Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and a system that may be used to provide feedback on the progress of ablation therapy. The system includes a first needle that penetrates a target tissue to deliver radio frequency energy, with or without a conductive fluid, that heats and ablates the target tissue and a second needle that penetrates the target tissue and detects a tissue property indicative of the ablation progress. Temperature, impedance, or another parameter may be the tissue property detected and measured by the system. In addition, more than one sensor may be positioned on the first or second needle. The system may provide real-time monitoring of the tissue property or use the tissue property measurement to automatically terminate the ablation therapy. In particular, the system may be used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Abstract: An infusion system delivers drug to the patient at a fixed rate while permitting the patient to introduce a controlled bolus dosage when needed. A pump having a bulkhead that is provided with first and second flow paths from the pump reservoir to a single outlet port. The first flow path communicates with a first flow regulator which restricts flow in the first flow path to the desired fixed rate of delivery. The second flow path communicates with a patient-operated pump incorporated into the pump housing. The patient-operated pump may be in the form of a deformable reservoir that accumulates a drug bolus which may be expelled when the reservoir is compressed by the patient's fingers. A second flow regulator may be incorporated in the drug flow path upstream of the patient-operated pumping device to restrict the dosage that may accumulate therein. Additionally, a fluid control assembly incorporating a patient-controlled pump may be used with single or dual port pumps.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system and a propellant therefor. The propellant comprises a mixture of a plurality of substances, the precise by-weight or by-molar combination of which is used to set the propellant pressure within a desirable pressure range. At least one of the plurality of propellant substances is a relatively higher vapor pressure fluid; and at least one of the plurality of propellant substances is a relatively lower vapor pressure fluid.

Abstract: The displacement of refill valves in an implantable drug delivery device is reduced to permit the housings of a drug delivery device to remain compact in size while permitting reservoirs of increased depth to be used. In a preferred embodiment, a collapsible link is provided as a telescoping member incorporating a coil spring. As the valve is pulled into contact with its seat, a detectable pressure increase is sensed in the refill device. In accordance with the invention, as the drug supply contained in the reservoir depletes, the reservoir surface moves towards a collapsed position, compressing the coil spring and eventually contacting the valve stem, thereby lifting the valve from its seat. By virtue of telescoping link, the valve stem length and therefore the valve travel may be reduced as compared to prior art devices, thus eliminating the need for increased housing depth when deeper reservoirs are used. The collapsible link may be comprised of a second spring combined with a telescoping link.