Abstract: Tissue ablation probes are provided. Each tissue ablation probe comprises an electrically conductive probe shaft, at least one tissue ablation electrode carried by a distal end of the probe shaft, and an electrically insulative outer sheath disposed on the probe shaft. The sheath is at least partially composed of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and another material comprising condensed-phase particles interspersed throughout the PEEK to increase the echogenicity of the outer sheath. The durability of the PEEK allows the sheath to be formed as thinly as possible, thereby minimizing the diameter of the ablation probe, while the inclusion of condensed-phase particles within the PEEK does not significantly degrade the durability of the sheath.

Abstract: A surgical retractor device includes a frame and at least one retracting member configured for being secured to the collapsible frame. The retracting member is formed from a spring-biased rotatable member, a tension line secured at a proximal end to the spring-biased rotatable member, and a tissue securing member disposed at a distal end of the tension line. In certain embodiments, the surgical retractor may be collapsible and delivered laparoscopically to the resection site.

Abstract: Methods, medical probe kits, and systems are provided for treating a tissue region within a patient, e.g., a margin of tissue surrounding an interstitial space created by removing abnormal tissue. A delivery cannula is introduced within the patient. A hydrophilic electrode is advanced through the cannula adjacent the tissue region, e.g., within the interstitial cavity. An ablation probe is advanced though the cannula into contact with the hydrophilic electrode, and ablation energy is conveyed from the ablation probe into the tissue region via the hydrophilic electrode.

Abstract: A method of treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) is provided. The method comprises introducing a delivery sheath within an anatomical conduit that supplies the tissue region with a fluid (e.g., blood or air). The anatomical conduit may be any naturally occurring conduit within a patient. The method further comprises expanding an occlusive device (e.g., a balloon) associated with the delivery sheath, such that the conduit is at least partially occluded to reduce the flow of fluid through the conduit. The method further comprises introducing a tissue treatment catheter within the delivery sheath, advancing the treatment catheter from the delivery sheath through an aperture in a wall of the conduit adjacent the tissue region, and conveying thermal energy from (i.e., hyperthermia) or to the treatment catheter (i.e., hypothermia) to treat (e.g., by ablating) the tissue region.

Abstract: Ablation probes are provided for perfusing the tissue, while the tissue is ablated. The ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft and an ablative element, such as a needle electrode. The ablation probe further comprises a lumen that extends through the probe shaft, which will be used to deliver a fluid to the distal end of the probe shaft for perfusion into the surrounding tissue. The ablation probe further comprises a porous structure that is associated with the distal end of the shaft in fluid communication with the lumen. For example, the distal end of the shaft, or the entirety of the shaft, can be composed of the porous structure. Or, if the ablative element is an electrode, the electrode can be composed of the porous structure. Because the pores within the porous structure are pervasive, the fluid will freely flow out into the tissue notwithstanding that some of the pores may become clogged.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a source of conductive and/or magnetic beads, a first member, e.g., a catheter or cannula, coupled to the source of magnetic beads, and a second member, e.g., a catheter or cannula, carrying a magnet on its distal end. The system is used for ablating or otherwise treating tissue within a target tissue region including a blood vessel contacting or passing therethrough. Magnetic beads are introduced into the target tissue region, e.g., using the first member, and a magnetic field is generated within the target tissue region, e.g., using the second member, to cause the magnetic beads to migrate towards a wall of the vessel. Energy is delivered into the target tissue region, e.g., to heat tissue therein, and the magnetic beads may attenuate or enhance treatment of tissue adjacent to the vessel.

Abstract: A medical assembly and method are provided to effectively treat abnormal tissue, such as, a tumor. The target tissue is thermally ablated using a suitable source, such as RF or laser energy. A cooling shield is placed in contact with non-target tissue adjacent the target tissue, and actively cooled to conduct thermal energy away from the non-target tissue. In one method, the cooling shield can be placed between two organs, in which case, one of the two organs can comprise the target tissue, and the other of the two organs can comprise the non-target tissue. In this case, the cooling shield may comprise an actively cooled inflatable balloon, which can be disposed between the two organs when deflated, and then inflated. The inflatable balloon can be actively cooled by pumping a cooling medium through it. In another method, the cooling shield can be embedded within the non-target tissue. In this case, the cooling shield can comprise one or more needles.

Abstract: A stent for assisting urinary release in a male patient includes a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the first and second segments. The first segment includes a multi-winged malecot. When the stent is properly positioned within the patient's urinary system, the first segment is located on one side of the external sphincter with the multi-winged malecot located within the bladder to inhibit migration of the stent, and the second segment is located on the other side of the external sphincter and also tends to inhibit migration of the stent. The connecting segment is sized to extend through the external sphincter to couple the first and second segments together while not interfering with the normal operation of the external sphincter.

Abstract: A system for ablating lesions in the interior regions of the human body including a RF catheter and a control system adapted to facilitate the automatic step deployment of an array-type energy delivery system positioned within the catheter. The RF catheter and control system further include an auto array deployment mechanism coupled to the array-type energy delivery system and an impedance and temperature monitoring system. In addition, the system includes a probe positioning device adapted to maintain a RF probe in a desired orientation during ablation procedures.

Abstract: A urethral prosthesis with prostatic and bulbar segments connected by two types of ties allows the prosthesis to assume at least two configurations different with inter-segmental distances adapted to situations where the patient either has or does not have normal control of the external sphincter. This is particularly useful for a patient undergoing an anesthetic procedure that affects the external sphincter muscles. When the muscles are anesthetized, the prosthesis may provide constant urine voiding, and when the anesthetic effects wear off, the prosthesis may assume a different configuration to allow the sphincter to reassert control over urinary voiding.

