Abstract: An internal pressure detecting device can accurately detect an internal pressure of the inflating and deflating member such as a balloon which is provided at an intracavital insertion tool such as an endoscope, an endoscope auxiliary tool or an endoscope treatment tool, is provided. The internal pressure detecting device has: a pressure detection conduit line which is provided separately from a supply and exhaust conduit line through which a fluid is supplied to or exhausted from an inside of an inflating and deflating member provided at an intracavital insertion tool, and which communicates with the inside of the inflating and deflating member; and a pressure detecting device which is connected to the pressure detection conduit line and detects an internal pressure of the inflating and deflating member.

Abstract: With an endoscope including a long, thin inserted portion that is inserted into the body of a patient, securing means for securing the inserted portion to tissue inside the body, the securing means being provided at least at a distal-end portion of the inserted portion, an observation optical system that is provided at the inserted portion and that acquires an image of the tissue, and observation-distance adjusting means for adjusting the distance between the observation optical system and a surface of the tissue, it is possible to attain a stable field of view without having to stop the pulsation or the like of the heart or other tissue.

Abstract: A probe apparatus adapted for movement through a lumen, comprising: a linearly extendible and retractable element adapted for selective extension and retraction to provide the movement; a front balloon positioned forward of the linearly extendible and retractable element and adapted for selective inflation and deflation; a rear balloon positioned backward of the linearly extendible and retractable element and adapted for selective inflation and deflation; and, a twisting element adapted to twist at least one of the linearly extendible and retractable element, front balloon and rear balloon during inflation and deflation of the advancement balloon.

Abstract: An endoscope preferably comprising an alternating propulsion system in which an endoscope shaft is advanced by means of an auxiliary means (e.g. a hose preferably including fluid pads or a guiding wire/net) in a canal-shaped cavity by the fact that the endoscope shaft and the auxiliary means are alternately resting with respect to a cavity to be inspected and, at the same time, the element not at rest can be advanced while being guided along the resting element into the cavity, or are simultaneously moved forward, wherein in the latter case the basic stiffness of the auxiliary means is higher than that of the shaft.

Abstract: An instrument comprising a cable or tube, at a distal end of which a propulsion device is provided for moving the cable or tube in a hollow space, the propulsion device being shaped like a donut lying in a plane at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the cable or tube, wherein the donut-shaped propulsion device is, at least in part, externally delimited by at least one wire gauze that is rotatable about a closed axis of the donut body, which axis lies in the plane of the donut.

Abstract: An aspect of the actuator for the moving body in tube according to the present invention is characterized by including: a first expansion/contraction member which includes a first portion that fills between the moving body in tube and the tube wall at the time of being expanded to come into contact with the tube wall, and a second portion that is brought into contact with the tube wall to generate propulsive force, and a part of which is fixed to the moving body in tube; a drive device which drives the first expansion/contraction member; and a control section which controls the first expansion/contraction member and the drive device, and is characterized in that the control section performs control so that the first portion of the first expansion/contraction member is made to become the second portion by the drive by the drive device so as to change the relative position between the moving body in tube and the tube wall.

Abstract: Devices for enhancing minimally invasive cardiac surgery include a visualization device including an inflatable balloon at or near the distal end. Some visualization devices also include one or more lumens for allowing the introduction of one or more devices to a surgical site through the visualization device. Systems of the invention involve a visualization device which has at least one lumen for allowing introduction of an ablation device and/or other devices. A visualization device with an inflatable balloon may be positioned to create a space between a heart and pericardium when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: Multi-luminal endoscopic systems for sterilely delivering deployable devices or obtaining bodily tissues. The system comprise an outer catheter comprising a wall that encloses an outer lumen; an inner catheter movably disposed within the outer lumen and having an inner lumen; a balloon-tipped catheter movably disposed within the inner lumen and having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the balloon-tipped catheter comprises a balloon tip that can be expanded to contact the wall of the outer catheter to provide a seal to prevent bodily fluids from entering the outer lumen; and a push catheter having a lumen and is located within the outer lumen. The delivery systems can comprise concentric catheters. Systems used for tissue collecting can comprise catheters with different common center.

