Abstract: The invention relates to a device 1 for dosing and dry nebulization of nebulizable material 12 chosen from the group comprising anti-infective agents and immunomodulators, comprising a nebulization channel 3, which has a first attachment piece and a second attachment piece, and a source of compressed carrier gas connected to the first attachment piece via a valve 16 for the purpose of sending a carrier gas pressure pulse into the nebulization channel. The device is characterized in that between the first attachment piece and second attachment piece, and above the nebulization channel, a reservoir 10 open only towards the nebulization channel, which contains the nebulizable material 12, is connected to the nebulization channel such that it is gas-tight with respect to the environment, and that, when the valve is closed, a pressure compensation takes place in the nebulization channel and in the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grid element for an inhaler which can be arranged in an air duct between a mouthpiece and a capsule chamber of the inhaler, it being possible for turbulence to be generated by means of the grid element in an airflow passing through the air duct. The grid element is characterized in that it comprises a preferably planar grid-type portion having a grid front side which points towards the capsule chamber and a grid rear side, at least one protruding element being arranged on the grid front side, by means of which a capsule that can be arranged in the capsule chamber can be loosely supported.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering a dose, such as a medicament, for inhalation. A dose may be stored by a delivery device and dispersed and delivered in a metered fashion to a subject, such as by the subject inhaling via a mouthpiece of the delivery device. One or more chambers of the device may have a toroidal shape and may be arranged to be selectively opened for fluid communication with a flow path of the delivery device, such as by sliding the chamber relative to a portion of the flow path. The flow path may include a restriction that permits air to bypass the chamber, and/or the chamber may be arranged so that fluid entering the chamber interacts with fluid exiting the chamber so as to enhance dispersion of the dose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dose counter. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a dose counter for use with a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI). The dose counter comprises a rotary counting element (26) and an actuator (2). The actuator (2) is movable relative to the rotary counting element (26) and comprises a shaped part (17) which can move into and out of engagement with a complementary feature (33) of the rotary counting element (26) when the actuator (2) moves between first and second positions. When the shaped part (17) of the actuator (2) is engaged with the complementary feature (33) of the rotary counter element (26), rotation of the rotary counter element (26) is resisted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of mechanical-ventilation devices, in particular devices that enable drugs to be fed into the airflow, generated by the ventilation device and directed to the respiratory pathways of a patient, using an aerosol dosing device and/or nebulizer. Specifically, the invention relates to an inhalation chamber (1) to be built into a circuit of a mechanical-ventilation respiratory device (100) through which a gas stream is to pass, said inhalation chamber (1) consisting of two portions on either side of the longitudinal axis (A) thereof, and comprising openings that lead into the inner space (Vi) thereof, wherein two openings (10, 11) are to be connected to the circuit of the respirator, i.e.

Abstract: A transition adapter component of a ventilator aerosol delivery system for delivering an aerosol to a patient, includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having an aerosol passage for receiving an aerosol produced by a heated capillary and a gas connection port for receiving carrier gas from a ventilator, which is in communication with a plurality of gas entry ports within the transition adapter. An inner cavity of the transition adapter receives the aerosol from the heated capillary and the streams of carrier gas from the plurality of gas exit ports within the transition adapter and directs the streams of carrier gas at least partially encircling and in parallel with the aerosol. An exit port on the distal end of the transition adapter housing delivers an entrained aerosol to an aerosol delivery connector.

Abstract: Described is a system including an air pressure supply arrangement, a sensor and a titration device. The air pressure supply arrangement provides air pressure to a patient's airways. The sensor detects input data corresponding to a patient's breathing patterns of a plurality of breaths. The titration device receives and analyzes the input data to determine existence of breathing disorder and corresponding characteristics. The titration device generates output data for adjusting the air pressure supplied to the patient as a function of an index of abnormal respiratory events included in the input data.

Abstract: Methods of automatically evaluating a patient for positive and expiratory pressure (PEEP) therapy include providing respiratory assistance to the patient with a mechanical ventilator. The patient is provided PEEP therapy at a first PEEP. A first end expiratory lung volume (EELV) is measured from the patient. PEEP therapy is provided to the patient at a second PEEP. A second EELV is measured from the patient. A difference from the first EELV and the second EELV is calculated. A value indicative of the patient's response to PEEP therapy is calculated from the difference between the first EELV and the second EELV.

