Abstract: A bilateral alternating tactile stimulation therapeutic system includes an Internet web page; a first mobile device, at a first location, configured to access the Internet web page, wherein the first mobile device has a first application for transmitting audio information and pulse control information including alternating pulsation signals for uploading to the Internet web page; a second mobile device, at a second location remote from the first location, adapted to connect to the Internet web page and having a second application for receiving the audio information and the pulse control information in a streaming or live mode; a pair of pulsating devices wirelessly coupled to the second mobile device; and wherein the second mobile device is programmed to enable a subject to hear the audio information and also transmit the alternating pulsation signals to the pair of pulsating devices.

Abstract: A method for producing a distal-end assembly of a medical device, the method includes disposing a first layer on at least part of a given section among one or more sections of a flexible substrate. At one or more selected locations on the given section, which are to serve as electrodes on the distal-end assembly of the medical device, a second layer is disposed so that, when brought into contact with tissue, the second layer has a reduced impedance for transferring electrical signals to or from the tissue at a predefined frequency range, relative to the first layer. The given section is shaped to form the distal-end assembly.

Abstract: A urinary catheter and container are described. The urinary catheter may have a catheter shaft attached to a handle, and a coating disposed on an outer surface of the catheter shaft. The coating may include a hydrogel, water and/or glycerin, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PEG may have a molecular weight equal to or less than 600, for example one or more of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 300 and PEG 400. The coating may be applied in a wet state and remain wet for an extended period of time in the container, thereby obviating the need for a lubricant, such as a water sachet or gel package, to accompany the catheter in the container. The container may include a gas impermeable foil material. The container may include an adhesive tab covering a perforated section, the adhesive tab including a pull loop.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and balloon system particularly useful with drug-coated balloons is described. In some embodiments, the balloon catheter system includes various features designed to address problems with drug rubbing off due to contract friction during delivery of the balloon—including by utilizing a protective sleeve to shield the drug-coated balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon catheter system includes an inner high-pressure balloon and an outer drug-coated balloon to mitigate the time associated with performing vessel dilation.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns polymer catheter designs incorporating joints that break under tension. The joints are generally formed from two tubular elements comprising two different polymers with dissimilar thermal and/or mechanical characteristics, which are overlapped and exposed to heat and pressure. The disclosure also concerns methods of making and using such catheters, for instance to deliver medical implants.

Abstract: A catheter that includes an inner layer forming the inner surface of a tubular catheter main body having a lumen, an outer layer forming the outer surface of the catheter main body, and multiple reinforcements embedded between the inner surface and the outer surface. The inner diameter of the catheter main body is D1, the outer diameter is D2, the wall thickness is T1, a thickness of each reinforcement is T2, an effective width of each reinforcement is W, and a total number of the multiple reinforcements is N. The catheter satisfies Expressions (1), (2), and (3): 0.050 mm?T1?0.100 mm??Expression (1) T2/T1?0.25??Expression (2) 60,000?(D1×D2×W×N)/(T12×T2)<1,000,000??Expression (3).

Abstract: A stiffening assembly comprises a bulkhead including an inner surface defining a central lumen. The bulkhead further includes an outer surface surrounding the inner surface and includes a wall connecting the outer surface to the inner surface. The wall is shaped to form a plurality of holes spaced apart and surrounding the central lumen. The stiffening assembly further comprises a plurality of longitudinal beams. Each beam extends through a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes. The stiffening assembly further comprises a clamping assembly configured to contact the plurality of beams. The stiffening assembly is adjustable between a flexible state in which each beam is movable within the corresponding hole and a stiffened state in which the clamping assembly clamps the plurality of beams against the bulkhead such that a transfer of forces in a radial direction between the plurality of beams and the bulkhead stiffens the stiffening assembly.

