Abstract: A flexible bipolar electrode is provided, with alternating poles positioned over a flexible member. A preferred embodiment may comprise two insulated conductors twisted together to form a twisted-pair, braid, or other similar structure, with the insulation removed at one or more locations along this structure, such that there exist adjacent conductors which have areas that are exposed. The one or more such locations where the insulation on each of the conductors is removed form a bipolar pair on at least one of the sides of the electrode. The exposed locations of the two conductors may form focal points, lines, or areas of alternating poles, and may be used for delivering energy to target tissue or material according to those shapes, to affect the tissue or material at those points, lines, or areas. Use of such electrode as well as additional technologies for treating GI conditions including but not limited to obesity and constipation is further described.

Abstract: A device for creating a pattern of perforations in a tissue, comprising a treating surface coupled to a distal end of the elongated member and configured to be positioned adjacent one or more tissue planes, a plurality of electrodes extending outwardly from at least one surface of the treating surface and adapted for creating simultaneous perforations in one or more tissue layers, wherein the electrodes are provided in a pattern to impart a corresponding pattern of perforations in the one or more tissue layers. Methods of using the device and methods of creating perforations in one or more layers of tissues are also provided.

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 method and apparatus is described that includes a catheter and a penetrating member at a distal end of the catheter for penetrating a tissue. The penetrating member can have a lumen in communication with the catheter, the lumen having an opening at a surface of the penetrating member to deliver a substance through the lumen. The device includes means for determining a location of the opening relative to the tissue.

Abstract: To prevent intimal hyperplasia within a dialysis graft, a flexible tube comprising the dialysis graft is coated interiorly before placement with an anticarcinogen or mitosis-inhibiting agent for preventing cell division. The graft can also be irradiated with light energy by directing light into the lumen of the tube that has been grafted in place, thereby preventing or reducing dialysis graft intimal hyperplasia and reducing inflammation. The light source can be a light emitting diode (LED) or a chemical light source, i.e., a chemiluminescent substance for producing cool light energy within the graft to prevent or reduce the symptoms of GIH. When phototherapy is used, the body is exposed to light radiation at the site of the graft in sufficient amount to prevent undesired cell proliferation within the vessels, the graft, or surrounding tissue where the invention is used without detectable damage to body tissue. For various applications, visible light can be used, e.g.

Abstract: A device includes a patch or bandage, applied on or adjacent to a specific external surface of a human or animal body part, which delivers light of varying wavelengths, intensity and duration for treatment of various diseases or abnormalities.