Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue ablation device comprising a transversely vibrating small-diameter probe and a coupling assembly for probe attachment and detachment that that enables the probe to disengage from the device body. The probe detachability allows for insertion, manipulation, and withdrawal independently of the device body. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance tissue ablation. The device body includes an ultrasonic energy source and a horn assembly. The probe of the present invention is engaged to the device body in a manner which creates an impedance mismatch between the probe and the device body which allows the probe and the device body to operate as separate acoustic systems. The present invention also comprises a method for the removal of vascular occlusions in a blood vessels.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system useful for providing imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring generally comprises an acoustic transducer assembly configured to enable the ultrasound system to perform the imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring functions. The acoustic transducer assembly comprises a single transducer that is operatively connected to an imaging subsystem, a therapy subsystem and a temperature monitoring subsystem. The ultrasound system may also include a display for imaging and temperature monitoring functions. An exemplary single transducer is configured such that when connected to the subsystems, the imaging subsystem can generate an image of a treatment region on the display, the therapy subsystem can generate high power acoustic energy to heat the treatment region, and the temperature monitoring subsystem can map and monitor the temperature of the treatment region and display the temperature on the display, all through the use of the single transducer.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring ventricular function in an isolated, perfused heart using an intraventricular balloon connected to a plumbing circuit containing a fluid, the plumbing circuit including (a) a valve for selectively opening the plumbing circuit to (i) atmospheric pressure or (ii) a pressure control circuit of a pressure control apparatus or (b) a pressure control apparatus which can be selectively connected to the plumbing circuit, including the steps of establishing a base pressure by (1) opening the valve to atmospheric pressure or the pressure control circuit or (2) operating the pressure control apparatus, after equalization of the pressure within the intraventricular balloon with the base pressure, closing the valve or stopping operation of the pressure control apparatus, following the closing of the valve, measuring ventricular function as a function of a titrated infusion of fluid into the plumbing circuit and intraventricular balloon, performing an intervention, and repeating at least t

Abstract: In a method for respiration-dependent triggering of a data acquisition event in an imaging procedure, a navigation system is employed in order to reproduce the position of a body part moving due to respiration on a scale, particularly a linear scale. Triggering for the exposure of an image ensues at prescribed positions of a pointer relative to the scale, i.e. at prescribed scale values.

Abstract: A biopsy guide enables biopsies to be performed more quickly and with less patient discomfort. The biopsy guide includes a body portion having surfaces defining an ultrasound aperture for receiving an ultrasound transducer. A biopsy fitting is moveably coupled to the body portion, where the biopsy fitting has surfaces defining a biopsy aperture for receiving a biopsy device. The body portion has a syringe guide for aligning an anesthetic syringe with a trajectory of the biopsy device.

Abstract: A minimally invasive transdermal nucleic acid sampling method comprises piercing through the outermost layer of the skin and into the underlying epidermis with a plurality of microprojections. Living skin cells in the underlying epidermis are disrupted, causing them to release their contents including their nucleic acids (i.e., DNA, RNA, fragments thereof or other polynucleic acid material found in the nucleii and/or mitochondria of cells). The nucleic acid is collected on the surfaces of the microprojections and/or in a separate nucleic acid collection reservoir. The collected nucleic acid is then analyzed using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Optionally a suction device applies a partial vacuum through openings in the microprojection member to the microcuts in the skin for enhanced efflux of intracellular and extracellular (i.e., body) fluids containing the nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method for obtaining the viscosity of the circulating blood of a living being using an adulterated blood sample and a correlation factor obtained from a circulating blood viscometer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guidewire advancer having a roller wheel to facilitate the advancement of the guidewire from the guidewire advancer and into a patient's blood vessel. If desired the roller wheel can have a roughened or slotted circumferential surface.

