Abstract: A medical probe device comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. The stylet guide housing has an optical viewing means positioned for viewing the stylet and adjacent structure which includes a fiber optic channel means for receiving a fiber optic viewing device. The fiber optic channel means can include a guide port means for directing longitudinal movement of a fiber optic device with respect to the stylet guide means in a viewing zone and a flushing liquid channel in the stylet guide housing having an exit port positioned to direct flushing liquid issuing therefrom across the end of a fiber optic device when positioned in the viewing zone.

Abstract: A method of medical treatment of the prostate provides an ablation apparatus. The ablation apparatus includes a cannula, an electrode at least partially positioned in the cannula, and an insulation sleeve positioned in a surrounding relationship to at least a portion of the electrode. A distal end of the cannula is positioned in a rectum of a patient. The distal end of the cannula is advanced through a rectal wall of the rectum. A distal end of the electrode if advanced from the cannula into the prostate. Electromagnetic energy is delivered from the electrode to the prostate and an ablation zone is created in the prostate.

Abstract: A medical probe device comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissue. The stylet comprises an electrical central conductor which is enclosed within an insulating or dielectric sleeve surrounded by a conductive layer terminated by an antenna to selectively deliver microwave or radio frequency energy to target tissue. One embodiment includes the electrical conductor being enclosed within a non-conductive sleeve which itself is enclosed within a conductive sleeve in a coaxial cable arrangement to form a microwave transmission line terminated by an antenna. Another embodiment includes a resistive element near the distal end of the stylet which couples the center electrode to an outer conductor to generate joulian heat as electromagnetic energy is applied, such as an RF signal.

Abstract: A medical probe apparatus comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with one or more stylet ports therein and stylet guides for directing one or more flexible stylets outward through respective stylet ports and through intervening tissue to target tissue. The active stylets emit radio frequency RF energy which establishes an RF current in the patient. The current, being densest at the stylet tips, causes heating of the surrounding tissue to initiate ablation of the target tissue. One aspect of the invention includes temperature sensing stylets at the location of the RF emitting stylets to monitor the temperature of the tissue being ablated. This allows the surgeon to have increased knowledge about the abating action under way in order to control the intensity of the applied RF current, or to adjust the amount of time the current is applied, or both.

Abstract: An endocardial ablation and mapping apparatus is introduced into a heart chamber for mapping to detect arrhythmogenic foci, and ablate endocardium at the arrhythmogenic foci. An inflatable, flexible porous membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution, and become inflated to substantially conform a conductive surface of the membrane to the wall of the heart chamber. A membrane support is surrounded by the membrane, and includes a sealed proximal end and a sealed distal end. Each end has an aperture formed therein defining a central lumen in the membrane support that permits blood flow through the support member and the heart chamber. The membrane support is attached to the membrane and is expanded to a non-distensible state when the membrane is inflated. A catheter, with a distal end, is attached to the membrane or the membrane support.

Abstract: A medical probe device comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. The stylet guide housing has an optical viewing means positioned for viewing the stylet and adjacent structure which includes a fiber optic channel means for receiving a fiber optic viewing device. The fiber optic channel means can include a guide port means for directing longitudinal movement of a fiber optic device with respect to the stylet guide means in a viewing zone and a flushing liquid channel in the stylet guide housing having an exit port positioned to direct flushing liquid issuing therefrom across the end of a fiber optic device when positioned in the viewing zone.

Abstract: A medical probe apparatus comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and a stylet guide for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. The stylet guide has a biopsy sample device or other tissue manifesting device at the distal end thereof to gather tissue or perform other operations at the point of the desired tissue such as emitting electromagnetic energy as ablative power to target tissues.One embodiment of the biopsy sample stylet includes a hollow core sampler including a biopsy needle apparatus for gathering sample tissue. The hollow core sampler has a sharpened end for facilitating the penetration into and gathering of the sample tissue. A second embodiment of the biopsy sample stylet includes a harpoon-like sample stylet when the sharp tip thereof allows for easy entry into the target tissue.