Abstract: Smart torquers are provided. Aspects of the smart torquers include: an engager for releasably engaging an elongated intravascular device; a communications module; a contact associated with the engager and configured to communicatively contact an elongated intravascular device engaged by the engager with the communications module; and a manipulator configured to allow a user to torque an elongated intravascular device engaged by the engager. Aspects of the invention further include methods of using the smart torquers, as well as systems and kits employed in such methods.

Abstract: A steerable guide sheath system adapted for delivery into a patient's vasculature. The pull wire which is used to tension the deflectable portion of the sheath is wrapped or twisted around the axis of the sheath.

Abstract: Embodiments include a catheter shaft (12) having an elongated structure with a distal portion (18) and proximal portion (16). The distal portion (18) can include a distal tip (36), a proximal connector (38), and a plurality of pivoting hollow cylindrical segments (40) disposed between the proximal connector (38) and distal tip (36) along a longitudinal axis extending through the elongated structure. A plurality of connections (42, 44) can be disposed along diametrically opposed sides of the distal portion (18) and configured to connect the distal tip (36), the pivoting hollow cylindrical segments (40), and the proximal connector (38). A diametrically opposed pair of tabs (54-1, 54-2) can extend from an inner wall of each of the pivoting hollow cylindrical segments (40) to form first and second pullwire tunnels (81-1, 81-2). First and second pullwires (52-1, 52-2) can extend through the first and second pullwire tunnels (81-1, 81-2).

Abstract: A cradle and methods of using embodiments of the cradle are described. The cradle has a proximal side and a distal side, where the proximal side has a skin attachment member for releasable attachment to a patient's skin. The distal side includes a device attachment member configured to attach an initially separate medical device. The cradle comprises an electronically controlled optical indication device, the electronically controlled optical indication device being configured to provide optical indications to the patient when the cradle is attached to the patient's skin.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors.

Abstract: A device (10) which serves as a stiff guide wire for surgical procedures includes a tube (12) having an internal channel, and a central rod (14) in close-fitting sliding engagement within the tube. The tips of the tube and the central rod are in rigid mechanical engagement or interconnection. A region of the tube (12) is longitudinally slotted to form deflectable strips (18) so that advancing of the tube (12) relative to central the rod (14) causes outward deflection of the strips (18) to form an anchoring configuration. The central rod (14) and the tube (12) together define a stiff guide wire preferably having a length-to-width ratio in excess of 100:1.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon/shaft assembly and a linear member. The balloon/shaft assembly includes a catheter shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a balloon connected to the catheter shaft. The linear member straddles an inflatable region of the balloon and is mounted on the balloon/shaft assembly. The linear member includes a hard portion and a flexible portion. The hard portion includes at least an outer portion disposed on an opposite side to an inner portion facing the inflatable region, of a portion disposed along an outer peripheral surface of the inflatable region in an inflated state. The flexible portion is a portion other than the hard portion. The flexible portion is extendable and has a lower hardness than the hard portion.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods useable for dilating the ostia of paranasal sinuses and/or other passageways within the ear, nose or throat. A dilation catheter device and system is constructed in a manner that facilitates ease of use by the operator and, in at least some cases, allows the dilation procedure to be performed by a single operator. Additionally, the dilation catheter device and system may be useable in conjunction with an endoscope and/or a fluoroscope to provide for easy manipulation and positioning of the devices and real time visualization of the entire procedure or selected portions thereof. In some embodiments, an optional handle may be used to facilitate grasping or supporting a device of the present invention as well as another device (e.g., an endoscope) with a single hand.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, a deflection actuation assembly, and a dilation catheter. The shaft assembly includes a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion. The deflection actuation assembly includes a rotary actuator and a first translatable actuation member at least partially disposed within the first rotary actuator. A second translatable actuation member extends through the shaft assembly and couples the first translatable actuation member with the flexible distal portion of the shaft assembly. The first rotary actuator is rotatable about a longitudinal axis to thereby drive the first and second translatable actuation members longitudinally. The flexible distal portion is configured to deflect away from the longitudinal axis in response to translation of the first and second translatable actuation members longitudinally. The dilation catheter is slidable relative to the shaft assembly and includes an expandable dilator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: A marker delivery device comprises a marker deployer cannula, a push rod, a biopsy site marker, and a ramped tip. The marker deployer cannula may have a marker exit in communication with an interior lumen of the cannula. The marker exit may comprise a distal end with a ramped surface. The biopsy site marker may be configured with a plurality of edges. The plurality of edges may be configured to engage at least a portion of the interior lumen of the cannula. The ramped tip may comprise a first ramped surface and a second ramped surface, the second ramped surface may align with the ramped surface of the distal end of the marker exit. The push rod may be used to push the biopsy site marker up the ramped tip and through the marker exit.

