Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for removal of body hair using electroporation. The apparatus has a pulse generator capable of generator electrical pulses of the desired amplitude and duration to kill hair follicles and an applicator having a first electrode placed in contact with a hair follicle and a second electrode interacting with the first electrode to provide an electroporating field in the tissue volume surrounding a hair to be removed. The apparatus may include a TENS system to provide patient relief from discomfort experienced by application of the electroporation pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia is disclosed wherein the apparatus includes an applicator having a probe having proximal and distal probe sections wherein the proximal and distal probe sections each define an axis and wherein the axes are not collinear.

Abstract: An emitter for a miniature X-ray apparatus comprises an insulating shell, an anode, and a cathode. The insulating shell includes a conical brazing surface, brazed to a conical brazing surface on the anode. The braze consists of a pure titanium layer and a pure tin layer. During brazing, the pure metals react and bond to the insulating shell and create a titanium-tin alloy between the pure layers. Pure tin is sputtered from tin sputter target onto the exposed brazing surfaces of the cathode cap and the anode. The insulating shell is placed in a vacuum chamber of deposition applicator, which deposits an active metal onto the shell brazing surface. In a brazing oven, the anode is placed within insulating shell such that the anode conical brazing surface and the shell conical brazing surface are contacting and aligned with each other. During brazing, the cathode is brought into contact with the insulating shell. The sealed emitters are placed in a sputtering machine's vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for emitting x-rays comprises a housing which contains an anode having an electron receiving surface and a cathode having an electron emitting surface. A cable couples the anode to a source of high voltage. An optical fiber secured to the cable has a proximal end coupled to a source of optical energy and a distal end configured to direct the optical energy onto the cathode's electron emitting surface. The cathode emits electrons which strike the anode to create x-ray radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing non-invasive treatment of the human face and body by electroporation in lieu of cosmetic surgery is provided. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator and an applicator having two or more electrodes in close mechanical and electrical contact with the patient's skin for applying the pulses to the patient's skin. The applicator may consist of two pieces with one electrode having a sharp tip and another having a flat surface. High voltage pulses delivered to the electrodes create at the tip of the sharp electrode an electric field high enough to cause death of relatively large subcutaneous fat cells by electroporation. Moving the electrode tip along the skin creates a line of necrotic subcutaneous fat cells, which later are metabolized by the body. Multiple applications of the electrode along predetermined lines on the face or neck create shrinkage of the skin and the subcutaneous fat volume underlying the treated area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for simultaneously treating a tumor or cancerous growth with both hyperthermia and X-ray radiation using brachytherapy. The device includes a needle-like introducer serving as a microwave antenna. Microwaves are emitted from the introducer to increase the temperature of cancerous body tissue. The introducer is an inner conductor of a coaxial cable. The introducer contains a hollow core which houses an X-ray emitter. The X-ray emitter is connected to a high voltage miniature cable which extends from the X-ray emitter to a high voltage power source. The X-ray emitter emits ionizing radiation to irradiate cancerous tissue. A cooling system is included to control the temperature of the introducer. Temperature sensors placed around the periphery of the tumor monitor the temperature of the treated tissue.

Abstract: An x-ray radiation emitter is provided which comprises an insulating shell, a cap coupled thereto for defining a vacuum chamber, a cathode positioned within the vacuum chamber, and an anode having a distal end disposed proximate the cathode within the vacuum chamber and made of material substantially transparent to x-rays. A layer of target metal disposed on the distal end of the anode is also provided for emitting x-rays when struck by electrons emitted from the cathode upon the application of an electric field between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: An apparatus for emitting x-rays comprises a housing which contains an anode having an electron receiving surface and a cathode having an electron emitting surface. A cable couples the anode to a source of high voltage. An optical fiber secured to the cable has a proximal end coupled to a source of optical energy and a distal end configured to direct the optical energy onto the cathode's electron emitting surface. The cathode emits electrons which strike the anode to create x-ray radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering x-ray radiation to interior surface tissue of a body cavity. The apparatus comprises a flexible introducer guide having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end for insertion into the body cavity. An inflatable balloon is mounted proximate the distal end of the flexible introducer guide and is selectively inflated to conform the balloon to the body cavity. A flexible x-ray catheter is configured for movement within the introducer guide, and an x-ray emitter is coupled to the distal end of the x-ray catheter for generating x-rays to irradiate the interior surface tissue. The x-ray emitter is also coupled to a source of high voltage. A controller is coupled to the x-ray emitter to control the area of irradiation and the dosage of radiation generated by the emitter.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for treating macular degeneration. An apparatus has a therapeutic agent delivery system that is placed into proximity of the sclera of an eye affected by macular degeneration. A therapeutic agent or agents is then delivered to the sclera either by injection or diffusion, with the therapeutic agent being provided for the dissolution of waste products in Bruch's membrane. In a method a therapeutic agent delivery system is disposed in proximity of the sclera and one or more therapeutic agents are injected or diffused into the sclera to provide for the dissolution of waste products in Bruch's membrane.

