Abstract: The invention comprises devices for noninvasively monitoring physiological characteristics of a patient's blood. Generally, probes having radiation emitters and detectors are used to determine absorbance of blood within the patient's tissue to determine various blood parameters. The device also has either a position sensor for determining the position of the probe with respect to the patient's heart or a movement generator for altering the position of the probe with respect to the patient's heart. The invention also comprises methods for noninvasively monitoring the physiological characteristics. In one embodiemnt, induced positional changes create differential hydrostatic pressures to facilitate measurement of blood parameters by absorbance. In a second embodiment, delays in pulse arrival times in coupled organs or members on opposite sides of the body are measured to determine cardiac output. The two methods are such that they can advantageously be used together.

Abstract: A method for identifying and analyzing physiopathological parameters that characterize the condition of the lower urinary tract in patients in which computer generated theoretical urodynamic flow curves are generated, manipulated and compared with curves based on measured flow data for the patient. The method provides a means to determine the physiological condition of a patient without resort to, or with only minor, invasive techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus and method analyze a system using musical perception sound analysis. A transducer receives acoustic events generated by the system. An analysis module is coupled to the transducer and receives the acoustic events, monitors the system as a function of a set of musical perception parameters and responsively identifies a presence of a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring values from a person lying down and to a pressure sensor that can be used for this purpose. The invention improves the acquisition of measurement data in a mattress having sensors arranged in the region of the thorax and or sacrum by using a measurement method in which measured values from the sensors are measured and recorded continuously.

Abstract: A diagnostic urethral assembly includes an elongate body having a fluid passageway and an elongate support member selectively positionable within the fluid passageway of the elongate body. The elongate body has a radially responsive wall segment that is being positionable within a lower urinary tract such that the radially responsive wall segment is adjacent a prostatic urethra. The elongate body is adapted to be in fluid communication with a bladder. The assembly has a first condition wherein the elongate support member is translatable relative to the elongate body so as to permit sequential and incremental radial compression of the radially responsive wall segment by the prostatic urethra in furtherance of defining architecture associated with the prostatic urethra and a second condition wherein fluid distally introduced into the elongate body radially expands the radially responsive wall segment into conforming engagement with the prostatic urethra in furtherance of obtaining a mold of same.

Abstract: A medical bandaging product in roll form for being dispensed in predetermined lengths suitable for a given medical use, and including an elongate sleeve formed of moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, and an elongate medical bandage material substantially the same length as the sleeve and positioned in the sleeve in a single length along the length of the sleeve and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The medical bandage material includes a substrate and a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate. The system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A protective liner sheet encloses the substrate along its length and forms a barrier between the substrate and the sleeve during storage, and is optionally removable after removal of the medical bandage material from the sleeve and prior to application to a patient.

Abstract: An inflatable splint comprises a plurality of air chambers divided by latitudinal and longitudinal divisions. The latitudinal division comprises perforated latitudinal welds which divide the splint into portions, or rows of air chambers. Each portion is detachable or separable from an adjacent portion and adapted to wrap around a section of a body part independently of the other portion. The splint is bendable at the latitudinal divisions to accommodate joints and various bends in an injured limb. Each portion is capable of forming a U-structure to retain a section of an injured limb. The latitudinal divisions enable each portion to bend away from each other or toward each other, in which case one U-structure may be disposed at least in part within another U-structure. Adjustable fasteners are provided for each portion. A method for securing an injured limb is also provided.

Abstract: A support device that provides support to selected regions of a human body, such as the back, hips, upper thighs and groin areas. The support device comprises an undergarment or bodysuit which is adapted to be disposed against the person's body and extends from the thorax just below the chest) down to the upper thighs. A support belt is positioned at the loin, hips, and abdomen areas of a wearer and secured thereto by a detachable attachment. Two opposite lateral portions extend downwardly from the support belt and secured to the upper thighs of the wearer by detachable attachments. The detachable attachments are adjustable so as to allow the tension against the person's body according to the wearer's preferences.