Abstract: A novel approach to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the peritoneal cavity is described. More specifically, a technique for accessing the peritoneal cavity via the wall of the digestive tract is provided so that examination of and/or a surgical procedure in the peritoneal cavity can be conducted via the wall of the digestive tract with the use of a flexible endoscope. As presently proposed, the technique is particularly adapted to transgastric peritoneoscopy. However, access in addition or in the alternative through the intestinal wall is contemplated and described as well. Transgastric and/or transintestinal peritoneoscopy will have an excellent cosmetic result as there are no incisions in the abdominal wall and no potential for visible post-surgical scars or hernias.

Abstract: Catheter for insertion into a vessel, comprising a reversibly inflatable balloon (10, 25) provided in the area of the catheter tip, on the outside of which a stent (11) to be implanted in the vessel is arranged, and at least one imaging device (14, 21, 22) arranged in the area of the catheter tip for optical coherence tomography, which is arranged or configured such that the area of the vessel, in which the balloon (10, 25) is positioned, can be captured.

Abstract: A balloon controller for an endoscope apparatus which enables an operator to correctly and immediately grasp circumstances relating to an abnormal condition at the time of occurrence of the abnormal condition. The balloon controller controls expansion and shrinkage of each of a first balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon attached to an insertion assist implement, by supplying air to the balloon or drawing air from the balloon. Pressure indicating portions on which the values of pressures in the first and second balloons are displayed are provided in a front surface of a main body of the balloon controller. When an abnormal condition occurs, an error code and the pressure values are alternately displayed on the pressure indicating portions.

Abstract: Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have longitudinally extensible cells that can be selectively inflated. The devices can have articulable links. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonoscopes or other endoscopes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using disposable jackets or sheaths with many kinds of surgical devices, such as catheters and endoscopes. An inflatable balloon is mounted on an outside surface of the sheath. The sheath may also include radiopaque markers, a sterility strip, one or more attachment clips, adhesive attachment, an endcap, and/or an inflation lumen formed as a tube that extends beyond the proximal end of the sheath. The balloons of the sheath may have regular or irregular profiles and shapes, including but not limited to: a bowtie shape, a donut shape, helix, spiral, alternating on opposing sides. The balloon may be simultaneously inflated through a common lumen or they may separately inflatable through separate lumens.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient comprises: introducing to a physiological locus of said patient a balloon formed from two vacuum thermoformed half-sections of a multilayer film a layer of sealing film and at least one layer of thermoplastic polymer film, wherein the vacuum thermoformed half-sections are bonded together; and the balloon includes an inflation element (such as a self-healing valve and/or an effervescent material) adapted to permit inflation of the balloon at the physiological locus with a fluid.

Abstract: A first balloon is fitted to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon is fitted to an insertion aid member. An end connector of a tube is connected to a balloon control device that supplies and sucks air into and from the first balloon and the second balloon. A duct that communicates with the first balloon, a duct that communicates with the second balloon, and a duct that communicates with a clearance between the insertion portion and the insertion aid member are formed in the end connector.

Abstract: To bring a propulsion mechanism into reliable contact with a duct wall and transfer just a propulsion force to the duct wall without transferring an unnecessary retraction operation. An actuator for intraductal moving body includes: a propulsion mechanism which generates a drive force via a duct wall to generate a propulsion force for movement in a duct; a base mechanism which supports the propulsion mechanism and causes the propulsion mechanism to abut against and separate from the duct wall; and two or more pairs of bilayer mechanisms provided axially symmetrically.

Abstract: A body insertion instrument has an inserting portion inserted into a body near a target organ as a target of surgery. The body insertion instrument further includes a space securing unit, disposed to the inserting portion, configured to secure a space, in which the target organ is operated on, one of between the target organ and an organ different from the target organ and between the target organ and one of an abdominal wall and a chest wall, and a drive unit configured to drive the space securing unit for acting force the one of between the target organ and the organ different from the target organ and between the target organ and the one of the abdominal wall and the chest wall.

