Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density or power density, and the amount of time required for energy delivery. A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring an inner diameter of a body lumen, where a balloon is inflated inside the body lumen at a fixed pressure.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member such as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such information in the conduct of an assay by an assay system.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member such as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.

Abstract: A projectile cartridge device designed with internal sighting and aiming system, which incorporates and leverages electromagnetic radiation as the means for aiming the projectile.

Abstract: A system for measuring physiologic characteristics or treating tissue in a body lumen. The system may be used for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus. The system comprises an energy delivery device, such as an ablation device including an electrode support and an electrode pattern on the support. The ablation device may expand in size from a pre-deployed state to a deployed state. The system may include a sizing device having an inflatable balloon on a distal end of a catheter that is inflated with an expansion medium to expand the balloon to engage the wall of the esophagus so that the internal cross-section can be calculated or measured. The sizing device may also a controller for delivering an expansion medium and measuring the amount and pressure of the expansion medium inside the catheter. Methods of treating or diagnosing tissue are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density or power density, and the amount of time required for energy delivery. A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring an inner diameter of a body lumen, where a balloon is inflated inside the body lumen at a fixed pressure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating vapor within a catheter are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is generating vapor with an electrode array within a catheter. Another feature is sensing an impedance of the electrode array, and adjusting the power delivered to the electrode array to fully generate vapor within the catheter. Another feature is delivering the vapor to a vein of a patient for vein reduction therapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density or power density, and the amount of time required for energy delivery. A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring an inner diameter of a body lumen, where a balloon is inflated inside the body lumen at a fixed pressure.

Abstract: A system for measuring physiologic characteristics for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus comprises a sizing device having an inflatable balloon on a distal end of a catheter that is inflated with an expansion medium to expand the balloon to engage the wall of the esophagus so that the internal cross-section can be calculated or measured. The sizing device may also include an infusion source for delivering the expansion medium and means for measuring the amount and pressure of the expansion medium inside the catheter. The system also comprises one or more energy delivery devices for injuring or ablating the esophageal tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for tightening tissue of the female genitalia by heating targeted connective tissue with radiant energy, while cooling the mucosal epithelial surface over the target tissue to protect it from the heat. Embodiments include a handle and treatment tip that has both an energy delivery element and a cooling mechanism. The handle may be a two-handed handle allowing control even while rotating and maneuvering the treatment around the genital opening. The apparatus or system may also include an integrated controller, which may confirm tissue contact without applying RF energy, based only on the temperature of the applicator and the time since the last application of energy from the applicator.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus places electrodes at the perimeter of a cavity. In an embodiment, the alternating electric field is used to expose the cavity to enough energy to ablate the cavity. In an embodiment, two modes are used to expose different regions of the cavity to different amounts of power for so that the thermal effect is more uniform. In an embodiment, the electrodes have a relatively large surface area so as to avoid charring the cavity, but are shaped so as to fit within a body orifice. For example, the diameter of the sheathed housing the electrodes during penetration may be only 5.5 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density or power density, and the amount of time required for energy delivery. A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring an inner diameter of a body lumen, where a balloon is inflated inside the body lumen at a fixed pressure.

Abstract: A vapor delivery and insulation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can deliver vapor to the veins of a patient. The vapor can be generated within the device, in a handle of the device, or external to the device. Another feature of the device is that it can actively insulate the vapor to minimize heat transfer from a vapor delivery lumen of the device to an exterior surface of the device. The active insulation can be a vacuum or a flowing gas. Methods associated with use of the device are also covered.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member such as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member such as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.

Abstract: A system for treating an affected portion in a heart comprises a catheter having a first end and a second end; a mono-polar or bi-polar electrode coupled to the first end, wherein the electrode is adapted to be inserted into heart tissue; a power source coupled to the second end and configured to energize the electrode, wherein the electrode emits a radio frequency (RF) signal upon being energized to heat the affected portion to a desired temperature; a temperature feedback control coupled to the electrode and the power source, wherein electrode is configured to alter the emitted RF signal based on a measured temperature of the affected portion. A rotatable member is configured to allow a first portion of the catheter to freely rotate with respect to a second portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A method for treating an affected portion in a heart comprises a catheter having a first end and a second end; a mono-polar or bi-polar electrode coupled to the first end, wherein the electrode is adapted to be inserted into heart tissue; a power source coupled to the second end and configured to energize the electrode, wherein the electrode emits a radio frequency (RF) signal upon being energized to heat the affected portion to a desired temperature; a temperature feedback control coupled to the electrode and the power source, wherein electrode is configured to alter the emitted RF signal based on a measured temperature of the affected portion. A rotatable member is configured to allow a first portion of the catheter to freely rotate with respect to a second portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A system for measuring physiologic characteristics for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus comprises a sizing device having an inflatable balloon on a distal end of a catheter that is inflated with an expansion medium to expand the balloon to engage the wall of the esophagus so that the internal cross-section can be calculated or measured. The sizing device may also include an infusion source for delivering the expansion medium and means for measuring the amount and pressure of the expansion medium inside the catheter.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member such as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.