Abstract: A venous access port assembly having a housing base with a discharge port, a septum, and a cap, with an interior reservoir. The housing base is provided with X-ray discernable indicia to identify an attribute of the assembly after its implantation and clearly appear on an X-ray of the patient in a manner informing the radiologist or technologist and the medical practitioner of that particular attribute. Such indicia can be depicted as cutouts through a disc of radiopaque material where the cutouts are in the form of alphabetical letters such as “CT”, or can be a set of discrete elements of radiopaque material, that are affixed along the bottom surface of the housing base or embedded within the thickness of the bottom housing wall.

Abstract: A medical device made of a hybrid polymeric structure includes a tubular body including a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a fibrous matrix comprising a plurality of randomly oriented nanofibers made at least in part of a first polymeric material and pores formed between at least a portion of the nanofibers. The second layer is made at least in part of a second polymeric material. At least a portion of the second layer is disposed about and between the plurality of nanofibers such that at least a portion of the second polymeric material is embedded into at least a portion of the pores of the fibrous matrix.

Abstract: A pressure activated valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a medical device, the pressure activated valve comprises a housing including a lumen extending therethrough and a flow control membrane extending across the lumen of the housing to control the flow of fluid through the lumen by opening when a pressure threshold has been reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow to provide long-term access to the vascular system, and methods of making the same, are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe a wedge or other similarly shaped geometrical features for fixing an elastic component and controlling an internal stress of the elastic component.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a TENS electrode needle and a TENS device. The TENS electrode needle includes: a needle handle having a first electrode and a second electrode for providing pulse current signals with different polarities are arranged; and at least one first needle body and at least one second needle body. Each of the first needle body and the second needle body includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first needle body is electrically connected to the first electrode, and the first end of the second needle body is electrically connected to the second electrode, so as to form an electrical field between the second end of the first needle body and the second end of the second needle body.

Abstract: Devices and methods for manipulating devices such as micro-scale devices are provided. The devices can include a tether of various materials surrounded by a stiff body. The tether interfaces with microscale devices to draw them against the stiff body, holding the microscale devices in a locked position for insertion into or extraction out of tissue. The tensional hook and stiff body are configurable in a multitude of positions and geometries to provide increased engagement. Such configurations allow for a range of implantation and extraction surgical procedures for the device within research and clinical settings.

Abstract: A cochlear implant includes an electrode array having a plurality of electrode contacts arranged along at least a portion of a length of an electrode array, and a processing arrangement configured to map at least one electrode contact to first and/or second mappings. The first mapping provides a first electrical stimulation from the electrode contact to a first ground electrode positioned external to a patient's cochlea to stimulate hearing at a first location in the cochlea positioned adjacent to the electrode contact when the implant is inserted into the cochlea. The second mapping provides a second electrical stimulation from the electrode contact to the second ground electrode to stimulate hearing at a location in the cochlea positioned further towards the apex of the cochlea as compared to a distal end of the electrode array when the implant is inserted into the cochlea.

Abstract: A medical tool includes a rotation mechanism that further includes a warning feature. The warning feature provides an indication when the rotation mechanism has achieved a number of rotations.

