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 method for creating a tissue effect provides a substrate with a releasable coating. At least a portion of the releasable coating is released on a selected skin epidermis surface to create a marked skin epidermis surface. The marked skin epidermis surface is used to provide a guide for delivery of energy from an energy source to a tissue site through at least a portion of the marked skin epidermis surface.

Abstract: A handpiece has a handpiece assembly and includes a handpiece housing. An insert is detachably coupled to the handpiece housing. The insert includes an RF electrode with a conductive portion and a dielectric.

Abstract: An apparatus to treat the skin includes a template having a tissue interface surface and an energy delivery device coupled to the template. The energy delivery device is configured to be coupled to a power source and has a variable resistance portion. A sensor is coupled to one of the template, the energy delivery device, the tissue interface surface or a power source coupled to the energy delivery device.

Abstract: A system and method for helping ensure that a user of a computer is set up to optimally view the computer monitor under optimal conditions in order to minimize eyestrain. The system includes determining an optimal viewing distance and monitoring the distance of a user from the computer monitor during use of the computer. The system further includes notifying the user when they stray from the optimal viewing distance and further may include testing various aspects of the user's eyesight during use of the computer monitor.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits relating to identification of ductal orifices on a mammalian breast nipple. The methods employ technology to measure characteristic electrical signals on a nipple surface to locate and image or map the ductal orifices on the nipple surface. Kits are also provided comprising materials for identifying a duct by characteristic electrical signal, and for additionally analyzing the signals, and accessing or marking the ducts once they have been identified by the characteristic electrical signal values.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and compositions for treatment of dysmenorrhea comprise an intravaginal drug delivery system containing an appropriate pharmaceutical agent incorporated into a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier whereby the pharmaceutical agent is released into the vagina and absorbed through the vaginal mucosa to provide relief of dysmenorrhea. The drug delivery system can be a tampon device, vaginal ring, pessary, tablet, suppository, vaginal sponge, bioadhesive tablet, bioadhesive microparticle, cream, lotion, foam, ointment, paste, solution or gel. The system delivers a higher concentration to the muscle of the uterus, the primary site for the dyskinetic muscle contraction, which is the pathophysiologic cause of dysmenorrhea.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and compositions for treatment of dysmenorrhea comprise an intravaginal drug delivery system containing an appropriate pharmaceutical agent incorporated into a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier whereby the pharmaceutical agent is released into the vagina and absorbed through the vaginal mucosa to provide relief of dysmenorrhea. The drug delivery system can be a tampon device, vaginal ring, pessary, tablet, suppository, vaginal medicated tampon, vaginal sponge, bioadhesive tablet, bioadhesive microparticle, cream, lotion, foam, ointment, paste, solution or gel. The system delivers a higher concentration to the muscle of the uterus, the primary site for the dyskinetic muscle contraction, which is the pathophysiologic cause of dysmenorrhea.

Abstract: A computer based system for tracking a patient's fluid volume and electrolyte (cation or anion concentration) balances, during the period extending from before surgical procedures through the recovery process, which will assist the attending physician in maintaining proper balances in the patient. The system contains automatic sensors for measuring the volumes of fluids administered to and recovered from the patient. The system also preferably contains sensors for measuring electrolyte concentrations in these fluids, and, when sensors are not available, assists the attending physician in estimating. The system assists the attending physician in creating baseline values for a patient's fluid and electrolyte values, and then accounts for the fluids going into and out of the patient to continuously track current values. Out of bounds conditions for these balances, when detected, will cause the system to issue alarms and make suggestions to the attending physician for remedial action.

Abstract: An endometrial ablation apparatus and method wherein an RF current having a frequency of between 250 kHz and 100 MHz is passed through the entire surface of an endometrium in order to provide heating of the endometrium. An electroconductive expandable member such as a balloon is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium. The temperature of the endometrium is raised to a temperature between 45.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. and preferably not above 70 for a time sufficient to destroy the cells of the lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42.degree. C. The expandable balloon is connected to a power source which provides the radio frequency power having the desired characteristics to selectively heat the endometrial lining to the desired temperature.

Abstract: A computer based system for tracking a patient's fluid volume and electrolyte (cation or anion concentration) balances, during the period extending from before surgical procedures through the recovery process, which will assist the attending physician in maintaining proper balances in the patient. The system contains automatic sensors for measuring the volumes of fluids administered to and recovered from the patient. The system also preferably contains sensors for measuring electrolyte concentrations in these fluids, and, when sensors are not available, assists the attending physician in estimating. The system assists the attending physician in creating baseline values for a patient's fluid and electrolyte values, and then accounts for the fluids going into and out of the patient to continuously track current values. Out of bounds conditions for these balances, when detected, will cause the system to issue alarms and make suggestions to the attending physician for remedial action.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ an energy emitting electrode to heat tissue. The systems and methods derive a temperature prediction for a future time period. The systems and methods control the application of energy to the energy emitting electrode based, at least in part, upon the temperature prediction.

Abstract: An ablation electrode carries a temperature sensing element for measuring the temperature of the tissue being ablated. A thermal insulating element associated with the sensing element blocks the transfer of heat energy from between the temperature sensing element and the body. The temperature sensing element therefore measures temperature without being affected by the surrounding thermal mass of the electrode.

Abstract: An antenna assembly has an energy propagating region that is encapsulated in a material having a high dielectric constant for minimizing the loss of energy while having a high thermal conductivity for dissipating conductive heat patterns about the energy propagating region.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ an energy emitting electrode to heat tissue. The systems and methods follow a prescribed temperature set curve, in which a setpoint temperature changes over time, to control the application of energy to the electrode.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation system and method employs an ablation electrode having an energy emitting body. A temperature sensing element senses the temperature of the tissue being ablated by the electrode. The system monitors tissue temperature using the temperature sensing element. A control element controls the therapeutic characteristics of the ablated lesion based upon sensed tissue temperature conditions.

Abstract: Systems for ablating tissue control radiofrequency power to an ablation electrode by relying upon actual phase sensitive power measurements, unaffected by phase shifts between radiofrequency voltage and current. The systems also detect these phase differences, if they develop, and integrate this factor in making their control decisions.

Abstract: An endometrial ablation apparatus and method wherein an RF current having a frequency of between 250 kHz and 100 MHz is passed through the entire surface of an endometrium in order to provide heating of the endometrium. An electroconductive expandable member such as a balloon is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium. The temperature of the endometrium is raised to a temperature between 45.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. and preferably not above 70.degree. for a time sufficient to destroy the cells of the lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42.degree. C. The expandable balloon is connected to a power source which provides the radio frequency power having the desired characteristics to selectively heat the endometrial lining to the desired temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ an energy emitting electrode to heat tissue. The systems and methods control the application of energy to the electrode using adjustments that take into account, in a non-linear fashion, changes in monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: An ablation electrode carries a temperature sensing element for measuring the temperature of the tissue being ablated. A thermal insulating element associated with the sensing element blocks the transfer of heat energy from between the temperature sensing element and the body. The temperature sensing element therefore measures temperature without being affected by the surrounding thermal mass of the electrode.