Abstract: A strap attachment assembly for an orthopedic brace has an anchor mounted on an orthopedic brace component and a strap retainer mounted on a strap. The anchor has a retention post and a retention head and the strap retainer has a body and a retention plate. The body includes a chamber and the retention plate includes a retention opening aligned with the chamber. The retention opening is sized to releasably receive the retention head when the retention post is positioned in the chamber. The retention plate is transitionable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. The inner boundary of the retention opening blocks displacement of the retention head therefrom in the locked condition and is clear of the retention head to permit displacement of the retention head therefrom in the unlocked condition.

Abstract: A pair of rigid clamping blocks, each with a length approximating the width of a human foot across the toes is applied wherein one side of each of the blocks engages a compressible pad, and the other side of the blocks provides a longitudinal groove in an outfacing surface. A clamping wrap engages the longitudinal grooves in the pair of blocks when the blocks are placed on opposing sides of the toes and the clamping wrap encircles them, for applying a compressive force to the blocks and the toes sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for conditioning organic fluid for subsequent use in a medical procedure. The apparatus includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system is provided for transporting a organic fluid charge from a source to the cabinet and a container is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the container An output system is coupled to the container and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The apparatus also includes a needle hub wherein a first end of the needle may be inserted intramuscularly while a second end of the needle projects beyond the patient's tissue and the second end being shielded.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and a ultraviolet light control switch. A timer is provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station. A cover is provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: A thrombectomy treatment system and method are provided. The system includes a catheter for insertion into the vascular system of a patient so that a tip of the catheter is positioned in the vicinity of a blood clot to be removed from the patient. A suction source is provided to withdraw the blood clot from the patient through the catheter. A filtration device functions to remove the blood clot from the accompanying blood. The filtered blood is collected in a blood collection device. A blood reinfuser communicates with the blood collection device to reinfuse the filtered blood back into the patient.

Abstract: Cross stream thrombectomy catheter and system for fragmentation and removal of thrombus or other material from blood vessels or other body cavities. High velocity saline jets emitted from a toroidal loop jet emanator or other jet emanator in a catheter distal end entrain fluid through inflow orifices, and with flow resistances create a back-pressure which drives cross stream streams through outflow orifices in a radial direction and thence radially and circumferentially to apply normal and drag forces on thrombotic deposits or lesions in the blood vessel or other body cavity, thereby breaking apart and transporting thrombus particles to be entrained through the inflow orifices, whereupon the high velocity jets macerate the thrombus particles which then transit an exhaust lumen or recirculate again via the outflow orifices.

Abstract: A spike for facilitating the introduction of liquid under pressure into a container containing a substance is provided which includes an elongate spike shaft having a spike side wall, a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximally located end portion, where the distal end has a sharp, pointed tip. An introduction channel is located within the spike shaft for receiving liquid into the container where a portion of the introduction channel is angled to cause liquid to travel out of the introduction channel in a direction non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spike shaft. An extraction channel may be included within the spike shaft for removing liquid from the container, where the extraction channel extends through the elongate spike shaft towards the proximally located end portion.

Abstract: The balloon catheter comprises a catheter tube (10) provided with a high pressure balloon (14) designed for performing a vessel dilatation. Further provided is at least one low pressure balloon (17) joining the high pressure balloon (14) and expanded with a lower pressure. Thereby, the stress acting on the blood vessel at the ends of the high pressure balloon (14) or a stent (20) is decreased, thus reducing the danger of dissections of the vessel wall.

Abstract: A safety port needle assembly used to connect an IV line to an implanted port needle receiving port. The assembly includes an L-shaped port needle with an integrally attached horizontal leg member, a vertical leg member, an elongated, fixed main body and a pivotally attached needle arm. The horizontal leg member is longitudinally aligned and attached to the needle arm. The vertical leg member extends downward perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needle arm. A channel is formed in the main body that enables the needle arm to rest longitudinally against the main body. A bore is also formed in the main body so that the vertical leg member may extend downward through the main body. Formed near the distal end of the main body is a pair of laterally extended wings.