Abstract: A vessel occlusion system includes one or more ablation elements that, when activated, is configured for at least partially closing a vessel segment of a patient. The vessel occlusion system further includes a sensor assembly that is configured for generating feedback indicative of a state of closure of the vessel segment, and an automated longitudinal translator configured for longitudinally translating the one or more ablation elements based on the feedback from the sensor assembly. The one or more ablation elements may be associated with a catheter member that slides within the catheter sheath.

Abstract: Methods and devices for occluding a vessel during a percutaneous ablation procedure. An elongated access device having a lumen and a tissue piercing, open distal end in communication with the lumen is used to percutaneously access a vessel that supplied blood to the tissue to be treated. An elongated balloon deployment device is used to deliver a balloon into the interior of the vessel. The balloon is inflated, resulting in the occlusion of the vessel. The tissue to be treated is ablated. Because there is little or no blood to transfer the thermal energy away from the heated tissue, the ablation procedure is performed more efficiently. The balloon may be subsequently deflated allowing normal flow through the vessel to return.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a source of conductive and/or magnetic beads, a first member, e.g., a catheter or cannula, coupled to the source of magnetic beads, and a second member, e.g., a catheter or cannula, carrying a magnet on its distal end. The system is used for ablating or otherwise treating tissue within a target tissue region including a blood vessel contacting or passing therethrough. Magnetic beads are introduced into the target tissue region, e.g., using the first member, and a magnetic field is generated within the target tissue region, e.g., using the second member, to cause the magnetic beads to migrate towards a wall of the vessel. Energy is delivered into the target tissue region, e.g., to heat tissue therein, and the magnetic beads may attenuate or enhance treatment of tissue adjacent to the vessel.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes first and second ablation devices each including a plurality of wire electrodes and coupled to a generator in parallel. In one embodiment, the generator includes first and second terminals coupled in parallel to one another, and the first and second ablation devices are connected to the first and second terminals, respectively. Alternatively, the first and second ablation devices are coupled to a single terminal of the generator using a “Y” cable. A ground electrode is coupled to the generator opposite the first and second ablation devices for monopolar operation. The first and second arrays of electrodes are inserted into first and second sites adjacent one another within a tissue region. Energy is simultaneously delivered to the first and second arrays to generate lesions at the first and second sites preferably such that the first and second lesions overlap.

Abstract: Ablation device for creating a lesion within tissue includes an angle indexing apparatus. The angle indexing apparatus includes an index-key and an indexer. The index-key is secured to the ablation device. The indexer is secured in a position relative to which the index-key can move. The index-key is adapted to mate with the indexer in a plurality of positions, thereby allowing operation of the ablation device in a plurality of orientations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an elongated body member having a distal end and a head extending from the distal end of the elongated body member, with the head comprising a remotely actuatable needle driver and a needle catch. A needle is adapted for receiving a suture and for being driven by the needle driver through a tissue into the needle catch, making a stitch. The instrument further comprises a remotely actuatable implement, such as a push bar, for moving the needle from a first position lodged in the needle catch to a second position dislodged from or able to be readily dislodged from the needle catch. The instrument may be used for placing multiple stitches without removing the instrument from the body. One particularly advantageous embodiment comprises a suturing device adapted for insertion in a body lumen, such as for attaching an endoluminal device to the lumen wall.

Abstract: A medical assembly and method are provided to effectively treat abnormal tissue, such as, a tumor. The target tissue is thermally ablated using a suitable source, such as RF or laser energy. A cooling shield is placed in contact with non-target tissue adjacent the target tissue, and actively cooled to conduct thermal energy away from the non-target tissue. In one method, the cooling shield can be placed between two organs, in which case, one of the two organs can comprise the target tissue, and the other of the two organs can comprise the non-target tissue. In this case, the cooling shield may comprise an actively cooled inflatable balloon, which can be disposed between the two organs when deflated, and then inflated. The inflatable balloon can be actively cooled by pumping a cooling medium through it. In another method, the cooling shield can be embedded within the non-target tissue. In this case, the cooling shield can comprise one or more needles.

Abstract: A vessel occlusion system includes one or more ablation elements that, when activated, is configured for at least partially closing a vessel segment of a patient. The vessel occlusion system further includes a sensor assembly that is configured for generating feedback indicative of a state of closure of the vessel segment, and an automated longitudinal translator configured for longitudinally translating the one or more ablation elements based on the feedback from the sensor assembly. The one or more ablation elements may be associated with a catheter member that slides within the catheter sheath.

Abstract: A system for embolotherapy comprises a catheter with a lumen extending therethrough from a proximal opening to a distal opening through which an embolic agent may be dispensed to a treatment site and at least one sensor coupled proximate to the distal end of the catheter to generate signals relating to a physiological condition in an area of the lumen adjacent to the sensor in combination with a controller receiving and processing the signals to generate data indicative of the physiological condition.

Abstract: Ablation device for creating a lesion within tissue includes an angle indexing apparatus. The angle indexing apparatus includes an index-key and an indexer. The index-key is secured to the ablation device. The indexer is secured in a position relative to which the index-key can move. The index-key is adapted to mate with the indexer in a plurality of positions, thereby allowing operation of the ablation device in a plurality of orientations.