Abstract: A catheter for emitting radiation is disclosed, comprising a catheter shaft and an x-ray unit attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft. The x-ray unit comprises an anode and a cathode coupled to an insulator to define a vacuum chamber. The cathode is preferably a field emission cathode of graphite or graphite coated with titanium carbide, for example. The anode is preferably tungsten and the insulator is preferably pyrolytic boron nitride. The x-ray unit is preferably coupled to a voltage source through a coaxial cable. The anode is preferably a heavy metal such as tungsten. The cathode may also be a ferroelectric material. The x-ray unit can have a diameter less than about 4 mm and a length less than about 15 mm. Methods of use of the catheter are also disclosed. The catheter of the present invention can be used to irradiate the site of an angioplasty procedure to prevent restenosis. It can also be used to treat other conditions in any vessel, lumen or cavity of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for removal of body hair using electroporation. The apparatus has a pulse generator capable of generator electrical pulses of the desired amplitude and duration to kill hair follicles and an applicator having a first electrode placed in contact with a hair follicle and a second electrode interacting with the first electrode to provide an electroporating field in the tissue volume surrounding a hair to be removed. The apparatus may include a TENS system to provide patient relief from discomfort experienced by application of the electroporation pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive treatment of deep subcutaneous fat deposits in lieu of cosmetic surgery is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator connected to two or more needle electrodes at least one of which is configured for placement deeply under the skin in a treatment site of the patient's body. High voltage pulses, delivered to the electrodes, create an electric field that kills subcutaneous fat cells.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for emergency administration or self-administration of thrombolytic therapy in early stage of a heart attack. The apparatus includes a needle injector for making a venipuncture, a battery operated micro cooler for maintaining low temperature environment for vials with lyophilized thrombolytic and adjuvant drugs, a container with a diluent for reconstitution of the lyophilized drugs, a programmable infusion pump, and a microprocessor for controlling the process of infusion and recording the data. As the system is activated, said container becomes fluidly communicable with the infusion pump and vials with drugs in the cooler. Designed for autonomous execution of several schedules of infusion, it also can be controlled remotely by a qualified operator via an Internet interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilization of aneurysm is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an ultraviolet radiation generator for generating UV radiation having a wavelength, strongly absorbed by the DNA and a catheter including means for delivering the ultraviolet radiation to the aneurysm. The distal end of the catheter is placed inside the aneurysm. Stabilization of the aneurysm is achieved by forming a mural arterial thrombus inside the aneurysm. To make irradiation possible, the blood is displaced from the aneurysm by a steady stream of UV radiation transparent fluid. The injury to the endothelium that triggers the thrombus formation is caused by UV radiation delivered to the aneurysm. In several days after intervention the thrombus becomes fully organized, leaving on the inside surface of the aneurysm a thick layer of fibrotic tissue that stabilizes the aneurysm.

Abstract: A cathode for a miniature X-ray device includes an insulating shell, a cathode and an anode. The cathode includes a focusing cup formed into an end. The focusing cup can include a thin metal layer that conforms to an inner surface of the cathode. An emitting material having a low work function, such as diamond, is deposited directly onto the internal surface of the focusing cup. The anode has a flat receiving surface for collecting electrons emitted from the anode. An interior coating is applied as a circumferential belt on the interior surface of the insulating shell. The interior coating, formed of a negative secondary emission yield material, extends lengthwise in the region of the cathode to an anode gap, covering the region of the insulating shell most likely to be subject to stray electrons emitted from the cathode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia is disclosed wherein the apparatus includes an applicator having a probe having proximal and distal probe sections wherein the proximal and distal probe sections each define an axis and wherein the axes are not collinear.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for emergency administration or self-administration of thrombolytic therapy in early stage of a heart attack. The apparatus includes a needle injector for making a venipuncture, a battery operated micro cooler for maintaining low temperature environment for vials with lyophilized thrombolytic and adjuvant drugs, a container with a diluent for reconstitution of the lyophilized drugs, a programmable infusion pump, and a microprocessor for controlling the process of infusion and recording the data. As the system is activated, said container becomes fluidly communicable with the infusion pump and vials with drugs in the cooler. Designed for autonomous execution of several schedules of infusion, it also can be controlled remotely by a qualified operator via an Internet interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilization of aneurysm is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an ultraviolet radiation generator for generating UV radiation having a wavelength, strongly absorbed by the DNA and a catheter including means for delivering the ultraviolet radiation to the aneurysm. The distal end of the catheter is placed inside the aneurysm. Stabilization of the aneurysm is achieved by forming a mural arterial thrombus inside the aneurysm. To make irradiation possible, the blood is displaced from the aneurysm by a steady stream of UV radiation transparent fluid. The injury to the endothelium that triggers the thrombus formation is caused by UV radiation delivered to the aneurysm. In several days after intervention the thrombus becomes fully organized, leaving on the inside surface of the aneurysm a thick layer of fibrotic tissue that stabilizes the aneurysm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing non-invasive treatment of the human face and body by electroporation in lieu of cosmetic surgery is provided. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator and an applicator having two or more electrodes in close mechanical and electrical contact with the patient's skin for applying the pulses to the patient's skin. The applicator may consist of two pieces with one electrode having a sharp tip and another having a flat surface. High voltage pulses delivered to the electrodes create at the tip of the sharp electrode an electric field high enough to cause death of relatively large subcutaneous fat cells by electroporation. Moving the electrode tip along the skin creates a line of necrotic subcutaneous fat cells, which later are metabolized by the body. Multiple applications of the electrode along predetermined lines on the face or neck create shrinkage of the skin and the subcutaneous fat volume underlying the treated area.