Abstract: A catheter configured for imaging objects substantially in focus is described herein. An imaging device is disposed on the distal end of the catheter. The imaging device has an effective focal plane that is located in front of the imaging device. The catheter also includes a transparent focal instrument that has an outer periphery that is positioned at the effective focal plane of the imaging device, to enable objects in contact with the outer periphery of the transparent focal instrument to be imaged substantially in focus.

Abstract: A medical imaging device enables observation within the abdominal and pelvic cavity at a wide field of view and enables medical procedures to be carried out within the wide field of view. The medical imaging device includes a central assembly and a sterile disposable cover, which is slipped over the central assembly. The central assembly has a proximal portion, which remains outside of the abdominal cavity of the patient, and a distal portion, which is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a slit made in the abdominal wall by the surgeon. A first plurality of light emitting diodes is circumferentially distributed around the outer surface of the central assembly near the top of the distal portion and a reversibly inflatable balloon is circumferentially attached to the cover at the location of the first plurality of diodes.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope has an ultrasonic transducer for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a balloon support, having the ultrasonic transducer, for supporting a balloon mounted thereon to cover the ultrasonic transducer hermetically and removably. In an ultrasonic diagnosis system, the ultrasonic endoscope includes an inflation button adapted to inflating the balloon. A deflation button is adapted to deflating the balloon. Furthermore, a flow line extends to the balloon to pass water. A pump apparatus includes a rotary pump for drawing the water through the flow line, to cause the water to flow into and out of the balloon. A pump controller controls the rotary pump, inflates the balloon by supplying the water in response to an inflation signal from the inflation button, and deflates the balloon by discharging the water in response to a deflation signal from the deflation button.

Abstract: A balloon attaching jig is constituted by a ring member and a pair of nail members. After the insertion of the pair of nail members into an attaching hole of a balloon, the leading end of an insertion portion of an endoscope is pushed into an opening of the ring member. The diameter of the pair of nail members is expanded by a pushing-in force of the leading end of the insertion portion generated during this pushing in. As a result of this, the leading end of the insertion portion is inserted into the attaching hole of the balloon and hence the balloon can be easily attached to the leading end of the insertion portion of the endoscope.

Abstract: An enhanced flexibility auxiliary endoscope assembly for use with an endoscope, the assembly including at least one flexible elongate element and a flexible sleeve having a first lumen for accommodating a distal portion of an endoscope capable of assuming at least a first curvature and a second lumen for accommodating the at least one flexible elongate element, the second lumen being configured to allow the at least one flexible elongate element to assume the at least first curvature as well as at least a second curvature about the first curvature, thereby to enhance flexibility of the auxiliary endoscope assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shielding non-target tissues and organs during thermotherapy, brachytherapy or other treatment of a diseased target tissue. The apparatus includes a catheter shaft having input and output lumens and at least one inflatable balloon. A plurality of input lumens within the catheter shaft allows the passage of liquid or gas through an input port and into the interior of the balloon thereby inflating the balloon. The gas or liquid can then be cycled through the inflated balloon through an output port and output lumen and out of the catheter shaft. Temperature sensors or other sensors may be attached to the balloon or catheter to monitor temperature or other conditions at the treatment site. The catheter is positioned between the target tissue or organ and sensitive non-target tissues in proximity to the target tissue and inflated causing a physical separation of tissues as well as a physical shield.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion support tool includes an advancing and retracting member that is disposed in an insertion section of an endoscope, capable of advancing and retracting in a hollow passage, a distal end portion of which communicates with the outside, and has length projected from a distal end of the insertion section, a balloon member that includes an attaching portion attachable to an outer surface side of the insertion section of the endoscope and is connected to the distal end of the advancing and retracting member and capable of projecting from the distal end of the insertion section according to an advancing and retracting movement of the advancing and retracting member, and a fluid supplying and discharging unit including a conduit that is connected to the balloon member and inflates and deflates the balloon member according to supply and discharge of a fluid to and from the balloon member.