Abstract: A controller or processor for a respiratory pressure treatment device determines an estimate of patient respiratory flow based on a measure of pressure associated with flow generated by a flow generator and a measure of frequency of the flow generator, such as a rotational velocity of a servo-controlled blower motor. The estimate can be made without data from a flow sensor. The measure of frequency may be converted to an expected pressure based on characteristics of the flow generator and subtracted from the measured pressure to determine the flow estimate. The flow estimate can be implemented in the provision of respiratory pressure treatment with the flow generator. For example, the flow estimate may be utilized to trigger expiratory pressure relief during a patient's expiration as detected with the estimated flow signal.

Abstract: A device for securing an oral tube, such as an endotracheal tube, positioned in a patient's trachea includes a support surface, such as an open channel, for supporting the tube. First and second arms extend outwardly from the open channel. The first and second arms form an arch having first and second ends. Bite blocks are provided adjacent the first and second arch ends for contacting the patient's teeth or gums, and a receiver for securing the tube against the support surface is likewise provided. A flexible member having first and second ends for looping around the patient's nasal septum is likewise provided. At least one of the ends of the flexible member is received in a retainer and assists in securing the device in position.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.

Abstract: A valve (20) is provided that selectively controls flows of fluid through a valve opening (50). The valve (20) includes an elastically resilient valve member (54) that is seated in a member pocket (52) with a valve flap (76) that covers the valve opening (50). The valve flap (76) substantially prevents flows of fluid in one direction through the valve opening (50), but permits flows of fluid in the other direction.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly includes a catheter hub, an elongate catheter member extending from the catheter hub and having at least one longitudinal lumen for passage of fluids, an extension tube extending from the catheter hub and defining an internal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one longitudinal lumen of the catheter member and a clamp positionable about the extension tube. The catheter hub defines a reduced profile to facilitate passage of the catheter hub through a surgical tunnel. The clamp includes first and second clamp sections and defines a longitudinal clamp axis. The clamp has a longitudinal opening for passage of the extension tube and a movable member adapted to move from a first position to a second position to substantially close the internal lumen. The first and second clamp sections are separable to facilitate transverse positioning of the clamp sections about the extension tube.

Abstract: Various medical procedures benefit from the creation of multiple access sites in a single anatomical vessel. For example, in some cardiac procedures, a plurality of catheters may be introduced into a single blood vessel through a corresponding plurality of access sites. The present application discloses devices for creating multiple access sites in a vessel and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A device for regulating blood pressure between a patient's left atrium and right atrium, and apparatus for delivery the device, are provided. The delivery apparatus may include one or more latching legs, a release ring, a pull chord, and a catheter wherein the latching legs are configured to engage the device for delivery. The inventive devices may reduce left atrial pressure and left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and may increase cardiac output, increase ejection fraction, relieve pulmonary congestion, and lower pulmonary artery pressure, among other benefits. The inventive devices may be used, for example, to treat subjects having heart failure, pulmonary congestion, or myocardial infarction, among other pathologies.

Abstract: A catheter assembly, includes a catheter body, a tubular structure and a stabilizing cuff around a longitudinal length of the tubular structure. The tubular structure may be affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter body, and may include a tapered outer surface at a first terminal end of the tubular structure. The tapered outer surface may have a first outer diameter at the first terminal end of the tubular structure and a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter at a terminal end of the tapered outer surface opposite the first terminal end. The tubular structure may have a third outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter at a second terminal end of the tubular structure opposite the first terminal end.

Abstract: A safety balloon catheter includes a catheter having a stretch valve, a connector, a balloon inflated with an inflation fluid, a hollow inflation lumen extending through the catheter to the balloon and conveying inflation fluid thereto and therefrom, a hollow second lumen, and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon to the second lumen. The stretch valve has a hollow base fixed in the second lumen at a proximal catheter end and shaped to permit a fluid therethrough and a hollow plug slidably positioned in the second lumen at a given distance from the base to, in a steady state, prevent inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port and, when actuated, slide within the second lumen to permit inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the second lumen. The connector connects the base and the plug and has a length greater than the given distance.

Abstract: A device for transporting waste gases and liquid exudates from a wound. The device may include a multi lumen tubing and a connector for securing the multi lumen tubing to a fitting. The multi lumen tubing may include a double wall containment structure with a first lumen and a second lumen. The connector may include a body with a first cavity on one side, a second cavity on another side, and an interior wall located between the first cavity and the second cavity. The interior wall may form a projection in the second cavity. The projection may include an outer surface and a ledge adjacent the outer surface. The projection may cooperate with the multi lumen tubing to form a liquid-gas separator. The ledge may include a bore extending between the first cavity and the second cavity. The bore may house a gas permeable and a liquid impermeable barrier.

