Abstract: An applicator for delivering ultrasound energy that comprises an ultrasound transducer adapted and configured to be electrically coupled to an ultrasound generator. A housing carries the ultrasound transducer for use. An element supports the transducer within the housing. The element includes an elastic material having a hardness of about 30 Shore A to about 100 Shore A.

Abstract: Systems and methods monitor and enable the use of a medical instrument that is configured to be operated in a prescribed manner. The systems and methods employ a use register sized and configured to be carried by the medical instrument, which comprises a memory field for recording a start date and time at an instance of first operation of the medical instrument. The systems and methods also employ a use monitoring controller, which is adapted and configured to be coupled to the use register. The use monitoring controller includes a start validation function that compares the start date and time to a present real date and time and provides a start validation output based upon the comparison. The use monitoring controller also includes an enablement function that enables operation of the medical instrument only if the start validation output meets prescribed criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer having an impedance subject to variations. The systems and methods electrically couple an ultrasound generator to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy. The systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at a set output frequency and at an output power level that remains essentially constant, despite variations in the impedance, based upon preprogrammed rules.

Abstract: Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer. In one arrangement, the ultrasound energy is delivered at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies. The systems and methods select from within the range an operating output frequency for the ultrasound transducer based upon preprogrammed selection rules. The systems and methods can deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near the operating output frequency selected, to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function. In another arrangement, the systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near a first output power condition to perform a first function, as well as at or near a second output power condition that differs from the first output power condition to perform a second function that differs from the first function.

Abstract: Systems and methods initiate and maintain treatment of a reduced blood perfusion incident using ultrasound in a clinical location or a non-clinical, even mobile location, outside a traditional medical setting. The systems and methods make possible a therapeutic ultrasound treatment modality that “follows the patient” while outside the medical center, while en route to the medical center, and even while being transported within the medical center itself. The systems and methods also make possible therapeutic ultrasound treatment modalities for a traditional medical setting, including cardiac rehabilitation centers, and for in-home use.

Abstract: Systems and methods stimulate circulatory activity in a targeted body region of an individual by applying ultrasound energy. Before, during or after the application of ultrasound energy, the systems and methods administer an agent to individual that results, e.g., in an angiogenic effect, or in a reduction of blood perfusion, or a chemotherapy effect. The application of ultrasound energy selectively increases blood perfusion or uptake of the agent in the targeted body region.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply ultrasound energy to the thoracic cavity of an individual. The systems and methods couple an electrical signal generating machine to an ultrasound applicator. The electrical signal generating machine includes a controller to generate electrical signals to operate the ultrasound applicator during a treatment session to produce ultrasound energy in pulses at (i) a prescribed pulse repetition frequency (PRF), (ii) a prescribed fundamental therapeutic frequency laying within a range of fundamental therapeutic frequencies not exceeding about 500 kHz, and (iii) at a duty cycle (DC) of about 50% or less. According to this aspect of the invention, the duty cycle (DC) is expressed as DC=PD divided by 1/PRF, where PD is the amount of time for one pulse.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply ultrasound energy to the thoracic cavity. The systems and methods make use of an ultrasound energy applicator comprising an ultrasound transducer carried by a housing to generate ultrasound energy at a prescribed fundamental therapeutic frequency laying within a range of fundamental therapeutic frequencies not exceeding about 500 kHz. An ultrasonic coupling region is carried by the housing. The coupling region is adapted, in use, to contact skin. The coupling region is also sized to transcutaneously conduct ultrasound energy in a diverging beam that substantially covers an entire heart. The applicator can also include an assembly worn on the thorax, which stabilizes placement of the housing on the thorax during transcutaneous conduction of ultrasound energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods initiate and maintain treatment of a reduced blood perfusion incident using ultrasound in a clinical location or a non-clinical, even mobile location, outside a traditional medical setting. The systems and methods make possible a therapeutic ultrasound treatment modality that “follows the patient” while outside the medical center, while en route to the medical center, and even while being transported within the medical center itself. The systems and methods also make possible therapeutic ultrasound treatment modalities for a traditional medical setting, including cardiac rehabilitation centers, and for in-home use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying ultrasound energy to a body region. The systems and methods provide an ultrasound applicator including a housing, an ultrasound transducer carried by the housing, and a chamber sized to hold an acoustic coupling media subject to a pressure in acoustic communication with the ultrasound transducer. The systems and methods generate electrical signals to operate the ultrasound transducer to output acoustic energy at a selected intensity level. The systems and methods sense at least one system parameter and compare the sensed system parameter to a desired level. The systems and methods vary the pressure in the chamber based, at least in part, upon the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods initiate and maintain treatment of a reduced blood perfusion incident using ultrasound in a clinical location or a non-clinical, even mobile location, outside a traditional medical setting. The systems and methods make possible a therapeutic ultrasound treatment modality that “follows the patient” while outside the medical center, while en route to the medical center, and even while being transported within the medical center itself. The systems and methods also make possible therapeutic ultrasound treatment modalities for a traditional medical setting, including cardiac rehabilitation centers, and for in-home use.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system comprises a compressor unit and a probe assembly. A secondary refrigerant stream from the compressor unit pre-cools a heat exchanger within the probe assembly in a standby mode of operation. After the heat exchange is pre-cooled, a primary refrigerant stream can be passed through the cooled heat exchanger and thereafter expanded within a tissue-contacting portion of the probe assembly to achieve very low temperatures, typically minus 100° C. or lower. After cooling, the refrigerant stream may be passed through the probe assembly with no or partial expansion to warm the tissue-contacting surface of the probe. A probe sheath can be used to provide sterility.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for using a single electrode structure for both resection and ablation. Generally, the electrode structures of the present invention comprise fixed wire shapes which avoid the complexity and binding that often result when known rolling ablation elements are powered to the high electrosurgical potentials required for removal of tissues. Electrosurgical energy requirements are minimized by concentrating potential at narrow cutting surfaces, and physician effort is avoided by minimizing the total profile of the device along a selected cutting axis. In the exemplary embodiment, a serpentine wire has multiple electrosurgical elements which are aligned with a low cutting profile, and which provide a large lateral surface area for simultaneous ablation of uterine and other tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue. A supporting part extends into the interior of the balloon during inflation to provide support for the balloon. The supporting part is retracted to a position outside the interior of the balloon after inflating the balloon. An endoscope is then inserted into the interior of the balloon. The endoscope is moved within the interior of the balloon to change the field of view of the endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method for endometrial ablation by heating an inflation medium within a distensible bladder positioned within a uterus of a patient. The apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member, a handle, a distensible bladder and a heating element disposed within said distensible bladder. The system includes a controller configured for providing and regulating electric current to the heating element. The controller also includes a pressure sensor for regulating the pressure in the distensible bladder. Pressure and temperature displays and other operator controls are located on the controller unit. The method for performing endothelial ablation comprises inserting the distensible bladder and a portion of the tubular member into a uterus of a patient. The inflation medium within the distensible bladder is heated by providing electric current to the resistive wire of the heating element.