Abstract: A safety syringe has a hollow barrel, a plug, a cord, a needle hub and a plunger. The hollow barrel has a distal open end, a proximal open end, a distal annular rib defined inside the proximal open end, a central annular rib defined inside the hollow barrel. The plug is detachably mounted inside the proximal open end of the hollow barrel. The needle hub is mounted in the plug. The plunger has a push rod and a seal mounted on the push rod and is received inside the hollow barrel. The cord connects to the plug and the seal. When using the safety syringe, the plunger pulls the cord connected to the plug, so the needle hub is pulled inside the hollow barrel to keep people from being hurt by an exposed needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing hypothermia of the body of a patient, or of a selected organ, while delivering a medicament to a selected blood vessel. A flexible coaxial catheter is inserted through the vascular system of a patient to place the distal tip of the catheter in a selected artery. A chilled fluid is pumped through an inner supply conduit of the catheter to cool a flexible heat transfer element in the distal tip of the catheter. The heat transfer element cools the blood flowing through the artery distal to the tip of the catheter. The medicament, such as a vaso-dilator, is delivered either separately or mixed with the chilled fluid, through a very small exit port in or near the heat transfer element.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter system (apparatus and method) for controlling patient temperature includes a generally tubular elongated body having lumens for circulating a heat exchange fluid in a plurality of heat exchange elements provided at spaced intervals along the length of the elongated body. The heat exchange elements preferably comprise inflatable balloons. Heat exchange occurs between the fluid in the balloons and blood in the blood vessel. Each balloon preferably is sized such that, when inflated, each balloon blocks no more than approximately 30% to 75% of the blood vessel in which it is intubated. The catheter preferably has two to four balloons, each of which may have a different shape. The catheter also preferably has three to five infusion lumens for providing access to the patient's blood at different locations in the patient's bloodstream.

Abstract: Total occlusions are crossed by passing a guidewire or other penetrating wire from a point proximal to the occlusion into a subintimal space between the intimal layer and adventitial layer of the blood vessel wall. The wire is advanced to a point distal to the occlusion and thereafter deflected back into the blood vessel lumen, typically using a deflecting catheter which is advanced over the guidewire after it has been positioned within the subintimal space. After the guidewire is returned to the blood vessel lumen, the deflecting catheter may be withdrawn and the guidewire is available for introduction of other interventional and diagnostic catheters.

Abstract: The catheter and introducer needle assembly of this invention includes a catheter adapter at its proximal end having a hollow septum disposed therein. The septum preferably is hollow to minimize drag as the introducer needle is removed therefrom. If desired a gel or lubricious material may be disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed having wings extending from the catheter adapter wherein each of the wings includes a stiffening member located therein. Each of the stiffening members may also define a means for maintaining the position of the stiffening members during the molding process to ensure that the stiffening member is properly located in the wing.

Abstract: A portable, patient-controlled medication delivery system includes an infusion pump and a catheter assembly. The infusion pump retains a treatment fluid and provides a drive mechanism for delivering the treatment fluid to a patient via the catheter assembly. The infusion pump includes a fluid reservoir, a dosage chamber, a displacement piston displacable within the dosage chamber, a charge flowpath providing fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the dosage chamber, and a passive flow restrictor positioned in the charge flowpath. An elastic member is also positioned in the infusion pump to exert an elastic displacement force on the displacement piston, which expands the dosage chamber and draws the treatment fluid from the fluid reservoir into the dosage chamber at a charge flow rate controlled by the passive flow restrictor.

Abstract: A prefilled telescoping multiple chamber ampoule device separately storing at least two different flowable components includes a container and a piston unit. The container has at least two axially extending chambers with circumferential sealing means projecting inwardly from inner walls of the chambers. The piston unit has at least two pistons and a transversely extending mount integrally adjoining forward ends of the pistons. Each piston has a passage axially extending within its interior as well as an outlet opening at a forward end and a transverse inlet opening near a rearward end. The pistons are arranged for coaxial telescoping movement of the container and the piston unit toward one another from a closed storage position into an open release position. In the closed storage position, the rearward ends of the pistons are spaced from the rearward ends of the chambers so as to define therein reservoirs containing one of the components.