Abstract: A medical probe device comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissue. The stylet comprises an electrical central conductor which is enclosed within an insulating or dielectric sleeve surrounded by a conductive layer terminated by an antenna to selectively deliver microwave or radio frequency energy to target tissue. One embodiment includes the electrical conductor being enclosed within a non-conductive sleeve which itself is enclosed within a conductive sleeve in a coaxial cable arrangement to form a microwave transmission line terminated by an antenna. Another embodiment includes a resistive element near the distal end of the stylet which couples the center electrode to an outer conductor to generate joulian heat as electromagnetic energy is applied, such as an RF signal.

Abstract: A medical probe device comprises a catheter having a stylet guide housing with one or more stylet ports in a side wall thereof and guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through the stylet port and through intervening tissue at a preselected, adjustable angle to a target tissue. The total catheter assembly includes a stylet guide lumen communicating with the stylet port and a stylet positioned in said stylet guide lumen for longitudinal movement from the port through intervening tissue to a target tissue. The stylet can be an electrical conductor enclosed within a non-conductive layer, the electrical conductor being a radiofrequency electrode. Preferably, the non-conductive layer is a sleeve which is axially moveable on the electrical conductor to expose a selected portion of the electrical conductor surface in the target tissue. The stylet can also be a microwave antenna. The stylet can also be a hollow tube for delivering treatment fluid to the target tissue.

Abstract: A medical probe device of this invention comprising a catheter having a control end and a probe end. The probe end includes a stylet guide housing having at least one stylet port and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. A stylet is positioned in at least one of said stylet guide means, the stylet comprising a non-conductive sleeve having a RF electrode lumen and an optional a fluid supply lumen and a temperature sensor lumen therein. At least one portion of an opposed surface of the electrode lumen and the electrode can be spaced apart to define a liquid supply passageway for delivery of medicament liquid.

Abstract: A medical device which includes an elongate probe member sized to be able to enter a urethra of a female human body and having a length so that when the distal extremity is disposed in the vicinity of a target volume of tissue surrounding the urethra the proximal extremity is outside of the urethra. The elongate probe member has a passage extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. At least one tubular needle is disposed in the passage and has first and second extremities and a flow passageway therein extending longitudinally from the first extremity to at least one opening provided in the second extremity of the at least one tubular needle. A control handle is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate probe member for causing movement of the at least one tubular needle in the passage. A guide passageway causes movement of the at least one tubular needle through a curved path extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A medical probe device of this invention comprising a catheter having a control end and a probe end. The probe end includes a stylet guide housing having at least one stylet port and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. A stylet is positioned in at least one of said stylet guide means, the stylet comprising a non-conductive sleeve having a RF electrode lumen and an optional a fluid supply lumen and a temperature sensor lumen therein. At least one portion of an opposed surface of the electrode lumen and the electrode can be spaced apart to define a liquid supply passageway for delivery of medicament liquid.

Abstract: A medical probe apparatus comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. The stylet guide has an integrated circuit or semiconductor apparatus at the distal end thereof to generate electromagnetic radiation directly at the point of the desired target tissue. The stylet includes at least one semiconductor or integrated circuit radiation emitter adapted for electromagnetic radiation when electrically energized. An elongated electrical insulator includes proximal and distal ends adapted to be introduced into a body opening, such as the urethra. First and second elongated electrical conductors are electrically isolated by the insulator.

Abstract: A medical probe device including a catheter having a stylet guide housing with one or more stylet ports in a side wall thereof and a for directing a flexible stylet outward through the stylet port and through intervening tissue at a preselected, adjustable angle to a target tissue. The total catheter assembly includes a stylet guide lumen communicating with the stylet port and a stylet positioned in said stylet guide lumen for longitudinal movement from the port through intervening tissue to a target tissue. The stylet can be an electrical conductor enclosed within a non-conductive layer, the electrical conductor being a radio frequency electrode. During the ablation operation, the tissue immediately adjacent the stylet can become desiccated, thereby necessitating an increase of current flow and a loss of ablation efficiency.