Abstract: A device for delivering an implantable medical device (IMD) includes an elongated member and a deployment bay configured to house the IMD, the deployment bay defining a distal opening for deploying the IMD out of the deployment bay. The device includes a first electrode located inside the deployment bay during intravascular navigation, a second electrode, and impedance detection circuitry configured to deliver an electrical signal to a path between the first electrode and the second electrode through at least one of a fluid or tissue of the patient. The device also includes processing circuitry configured to determine an impedance of the path based on the signal and control a user interface to indicate when an impedance of the path indicates that at least one of the IMD or the distal opening is in a fixation configuration relative to the target site of the patient.

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring an implantable medical device to tissue of a patient, wherein the anchoring device comprises: an annular member, a plurality of elongated tines connected to the annular member and protruding from the annular member, wherein the annular member comprises at least one stretchable first section that is stretchable along a peripheral direction of the annular member. Further, the invention relates to an implantable medical device (e.g., an implantable cardiac pacemaker) comprising such an anchoring device.

Abstract: An autonomous capsule includes a tubular body provided at its distal end with an anchoring screw, and in its proximal region of a capture groove. An explantation accessory includes a reinforced catheter combined with a flexible wire which can slide in the catheter and has a deformable loop which can be clamped by gradual introduction of its ends in the catheter under the effect of a traction exerted on the wire. During tightening, the capture groove receives the wire loop, allowing, after complete tightening, to secure in tension and rotation an assembly formed by the catheter, the capsule, and the wire. The reinforced catheter is then used to transmit a tensile force and an axial torque from its proximal end to its distal end, allowing safe unscrewing of the capsule and its extraction through the patient venous network.

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring an implantable medical device to tissue of a patient, wherein the anchoring device comprises at least one marker that is visible when using an imaging technique such as x-ray imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesh electrode for cardiac resynchronization therapy, and a manufacturing method therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to: a mesh electrode for cardiac resynchronization therapy, formed from a wire composed of a first biocompatible rubber layer in which silver nanowires are dispersed, and a second biocompatible rubber layer famed so as to be adjacent to the first biocompatible rubber layer; and a manufacturing method therefor.

Abstract: An oral care device for placement in the oral cavity. The oral care device may include a support component, a piezoelectric component, and/or a therapeutic element. The support component is configured for placement between one or more maxillary teeth and one or more mandibular teeth. The piezoelectric element is configured to generate an electrical current from relative movement of the maxillary teeth and the mandibular teeth. The therapeutic element is configured to release a therapeutic composition into the oral cavity at least in part in response to receiving the electrical signal. The device may include the piezoelectric component, the therapeutic element, or both.

Abstract: A device treats a region of the body of a patient having a cutaneous ulcer, including: a hydrogel, hydrocolloid, hydrocellular or hydrofiber primary dressing, impregnated with treprostinil, that can be shaped to the contours of the region to be treated, a so-called “active” electrode in contact with the primary dressing, a so-called “passive” electrode at a distance from the active electrode, a DC generator, the terminals of which are connected to the electrodes, the cathode and the anode respectively forming the active electrode and the passive electrode for iontophoresis, so as to cause treprostinil to migrate by cathodal iontophoresis into the region to be treated.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrical noninvasive stimulation of a vagus nerve. The system comprises a handheld stimulator that is applied to the surface of the patient's neck, wherein the stimulator comprises or is joined to a smartphone. A camera of the smartphone may be used to position and reposition the stimulator to a particular location on the patient's neck. The system may also comprise a base station that is used to meter the charging of a rechargeable battery within the stimulator. The base station and stimulator transmit data to one another regarding the status of a stimulation session.

Abstract: Devices and methods to deliver microcurrent stimulation therapy to the human body, when connected to a micro-stimulation current-generating apparatus. The method of applying microcurrent stimulation therapy to key points around the eye for treatment of problems such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, optic neuritis and other eye-related or nerve-related conditions, as well as other diseases, such as Bell's Palsy, requiring localized stimulation to the eyes and/or on other body parts.

