Abstract: An ablation catheter system and method of use is provided to endoscopically access portions of the human esophagus experiencing undesired growth of columnar epithelium. The ablation catheter system and method includes controlled depth of ablation features and use of either radio frequency spectrum, non-ionizing ultraviolet radiation, warm fluid or microwave radiation, which may also be accompanied by improved sensitizer agents.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus has a body portion that includes a shaft terminating in a distal head or tip and a means for directing light radiation from the apparatus onto the lining of a body cavity for treating a gastrointestinal ailment of a patient including gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer, gastric lymphoma, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease. The method of use of the apparatus comprises inserting the shaft of the apparatus into a body cavity, e.g., stomach or colon, of the patient to place the distal tip of the shaft in the desired position. The body cavity of the patient is then irradiated with ultraviolet light radiation in a preferred range of about 250 nm to 270 nm so as to kill or debilitate microorganisms lining the body cavity without serious destruction of the body tissue of the patient to thereby improve or alleviate one or more of the symptoms of the gastrointestinal ailment.

Abstract: A treatment method and apparatus for debilitating or killing Helicobacter pylori or other microorganisms within the body of a patient is especially suited for treating stomach or duodenal ulcers. The present therapeutic method involves the use of ionizing radiation for eliminating pathogenic microorganisms within or supported upon the lining of a body cavity of a patient, e.g., the stomach. An elongated flexible shaft is provided for insertion into the body in any of various ways selected by the surgeon. It can be placed endoscopically, e.g., through the esophagus, placed surgically, placed laparoscopically or by CAT scan-guided percutaneous insertion. A radiant energy distribution head is provided at the end of the flexible shaft to transmit ionizing radiation for destroying microorganisms within the body. Radiant energy, e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for eliminating atherosclerotic vascular disease by exposing the interior of an artery or vein to visible or ultraviolet light of a selected spectrum to thereby sterilize the artery, eradicating infectious pathogens and reverse the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic artery disease. The light energy can be supplied through a fiber optic bundle positioned via an intra-arterial catheter that is connected to an appropriate light radiation source located outside of the body during treatment. In another form of the invention, the light energy is produced by means of a light energy source located at the distal tip of the instrument shaft positioned centrally within the atherosclerotic plaque formation during treatment.

Abstract: A treatment method and apparatus for debilitating or killing Helicobacter pylori or other microorganisms within the body of a patient is especially suited for treating stomach or duodenal ulcers. The present therapeutic method involves the use of ionizing radiation for eliminating pathogenic microorganisms within or supported upon the lining of a body cavity of a patient, e.g., the stomach. An elongated flexible shaft is provided for insertion into the body in any of various ways selected by the surgeon. It can be placed endoscopically, e.g., through the esophagus, placed surgically, placed laparoscopically or by CAT scan-guided percutaneous insertion. A radiant energy distribution head is provided at the end of the flexible shaft to transmit ionizing radiation for destroying microorganisms within the body. Radiant energy, e.g.

Abstract: A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy source transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides a device for insertion into a body of a subject being treated to deliver localized x-ray radiation, and a method for use of such a device. The device includes an anode and a cathode, disposed within a vacuum housing. The device further includes a balloon coupled to and circumferentially surrounding the vacuum housing, and a fluid loop for circulating a cooling fluid proximate to the vacuum housing. A method for delivering localized x-ray radiation to an interior passage of a body is also described, including the steps of positioning an x-ray device at the passage to be treated and applying a high voltage to the x-ray producing unit to produce localized x-ray radiation.

Abstract: A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy source transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Abstract: A sphincterotome adapted to be used in the lumen of an endoscope for cutting a sphincter in a patient's body using a cutting wire energized by an electrosurgical unit. The sphincterotome has a distal end segment and cutting plane orienting mechanism extending through the length of a sphincterotome tubular body between a handle assembly at the proximal end of the sphincterotome body and a distal end segment thereof for shifting the cutting plane laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sphincterotome tubular body exiting the endoscope lumen. The lateral shift is in at least one lateral direction from an un-shifted position of the cutting plane with respect to the longitudinal axis whereby in use during a sphincterotomy, the cutting wire may be oriented into alignment with a particular feature of the sphincter, e.g.

Abstract: An endoscopic probe has an elongate flexible member and a radially extending tip rotatably mounted on a remote end thereof. A wire extends through the elongate flexible member and into the tip. The wire rotates relative to the elongate flexible member to rotate the radially extending tip to any desired orientation about the axis of the elongate flexible member.

Abstract: A storage and incubation apparatus for temperature sensitive medical test samples includes a clear rack mounted on a base and having a plurality of shelves for supporting one or more test sample slides. The rack includes opposing panels joined by a transverse member and/or a side member, and having an open side defined thereon. The rack is clear to permit viewing of the slides during incubation. Furthermore, a heating element including a thin metal strip is mounted on the interior of the rack directly opposite the test samples to maintain the temperature of the test samples within a narrow predefined range.