Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a skin surface includes an RF device that has an RF electrode with dielectric and conductive portions. The RF device is configured to be coupled to an RF energy source. A cooling member is coupled to the RF device. A memory is coupled to the RF device. The memory is configured to store information to facilitate operation of at least one of the RF electrode, the cooling member, and the RF energy source.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for delivering energy to an airway wall of a lung comprising an energy delivering apparatus and a PID controller having one or more variable gain factors which are rest after energy deliver has begun. The energy delivering apparatus may include a flexible elongated member and a distal expandable basket having at least one electrode for transferring energy to the airway wall and at least one temperature sensor for measuring temperature. The PID controller determines a new power set point base on an error between a preset temperature and the measured temperature. The algorithm can be Pi+1=Pi+G(?ei+?ei?1+?ei?2) where ?, ? and ? are preset values and ? is from 1 to 2; ?is from ?1 to ?2; and ? is from ?0.5 to 0?5. In another variation, the controller is configured to shut down if various measured parameters are exceeded such as, for example, energy, impedance, temperature, temperature differences, activation time and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density or power density, and the amount of time required for energy delivery. A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring an inner diameter of a body lumen, where a balloon is inflated inside the body lumen at a fixed pressure.

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 RF device includes a support structure coupled to an RF electrode that has conductive and dielectric portions. A cooling member is coupled to the support structure and is configured to cool a back surface of the RF electrode. The cooling member is distanced from the back surface of the RF electrode. A memory is coupled to the RF electrode. The memory is configured to store information to facilitate operation of at least one of the RF electrode, the cooling member and an RF energy source.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member such as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.

Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a tampon body that is manufactured at a first manufacturing facility; and a dosage form coupled to the body, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent, and wherein the dosage form is manufactured at a second manufacturing facility. Also, a method for producing a medicated tampon including manufacturing a tampon body at a first manufacturing facility; manufacturing a dosage form at a second manufacturing facility, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent; and coupling the dosage form to the tampon body.

Abstract: A system for treating abnormal mucosa in an esophagus comprises an access catheter, an energy delivery structure near a distal end of the access catheter, and a power supply for delivering energy through the energy delivery structure under conditions which injure or ablate the mucosal layer of the esophageal wall without causing substantial injury or heating of the submucosal layer. By injuring or necrosing metaplastic or other abnormal mucosal cells, regrowth of the mucosa substantially free from abnormal cells can be initiated.

Abstract: A system for measuring physiologic characteristics for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus comprises a sizing device having an inflatable balloon on a distal end of a catheter that is inflated with an expansion medium to expand the balloon to engage the wall of the esophagus so that the internal cross-section can be calculated or measured. The sizing device may also include an infusion source for delivering the expansion medium and means for measuring the amount and pressure of the expansion medium inside the catheter. The system also comprises one or more energy delivery devices for injuring or ablating the mucosal layer of the esophageal wall, the energy delivery devices having an expandable member selected to engage the esophageal wall to the appropriate dimension as determined by the sizing device.

Abstract: A handpiece that includes a handpiece assembly, a handpiece housing and a cooling fluidic medium valve member. An electrode assembly is coupled to the handpiece housing. The electrode assembly has a least one RF electrode that is capacitively coupled to a skin surface when at least a portion of the RF electrode is in contact with the skin surface.

Abstract: A method, and system, are provided treating a tissue site of a tissue structure that has at least a first and a second tissue plane. An energy delivery device is provided. A barrier is created between the first and second tissue planes. At least a portion of an energy delivery device is positioned at the tissue site. Sufficient energy is delivered from the energy delivery device to create cell necrosis of at least a portion of the first tissue plane.

Abstract: An RF device includes a support structure. An RF electrode is coupled to the support structure and includes conductive and dielectric portions. A thermo-electric cooler is coupled to the support structure and is configured to cool a back surface of the RF electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a skin surface includes an RF device that has an RF electrode with dielectric and conductive portions. The RF device is configured to be coupled to an RF energy source. A cooling member is coupled to the RF device. A memory is coupled to the RF device. The memory is configured to store information to facilitate operation of at least one of the RF electrode, the cooling member, and the RF energy source.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for delivering energy to an airway wall of a lung comprising an energy delivering apparatus and a PID controller having one or more variable gain factors which are rest after energy deliver has begun. The energy delivering apparatus may include a flexible elongated member and a distal expandable basket having at least one electrode for transferring energy to the airway wall and at least one temperature sensor for measuring temperature. The PID controller determines a new power set point base on an error between a preset temperature and the measured temperature. The algorithm can be Pi+1=Pi+G(&agr;ei+&bgr;ei−1+&ggr;ei−2) where &agr;, &bgr; and &ggr; are preset values and &agr; is from 1 to 2; &bgr; is from −1 to −2; and &ggr; is from −0.5 to 0-5.

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: An RF device has a support structure. An RF electrode, coupled to the support structure, includes conductive and dielectric portions. A cooling member, coupled to the support structure, is configured to cool a back surface of the RF electrode. The cooling member is distanced from the back surface of the RF electrode.

Abstract: An RF device includes a support structure coupled to an RF electrode that has conductive and dielectric portions. A cooling member is coupled to the support structure and is configured to cool a back surface of the RF electrode. The cooling member is distanced from the back surface of the RF electrode. A memory is coupled to the RF electrode. The memory is configured to store information to facilitate operation of at least one of the RF electrode, the cooling member and an RF energy source.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a method for creating a desired tissue effect. An RF electrode is provided that includes a conductive portion. The RF electrode is coupled to a fluid delivery member that delivers a cooling fluidic medium to a back surface of the RF electrode. A dielectric is positioned on a skin surface. The RF electrode is coupled with the dielectric. RF energy is delivered from the RF electrode and the dielectric to the skin surface.

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 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.