Abstract: An example of a system to program a neuromodulator to deliver neuromodulation to a neural target using a plurality of electrodes may comprise a programming control circuit configured to determine target energy allocations for the plurality of electrodes based on at least one target pole to provide a target sub-perception modulation field, and normalize the target sub-perception modulation field, including determine a time domain scaling factor to account for at least one property of a neural target or of a neuromodulation waveform, and apply the time domain scaling factor to the target energy allocations.

Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) is configured to sense cardiac activity and to pace a patient's heart and is disposable within a ventricle of the patient's heart. The LCP MAY include a housing, a first electrode and a second electrode that are secured relative to the housing and are spaced apart. A controller is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode such that the controller is capable of receiving, via the first electrode and the second electrode, electrical cardiac signals of the heart. The LCP may include a pressure sensor and/or an accelerometer. The controller may determine a pace time within a cardiac cycle based at least in part upon an indication of metabolic demand.

Abstract: A ventricular implantable medical device that is configured to detect an atrial timing fiducial from the ventricle. The ventricular implantable medical is configured to deliver a ventricular pacing therapy to the ventricle based on the detected atrial timing fiducial. If the ventricular implantable medical device temporarily fails to detect atrial activity because of noise, posture, patient activity or for any other reason, an atrial implantable medical device may be configured to communicate atrial events to the ventricular implantable medical device and the ventricular implantable medical device may synchronize the ventricular pacing therapy with the atrium activity based on those communications.

Abstract: Examples are described for configuring cardiac pacing circuitry of an implantable medical device. Circuitry that is configurable to control delivery of therapy or sense signals in accordance with a plurality of vectors may determine that one or more pins, for therapy delivery or sensing in accordance with a first subset of vectors of the plurality of vectors, are in an electrically floating state. Circuitry may selectively close one or more switches to couple at least a subset of the one or more pins to one or more set voltage levels, and deliver therapy in accordance with a vector of a second subset of vectors of the plurality of vectors, wherein the second subset of vectors is different than the first subset of vectors.

Abstract: An implant including a hermetically tightly sealed housing, wherein a control unit is arranged in the housing, and including a header, which is secured to the housing and includes at least one socket for connection to a plug of an electrode lead, and includes a communication antenna, which is electrically connected to the control unit. To achieve a reliable identification of the electrode lead with a low energy expenditure, the header has, in the region of the at least one socket, at least one electromagnetic transmission element electrically connected to a contact element which is provided on the inner wall of the at least one socket or to the ground of the implant and to the control unit, wherein the electromagnetic transmission element is electromagnetically or inductively coupled to the communication antenna. A corresponding electrode lead and a corresponding method for identifying an electrode lead are also contemplated.

Abstract: The disclosed techniques allow for externalizing errors from an implantable medical device using the device's charging coil, for receipt at an external charger or other external device. Transmission of errors in this manner is particularly useful when telemetry of error codes through a traditional telemetry coil in the implant is not possible, for example, because the error experienced is so fundamental as to preclude use of such traditional means. By externalizing the error via the charging coil, and though the use of robust error modulation circuitry in the implant designed to be generally insensitive to fundamental errors, the external charger can be consulted to understand the failure mode involved, and to take appropriate action.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an EMI feedthrough filter terminal assembly. The EMI feedthrough filter terminal assembly comprises: a feedthrough filter capacitor having a plurality of first electrode layers and a plurality of second electrode layers and a first passageway therethrough having a first termination surface conductively coupling the plurality of first electrode layers; at least one conductive terminal pin extending through the passageway in conductive relation with the plurality of first electrode layers; a feedthrough ferrule; an insulator fixed to the feedthrough ferrule for conductively isolating the conductive terminal pin from the feedthrough ferrule; a hermetically sealing material between the insulator and the feedthrough ferrule; and a resin coating over the hermetically sealing material.