Abstract: A medical injection device is provided which includes a shield system and a syringe which maybe coupled to the shield system. The shield system includes a syringe holder and a shield telescopically received in the holder and slidably coupled to the holder. A spring resiliently urges the shield from a retracted position to an extended position. Stop members are provided adjacent the distal end of the holder and the proximal end of the shield for maintaining the shield in the retracted position. The syringe is slidably coupled to the holder, and extends within the shield. Axial movement of the syringe with respect to the holder causes disengagement of the stop members, allowing the spring to move the shield to the extended position. Detents are provided on the holder for maintaining the shield in the extended position.

Abstract: A protection device for medical needles connected to a portion of tube comprises: a protection casing (20) arranged to enclose and cover the needle after use, it being initially applied in a position to the rear of the point (11) of the needle; a front end (25) facing the point of the needle, to be rested against a foreign body (D3) for reaction in extracting the needle from the patient's body; means (30) for securing the device to the tube (15); and thrust means (21, 22) which when operated by the operator's finger (D1, D2) increase the distance between the securing means (30) and said front end (25) in order to cause the needle (10) to move towards the protection casing (20) until it lies inside the interior of this latter (20).

Abstract: This invention relates to a protection device for a syringe needle comprising an elastic needle cap of general longitudinal direction presenting a closed distal end and an open proximal end, said cap being formed by a lateral wall defining an inner housing intended to receive the distal part of the body of a needle syringe, and by an end wall capable of being pierced through a part of its thickness by the free end of said needle. The housing comprises, from said proximal end, an opening, a first portion, a second portion intended to house the distal part of the syringe body which bears said needle, and a third portion which narrows from said second portion in the direction of the back of said housing. The lateral wall is further provided with an annular bead disposed in said housing between said first and second portions of said housing.

Abstract: A novel method for the preparation of a pre-filled plastic syringe, and preferably the preparation of a plastic syringe pre-filled with a diagnostic contrast agent wherein said syringe comprises as components a barrel, a tip seal capable of sealing the nozzle of the barrel and a piston capable of sliding in the barrel and sealing the open end of the barrel opposite the nozzle, comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least one component of said syringe which is molded under conditions which are substantially free of pyrogens and viable and non-viable articulates; and (b) filling and assembling said syringe.

Abstract: A new and improved anesthetic delivery tool and method of using the tool in transmucosal absorption applications of a gel topical anesthetic agent and in subdermal injections of a liquid anesthetic agent is disclosed. The anesthetic delivery tool comprises a housing unit having a hollow central cavity with a slip plate containing a plurality of needles directed towards the front end of the housing unit. The slip plate and the front portion of the hollow central cavity defining a front-end cavity for affixing a therapeutically effective aliquot of gel topical anesthetic agent. The anesthetic delivery tool also comprises a thin membrane positioned directly behind the slip plane and a push plate positioned at the rear end of the housing unit. The push plate, the thin membrane and the rear portion of the hollow central cavity defining a rear-end cavity for affixing a therapeutically effective amount of liquid anesthetic agent.

Abstract: A syringe and adapter combination allowing the syringe to be filled with fluid by the employment of one hand of an operator.

Abstract: A dental syringe system having a syringe body containing a needle assembly wherein the syringe body serves as a protective shield after medication is injected. A reusable plunger assembly pushes a slidable seal of a carpule and the needle out for medication delivery and then pulls the needle back within the syringe body after the medication is delivered. The needle assembly, syringe body, carpule carrier and carpule are disposable and the plunger is reusable.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly includes a hub having a proximal end for connection to a syringe and a distal end, a cannula provided with a lumen and having a proximal end connected to the distal end of the hub and a beveled distal end, and a collar formed separately from the hub and mounted on the hub in a rotationally fixed manner, with the collar including a sheath mounting portion. A removable protector is positioned over the cannula and covers the beveled distal end of the cannula. A sheath having an opening is pivotally connected to the sheath mounting portion of the collar and is positioned outside the protector when the protector is positioned over the cannula. The sheath is pivotally connected to the sheath mounting portion of the collar to be pivoted, after removal of the protector to expose the cannula, towards the cannula so that the cannula passes through the opening in the sheath and is covered by the sheath.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for directly delivering an active substance within all or part of a human or animal tissue cell, characterized in that it is in the form of a hollow tube (1), whereof the walls in contact with said tissue are provided with perforations (5) and whereof the distal end (2) is sealed, while the proximal end (3) is shaped so as to receive removable closing means, said tube being capable of bearing a pressure of at least 50 bars.