Abstract: A method of detecting a change (that is, an increase or a decrease) in the level of fluid in tissue in a first area of a body includes the steps of: applying electromagnetic energy, preferably in the frequency range of approximately 300 MHz to approximately 30 GHz, to a first volume of the body; measuring a resultant or returned signal; comparing the signal to a reference signal to determine if the fluid level in the tissue has changed. In one embodiment, the method detects changes in the level of fluid in tissue of a body by applying electromagnetic energy to a first volume of the body over a period of time (for example, using an antenna or antennae); measuring a resultant signal or a signal returned from the tissue; and comparing the signal to a reference signal to determine if a level of fluid in the tissue has changed during the period of time.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for providing tactile feedback representing tissue elasticity, measured data based on a measurement of the elasticity of body tissue in non-contacting fashion are supplied to a machine/human interface that conveys tactile feedback information to a user dependent on the measured data. The machine/human interface enables the user to perform a relative virtual motion around a starting point in a selected tissue region. The user can thus “feel” the elasticity of tissue that is not non-invasively accessible to a touch examination from the outside.

Abstract: A modular bandage for treating wounds located on highly contoured, non-planar regions of a person includes a standoff for placement near the wound, and a sheet of material for forming a sealed environment over the wound in conjunction with the standoff. The modular bandage may further include a heater to thermally regulate the sealed environment formed by the standoff and the sheet of material. A sheet of material for such a bandage may include various uniform or compound structures.

Abstract: A modular bandage for treating wounds located on highly contoured, non-planar regions of a person includes a standoff for placement near the wound, and a sheet of material for forming a sealed environment over the wound in conjunction with the standoff. The modular bandage may further include a heater to thermally regulate the sealed environment formed by the standoff and the sheet of material. A sheet of material for such a bandage may include various uniform or compound structures.

Abstract: The invention concerns an antiseptic compress comprising a contact surface with the wound or burn, consisting of an elastomeric matrix highly plasticized with a non-polar oil or grease, said elastomeric matrix containing a dispersed hydrocolloid. The invention is characterised in that said elastomeric matrix further comprises likewise dispersed at least an antiseptic agent and at least a surfactant whereof the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) is higher than 10. The invention is applicable in particular to compresses and dressings.

Abstract: A flow cytometer containg a device for sampling cellular material within a body, comprising. The flow cytometer is adapted to mark cells within bodily fluid with a marker to produce marked cells, to analyze the marked cells, to sort the cells within the bodily fluid to produce sorted cells, and to maintain the sorted cells cells in a viable state.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the access to the cardiovascular system of a patient undergoing an extracorporeal treatment of blood in a machine (1) comprising a treatment device (4) and an extracorporeal circuit (2), comprises: a voltage generator (16) for generating a potential difference between a part of the machine (1) and a first point (B) of a venous branch (8) of the extracorporeal circuit (2), connecting the patient to the treatment device (4); a detector (17) for detecting the value (dV) of a quantity that correlates with the electric current along at least one section (10a; 10b; 10c) of the venous branch (10) between the first point (B) and a venous needle (13) fitted at the end of the venous branch (8) and inserted in the vascular system of the patient (P); calculating means (15) for comparing the detected value (dV) with a reference range (T).

Abstract: A multi-stage cell segregation from the plasma by staged separation and rinsing processes is performed while the plasma is diverted to the dialyzer and de-watering steps are completed without the cells being present. Cleaning the plasma of the urea and other life threatening toxins and pathogens permits a faster and more thorough cleaning of the plasma and cells which in turn reduces the therapy time.

Abstract: Disclosed are flushable tampon applicators which comprise a combination of thermoplastic materials that readily disintegrate in water such as toilet water for improved disposal and reduced environmetal concerns regarding the destruction of these applicators. The flushable tampon applicators comprise a combination of high molecular weight polyethylene oxides, low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, and biodegradable polymers, wherein this combination of water-dispersible and biodegradable thermoplastic polymers provide flushable tampon applicators that are readily disposed of and that are smooth, soft, flexible, and non-sticky or non-slimy to the touch before and during use.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue are provided. In the subject methods, an isolated local environment that includes the region to be demineralized is produced. The pH of the local environment is then reduced to a subphysiologic level, e.g. by flushing with an acidic dissolution fluid, for a period of time sufficient for the mineral content of the region to be reduced. The devices of the subject invention are characterized by comprising a means for producing an isolated local environment that includes a non-intimal region of vascular tissue. Also provided are kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A surgical/medical irrigator with a handpiece in which there is a pump from which irrigating fluid is discharged. The irrigating fluid is discharged from a discharge tube attached to the handpiece. Irrigating fluid is removed from the site to which it is applied through a suction tube also attached to the handpiece. A splash shield is removably attached to the ends of the discharge and suction tubes to limit fluid discharge. The splash shield is formed with a discharge chamber into which the fluid from the discharge chamber is discharged. The splash shield has a bore that leads from the discharge chamber to the suction tube through which fluid is drawn away from the discharge chamber. Seals between the discharge and suction tubes and the splash shield prevent fluid flow between the tubes and the splash shield.