Abstract: A medical device for use with an endoscope is provided. The medical device can include a tube with a first channel for receiving the endoscope. A transparent segment can extend from the distal end of the tube, and the transparent segment can have a first outer diameter sized for providing dilation of a portion of a body lumen. The medical device can also include a tapered tip attached to the distal end of the transparent segment that narrows from the first outer diameter to a distal terminating end. The endoscope is used to view the body lumen through the medical device while in use to dilate a stricture under direct visualization.

Abstract: Devices and methods for facilitating transvascular, minimally invasive and other “less invasive” surgical procedures generally include a sheath with an expandable balloon at the distal end, an inflation lumen for expanding the balloon, and a device passage lumen for allowing passage of one or more surgical instruments. The sheath is configured to house at least one visualization device such that an optical element of the device is positioned to view the surgical site. In some embodiments, instruments may be passed through the sheath, with the distal balloon partially or fully circumscribing or encircling the instruments. Any suitable instrument(s) may be passed through sheaths of the invention, such as a surgical clip applier for repairing a heart valve, an ablation member for treating atrial fibrillation, one or more pacemaker leads, a coronary sinus access device or the like.

Abstract: A method for fixing one of a balloon and a tubular member to an object with a thread for a medical equipment, may include covering the object with an end of the one of the balloon and the tubular member, winding the thread at a first pitch in a first direction from an edge of the end of the one of the balloon and the tubular member toward an intermediate position of the one of the balloon and the tubular member, and winding the thread at a second pitch in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second pitch being shorter than the first pitch.

Abstract: An endoscope has an insertion portion, an abutment portion, an increasing device and an observation portion. The insertion portion is an insertion portion which can be inserted into a subject. The abutment portion is provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion. The abutment portion provided at the distal end portion can contact with the subject. The increasing device increases the abutment area of the abutment portion. The observation portion performs observation of the subject on the abutment portion provided at the distal end portion and having been increased by the increasing device, or performs observation of the subject spaced by a predetermined distance by the increased abutment portion.

Abstract: A method for endoscopically preventing insufflation of the small bowel during gastric procedures includes applying an obstruction member at the pyloric sphincter to block the passage of gas from the gastric cavity into the small bowel and insufflating the gastric cavity.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope including an elongated insertion portion provided with a bendable bending portion, the insertion portion being inserted into a duodenum; and a first balloon to a fourth balloon for moving a one-side surface of a distal end portion located nearer to a distal end side than the bending portion in the insertion portion in parallel with respect to a field of view direction S of an objective lens which is a diameter direction of the insertion portion, separately from bending of the bending portion, the one-side surface being located in a circumferential direction along an insertion direction W of the insertion portion and parallel to a central axis P of the insertion portion.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, or plaque at risk of reducing blood flow in a vessel, by identifying a region of elevated temperature along a living vessel wall. The disclosure that human atherosclerotic plaque with measurable temperature heterogeneity has the morphological characteristics of plaque that is likely to ulcerate provides a new and sensitive technique for detecting and treating these dangerous plaques before myocardial infarction and its consequences occur. The disclosed methods are advantageous over conventional plaque detection techniques because they are capable of differentiating between those plaques that are at great risk of rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery, and those that are not presently at risk. Infrared heat-sensing catheters useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries are also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transgastric surgery are provided. In one aspect, a surgical device is provided that includes an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending through at least a portion thereof that is adapted to receive a fluid flow therethrough. A selectively expandable member is coupled to the distal end of the elongate member and is adapted to receive fluid from the elongate member. A mesh is disposed around at least a portion of the expandable member. The mesh has a pre-shaped configuration, and at least a portion of the mesh is adapted to be operatively positioned to occlude a portion of a hollow organ.