Abstract: An implantable pump having a bulkhead, a reservoir structure attached to the bulkhead and upper and lower cases attached to the bulkhead by a single outer seal as well as a method of making such a pump is disclosed. The reservoir structure forms a reservoir that contains fluid drug or other medicaments. The upper and lower cases are attached to the bulkhead by first connecting either the upper or lower case directly to the bulkhead. Then, the lower or upper case not attached to the bulkhead is attached to the upper or lower case that had been previously attached to the bulkhead.

Abstract: This invention relates to a delivery system which comprises a topical skin care agent, a top layer and a bottom layer where at least one of said top layer and said bottom layer comprises an apertured film having protuberances therein, where said top layer and said bottom layer are attached to each other leaving a pouch between said top layer and said bottom layer, where said protuberances of said apertured film face said pouch, and where said pouch contains said topical skin care agent.

Abstract: A urine guide device for females having a urine guide body made of biodegradable material having a first and a second opening portion for receiving and draining urine respectively, wherein the first opening portion is much larger than the second opening portion, therefore, when a female user is urinating the urine will flow into the urine guide body through the first opening portion and out of the second opening portion. The improvement of the device is having a protruding rim extending adjacent to the first opening portion to closely and comfortably conform to an exterior of a pubic area of a female, a bendable member positioned between the first and the second opening portion, for changing the direction of urine draining from the second opening portion, and at least a wiping pad made of absorbent material extending from the periphery of the first opening portion for wiping and preventing slopping urine.

Abstract: Pattern embossed low gauge films are disclosed having multiple microporous film layers with distinct coloration, such as a dark colored layer and a light colored layer, wherein the color of the underlying film causes a visible color contrast only at the embossed regions and yet does not discolor the outer most layer. Also disclosed are film laminates and personal care articles incorporating such multilayer films.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sanitary tampon including an absorber including: an absorbent layer made of an absorbent fibrous material; and a hydrophobic liquid-permeable layer covering the absorbent layer. The absorber is formed firstly into a flat shape and then into a column shape. The absorbent layer forming the flat absorber is formed with a plurality of small recesses which open in the surface of the absorbent layer and extend into the absorbent layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive closure tape tab (10,50) form of an elastic laminate (15) of an elastic film (16) having on at least a first major side an expandable fibrous layer (17) of non-woven thermoplastic polymer fibers. On the second major side of the plastic film are attached, a first (30) and a second (20) non-elastic adhesive tape. Each adhesive tape is formed of a fibrous layer (21) of non-woven thermoplastic polymer fibers having on one major surface an adhesive layer (22). The first (30) and second (20) non-elastic adhesive tape are attached opposite to each other to the second major side of the elastic laminate (15) by an adhesive layer (22) and extending beyond the elastic laminate (15).

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for purifying fluid, such as potable water, to quality levels suitable for medical application, particularly to applications involving injection of the fluid into a human body. The apparatus comprises a portable purification pack constructed for a single use. The pack houses depth filtration, activated carbon, mixed bed ion exchange resins and terminal filtration stages in series. The terminal filter comprises a fine (microfiltration or ultrafiltration), permeable membrane, treated with an endotoxin-binding chemistry. In contrast with semi-permeable osmotic membranes, the permeable membrane produces high flow rates at relatively low pressures, while still safely purifying fluid to injection quality.