Abstract: A syringe holding a solvent and a soluble component has a tubular body formed its front and rear ends with a bypass, a plunger axially slidable in the body, and a stem projecting axially rearward out of the body from the plunger. A cover fits over the front end of the body and is so tight that the front compartment can be pressurized to a superatmospheric pressure without leakage out the front end. A free piston slidable in the body forward of the plunger subdivides the body forward of the plunger into a front compartment at the front body end holding the soluble component and a rear compartment between the plunger and the piston and holding the solvent. Stops are provided for arresting the free piston when it is level with the bypass in a position permitting flow through the bypass between the compartments.

Abstract: This reconstitution and injection system delivers a drug in solution under pressure, and injects powdered or lyophilized drugs that require reconstitution, rehydration or dilution. In one embodiment, the system includes a syringe having a barrel, a plunger, a handle, a pump and a channel communicating the barrel with an injection needle. The pump pushes a liquid from the barrel through the injection needle via the channel upon fluid communication between the barrel and the injection needle for delivery of the liquid. In another embodiment, the system includes a first port receiving a syringe, a second port receiving a drug vial, a channel providing communication between the first and second ports, and a controller permitting or inhibiting fluid communication between the first and second ports. In yet another embodiment, the system includes an actuator and a housing having a channel providing fluid communication between a reservoir and the injection needle.

Abstract: A catheter and a method for using the catheter for site specific delivery of agents to or collecting agents from biological spaces. The catheter includes an inner shaft longitudinally movable within and outer shaft, each shaft having at least one balloon and at least one lumen formed therein. The catheter prevents leaking through a membrane by sealing the tip passageway through the membrane with inflatable balloons on either side of the membrane. Further, the inflated balloons secure the position of the catheter relative to the biological membrane and biological space targeted for therapy or diagnosis.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon catheter having a collapsible variable diameter inner tube.

Abstract: A method and device for perfusing an organ system is provided. The device may be further described as a catheter or cannula with an expandable flow control member positioned of the distal portion of the catheter shaft. The flow control member has a porous portion, and at least one impermeable portion, which prevent fluid from flowing out the ends of the flow control member. The flow control member is further characterized as having an interior chamber that is in fluid communication with a perfusion lumen that extends along the length of the catheter shaft and is in fluid communication with an external perfusion pump. The perfusion lumen is configured for providing flow to the interior of the flow control member, to create radial expansion thereof and to provide adequate flow to the arch vessels through said porous portion to sustain the metabolic demands of the brain.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging catheter comprises a catheter body having a distal region and proximal region. The distal region has a reduced cross-sectional area compared to that of the proximal region, and the proximal region includes at least two lumens therethrough for accommodating a movable guidewire and a rotatable working element, respectively. The catheter body may be inserted over the movable guidewire, with the guidewire passing through a lumen in the distal region and the guidewire lumen in the proximal region. After positioning the catheter body, the guidewire can be retracted from the distal region and into the proximal region, leaving the lumen in the distal region available for the rotatable working element. Such a construction allows over-the-wire imaging of the catheter while minimizing the width of the catheter in the dital region which remains available for placement of the working element.

