Abstract: A tissue cutting and sealing device, having a pair of opposing elements dimensioned to grasp tissue therebetween; and a heating assembly on at least one of the opposing elements, wherein the heating assembly includes: a ceramic body; and a metalized portion extending along a top surface of the ceramic body. The top surface of the ceramic body preferably has a width greater than the metalized portion.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: A tissue cutting and sealing device, having a pair of opposing elements dimensioned to grasp tissue therebetween; and a heating assembly on at least one of the opposing elements, wherein the heating assembly includes: a ceramic body; and a metalized portion extending along a top surface of the ceramic body. The top surface of the ceramic body preferably has a width greater than the metalized portion.

Abstract: A device for handling tissue; including: a main body; a pair of opposing arms connected to the main body, the opposing arms having working surfaces thereon; a heating element disposed on one of the working surfaces; and a resistive element wired in parallel with the heating element.

Abstract: A resistance heater for use in a tissue sealing and cutting device, including a tubular heating element adapted to conduct current therethrough; and a thermally conductive electrical insulator disposed within the tubular heating element.

Abstract: A medical device for photodynamically treating cancerous tissue, such as prostate cancer, comprising a body, a needle extendable from the body and at least one light-emitting (e.g., laser) diode mounted on the needle. The body is sized and configured for introduction into the urethra of a patient. The needle is movable between a retracted position housed substantially within the cylindrical body, and a deployed position in which the needle extends from the cylindrical body to enable it to penetrate into prostate tissue. The light-emitting diode is adapted to emit light to activate a photosensitizing agent (e.g., porfimer sodium) in or adjacent cancerous tissue in the prostate. Methods of treating cancer and other embodiments of medical devices for cancer treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: A method for treating tissue of a mammalian body in which the conductivity of the tissue is characterized. The amount of a conductive liquid to supply to the tissue is determined as a function of the conductivity of the tissue and injected into the tissue over an interval of time. Electromagnetic energy is supplied to the tissue to form a lesion in the tissue. A computer-readable memory and a radio frequency generator and controller utilizing such method are further provided.

Abstract: A resistance heater for use in a tissue sealing and cutting device, including a tubular heating element adapted to conduct current therethrough; and a thermally conductive electrical insulator disposed within the tubular heating element.

Abstract: A method for treating tissue of a mammalian body in which the conductivity of the tissue is characterized. The amount of a conductive liquid to supply to the tissue is determined as a function of the conductivity of the tissue and injected into the tissue over an interval of time. Electromagnetic energy is supplied to the tissue to form a lesion in the tissue. A computer-readable memory and a radio frequency generator and controller utilizing such method are further provided.

Abstract: A transurethral apparatus for radio frequency ablation treatment of the prostate having prostatic tissue of a human male having urethra which extends through the prostate comprising an elongate probe sized so that it is adapted to be introduced into the urethra and having a passageway extending therethrough. The elongate probe has proximal and distal extremities. Proximal and distal pairs of needle electrodes are provided which are carried by the distal extremity of the probe. A control mounted on the proximal extremity of the probe and extends through the passageway and is coupled to the proximal and distal pairs of needle electrodes for movement of the needle electrodes into and out of the prostate. A RF generator is provided for supplying RF energy to the needle electrodes for solely creating bipolar ablation with respect to the proximal and distal pairs of needle electrodes.

Abstract: A device for delivering a topically applied anesthetic agent gel to a wall forming a passage in tissue comprising a flexible elongate cylindrical member having proximal and distal extremities. The member is sized so that it can be inserted into the passage. An anesthetic agent is carried by the member for supplying the anesthetic agent along at least the distal extremity of the member for a sufficient period of time to anesthesize the wall and the tissue surrounding the wall whereby other medical devices can be inserted into the passage without substantial pain to the patient.

Abstract: A transurethral needle ablation device for use by a human hand to treat the prostate of a human male. The device includes a cartridge assembly having an elongate probe member and a stylet. The elongate probe member has proximal and distal extremities and is provided with a passageway extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. The stylet is slidably mounted in the passageway of the elongate probe member. A housing is included in the device. The cartridge assembly is removably mountable on the housing. An assembly adapted for actuation by the human hand is carried by the housing and coupled to the proximal extremity of the stylet for causing the distal extremity of the stylet to extend into the tissue of the prostate.

Abstract: A simulated laser light system includes a light source which emits substantially parallel light rays and a prismatic element having a plurality of prismatic surfaces. The prismatic surfaces define a curved surface either on the inside or the outside of the prismatic element. The prismatic surfaces redirect the light rays emitted from the prismatic element in a plurality of planes which are perpendicular to a tangent to said curved surface. The simulated laser light system appears to emit light from a centerline of the prismatic element when the light is actually emitted from an exterior surface of the prismatic element.

Abstract: A medical probe device for introduction by way of a natural body opening into a tubular internal anatomical part of the body includes an elongate member having proximal and distal extremities and a passageway extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity along a longitudinal axis, a transparent guide piece mounted on the distal extremity of the elongate member, the transparent guide piece having proximal and distal extremities and a bore therein defining a guide piece lumen extending from the proximal extremity of the guide piece distally at least part way to the distal extremity of the guide piece, the guide piece lumen being in communication with the passageway in the elongate member, an optical viewing element movable within the passageway of the elongate member and having a distal extremity movable within the guide piece lumen, a handle mechanism mounted on the proximal extremity of the elongate member, and a further mechanism carried by the handle for mounting the distal extremity of the

Abstract: A simulated laser light system includes a light source which emits substantially parallel light rays and a prismatic element having a plurality of prismatic surfaces. The prismatic surfaces define a curved surface either on the inside or the outside of the prismatic element. The prismatic surfaces redirect the light rays emitted from the prismatic element in a plurality of planes which are perpendicular to a tangent to said curved surface. The simulated laser light system appears to emit light from a centerline of the prismatic element when the light is actually emitted from an exterior surface of the prismatic element.