Abstract: A system and method from minimally invasive lung surgery employ a bronchoscope with a multi-channel catheter disposed in a channel of the bronchoscope. A transmitting antenna disposed at a distal end of the multi-channel catheter allows the distal end to be tracked in a tracking image during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-lumen catheter with an expandable device, such as a balloon, incorporated into its surface. The multi-lumen catheter also has an opening in its shaft that allows an imaging instrument to exit the shaft and view the expandable device built into its surface. The present invention also covers an endoscopic surgical method utilizing the multi-lumen catheter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system to facilitate endoscopic insertion of a balloon into tissues, such as submucosal tissues, and optional resection of tissues elevated by the balloon when inflated. The system includes an endoscope with a delivery system for a detachable balloon having a seal. The balloon can be inserted under the tissue, such as a submucosal insertion, and inflated. The balloon can then be untethered from the delivery system and deployed submucosally while the endoscope is manipulated around the affected area and the affected tissue knife resected. The endoscope can be retracted from the area. The balloon can be made of biodegradable material that can dissolve or be absorbed over a period of time. The system and method can be applied to other areas and medical procedures that require insertion of a balloon for a period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention provides balloon dissection apparatus and methods of use in which an elongate balloon is utilized to dissect along a region that follows a naturally existing path alongside a vessel or structure, such as an artery, a vein, a lymphatic vessel, the traches, the esophagus, or even a nerve bundle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope comprising: an insertion unit which is to be inserted into a body; and a pipeline provided inside the insertion unit for supplying a fluid to a balloon mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit, wherein the pipeline has a plurality of openings in an axial direction of the insertion unit on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit. Therefore, the endoscope of the present invention can easily fix a balloon and keep airtightness after the fixation, and can raise a degree of freedom of a mounting location of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope comprising: an insert portion having a bending portion for bending operation and a flexible soft portion connected to the proximal end of the bending portion; an inflatable/deflatable balloon attached on the proximal side from the bending portion; and a supplying/sucking opening provided in the outer surface of a ring that connects the bending portion to the soft portion, the supplying/sucking opening supplying and sucking fluid to and from the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon unit for an endoscope apparatus comprising: a balloon for an endoscope apparatus having an opening formed in a cylindrical shape in which an insert part of an endoscope or an insert supporter having the insert part inserted therein is inserted and fixed; and a cylinder body having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the insert part or the insert supporter; wherein the opening of the balloon is fitted over and fixed to the cylinder body to form a unit and the unit is attached to the insert part or the insert supporter or detached from the insert part or the insert supporter.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first balloon member having a first hollow portion that allows an insertion portion of the endoscope to pass therethrough; a first transmission member that transmits an advance/retreat action performed by an operator to the first balloon member; a second balloon member having a second hollow portion that allows the insertion portion of the endoscope to pass therethrough; a second transmission member that transmits an advance/retreat action performed by an operator to the second balloon member; and a control portion that controls supply and exhaust of fluid to and from the inside of the first balloon member and the second balloon member to expand or contract the first balloon member and the second balloon member.

Abstract: A balloon control apparatus includes a balloon, a flow rate adjustment section, a setting section and a control section. The balloon is attached to an insertion section of an endoscope and/or an insertion aid instrument for guiding insertion of the insertion section of the endoscope. The flow rate adjustment section adjusts an air supply flow rate to the balloon and/or an exhaust flow rate from the balloon. The setting section sets the air supply flow rate and/or the exhaust flow rate. The control section controls the flow rate adjustment section so that the air supply flow rate to the balloon and/or the exhaust flow rate from the balloon become the air supply flow rate and/or the exhaust flow rate set by the setting section.