Abstract: A surgical device for endoscopic surgical procedures capable of preventing injuries to internal organs during insertion. The surgical device can include one or more of the following: a multiple system of sharp blade edges, a mechanical tissue protection device that includes a series of thin plastic guards sliding along the sides of the planar knives and having an angle between their edges smaller than that of the cutting knife edges, one or more fixed conical deflectors to expand the cut tissue passage leaving the guards to contact tissue contact only at their tips, an insufflation passage configured to transport fluid into the body cavity during penetration, a locking system for the guards that prevents accidental reuse of the cutting features, and/or an ergonomic design which facilitates handling.

Abstract: Catheter devices and methods are provided for enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a calcified lesion. The catheter devices of the subject invention at least include, at their distal end, a proton generating means, and in many embodiments also include a flushing means. In using the subject devices, the distal end of the catheter is placed proximal to the vascular occlusion and protons are generated, e.g., via proton generation from water, in a manner sufficient to reduce the pH of the vascular site in the region proximal to the occlusion. The subphysiologic pH is maintained for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced. Also provided are kits comprising the subject catheter devices for use in the subject methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to elongate support members, preferably for use with a catheter for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. An elongate support member, comprising a proximal end, a distal end, is disclosed. The proximal end of the elongate support member, is formed to define a plurality of flanges. A linkage connects the flanges, and a lumen within the shaft defined by connecting the flanges. The elongate support member comprises an improved catheter shaft design that maintains pushability, flexibility, and torquability while limiting the kinking.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter assembly and methods for making and inserting the same are provided. The catheter assembly includes a unitary catheter and at least two distal end tubes which extend distally from the unitary catheter. The at least two lumens in the unitary catheter are in fluid communication with passageways through the distal end tubes. The catheter assembly may be made by extruding a unitary catheter tube having internal longitudinally extending lumens, then splitting the tube on its distal end portion to form distal end tubes. The tubes are then ground and polished to form a smooth surface on the exterior of the tubes. The catheter assembly may also be made by forming an outer layer on at least two longitudinally extending catheters while leaving two distally extending portions of the tubes outside the outer layer to form the distal end tubes.

Abstract: An therapeutic agent delivery device that can allows is particularly suitable for delivery of a therapeutic agent to limited access regions, such as the posterior chamber of the eye and inner ear. Preferred devices of the invention are minimally invasive, refillable and may be easily fixed to the treatment area. Preferred delivery devices of the invention also include those that comprise a non-linear shaped body member body housing one or more substances and a delivery mechanism for the sustained delivery of the one or more substances from the non-linear shaped body member to the patient.

Abstract: A dosage form manufactured from an extruded polymer tube and method for manufacturing the dosage form are disclosed. The dosage form is preferably an osmotic dosage form and includes a therapeutic agent and an expandable composition contained within the lumen of the extruded polymer tube.

Abstract: In an endoscopic treatment instrument, a flexible tube has an area (A) which is to be located within an curved area (13) of an endoscope and which has a flattened cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A method and structure for energizing a flash lamp for producing a high energy light pulse, with the flash lamp energized by a flattened and extended current pulse. The method includes collecting and storing energy for delivery to the flash lamp when triggered. A triggering of the flash lamp resulting in a delivering of the collected and stored energy to the flash lamp in the form of an amplitude controlled (flattened) and duration controlled (extended) current pulse.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for removing adipose or fatty tissue underlying a patient's epidermis is disclosed (e.g., liposuction, abdominoplasty, and the like). The method includes positioning one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) in close proximity to a target region of fatty tissue. A high frequency voltage difference is applied between the active and return electrodes, and the fatty tissue or fragments of the fatty tissue are aspirated from the target region. The high frequency voltage either softens the fatty tissue or completely removes at least a portion of the tissue. In both embodiments, the remaining fatty tissue is more readily detached from the adjacent tissue in the absence of energy, and less mechanical force is required for removal. The bipolar configuration of the present invention controls the flow of current to the immediate region around the distal end of the probe, which minimizes tissue necrosis and the conduction of current through the patient.