Abstract: Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.

Abstract: Techniques for using multiple physiological parameters to provide an early warning for worsening heart failure are described. A medical device monitors a primary diagnostic parameter that is indicative of worsening heart failure, such as intrathoracic impedance or pressure, and one or more secondary diagnostic parameters. The medical device detects worsening heart failure in the patient based on the primary diagnostic parameter when an index that is changed over time based on the primary diagnostic parameter value is outside a range of values, termed the threshold zone. When the index is within the threshold zone, the medical device detects worsening heart failure in the patient based on the one or more secondary diagnostic parameters. Upon detecting worsening heart failure, the medical device may, for example, provide an alert that enables the patient to seek medical attention before experiencing a heart failure event.

Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to methods of delivering a compound, a composition, and the like.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of devices and methods for treating a lung including, for example, treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are disclosed. A device may include a plurality of media and a deployment member. The media may be configured for deployment into one or more airways of a lung. The deployment member may be configured for insertion into or proximate the one or more airways of the lung. Also, the deployment member may be configured to deploy the plurality of media substantially simultaneously. Further, the plurality of media may be configured to be retained within the one or more airways of the lung.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a port reservoir, the method comprising: providing a port reservoir cleaning system, the system comprising: a trocar comprising a proximal end and distal end, the distal end terminating in a sharp tip, a cannula comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a cannula lumen extending therebetween, and a cleaning member comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a shaft and a cleaning member lumen extending therebetween, wherein a portion of the distal end of the shaft is flexible; advancing the trocar and cannula as an assembly through a septum fluidly sealing the port reservoir; withdrawing the trocar from the cannula lumen; advancing the distal end of the cleaning member through the cannula lumen and into the reservoir; rotating the cleaning member; and supplying negative pressure to a lumen of the cleaning member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this disclosure concern assembly of a lead having one or two modular lead ends. A modular lead end can be made by aligning a plurality of wires exposed on an end of a main lead body with a plurality of conductors exposed on an end of a lead end. The lead end may comprise a spine, the plurality of conductors circumferentially arrayed about the spine, and an outer surface comprising a plurality of exposed electrical elements and polymer material, the plurality of electrical elements arrayed on the spine and electrically connected with the plurality of conductors. The assembly can further include making electrical connections between the plurality of electrical wires and the plurality of conductors and insulating the plurality of wires and the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: An implantable medical elongated member extends between a proximal end configured to be coupled to a medical device and a distal end. The implantable elongated member includes one or more fixation elements coupled to at least a middle portion and/or a proximal portion of the elongated member in order to substantially fix a position of the elongated member to tissue at one or more intermediate points between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongated member.

Abstract: An electrostimulator implant comprises (i) an implant body, the implant being injectable into tissue of a subject along a longitudinal axis of the implant body, (ii) first and second electrodes, disposed on respective first and second portions of the implant body; (iii) circuitry, disposed inside the implant body, and configured to drive the electrodes to apply current to the tissue; and (iv) a mesh, disposed over at least 50 percent of the implant body, and configured to serve as an anchor of the implant. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A flat interface nerve electrode provides a plurality of electrical contacts embedded in a non-conductive cuff structure, which acts to gently and non-evasively redefine the geometry of a nerve through the application of a force acting on the nerve without causing damage to the nerve. The cuff is open at one side and has a connection to a lead at the other side. During implantation the open sides of the cuff are closed so as to capture the nerve in the cuff in a single motion.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a guidewire and a fixator catheter. The fixator catheter comprises a tubular body with a distal portion and a proximal portion, and further includes a distal opening, a fixator secured to the distal portion, and a body opening arranged between the fixator and the proximal portion. The guidewire passes through the body opening and the distal opening of the fixator catheter. The fixator is movable between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration and, in the expanded condition, is capable of anchoring the guidewire and fixator catheter in a lumen of a blood vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A method for treating a disorder of a patient. The method comprises transcutaneously delivering electrical energy to a targeted tissue site at a frequency of at least 50 KHz, thereby treating the disorder.

Abstract: A system for electrically stimulating a user comprising: a first housing portion defining an array of openings; an array of permeable bodies with portions exposed through the array of openings and wetted with a solution that facilitates electrical coupling between the system and a body region of the user, wherein each permeable body has a cavity at a proximal portion and a distal portion and is configured to transmit the solution to the body region of the user; a substrate region defining an array of protrusions configured to support the array of permeable bodies and composed of a conductive polymer; and a set of conductors in communication with the substrate region and including a first conductor that provides a first subset of the array of permeable bodies with a first polarity and a second conductor that provides a second subset of the array of permeable bodies with a second polarity.