Abstract: An anatomic space of the body, particularly the pericardial space, is accessed in a minimally invasive manner from a skin incision by an access instrument to facilitate visualization and introduction of devices or drugs or other materials, performance of medical and surgical procedures, and introducing and fixating a cardiac lead electrode to the heart. An elongated access instrument body preferentially bends in one direction and resists bending in a transverse direction, whereby the access instrument body distal end can be directed through a path around body structures to the anatomic site by manipulation of the access instrument body proximal end portion. A distal header formed at the access instrument body distal end extends outward of the access instrument body in the transverse direction and supports an inflatable balloon surrounding a working lumen exit port that is directed toward an anatomic surface when the balloon is inflated by inflation media introduced through an inflation lumen.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising an imaging device assembled on a carrier tube, and a first outwardly expandable element and a second outwardly expandable element mounted on the carrier tube, wherein the second expandable element is expandable both radially and axially, the imaging system comprising a mode of operation, wherein during expansion of the second expandable element, obstruction of the radial expansion of the second expandable element causes the axial expansion of the second expandable element to propel the carrier tube and the imaging device axially.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating morphological features within a body cavity includes a catheter including proximal and distal ends, a transparent balloon carried on the distal end, and an optical imaging assembly carried on the distal end for imaging through the balloon. The balloon includes a channel extending therethrough to a lumen extending through the catheter. A guidewire or other localization member is received in the lumen that is extendabe through the channel. During use, the catheter is inserted into a right atrium of a heart, and the balloon is expanded and placed against the wall of the heart to locate the coronary sinus. Sufficient force is applied to clear blood between the surface and the wall and clear the field of view of the imaging assembly. The catheter is manipulated to locate the coronary sinus, whereupon the localization member is advanced into the coronary sinus.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for decreasing the pain and discomfort commonly associated with endoscopic procedures, where such procedures may be performed with lower dosage levels of sedative and analgesic drugs. The invention includes use of an anesthetic collar coupled to an endoscope with a flexible shaft. The anesthetic collar allows lubricants, local anesthetics, dyes, and/or other desirable fluids to be passed through the existing lumen of the flexible shaft into an annulus, where the fluid may be distributed through expulsion pores into the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: The dilation balloon of the subject invention preferably comprises a balloon portion mounted about a shaft that, when inflated, produces a configuration comprising a tapered distal end and a proximal end or butt that is substantially flat (preferably truncated) and is adapted to generally conform with the outer contours of an endoscope through which it is introduced when the balloon is pulled back against the endoscope face. The close engagement of the subject balloon catheter and endoscope, when forming a balloon-scope train, enables the scope to more readily navigate strictures and tortuous body lumen, as well as allows the balloon to act as a lens for viewing anatomical structure within the body lumen, such as tumors, strictures, and the inner luminal wall surface itself.

Abstract: A multi lumen endotracheal tube having a balloon cuff to seal a patient's trachea during intubation. The ET tube having a main lumen for the exchange of respiratory and medicinal gases consequent to a medical procedure, a secondary lumen for inflation of the balloon cuff, and a tertiary lumen for transmission of sound waves via air medium contained therein, permitting ausculatory monitoring of a patient's breath sounds during intubation and subsequent monitoring of cardiac and respiratory activity after sealing of the ET tube. The ET tube is particularly a adapted for utilization by an anesthetist by including temperature sensor to permit remote monitoring of body core temperature and body cavity ausculation of cardiac and respiratory activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscope shaft comprising a movable distal end portion which is bendable by means of an operating device, the distal end portion having at least one decentralized hose member extending along the distal end portion, said hose member being integrally formed of a plurality of directly superimposed expansion bellows and forming a continuous pressure chamber so as to expand in the longitudinal direction when pressure is applied.

Abstract: A method of producing a bio-probe that begins with the step of providing a tapering core of substantially rigid material. The core is then coated with dielectric material and this dielectric material is coated with a first layer of conductive material. The conductive material is then divided into longitudinal traces, extending from the base into proximity to said tip. The conductive material is then coated with a second layer of dielectric material. Finally, portions of the second layer of dielectric material are removed to form apertures to the conductive material, thereby forming electrodes.