Abstract: A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is used to perform only one ablation procedure on a single patient. The device may further include a simplified needle deployment mechanism and/or an automatic needle retraction mechanism.

Abstract: A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is used to perform only one ablation procedure on a single patient. The device may further include a simplified needle deployment mechanism and/or an automatic needle retraction mechanism.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a controlling device for transmitting a first series of command signals, the controlling device comprising a connector block, a first lead body including at least one electrical lead, and a hermetic encasement. The hermetic encasement includes a housing defining an interior space, an electronic network housed within the interior space and configured to receive the first set of command signals from the controlling device and output a second series of command signals based on the first set of command signals, a first set of one or more feedthrough terminals extending through the housing and directly coupling the electronic network to the connector block, and a second set of one or more feedthrough terminals extending through the housing and directly coupling the electronic network to the first lead body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lead configurations for sensors that allow for less invasive sensor replacement procedures. In one configuration, a sensor lead assembly includes an outer lead body and an inner lead including a sensor such as an electrochemical glucose sensor. The inner lead can be positioned in an inner conduit of the outer lead body. The outer lead body may be substantially permanently implanted in the patient, and the inner lead can be implanted through the inner conduit of the outer lead body. Once the sensor of the inner lead has worn out or otherwise exhausted its useful life, the inner lead can be removed, and a new inner lead can be implanted in place of the old inner lead.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for an implantable medical lead. The assembly includes a first lead body comprising one or more electrical leads, and a hermetic encasement. The encasement comprises a housing having first and second openings and interior walls, an interior space defined by the interior walls, an electronic network housed within the interior space, and a circuit board extending through the first and second openings. The circuit board comprises a plurality of layers into which the electronic network is at least partially integrated, a first set of one or more terminals electrically coupling the electronic network to the first lead body, and a second set of one or more terminals electrically coupled to the electronic network for external electrical engagement.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an IMD having a piezoelectric transformer to power a lead-based sensor. The IMD powers the piezoelectric transformer with a low amplitude signal. The piezoelectric transformer serves to convert the voltage level of the low amplitude signal to a higher voltage level to drive the sensor produced by a battery in the IMD to voltage levels appropriate for IMD operation. A piezoelectric transformer offers small size and low profile, as well as operational efficiency, and permits the IMD to transmit a low amplitude signal to a remote sensor deployed within an implantable lead. In addition, the piezoelectric transformer provides electrical isolation that reduces electromagnetic interference among different sensors.

Abstract: A method and system for programming settings of a medical device surgically implanted within a body of a patient. The system comprises a physician programmer, a patient programmer, an external neural stimulator, and a telemetry component being in communication with the implanted medical device, the external neural stimulator, and the physician programmer. The implantable medical device may be programmed using a two-phase process, a screening phase and an implant phase. During the screening phase, the physician and patient programmers may be used to roughly test the parameters of the stimulation to determine that the treatment therapy is efficacious. During the implant phase, the same physician and patient programmers may be used to fine tune the parameters of the stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system that may be used to deliver a plurality of therapies using one portable device. The system includes connector board port that allows a connector board to be removably coupled to the connector board port. The connector board is secured within the delivery device to hide electrical components. In this manner, a variety of connector boards may be provided to allow the delivery device to provide multiple therapies and facilitate upgrades of the device. In addition, the therapy delivery device may include a touch screen user interface, a visual operation indicator, a signal generator, and a fluid pump. In one embodiment, generated signals may be delivered by a peripheral accessory connected to the generator through the connector board, and the generator may generate radio frequency (RF) energy for the purpose of prostate tissue ablation.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system that may be used to deliver a plurality of therapies using one portable device. The system includes a fluid pump that pumps fluid from a container to a therapy device to treat a patient. The fluid pump resides within a pump bay of the therapy delivery device. The fluid may be used to increase cool a tissue of the patient or clear debris. In one embodiment, generated signals may be delivered by a peripheral accessory connected to the generator through the connector board, and the generator may generate radio frequency (RF) energy for the purpose of prostate tissue ablation, where the effective ablation area of an electrode is increased by the fluid. In addition, the therapy delivery device may include a touch screen user interface, a visual operation indicator, a signal generator, and a removable connector board.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system that may be used to deliver a plurality of therapies using one portable device. The system includes an operation indicator that visually indicates the power and delivery status to a physician. The visual operation indicator includes a plurality of lights under a translucent cover to emit a glowing light. Light is visible from either side of a screen housing that includes a touch screen, such that the physician can see the indicator from multiple locations within the room. In addition, the therapy delivery device may include a signal generator, a connector board port, a connector board that removably couples to the connector board port, and a fluid pump. Generated signals may be delivered by a peripheral accessory connected to the generator through the connector board, and the generator may generate radio frequency (RF) energy for the purpose of prostate tissue ablation.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system that may be used to deliver a plurality of therapies using one portable device. The system includes a pop-up interactive display that is a touch screen for controlling the system while delivering therapy through the use of the delivery device. The touch screen is used by a physician to control the therapy or communicate data to or from another device. In addition, the therapy delivery device may include an operation indicator, a signal generator, a connector board port, a connector board that removably couples to the connector board port, and a fluid pump. Generated signals may be used by a peripheral accessory connected to the generator through the connector board coupled to the connector board port. In particular, the generator may generate radio frequency (RF) energy for the purpose of prostate tissue ablation.

Abstract: Delivery elements, including needle electrodes and sheaths of tissue ablation devices, containing a conductivity-enhancing agent are discussed. The delivery elements contain a body member and optionally one or more coating layers. The conductivity-enhancing agent is disposed on or in the body member and/or at least one of the one or more coating layers. The conductivity-enhancing agent is capable of eluting from the delivery element when the delivery element is contacted with bodily tissue or fluid and increases conductivity of the tissue, making tissue ablation more efficient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lead configurations for sensors that allow for less invasive sensor replacement procedures. In one configuration, a sensor lead assembly includes an outer lead body and an inner lead including a sensor such as an electrochemical glucose sensor. The inner lead can be positioned in an inner conduit of the outer lead body. The outer lead body may be substantially permanently implanted in the patient, and the inner lead can be implanted through the inner conduit of the outer lead body. Once the sensor of the inner lead has worn out or otherwise exhausted its useful life, the inner lead can be removed, and a new inner lead can be implanted in place of the old inner lead.

Abstract: Delivery elements, including needle electrodes and sheaths of tissue ablation devices, containing a conductivity-enhancing agent are discussed. The delivery elements contain a body member and optionally one or more coating layers. The conductivity-enhancing agent is disposed on or in the body member and/or at least one of the one or more coating layers. The conductivity-enhancing agent is capable of eluting from the delivery element when the delivery element is contacted with bodily tissue or fluid and increases conductivity of the tissue, making tissue ablation more efficient.

Abstract: A device and method for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH provides ultrasound visualization and/or measurement of the urethra, the prostrate, the ablation lesions and/or other pertinent structures. An ultrasound transducer is positioned at the distal tip of the transurethral needle ablation catheter. The ultrasound transducer provides measurements of the target prostrate tissue in each imaging plane before deployment of the ablation needles. The device may also display the imaged tissue for visualization by a physician.

Abstract: A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is used to perform only one ablation procedure on a single patient. The device may further include a simplified needle deployment mechanism and/or an automatic needle retraction mechanism.

Abstract: A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is used to perform only one ablation procedure on a single patient. The device may further include a simplified needle deployment mechanism and/or an automatic needle retraction mechanism.