Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for killing and/or debilitating pathogenic microorganisms, such as the H. pylori bacteria within a patient's body. A light source is provided that emits electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths within the visible spectrum. The light source can be internal and/or external to the patient's body. For embodiments having a light source external to the body, a light guide is provided for transferring electromagnetic radiation from the light source to a location within the patient's body. The light guide has a proximal end optically coupled to the light source and a distal end dimensioned for insertion into a patient's body. A delivery element is also provided to optically couple electromagnetic radiation from the light to a location with a patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a devices and methods for killing and/or debilitating pathogenic microorganisms in or on a patient's body, such as light-sensitive bacteria including helicobacter pylori and/or propionibacterium acnes. A chemiluminescent light source provides electromagnetic radiation having predetermined wavelengths in the visible spectrum. The light wavelengths are selected for absorption by naturally-occurring photosensitive chemicals produced by the patient's body.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to treat acne with a device that can be worn by a patient for extended time periods. The device can, for example, enable the delivery of light for time periods that are longer than one might want to sit still in front of a stationary light source. The device is a flexible container that may be fitted to parts of the body to be treated. An example of such a flexible container is a mask for the face. The mask covers the face and has a strap to hold it to the face. The mask is located relative to a light source generating light by chemiluminescence. The mask is worn for a period of time needed to provide the desired amount of light energy to the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for killing and/or debilitating pathogenic microorganisms, such as the H. pylori bacteria within a patient's body. A light source is provided that emits electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths within the visible spectrum. The light source can be internal and/or external to the patient's body. For embodiments having a light source external to the body, a light guide is provided for transferring electromagnetic radiation from the light source to a location within the patient's body. The light guide has a proximal end optically coupled to the light source and a distal end dimensioned for insertion into a patient's body. A delivery element is also provided to optically couple electromagnetic radiation from the light to a location with a patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to treat acne with a device that can be worn by a patient for extended time periods. The device can, for example, enable the delivery of light for time periods that are longer than one might want to sit still in front of a stationary light source. The device is a flexible container that may be fitted to parts of the body to be treated. An example of such a flexible container is a mask for the face. The mask covers the face and has a strap to hold it to the face. The mask is located relative to a light source generating light by chemiluminescence. The mask is worn for a period of time needed to provide the desired amount of light energy to the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a devices and methods for killing and/or debilitating pathogenic microorganisms in or on a patient's body, such as light-sensitive bacteria including helicobacter pylori and/or propionibacterium acnes. A chemiluminescent light source provides electromagnetic radiation having predetermined wavelengths in the visible spectrum. The light wavelengths are selected for absorption by naturally-occurring photosensitive chemicals produced by the patient's body.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that combines cutting, coagulating and suctioning functionality in a single hand-held instrument. The instrument provides a combination suction-coagulation device that can selectively deliver electrical energy through either a blunt suction coagulation end or a “sharp” needle or blade end and a convenient means for a surgeon to alternate between these two modalities. A cooling medium in a sealed cavity may be incorporated either (i) as a heat-pipe within one side of electrode wall around the suction lumen, (ii) as a second coaxial lumen within the circumscribing electrode wall, (iii) in an adjacent but thermally coupled heat-sink pipe attached either external or internal to (but not fully occluding) the suction lumen, or (iv) in a heat-pipe far proximal to the electrode ring but thermally coupled.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catheters for use with subcutaneous access ports for continuous or intermittent infusion therapy. These catheters utilize a pretensioned, helical coil which is incorporated into a flexible cannulated portion. This feature allows the flexible cannula to be bent without kinking under normal use. This flexibility provides a great deal of comfort to the patent. These catheters also incorporate a puncture needle which is positioned axially down the length of the catheter such that the sharp point at the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the catheter. This combination of a pretensioned, flexible catheter and a puncture needle achieves a stiffness sufficient to penetrate the tough, self-sealing septum used in subcutaneous access ports, yet, once the puncture needle is removed the patient is left with a comfortable alternative to commonly used hypodermic needles.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end-of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.