and second arms, respectively. At least one active electrode, in the form of a loop or partial loop, is arranged between the first and second electrode supports. A return electrode, also in the form of a loop or partial loop, is arranged between the first and second electrode supports distal to the active electrode. The active and return electrodes are configured to promote substantially high electric field intensities and associated high current densities between the active portion and the target site when a high frequency voltage is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for treating herniated or swollen discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to contract or shrink the collagen fibers within the nucleus pulposis. This causes the pulposis to shrink and withdraw from its impingement on the spinal nerve.

Abstract: A method for transmyocardial revascularization of the heart of a patient includes positioning an active electrode surface in close proximity to a target site on the wall of a patient's heart, and applying high frequency voltage between the active voltage surface and a return electrode to ablate tissue at the heart wall. The high frequency voltage ablates, i.e. volumetrically removes the heart tissue, and the electrode surface is axially translated into the space vacated by the removed tissue to bore a channel through the heart tissue. The active electrode surface may be introduced into the thoracic cavity and placed adjacent the epicardium to form an inward channel toward the ventricular cavity, or it may be delivered into the ventricular cavity of the heart and positioned adjacent the endocardium to form a channel extending outward towards the epicardium.