Abstract: The invention pertains to safety syringes and safety catheters designed to protect the operator from unintentional needle sticks and prevent fluid leakage after use. When the safety syringe is in operation, a plunger with an attached piston is pushed into the cylindrical bore forcing fluid through the hollow body, the outlet portion, and out of the hollow needle. A needle shield fits slidably over the needle and a portion of the hollow body. The needle shield is a membrane sealed body. The needle shield's first position permits the needle's tip to extend outward from the shield through the membrane. When in the second position, the needle shield to extends beyond the needle's tip preventing any fluid loss. When the safety catheter is in operation, fluid passes from the flexible tubing through the hollow body, outlet portion, and out of the hollow needle. The hollow body includes a pair of wings to attach to the patient's skin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low cost shieldable safety needle assembly. The assembly includes a needle cannula and a tip guard axially movable along the needle cannula through a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may be interconnected between the tip guard and the needle cannula through a hub. The tip guard is axially movable along the needle cannula from a proximal position substantially adjacent a proximal end of the needle cannula at the hub, to a distal position in which the tip guard protectively surrounds the distal end of the needle cannula, thus effectively shielding the puncture tip of the needle. The drive mechanism is a unitary structure which is capable of maintaining a first self-supporting shape for maintaining the tip guard in the proximal position and is deflectable from the first self-supporting shape to a second extended shape in which the tip guard is moved to the distal position.

Abstract: A safety shield for a needle assembly which includes a cover, a mount and a hinge forming a shield body. The shield body defines a cavity in which a needle assembly having a needle and a luer hub is positioned. The mount includes a socket for receipt of the luer hub while the cover includes a retainer for coupling with the needle assembly. A hinge includes a living hinge between the cover and the mount. A tab encloses one end of the mount. Both the cover and the tab are associated with the mount by means of frangible webs to define a sealed body. A flexible tear strip extends over the cavity to fully seal the body.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for umbilical cord care and method of its use are disclosed. The apparatus provides an injector that is detachably connected to a disposable applicator. The umbilical cord care apparatus may be provided as a kit, particularly suited for use at home.

Abstract: A safe syringe having been drawn to a negative pressure status by an inner tube inside the plunge, a grip inserted to the top of the plunge that holds against each other with a catch of the syringe; upon completing the injection, the position of the plunge is changed to release the needle from the syringe, and the grip from the plunge for the negative pressure inside the plunge to fast suck the needle into the inner tube of the plunge, thus to be concealed in the plunge to prevent infection by any one due to accidental sting by the needle.

Abstract: A needless connector is provided which utilizes a resealable preslit septum valve. The valve is resiliently restrained relative to a housing with the valve and housing configured to accept a standard male luer lock having a luer tip which penetrates the valve through the opening to extend within the housing and a luer locking flange of the luer lock extending about the housing. The valve includes a disk shaped upper portion covering the opening, a lower portion spaced from the housing and extending downward from the disk shaped portion into a passageway defined by the housing, and an annular skirt to attach the septum to the housing. The connector exhibits satisfactory leak pressure after multiple connections and disconnects to the luer lock fitting and long periods of indwell of the luer tip.

Abstract: An intravaginal inflatable member impermeable to fluids capable when inflated of providing sealable closure of the vaginal canal for the prevention of exit of menstrual blood from the vaginal orifice. The inflatable member can be connected to an absorbent member or can be a stand alone device. Inflation of the inflatable member can be activated manually by the user or via an intravaginal applicator which has the dual function of inserting and delivering the device into the vagina and that of actuating the source of inflation to inflate the inflatable member.

Abstract: The present invention comprises devices, methods, and kits for collecting semen and other biological fluids. The devices comprise a container that has an opening that fits on a glans of a penis, preferably only the distal portion of the glans, wherein said opening has an adhesive that detachably adheres the device to the penis. The present invention facilitates stimulating the penis to achieve ejaculation, the hygienic collection and secure storage of semen, and transferring the collected semen to other containers.

Abstract: A cloth member for use in surgical operations includes a fluid absorbing device attached on a base member for absorbing the fluid or the water or the blood or the other fluid substances generated during the surgical operations that may contain various kinds of germs. The fluid absorbing device includes a water-proof layer attached to the base member, and a cover layer and one or more intermediate layers attached to the water-proof layer for absorbing the fluid. The cover layer includes a number of hairy members formed for spoiling a surface tension of the fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a folded absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a front portion and a back portion joined together by a crotch portion. An absorbent core is positioned in the crotch portion. The front portion is joined to the back portion by first and second side seams to form an absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Elastic is positioned in the front and/or back portions to define an elastic waistband. Each of the front and back portions includes a first zone and a second zone and a demarcation line positioned therebetween. Each of the front and back portions further includes a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section is longitudinally folded over the second section such that the first side seam is positioned laterally outboard of a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article to form a first longitudinal fold line.

