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: An array advancing device that attaches to a tissue ablation probe comprises a housing sized for receiving the handle and reciprocating plunger of the ablation probe, the housing having a proximal section configured to engage the plunger, and a distal section configured to engage the handle, the proximal housing section being controllably moveable relative to the distal housing section to thereby controllably move the plunger relative to the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a catheter, a conductive element and a balloon. The catheter has a lumen. The conductive element is disposed along the catheter. The balloon has an interior in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter. The balloon is formed of a conductive material conductively coupled to the conductive element. The balloon has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a lock-box device that requires a child or any other user to answer one or more educational questions correctly before being allowed access to one or more entertainment systems that require power such as a television, a computer, and a video game console.

Abstract: A device is provided for insertion and implantation in a patient's bodily canals or vessels such as the ureter. The device includes interconnected loops that form a flexible structure that may span the length of a bodily canal. The device may include retaining elements at both or either ends. Further according to the present invention, there is provided a stylet for delivering the device to the desired body canal. The device minimizes contact with the lining of the bodily canal while retaining the patency of the canal. The device also is adjustable in length and shape. It is particularly useful for maintaining the tortousness of a body canal.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system and method of forming same includes an ablation device having a substrate with an outer surface and energy transport elements coupled to the outer surface. The substrate is configured to have a shape that approximates an interior shape of a uterus. The system and method further including an energy source electrically coupled to the energy transport elements and at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in a lateral region of the uterus.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body configured to be at least partially inserted into a rectum of a patient. The body defines a first passageway and a second passageway between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The first passageway is configured to receive a medical tool and the second passageway is configured to communicate an insufflation medium. An insufflation port is coupled to the second passageway and is configured to communicate the insufflation medium to the second passageway. A retention portion is coupled to the body and is configured to have a dimension transverse to an axis defined by the body sufficient to retain at least a portion of the body in the rectum. The retention portion is configured to be located beyond an anus of the patient.

Abstract: A medical probe kit and method of treating abnormal tissue within a patient is provided. The kit comprises a cannula having a shaft, a lumen extending through the cannula shaft, and a first ablation electrode disposed on the distal end of the cannula shaft. The cannula may have a handle mounted to the proximal end of the cannula shaft, and an optional fluid delivery port on the handle in fluid communication with the cannula lumen. The kit further comprises an ablation probe configured to be removably disposed within the delivery cannula lumen. The ablation probe has a shaft and a second ablation electrode disposed on a distal end of the probe shaft, wherein the first and second ablation electrodes are arranged in a bipolar configuration. Preferably, the ablation probe is slidable relative to the delivery cannula, whereby the distance between the first and second ablation electrodes can be adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a catheter, a conductive element and a balloon. The catheter has a lumen. The conductive element is disposed along the catheter. The balloon has an interior in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter. The balloon is formed of a conductive material conductively coupled to the conductive element. The balloon has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

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 and devices for treating female stress urinary incontinence are disclosed. The methods include transvaginally accessing the pelvic cavity and introducing a suburethral sling into the retropubic space. In some embodiments the ends of the sling are attached to an anatomical support structure. In other embodiments, the ends of the suburethral sling are not attached to an anatomical support structure. The devices include a surgical instrument for blunt dissection of the pelvic cavity which includes a curved shaft and a blunt distal end. A hook deployment device may optionally be attached to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A particle includes a ferromagnetic material, a radiopaque material, and/or an MRI-visible material.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering RF energy to a target tissue region includes an elongate delivery cannula having a lumen in communication with a distal opening. A deployment member is positioned and longitudinally movable in the lumen. An array of electrode elements are secured to a distal end of the deployment member, the deployment member being movable from a delivery position, in which the electrode elements are positioned within the lumen, to a deployed position, in which the electrode elements extend distally out of the cannula distal opening. A sealing member formed from a bio-compatible material sufficiently rigid to penetrate solid body tissue partially extends from, and substantially seals, the distal cannula opening when the deployment member is in the delivery position.

Abstract: Electro-surgical instrument and attachments for converting a mechanical surgical instrument into an electro-surgical instrument are disclosed for applying electrical current to tissue, such as a blood vessel, to seal or cauterize the tissue. A cover element is slidable over a distal end of a component of a mechanical surgical instrument, such as a forceps. Each cover element defines a single pocket or cavity and a single aperture or opening at one end thereof for receiving and surrounding the distal end of the component and an electrically conductive element attached to an outer surface of the cover element. RF energy can be applied to tissue through the electrically conductive elements. After the procedure, the cover elements can be slidably removed from the forceps member and are disposable.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering electrical energy includes a tubular member having a pair of opposing members extendable from the distal end of the tubular member, the opposing members being directable towards one another for engaging tissue between inner surfaces of the opposing members, the opposing members having one or more electrodes for delivering electrical energy to tissue engaged between the opposing members. One or more hollow needles extend from an inner surface of at least one opposing member, the hollow needles configured to deliver conductive fluid from a lumen into tissue penetrated by the needles.

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: 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: An endoluminal graft is wrapped axially upon itself to form a low profile, which facilitates endoluminal delivery. Apparatus and systems for making and using such grafts are also disclosed.

Abstract: An invasive medical device for delivery radio frequency energy to a target tissue region includes an elongate delivery cannula having a lumen in communication with a distal opening. A deployment member is positioned and longitudinally movable in the lumen. An array of electrode elements are secured to a distal end of the deployment member, the deployment member being movable from a delivery position, in which the electrode elements are positioned within the lumen, to a deployed position, in which the electrode elements extend distally out of the cannula distal opening. A sealing member formed from a biocompatible material sufficiently rigid to penetrate solid body tissue partially extends from, and substantially seals, the distal cannula opening when the deployment member is in the delivery position. By way of examples, the sealing member may be carried on a distal end of the deployment member, or on a separately movable deployment member, or frictionally fit in the cannula distal opening.

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.