Abstract: An insertion tool having an insertion guide tube that maintains a perimodiolar or other pre-curved electrode assembly in a substantially straight configuration while preventing the electrode assembly from twisting in response to stresses induced by the bias force which urges the assembly to return to its pre-curved configuration. This generally ensures that when the electrode assembly is deployed from the distal end of the insertion guide tube, the electrode assembly and insertion guide tube have a known relative orientation.

Abstract: A system includes a cochlear implant electrode arrangement comprising a plurality of stimulation channels; means for dividing an audio signal into a plurality of analysis channels; means for establishing an electrode-nerve-interface model of hearing stimulation via the cochlear implant electrode arrangement; means for determining a signal level value and a noise level value for each analysis channel by analyzing the respective frequency domain signal; means for determining a noise reduction gain parameter for at least some of the analysis channels as a function of the signal level value and the noise level value of the respective analysis channel; means for applying noise reduction to the frequency domain signal according to the noise reduction gain parameters to generate a noise reduced frequency domain signal; and means for generating a stimulation signal for each of the stimulation channels according to the noise reduced frequency domain signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining the timing of stimulation applied using a medical device. In embodiments, the medical device filters a received signal to obtain a plurality of band-pass filtered signals, each corresponding to one or more stimulation channels. The medical device then determines the envelopes of these band-pass filtered signals. Next, the medical device determines the stimulation timing (i.e., the pulse times) for the corresponding stimulation channel based on the timing of a particular phase (e.g., a peak, a minimum, etc.) of the envelope. A pulse amplitude for the stimulation channel may then be determined, and stimulation applied using the determined amplitude and pulse time.

Abstract: An implantable device, including a first electrically non-conductive substrate; a plurality of electrically conductive vias through the first electrically non-conductive substrate; a flip-chip multiplexer circuit attached to the electrically non-conductive substrate using conductive bumps and electrically connected to at least a subset of the plurality of electrically conductive vias; a flip-chip driver circuit attached to the flip-chip multiplexer circuit using conductive bumps; a second electrically non-conductive substrate attached to the flip-chip driver circuit using conductive bumps; discrete passives attached to the second electrically non-conductive substrate; and a cover bonded to the first electrically non-conductive substrate, the cover, the first electrically non-conductive substrate and the electrically conductive vias forming a hermetic package.

Abstract: An improved circuit board for an implantable stimulator device is disclosed having components embedded within the device's circuit board, and in particular having embedded components in the electrodes current paths, such as various numbers and/or combinations of DC-blocking capacitors, EMI filtering capacitors, and EMI filtering inductors. By embedding at least some of these components, the improved circuit board can accommodate additional IPG circuitry, or can be made smaller, which is significant given the trend to increase the number of electrodes in such devices. In a preferred embodiment, at least the filtering capacitors are embedded in the circuit board, while the DC-blocking capacitors are traditionally surface mounted, without reducing the number of DC-blocking capacitors compared to the number of electrodes the IPG supports.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed having measurement circuitry for measuring one or more currents in the IMD, such as the currents drawn from various power supply voltages. Such currents are measured without disrupting normal IMD operation, and can be telemetered from the IMD for review. Switching circuitry in line with the current being measured is temporarily opened for a time period to disconnect the power supply voltage from the circuitry being powered. A voltage across a capacitance in parallel with the circuitry is measured when the switching circuitry is opened and again closed at the end of the time period, with the circuitry drawing power from the charged capacitance during this time period. The average current drawn by the power supply voltage is determined using the difference in the measured voltages, the known capacitance, and the time period between the measurements.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. This neural fulcrum zone may be identified by monitoring a patient's response to incrementally increased intensity settings at a first frequency. If the incremental intensity increases do not result in the identification of the neural fulcrum zone, the frequency may be changed to provide finer resolution identification of the neural fulcrum zone.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient, comprises at least one implantable neurostimulation lead configured for being implanted adjacent target tissue of the patient, and an implantable neurostimulator configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to the implantable neurostimulation lead(s) in accordance with a set of stimulation parameters capable, and monitoring circuitry configured for taking at least one measurement indicative of a three-dimensional migration of the neurostimulation lead(s) from a baseline position. The neurostimulation system further comprises at least one controller/processor configured for determining whether the three-dimensional migration of the neurostimulation lead(s) from the baseline position has occurred based on the measurement(s), and, based on the determined three-dimensional migration, generating a new set of stimulation parameters, and reprogramming the implantable neurostimulator with the new set of stimulation parameters.