Abstract: A system for attaching a personal care article to an undergarment, the system including: (a) providing a personal care article having a top surface, a bottom surface, garment attachment adhesive applied to the bottom surface, a peel strip covering the garment attachment adhesive and pair of wings including selectively releasable, interengaging fasteners such that the wings are adapted to be temporarily mechanically engaged on the topsheet side of the article and then reconfigured to hold the article to an undergarment; (b) overlapping and temporarily interengaging the wings on the top surface of the article while the peel strip protecting the garment adhesive is removed; (c) positioning the article in an undergarment and securing the article to the undergarment utilizing the garment adhesive; and (d) disengaging the wings and re-engaging the wings around the undergarment to further secure the article to the undergarment.

Abstract: A textured airlaid web is disclosed. The textured web is formed on a three-dimensional fabric under sufficient force to cause the web to conform to the surface of the fabric. The textured web includes, on a minute scale, peak areas and valley areas. The peak areas and valley areas can improved the liquid handling properties of the web. For instance, webs can be produced having improved absorbency characteristics and/or wicking characteristics.

Abstract: A container assembly provides for the collection, transporting, and dispensing of a fluid specimen. The container assembly includes a cup-shaped container having an open end for collecting the fluid specimen. A lid is attachable to the container to close the open end thereof. The lid includes an access port for providing communication with the collected fluid specimen through the cover and for permitting extraction of a sample therefrom. A self-sealing closure member is supported by the lid in the access port and seals the access port preventing fluid leakage. The extraction device may be used to extract a sample of the fluid specimen. The extraction device is insertable through the self-sealing closure to permit such extraction. Upon removal of the extraction device, the self-sealing closure recloses the access port.

Abstract: Containers and methods for storing medical solutions are provided. More specifically, containers and methods for storing components that are to be admixed, together to create a final solution, one of the components comprising a lipid. In an embodiment, a container including an interior defining at least two chambers. The first chamber includes a lipid containing liquid. The second chamber includes a liquid that does not include a lipid. The first and second chambers are separated by an openable seal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the administration of medication to a patient utilizes adaptive feedback to achieve and maintain a target effect in said patient. A sensor package having one or more sensors is used to sense an attribute of the patient and to provide a parameter indicating the attribute being sensed. A medication delivery controller accepts one or more parameters from the sensor package and uses these parameters to determine the effect of a medication on a patient and the concentration level of medication that will achieve a desired effect. The medication delivery controller controls the medication delivery unit to deliver the medication at a rate determined to achieve said target concentration level of said medication in said patient. If the patient's response to a given medication changes as a result of external stimuli, the medication delivery controller can detect this change and determine a new concentration level of medication which will achieve the desired effect.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for temporarily excluding an aneurysm or an arterio-venous fistula from a flow path by transluminally disposing a hollow balloon catheter structure within the aneurysm so that its proximal and distal ends extend past the aneurysm while maintaining continuity of the flow path, and then injecting a synthetic molding material or a biological hardening agent into the aneurysm cavity to cause solidification of the volume within the cavity. Once the material within the excluded aneurysm has solidified, the balloon catheter structure is deflated and removed, so that the hardened mass forms a new lining for the organ or vessel, and relieves the weakened tissue of the aneurysm or fistula from further flow-induced stress.

