Abstract: A bone anchor placement device includes a handle and a shaft extending in a distal direction from the handle. A head is disposed at a distal end of the shaft and a retractable anchor driver is disposed within the head. The recessed anchor mount is operable to advance from the head during placement of an anchor in to a supporting structure. The recessed anchor mount is operable to retract into the head during insertion of the placement device within a human body. The recessed anchor mount may include a push wire for advancing and retracting the retractable anchor mount.

Abstract: A bone anchor placement device includes a handle and a shaft extending in a distal direction from the handle. A head is disposed at a distal end of the shaft and a retractable anchor driver is disposed within the head. The recessed anchor mount is operable to advance from the head during placement of an anchor in to a supporting structure. The recessed anchor mount is operable to retract into the head during insertion of the placement device within a human body. The recessed anchor mount may include a push wire for advancing and retracting the retractable anchor mount.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided that includes a catheter shaft constructed for insertion into a blood vessel, an inflatable balloon mounted on a distal portion of the catheter shaft, a heating device mounted on the distal portion of the catheter arranged for heating tissue in contact with the balloon while the balloon is inflated, and an ablation electrode. The catheter shaft and the balloon are sized and constructed to permit the distal portion of the catheter shaft to be inserted into an atrium or ventricle of a heart while the balloon is deflated. The distal portion of the catheter is positioned within the atrium or ventricle and adjacent to a wall of the atrium or ventricle. The balloon is inflated with fluid while the balloon is within the atrium or ventricle, and while the balloon is inflated it is engaged in direct contact with a wall of the atrium or ventricle. Tissue surrounding the balloon is heated through use of the heating device while the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: The invention features a treatment method of deeply seated tissue and a corresponding medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a light guide adapted to transmit light energy of a selected wavelength from a light source to a selected volume of tissue, a conduit constructed to deliver a flow of coolant from a source of coolant to a surface of the selected tissue volume through which the light energy passes in reaching the volume. The irradiation and cooling is governed by control means adapted to regulate the intensity of the light energy in respect of the flow of coolant delivered to the surface to prevent substantial damage of surface tissue while irradiating the tissue volume.