Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses (4) for the treatment of adipose tissue. The methods comprise application of ultrasound energy to a region of adipose tissue, and the apparatuses comprise at least one source of ultrasound energy (42a, 42b) configured to direct ultrasound energy through a skin surface into the subcutaneous adipose tissue. In one embodiment, a pressure gradient is created in the region generating relative movement between fat cell constituents having different densities. In another embodiment, a protrusion of skin and underlying adipose tissue containing is formed and ultrasound energy is radiated into the adipose tissue in the protrusion. In another embodiment, an RF electric field is generated inside a region of adipose tissue together with the ultrasound energy.

Abstract: Described herein are bioerodible, biodegradable, or digestible self-deploying intragastric implants that may be swallowed. Once swallowed, the implants undergo self-expansion in the stomach and apply a suitable pressure against the stomach wall to provide a feeling of satiety to the individual. The implants then dissolve or are disassembled perhaps using gastric liquids and pass out of the stomach. Methods of using the devices, perhaps for an individual participating in a dietary control regimen, are described.

Abstract: A method for accelerating hemostasis of an artery having a puncture after arterial catheterization, the catheterization using a catheter introducer, the method including the steps of inserting into an artery a catheter introducer prior to arterial catheterization, following arterial catheterization, introducing a hemostasis device into the catheter introducer, such that a forward end of the hemostasis device lies exterior of the artery adjacent a puncture in a wall of the artery, accelerating hemostasis by heating blood in the vicinity of the puncture, thereby shortening the time required for hemostasis and following hemostasis, removing the catheter introducer and hemostasis device from the patient. A method for monitoring the progress of hemostasis of an artery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided for use in closing punctures in vessel walls. An apparatus may have various combinations of an anchoring device, a positioning device and a heating element for closing a puncture within a vessel wall. An anchoring device may be a balloon, an expansible cage, a wire operated T-anchor, and/or a floating anchor. A positioning device may be a balloon, a sponge, and/or an expansible cage. A heating element may be flexible or rigid and preferably provides heat to target tissue through conduction and convection. A heating element may be flat-ended or dome-shaped. The heating element and anchoring device may be positioned a fixed distance apart to sandwich tissue between the heating element and the anchoring device. The heating element may operate in multiple stages. An initial stage may non-permanently adhere the heating element to the tissue and the subsequent stage may close the puncture.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating varicose veins includes a catheter (20) where the distal end is placed within a varicose vein and the proximal portion remains outside the body of the subject. A heating element (22) heats the vein. A cooling element (62) can be applied to an external surface of the skin above the vicinity of the heating element. A control unit (26) can drive the heating element to apply heat to the vein simultaneously. Alternatively, the control unit can apply a current to the heating element to resistively heat a resistive element. A method for treating a varicose vein includes inserting the elongated heating element into the vein, and driving the heating element to apply heat to the segment of vein simultaneously from the entire active heating portion.

Abstract: A delivery device including at least one stinging capsule and methods of use are described.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for the treatment of adipose tissue. The methods comprise application of ultrasound energy to a region of adipose tissue, and the apparatuses comprise at least one source of ultrasound energy configured to direct ultrasound energy through a skin surface into the subcutaneous adipose tissue. In one embodiment, a pressure gradient is created in the region generating relative movement between fat cell constituents having different densities. In another embodiment, a protrusion of skin and underlying adipose tissue containing is formed and ultrasound energy is radiated into the adipose tissue in the protrusion. In another embodiment, an RF electric field is generated inside a region of adipose tissue together with the ultrasound energy.

Abstract: A method for producing hemostasis of an artery of a patient having a puncture following arterial catheterization including introducing a hemostasis device including at least one electrode into the vicinity of the puncture, supplying an electric current to the at least one electrode, thereby heating blood in the vicinity of the puncture and causing coagulation of the blood and subsequently removing the hemostasis device from the patient.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising an agent beneficial to a non-skin keratinous substance and at least one stinging capsule and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are bioerodible, biodegradable, or digestible self-deploying intragastric implants that may be swallowed. Once swallowed, the implants undergo self-expansion in the stomach and apply a suitable pressure against the stomach wall to provide a feeling of satiety to the individual. The implants then dissolve or are disassembled perhaps using gastric liquids and pass out of the stomach. Methods of using the devices, perhaps for an individual participating in a dietary control regimen, are described.

Abstract: A method for producing hemostasis of an artery of a patient having a puncture following arterial catheterization including introducing a hemostasis device including at least one electrode into the vicinity of the puncture, supplying an electric current to the at least one electrode, thereby heating blood in the vicinity of the puncture and causing coagulation of the blood and subsequently removing the hemostasis device from the patient.

Abstract: A hemostasis device including a resistance heating element for accelerating hemostasis, a blood resistance sensor and a blood resistance indicator, operative to provide an indication of the resistance at the resistance sensor of blood undergoing hemostasis.

Abstract: A method for accelerating hemostasis of an artery having a puncture after arterial catheterization, the catheterization using a catheter introducer, the method including the steps of inserting into an artery a catheter introducer prior to arterial catheterization, following arterial catheterization, introducing a hemostasis device into the catheter introducer, such that a forward end of the hemostasis device lies exterior of the artery adjacent a puncture in a wall of the artery, accelerating hemostasis by heating blood in the vicinity of the puncture, thereby shortening the time required for hemostasis and following hemostasis, removing the catheter introducer and hemostasis device from the patient. A method for monitoring the progress of hemostasis of an artery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices utilizing stinging cells/capsules for conditioning a tissue prior to delivery of a pharmaceutical agent are described.

Abstract: A method for accelerating hemostasis of an artery having a puncture after arterial catheterization, the catheterization using a catheter introducer, the method including the steps of inserting into an artery a catheter introducer prior to arterial catheterization, following arterial catheterization, introducing a hemostasis device into the catheter introducer, such that a forward end of the hemostasis device lies exterior of the artery adjacent a puncture in a wall of the artery, accelerating hemostasis by heating blood in the vicinity of the puncture, thereby shortening the time required for hemostasis and following hemostasis, removing the catheter introducer and hemostasis device from the patient. A method for monitoring the progress of hemostasis of an artery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for electromagnetic skin treatment, including the removal of hair. Devices include pulsed light sources such as flashlamps for providing electromagnetic treatment of the skin, including hair removal. The devices and methods provide for the removal of large numbers of hairs at the same time, rather than on a hair by hair basis.

Abstract: A delivery device including at least one stinging capsule and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A stinging cell comprising an exogenous polynucleotide capable of expressing a therapeutic, cosmetic or diagnostic agent in the stinging cell is provided.

Abstract: A composition of matter including a cosmetic agent and at least one stinging capsule and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A delivery device including at least one stinging capsule and methods of use are described.