Abstract: A device for controlled release of molecules is provided. the device including: (a) a device body having at least one reservoir therein for containing the molecules, the at least one reservoir being formed with a barrier impermeable to the molecules thereby preventing release thereof from the at least one reservoir; and (b) at least one acoustic transducer being attached to, or forming a part of, the device body, the at least one acoustic transducer being for converting an acoustic signal received thereby into an electrical signal, the electrical signal leading to barrier permeabilization and therefore release of the molecules from the at least one reservoir.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for attachment to a powered surgical instrument operating a workpiece such as a bur. The device is a thermochromic element which may be embodied as a paint or a thermal insulating device. The device embodiment is in the form of a thermoplastic, elastomeric material which changes color at a predetermined temperature and is formed in a shape adapted to enable the device to be affixed to the distal end of the instrument, adjacent the collet connecting the workpiece to the instrument. The device is attached in a contiguous manner so frictional heat generated by moving parts of the instrument may be conducted through contiguous surfaces of the instrument and the device. The thermochromic element provides a visual indication of the temperature of a portion of the instrument when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. A positively positionable multi-disk wrist mechanism includes a plurality of disks or vertebrae stacked in series. Each vertebra is configured to rotate in pitch or in yaw with respect to each neighboring vertebra. Actuation cables are used to manipulate and control movement of the vertebrae. In specific embodiments, some of the cables are distal cables that extend from a proximal vertebra through one or more intermediate vertebrae to a distal vertebra, while the remaining cables are medial cables that extend from the proximal vertebra to one or more of the intermediate vertebrae. The cables are actuated by a pivoted plate cable actuator mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating mammalian, for example, human, skin afflicted with a sebaceous follicle disorder, for example, acne. The method involves cooling an exposed surface of a region afflicted with the disorder and applying light, for example, light from a coherent or incoherent light source, to the region. The applied light reduces the size and/or density of lesions associated with the disorder in the treated region, and can reduce or otherwise alleviate lesion-associated skin inflammation in the treated region. Cooling preserves the surface, for example, epidermis, of the skin. The method, therefore, is effective at treating the disorder while at the same time avoiding or minimizing thermal damage to the exposed surface of the skin.

Abstract: An electro-optical patternable mask is provided which is controllable by way of a processor for presenting a variety of patterns to electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the mask, the electro-optical mask includes an electrochromic layer that works in conjunction with deposited electrode layers (at least one with an x-y pixel array) to present a pattern of non-transmission (colored) and transmission (bleached clear) pixel cells. The sandwiched electrochromic material is supported in one embodiment with a UV grade support substrate with the electrochromic cells of the mask being individually (e.g., individual cells or small groups of individual cells in an array) controlled by a processor and interface to achieve a sequence of different or the same patterns to achieve desired ablation volume upon transmitting ultraviolet energy through the mask such as in conjunction with an opthalmic laser surgery process.

Abstract: A platform Smart Scalpel system using rapid real-time feedback for effecting laser treatment. The platform system includes an imaging system for rapid real-time detection of tissue characteristics, a processing system for processing the detected characteristics, and a treatment system for effecting treatment in accordance with results of the processing. The platform system provides for preprogramming and real-time inputting conditions and parameters for diagnosis using the imaging system and/or treatment using the treatment system.

Abstract: The present invention provides cryotherapy treatment of dissections in a blood vessel of a patient. The present invention further provides cryotherapy treatment of side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel. One method for treating potential or existing dissections in a blood vessel comprises cooling the blood vessel to a temperature and for a time sufficient to remodel the blood vessel such that dissections of the blood vessel are reduced. Another method for treating side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel, the bifurcated blood vessel having a side branch and a main branch, the main branch having plaque disposed thereon, comprises cooling an inner surface of the main branch to a temperature and for a time sufficient to inhibit plaque shift from the main branch into the side branch.

Abstract: Method and devices for electrosurgery by means of oxy-hydro combustion. Deleterious effects to tissue are minimized by means of control of acid-base shift reactions, which reactions can further be employed to control oxy-hydro combustion reactions. In one embodiment, radiofrequency energy in electrical connection with electrodes is employed to induce electrolysis in an aqueous salt environment, thereby producing oxygen and hydrogen, with the same energy source employed to initiate a combustion reaction.

Abstract: A securing apparatus for selectively securing an ablating element of an ablation instrument proximate to a targeted region of a biological tissue. The securing apparatus includes a support base affixed to the ablation instrument relative the ablating element, and having a support face adapted to seat against the biological tissue proximate to the ablation element. The support base further defines a passage having one end communicably coupled to a vacuum source and an opposite end terminating at an orifice at the support face. The support face together with the biological tissue forms a hermetic seal thereagainst during operation of the vacuum source to secure the ablation instrument thereagainst. Essentially, the hermetic seal and the vacuum source cooperate to form a vacuum force sufficient to retain the ablation device against the biological tissue.