Abstract: A three-terminal flat-through EMI/energy dissipating filter comprises an active electrode plate through which a circuit current passes between a first terminal and a second terminal, a first shield plate on a first side of the active electrode plate, and second shield plate on a second side of the active electrode plate opposite the first shield plate. The first and second shield plates are conductively coupled to a grounded third terminal. Both the effective capacitance area or overlapping surface area of the active electrode plate and the surrounding ground shield plates and the dielectric constant of the insulating layers between the active electrode plate and the ground shield plates is raised to achieve a higher capacitance value for the three-terminal flat-through capacitor.

Abstract: A defibrillator disclosed in the present application including at least: a high voltage capacitor charged through a battery power source; a ladder bridge circuit connected to one end of the high voltage capacitor; a control unit for controlling an on/off operation of switching elements constituting the ladder bridge circuit, wherein the ladder bridge circuit comprises: a first circuit unit and a second circuit unit, one ends of which are connected to one end of the high voltage capacitor and which are connected in parallel to each other; and a third circuit unit connected in series to the other ends of the first circuit unit and the second circuit unit.

Abstract: An antenna assembly includes a band having an interior layer and an exterior layer, and configured to be wrapped around a portion of a user's body such that the interior layer faces a user's body. A locking assembly includes a first locking portion and a second locking portion, the first and second locking portions being configured to engage one another to secure the band about the user's body. An antenna is positioned between the interior and the exterior layers. A docking port is positioned between the interior and the exterior layers. A circuitry housing is received in the docking port and includes a printed circuit board and a battery. A connector has a first end connected to the printed circuit board and a second end connected to the antenna.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for electrical stimulation of tissue consisting of an electrode and a magnet, which allows to reach deeper located regions without the need for invasive surgery. This helps to achieve therapeutically success in broader range of patients.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to the brain of an individual comprising: a head mount; a plurality of magnet assemblies for releasable mounting on the head mount; each of the magnet assemblies comprises a permanent magnet, and at least one of (i) a movement mechanism for moving the permanent magnet and/or (ii) a magnetic shield shutter mechanism, to provide a rapidly changing magnetic field; and a computerized controller for operating at least one of the movement mechanism and the magnetic shield shutter mechanism of at least one of the magnet assemblies to apply a rapidly changing magnetic field to the brain of the individual, wherein the computerized controller is configured to provide one of intermittent oscillatory stimulation and continuous oscillatory stimulation, to induce weak electric currents in the brain of an individual so as to modify the natural electrical activity of the brain of the individual.

Abstract: Disclosed is an FSR sensor compatible with a magnetic stimulation coil and intended to be fixed to a magnetic stimulation coil and including: a first layer made of biocompatible flexible material intended to be applied to the skin of a patient; a second layer including a pattern or an area of force sensitive or resistive ink; a third layer including adhesive material, forming a peripheral spacer element; a fourth layer made of a flexible heat-stable polycarbonate substrate with a printed conductive pattern of a force sensing circuit; and a fifth layer forming an adhesive surface on the bottom face. The pattern of the second layer is carried by a semi-flexible plate of heat-stable polycarbonate material, constituting an intermediate pressure distribution layer, the plate being adhesively stuck to the fourth layer and to the first layer, the peripheral spacer defining an air gap between the second and fourth layers.

Abstract: A laser therapy apparatus having a diode-based continuous emission laser source, a diode-based pulsed emission laser source, and a terminal handpiece. The laser therapy apparatus further includes a bundle of optic fibers for coupling between individual diodes of the diode-based pulsed emission laser source, which is interfaced with a single optic fiber which terminates in the handpiece.

Abstract: A process for heat treating biological tissue includes repeatedly applying a pulsed energy to a target tissue over a period of time so as to controllably raise a temperature of the target tissue to create a therapeutic effect to the target tissue without destroying or permanently damaging the target tissue. After the first treatment is concluded the application of the pulsed energy to the target tissue is halted for an interval of time. Within a single treatment session a second treatment is performed on the target tissue after the interval of time by repeatedly reapplying the pulsed energy to the target tissue so as to controllably raise the temperature of the target tissue to therapeutically treat the target tissue without destroying or permanently damaging the target tissue.