Abstract: A transurethral needle ablation device for the treatment of the prostate of a human male using radio frequency energy wall comprising a sheath having a lumen extending therethrough. A guide tube assembly is slidably mounted in the lumen in the sheath and having a lumen extending therethrough. A needle electrode is slidably mounted in the lumen in the guide tube assembly. An insulating sheath is disposed about the needle electrode so that the distal extremity of the needle electrode is exposed. A handle adapted to be gripped by the human hand is mounted on the proximal extremity of the sheath. Levers are carried by the handle for causing bending of the distal extremity of the guide tube assembly at an angle with respect to its longitudinal axis whereby the lumen in the guide tube assembly can be directed so that it faces the urethral wall.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an anastomosis catheter with internally mounted cam pieces holding a plurality of curved needles adjacent apertures in the side of the catheter is provided. The curved needles are attached to lengths of suture material which are installed to run along the outer surface of the central cam pieces to their distal end, where they reverse back along the inner core of the catheter. When the central cam pieces are withdrawn, and moved proximally, the cam surface forces the curved needles out the associated apertures. As the catheter is deployed in a hollow organ, such as a human urethra, the curved needles, as they are deployed, grasp the end of the urethra, which then can be held in position for suturing to the bladder. The other end of the suture materials could have straight needles attached to them to facilitate attaching the urethra to the bladder.

Abstract: A medical probe apparatus comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with one or more stylet ports therein and stylet guides for directing one or more flexible stylets outward through respective stylet ports and through intervening tissue to target tissue. The active stylets emit radio frequency RF energy which establishes an RF current in the patient. The current, being densest at the stylet tips, causes heating of the surrounding tissue to initiate ablation of the target tissue. One aspect of the invention includes temperature sensing stylets at the location of the RF emitting stylets to monitor the temperature of the tissue being ablated. This allows the surgeon to have increased knowledge about the abating action under way in order to control the intensity of the applied RF current, or to adjust the amount of time the current is applied, or both.

Abstract: A passive fixation device, defined by a generally elongated body with proximal and distal ends, and a connecting member to connect the two, is used for the anastomosis of body lumens without sutures. The proximal and distal ends are non-deployed in a non-deployed position, and are deployed in a deployed position. While in the non-deployed positions, the passive fixation device is inserted into one or more body lumens. After insertion, both the proximal and distal ends are deployed and become expanded. One end is first deployed, and then the other. The deployed proximal end becomes retained in a first lumen, and the deployed distal end becomes retained in a second lumen. In one embodiment, the first lumen is the urethra, and the second lumen is the bladder. The two lumens are permitted to become anastomized without sutures. The passive fixation device may be made of different materials and can have coiled proximal and distal ends that are expanded to their deployed positions by a Foley catheter.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for delivering controlled heat to perform ablation to treat the benign prosthetic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (BPH). According to the method and the apparatus, the energy is transferred directly into the tissue mass which is to be treated in such a manner as to provide tissue ablation without damage to surrounding tissues. Automatic shut-off occurs when any one of a number of surrounding areas to include the urethra or surrounding mass or the adjacent organs exceed predetermined safe temperature limits. The constant application of the radio frequency energy over a maintained determined time provides a safe procedure which avoids electrosurgical and other invasive operations while providing fast relief to BPH with a short recovery time. The procedure may be accomplished in a doctor's office without the need for hospitalization or surgery.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy in the prostate of the human male having a bladder with a base and a penis with a urethra therein formed by a urethral wall extending into the base of the bladder along a longitudinal axis with the prostate having tissue surrounding the urethral near the base of the bladder comprising selecting a target volume of the tissue of the prostate beyond the urethral wall, introducing radio frequency energy through the urethral wall into the target volume of the tissue of the prostate to cause ablation of tissue in the target volume of the tissue in the prostate and protecting the urethral wall from ablation by the radio frequency energy supplied to the target volume of tissue in the prostate.