Abstract: A method for treating a desired volume of tissue using HIFU or other energy modality to ablate a pattern of elemental treatment volumes each having a volume that is greater than that of the focal zone of the HIFU transducer but smaller than the overall volume of the desired treatment volume. In one embodiment, the pattern of elemental treatment volumes are arranged to form a shell which partially or wholly encapsulates the desired volume of tissue, which then necroses in situ due to effects other than direct HIFU damage (including some combination of ischemia, thermal conduction, inflammation, apoptosis, etc.). The necrosed tissue remains in the body and is subsequently resorbed and/or healed via normal body mechanisms.

Abstract: An adjustable wire rope cleaning device comprising a first base plate and a second base plate, each having opposite ends and two longitudinal sides. Side bars are at the longitudinal sides of at least one of the first base plate and the second base plate and are aligned along an axis of the first base plate, such that a guide channel is defined and partially enclosed by the side bars. The second base plate is slidably attached to the first base plate and within the guide channel. A lateral bar at one end of the first base plate and between the two side bars, and the lateral bar is transverse to the side bars. An adjustment device positioned between the lateral bar and the second base plate, the adjustment device is operable to move the second base plate relative to the first base plate along the axis defined by the guide channel. A brush is coupled to the second base plate, and the brush is adjusted by movement of the second base plate within the guide channel.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into and treatment of tissue in a patient comprises a radio frequency (RF) electrode having an elongated body that conducts electrical RF energy to a conductive tip. An insulating sleeve surrounding the elongated body prevents leakage of RF energy from the elongated body when the catheter is being inserted into the tissue of the patient. In a first mode of operation, the conductive tip is exposed outside the insulating sleeve and the RF electrode delivers first RF energy capable of producing sparks that erode the tissue of the patient and create a tunnel through which the catheter can advance into the tissue of the patient. In a second mode of operation, the insulating sleeve is retracted to expose a portion of the RF electrode. Second RF energy is delivered to the volume of tissue around the catheter to necrotize the tissue by heating without producing sparks.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into and treatment of tissue in a patient comprises a radio frequency (RF) electrode having an elongated body that conducts electrical RF energy to a conductive tip. An insulating sleeve surrounds the elongated body. In a first mode of operation, the conductive tip is exposed outside the insulating sleeve and the RF electrode delivers RF energy that erodes the tissue of the patient and creates a tunnel through which the catheter can advance into the tissue of the patient. In a second mode of operation, the insulating sleeve and/or the RF electrode is retracted and a second treatment apparatus treats the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering HIFU energy may include a probe with a plurality of leaves that provide a bowl-shaped HIFU therapy transducer. In once case, pins may slide within grooves in the leaves to deploy the leaves. In another case, spines may be configured to slide in a channel defined in each leaf. In other cases, a spring or a shape memory alloy may be used to deploy the leaves. In another implementation, a probe may be fitted with a flexible material that couples the HIFU therapy transducer to the probe and allows the transducer to be drawn to the side of the probe for insertion. In another implementation, a probe may have one or more inflatable bladders that form the HIFU therapy transducer. In yet another implementation, a probe may have an imaging component and a HIFU therapy transducer disposed thereon that rotate, as a unit, about a hinge.

Abstract: A combined imaging/HIFU probe includes an imaging scan head, a HIFU transducer, and an outlet port that delivers a flow of fluid across the HIFU transducer. At least a portion of the body cavity is filled with fluid in which the probe is immersed. The fluid provides a coupling for transmission of ultrasound energy between the probe and the patient. A flow of fluid may also be used to flush obstructions from an area of tissue near the HIFU transducer. Further described herein is a cuff to help retain fluid in the body cavity, a regulator to regulate fluid flow with respect to the body cavity according to a desired fluid pressure, and a cover for the HIFU transducer that has at least one perforation defined therethrough to allow fluid to flow through the cover. Further disclosed herein are methods of deploying a combined imaging/HIFU probe in a body cavity.

Abstract: A brushless wire-rope cleaner having a base plate, two side members arranged on a base plate at a distance from one another, and a cover extending from one side member to the other side member so that the base plate, the side members and the cover form a channel. A cleaning element is slideably arranged in the channel and a tensioning mechanism is arranged to slide the cleaning element through the channel.

Abstract: The pipe hanger assembly is a pipe hanger and a holding assembly for retaining the pipe hanger against a pipe support. The pipe hanger has an inverted, generally U-shaped yoke having a slot defined in the bight of the yoke, a U-shaped saddle for supporting the pipe, and a bolt connecting the yoke and the saddle to each other. The holding assembly is at least a bracket having a pair of flanges defining a guide channel, the bracket being attached to a stud, threaded rod, or other pipe support suspended from a ceiling. The pipe hanger is assembled to the pipe, the bracket is attached to the rod, and the yoke is slid onto the rod between the bracket and a keeper, the yoke being aligned with the guide channel. The keeper is tightened to secure the pipe hanger to the pipe support. A pair of embossments protrude from an inner surface of the saddle.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering HIFU energy may include a probe with a plurality of leaves that provide a bowl-shaped HIFU therapy transducer. In once case, pins may slide within grooves in the leaves to deploy the leaves. In another case, spines may be configured to slide in a channel defined in each leaf. In other cases, a spring or a shape memory alloy may be used to deploy the leaves. In another implementation, a probe may be fitted with a flexible material that couples the HIFU therapy transducer to the probe and allows the transducer to be drawn to the side of the probe for insertion. In another implementation, a probe may have one or more inflatable bladders that form the HIFU therapy transducer. In yet another implementation, a probe may have an imaging component and a HIFU therapy transducer disposed thereon that rotate, as a unit, about a hinge.