Abstract: External control devices, neurostimulation systems, and programming methods. A neurostimulator includes a feature having a numerical range. Information identifying a type of the neurostimulator is transmitted to an external control device. The external control device receives the information from the neurostimulator, identifies the type of the neurostimulator based on the received information, and programs the neurostimulator in accordance with the numerical range of the feature corresponding to the identified type of the neurostimulator.

Abstract: The disclosure describes devices and systems for determining alternative electrode combinations and power consumption for these alternative electrode combinations. In one example, a method includes identifying a set of one or more electrodes configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy via a lead, determining, based on the set of one or more electrodes, one or more alternative electrode combinations for delivering electrical stimulation therapy, calculating, for each of the one or more alternative electrode combinations, a respective field similarity score with respect to the set of one or more electrodes, and outputting a representation of at least one of the one or more alternative electrode combinations for selection in at least partially defining electrical stimulation therapy, the representation comprising an indication of at least one of the respective power consumption values or the respective field similarity scores.

Abstract: A method is provided for use with a human subject. The method includes accessing a cardiac site via a vena cava of the subject, and alleviating heart failure of the subject by applying to the cardiac site, during a refractory period of the site, a refractory-period signal that affects the left ventricle of the subject's heart. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to a system with a fail-safe mode for remote programming of medical devices, such as implantable medical devices (IMDs). During a remote programming session, an adverse event, such as a programming session failure, may prevent proper completion of a programming or result in improper programming due to data corruption or other factors. If a programming session is not completed correctly, the IMD is susceptible to improper operation, possibly exposing a patient to delivery of unnecessary or inappropriate therapies. A fail-safe mode reduces the likelihood of improper operation following a programming session failure. The fail-safe mode defines one or more fail-safe operations designed to preserve proper operation of the IMD. In some embodiments, the fail-safe operations include notifying a person concerning the failure of the programming session, modifying programming parameters within the implantable medical device, and delivering a therapy to a patient.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices comprising electromagnetic interference shields which incorporate a dump resistor and various enhancements to control high voltage arcing. Included are embodiments in which a dump resistor is provided in a flexible shield having first and second conductive layers, where the resistor is provided in a layer between the conductive layers. In additional examples the design of plated through-holes is done to avoid the potential for arcing while maintaining close spacing.

Abstract: A system for transferring power to, and communicating with, at least one body-implantable active device includes an external power transfer system associated with an external device disposed outside of a body, operable to transfer power through a dermis layer to each body-implantable active device, and communicate data to and from each body-implantable active device, and also includes a power receiving system associated with each body-implantable active device, operable to receive power transferred from the external power transfer system, and communicate data to and from the external power transfer system. The body-implantable active device may include an implantable neurostimulation system.

Abstract: A multi-modal electrotherapy apparatus including circuitry for administering defibrillation therapy and for administering medium voltage therapy (MVT) adapted to reduce the side effects of MVT. The electrotherapy apparatus is configured to selectively deliver MVT to vectors not involving the ventricles and defibrillation therapy to vectors involving the ventricles. The apparatus can use biphasic waveforms configured to avoid capture of cardiac cells during MVT. The electrotherapy apparatus can minimize the risk of applying MVT at inappropriate times, such as during atrial fibrillation or where conventional ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation therapy is more appropriate.

Abstract: A system capable of self-adjusting both sound level and spectral content to improve audibility and intelligibility of medical device audible cues. Audible cues are stored as sound files. Ambient noise is detected, and the output of the audible cues is altered based on the ambient noise. Various embodiments include processed sound files that are more robust in noisy environments.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for treatment of coma, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, cognitive performance, and/or amblyopia. Described are methods and devices to treat coma, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, cognitive performance, and/or amblyopia that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect symptoms of coma, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, cognitive performance, and/or amblyopia.

Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material proximate to a body lumen, often of stenotic material or tissue in the luminal wall of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage the luminal wall when the structure expands. Feedback using one or parameters of voltage, current, power, temperature, impedance magnitude, impedance phase angle, and frequency may be used to selectively control the delivery of energy.

Abstract: Methods for non-invasive fat reduction can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a thermal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a fat cell. The lesion can create an opening in the surface of the fat cell, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat cell and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat.