Abstract: A system for treating a target region in tissue beneath a tissue surface comprises a probe for deploying an electrode array within the tissue and a surface electrode for engaging the tissue surface above the treatment site. Preferably, surface electrode includes a plurality of tissue-penetrating elements which advance into the tissue, and the surface electrode is removably attachable to the probe. The tissue may be treated in a monopolar fashion where the electrode array and surface electrode are attached to a common pole on an electrode surgical power supply and powered simultaneously or successively, or in a bipolar fashion where the electrode array and surface electrode are attached to opposite poles of the power supply. The systems are particularly useful for treating tumors and other tissue treatment regions which lie near the surface.

Abstract: A system for treating a target region in tissue beneath a tissue surface comprises a probe for deploying an electrode array within the tissue and a surface electrode for engaging the tissue surface above the treatment site. Preferably, surface electrode includes a plurality of tissue-penetrating elements which advance into the tissue, and the surface electrode is removably attachable to the probe. The tissue may be treated in a monopolar fashion where the electrode array and surface electrode are attached to a common pole on an electrode surgical power supply and powered simultaneously or successively, or in a bipolar fashion where the electrode array and surface electrode are attached to opposite poles of the power supply. The systems are particularly useful for treating tumors and other tissue treatment regions which lie near the surface.

Abstract: Body lumens such as blood vessels are selectively occluded by mechanically collapsing the blood vessel and subsequently applying energy or other occlusive conditions within or adjacent the collapsed region. For example, vessel collapsing mechanisms can include spreadable opposed elements, reciprocating jaw mechanisms having penetrating elements, and devices for applying negative pressure to collapse the blood vessel. One or more electrodes can be used in a monopolar or bipolar fashion to apply radiofrequency or other energy to the body lumen in the region where it has been collapsed.

Abstract: Methods for heating tissue by delivering radio frequency energy through tissue electrodes comprise controlling energy delivery so that an abrupt increase in impedance between the electrodes and the tissue is observed, typically in the form of an abrupt decrease in power delivered to the electrodes. The power at which the impedance increases and/or the time required to induce such an increase in impedance, are relied on to determine acceptable ranges to achieve a maximum sustainable delivery of radio frequency energy to the tissue consistent with complete, rapid, and uniform heating of the tissue.

Abstract: Described are apparatus, systems, and methods for delivering RF energy to a treatment site. The therapeutic system includes a RF power supply and RF therapeutic probe. The probe includes at least one distal electrode and a proximal power supply connector. A control circuit is provided for controlling the amount of RF power supplied to the electrode. The control circuit is formed upon connection of the connector to the power supply.

Abstract: Body lumens such as blood vessels are selectively occluded by mechanically collapsing the blood vessel and subsequently applying energy or other occlusive conditions within or adjacent the collapsed region. For example, vessel collapsing mechanisms can include spreadable opposed elements, reciprocating jaw mechanisms having penetrating elements, and devices for applying negative pressure to collapse the blood vessel. One or more electrodes can be used in a monopolar or bipolar fashion to apply radiofrequency or other energy to the body lumen in the region where it has been collapsed.

Abstract: A thermal ablation catheter includes an elongate body member having a heating element disposed over a predetermined length of its distal end or within an axial lumen. The heating element is suspended away from an exterior surface of the elongate member to form a circulation region thereunder. Alternatively, the heating element is distributed over some or all of the axial lumen. Thermally conductive fluid can be introduced through the lumen in the elongate member and into the circulation region to effect heat transfer. The catheter is used to introduce the thermally conductive medium to a hollow body organ where the heating element raises the temperature of the medium sufficiently to induce injury to the lining of the organ. Optionally, an expandable cage in the catheter or on an associated introducer sheath may be used in combination with a thermal ablation catheter.

Abstract: A thermal ablation catheter includes an elongate body member having a heating element disposed over a predetermined length of its distal end. The heating element is suspended away from an exterior surface of the elongate member to form a circulation region thereunder. Thermally conductive fluid can be introduced through a lumen in the elongate member and distributed within the circulation region to improve heat transfer. The catheter is used to introduce the thermally conductive medium to a hollow body organ where the heating element raises the temperature of the medium sufficiently to induce injury to the lining of the organ. Optionally, an introducer sheath having an expandable cage at its distal end may be used in combination with a thermal ablation catheter. The expandable cage helps center the heating element on the catheter within the body organ and prevents direct contact between the heating element and the wall of the organ.

Abstract: A dilator assembly for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations into body cavities includes an elongate guide member and one or more elongate dilation members. The guide member includes a retractable anchor near its distal end so that an outward force or tension may be maintained on the body cavity wall as successfully larger dilators are introduced over the guide member. In this way, the alignment of the guide member is maintained along the initial penetration and the tendency for the wall of the body cavity to separate from and invaginate into the surrounding fascia is reduced. Alternatively, means may be provided for internally tensioning or stiffening the guide member so that the guide member will remain aligned and resist withdrawal, buckling, and kinking as a dilator or working catheter is introduced.

Abstract: A dilator assembly for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations into body cavities includes an elongate guide member and one or more elongate dilation members. The guide member includes a retractable anchor near its distal end so that an outward force or tension may be maintained on the body cavity wall as successfully larger dilators are introduced over the guide member. In this way, the alignment of the guide member is maintained along the initial penetration and the tendency for the wall of the body cavity to separate from and invaginate into the surrounding fascia is reduced. Alternatively, means may be provided for internally tensioning or stiffening the guide member so that the guide member will remain aligned and resist withdrawal, buckling, and kinking as a dilator or working catheter is introduced.

Abstract: Hollow body organs, such as the gallbladder, may be ablated by introducing a substantially unheated thermally conductive medium to the interior of the organ. The thermally conductive medium is then heated to a temperature sufficient to necrose the endothelial lining or mucous membrane of the organ. After the lining or membrane has necrosed, the interior of the organ will fibrose over time and the organ will eventually be resorbed by the body. A catheter useful in performing the ablation method comprises an elongate member having a heating element at its distal tip. The catheter will include at least one lumen for delivering the thermally conductive medium to the interior of the hollow body organ, and the heating means is used to raise the temperature of the thermally conductive medium after it has been delivered.

Abstract: Hollow body organs, such as the gallbladder, may be ablated by introducing a substantially unheated thermally conductive medium to the interior of the organ. The thermally conductive medium is then heated to a temperature sufficient to necrose the endothelial lining or mucous membrane of the organ. After the lining or membrane has necrosed, the interior of the organ will fibrose over time and the organ will eventually be resorbed by the body. A catheter useful in performing the ablation method comprises an elongate member having a heating element at its distal tip. The catheter will include at least one lumen for delivering the thermally conductive medium to the interior of the hollow body organ, and the heating means is used to raise the temperature of the thermally conductive medium after it has been delivered.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent for maintaining patency in body passages subject to invasive tissue growth includes a cylindrical wall having radial passages therethrough. A mechanism is provided for disrupting cellular growth which penetrates through the passages. The mechanism may provide for mechanical disruption, thermal disruption, or preferably for excision using radio frequency energy. In a specific embodiment, the cylindrical wall is defined by a tubular mesh, and the mechanism for disrupting cellular growth comprises parallel wires within the mesh. The wires are connected to an external radio frequency source and act as electrodes in effecting excision using the radio frequency energy.

Abstract: Hollow body organs, such as the gallbladder, may be ablated by introducing a substantially unheated thermally conductive medium to the interior of the organ. The thermally conductive medium is then heated to a temperature sufficient to necrose the endothelial lining or mucous membrane of the organ. After the lining or membrane has necrosed, the interior of the organ will fibrose over time and the organ will eventually be resorbed by the body. A catheter useful in performing the ablation method comprises an elongate member having a heating element at its distal tip. The catheter will include at least oen lumen for delivering the thermally conductive medium to the interior of the hollow body organ, and the heating means is used to raise the temperature of the thermally conductive medium after it has been delivered.

Abstract: A portable medication dispensing unit has several compartments for storing pills or other forms of medicine. The dispensing unit is programmed with a medication schedule which causes visual and audio signals when it is time for the medication to be consumed. The medication schedule is optimized to accommodate the user's personal habits and to simplify taking two or more medicines. The programming means may be integral with the dispensing unit or a separate unit.

Abstract: An ion treatment electrode has a porous polymer substrate with a conductive coating. A non-conductive solution impervious border is provided by applying to adjacent substrate, sufficient heat and pressure to melt the polymer and disrupt the conductive coating.