Abstract: A portable ice fishing hut consisting of sturdy plastic roof and floor shells secured together by collapsible supports. The walls of the hut are manufactured from a flexible skin, and the entire structure can be collapsed together for convenient storage and transport.

Abstract: A gas-sealed instrument for use in laparoscopic procedures in a gas-insufflated body cavity. The instrument comprises a static portion, a moving portion, and a sealing means for preventing gas from escaping from the body cavity through the static portion. The static portion includes a handle, and an elongate outer tube having a bore, a proximal portion attached to the handle, and a distal portion adapted for inserting into the body cavity. The moving portion includes an operating lever pivotally mounted in the handle, and an elongate operating rod mounted in the bore of the elongate outer tube, and sliding axially relative thereto in response to the operating lever.The sealing means includes a cylinder in the handle and a piston slidably mounted in the cylinder. The cylinder is in gas-tight communication with the bore of the outer tube, and the piston interconnects the operating lever and the operating rod.

Abstract: According to the present invention, apparatus are provided for applying surgical clips to body tissue with a safety stop for preventing tissue damage resulting from closure of the clip closing mechanism when a clip is not present therein. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; means for closing clips having a pair of forming surfaces, and means for limiting closure of the closing means when a clip is absent therefrom such that a gap separates the forming surfaces in the closed position.

Abstract: An gas-sealed instrument for use in laparoscopic procedures in a gas-insufflated body cavity. The instrument comprises a static portion, a moving portion, and a flexible seal for preventing gas from escaping from the body cavity through the static portion. The static portion includes a handle, and an elongate outer tube having a bore, a proximal portion attached to the handle, and a distal portion adapted for inserting into the body cavity. The moving portion includes an operating lever pivotally mounted in the handle, and an elongate operating rod mounted in the bore of the elongate outer tube, and sliding axially relative thereto in response to the operating lever. The flexible seal includes an outer portion attached to the static portion, an inner portion disposed about part of the moving portion, and a flexible mid portion between the outer portion and the inner portion. A rigid seal may be substituted for the flexible seal.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical clip applier particularly useful in laparoscopic and other least invasive surgical procedures. The clip applier includes a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, the shaft defining an axial direction. Means are provided in the shaft for advancing a clip to the distal end. Hook means are fixed to the distal end of the shaft, the hook means having a distal portion disposed transverse to the shaft so as to define a surface facing in a proximal direction for engaging a tissue structure. A pair of movable jaws are mounted at the distal end of the shaft and are axially slidable relative to the hook means for closing a clip on a tissue structure engaged by the hook means. The movable jaws will define a U-shaped slot open in a generally distal direction. Means are further provided for advancing the jaws to a position adjacent the distal portion of the hook means, as well as means for closing the jaws.