Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of dermatological conditions, including, for example, viral infections, microbial infections, cancers, dermatological conditions and particularly infections of the skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Abstract: A warming unit (21) coupled or configured to be coupled to a heated portion (19) of a fluid circuit (6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15; 107) of a medical device (1, 100). The warming unit (21) comprises a leakage current reduction circuit (35) configured to perform the following procedure: connecting a heat transfer element (22) of the warming unit (21) to a ground connection (33) through a resistance element (34), which keeps a normal condition patient leakage current below a first limit value, and disconnecting the heat transfer element (22) from the ground connection (33) if a current indicating that a patient is connected to a mains voltage is sensed through the resistance element (34), in order to keep a fault condition patient leakage current below a second limit value.

Abstract: An elongate electrode is configured to flex and generate plasma to incise tissue. An electrical energy source operatively coupled to the electrode is configured to provide electrical energy to the electrode to generate the plasma. A tensioning element is operatively coupled to the elongate electrode. The tensioning element can be configured to provide tension to the elongate electrode to allow the elongate electrode to flex in response to the elongate electrode engaging the tissue and generating the plasma. The tensioning element operatively coupled to the flexible elongate electrode may allow for the use of a small diameter electrode, such as a 5 ?m to 20 ?m diameter electrode, which can allow narrow incisions to be formed with decreased tissue damage. In some embodiments, the tensioning of the electrode allows the electrode to more accurately incise tissue by decreasing variations in the position of the electrode along the incision path.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a body portion and a tool portion extending distally from the body portion. The tool portion defines a longitudinal axis. The tool portion includes a return lead adapted to be electrically coupled to a return terminal of an electrosurgical energy source, first and second electrical insulators disposed on a first surface of the return lead, and an active lead adapted to be electrically coupled to an active terminal of the electrosurgical energy source. The first electrical insulator is disposed distal of the second electrical insulator. The active lead extends through the first and second electrical insulators such that the active lead and the first surface of the return lead define a gap therebetween. Upon activation of the electrosurgical energy source, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut the tissue.

Abstract: A device for RF skin treatment includes an outer electrode arranged on an operational side of the device. The outer electrode has an annular or equilateral polygonal shape. An inner electrode is arranged at a center of the outer electrode and is surrounded by the outer electrode. An RF generator is arranged to supply an RF treatment voltage between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. A skin contact surface of the inner electrode has a largest cross-sectional dimension in a range of 200-500 ?m, and the RF treatment voltage is less than 50 V.

Abstract: A peripheral catheter having a catheter tip diffuser for reducing an exit velocity of an infusant within the catheter. Pluralities of diffusion side holes are provided on the tip portion of the catheter. Some examples further include pluralities of annularly arranged, staggered diffusion holes provided on the tip portion of an intravenous catheter to streamline infusant issued from the diffusion holes. An inner surface of each diffusion hole is further angled relative to the inner surface of the catheter lumen such that an infusant within the lumen exits the catheter though the diffusion holes at an angle less than 90°.

Abstract: Injectable depot compositions comprising a biocompatible polymer which is a polymer or copolymer based on lactic acid and/or lactic acid plus glycolic acid having a monomer ratio of lactic to glycolic acid in the range from 48:52 to 100:0, a water-miscible solvent having a dipole moment of about 3.7-4.5 D and a dielectric constant of between 30 and 50, and a drug, were found suitable for forming in-situ biodegradable implants which can evoke therapeutic drug plasma levels from the first day and for at least 14 days.

Abstract: A device for preparation of infusion fluid including: a first portion including: a fluid conduit comprising electrically conductive material; electrical circuitry electrically connected to the fluid conduit; a second portion selectively couplable to the first portion and including: at least one sensor for sensing fluid within the fluid conduit; a power supply and/or connectivity to a power supply; wherein mechanical coupling of the first portion to the second portion electrically connects the electrical circuitry to the power supply and/or connectivity to the power supply.

Abstract: A surgical device for examination and treatment of a target area. The surgical device includes a shaft portion that extends along a longitudinal axis and that is configured to be inserted into a patient's body, a surgical tool provided within the outer sheath and configured to be movable along the longitudinal axis, and an optical assembly provided at a distal end of the inner shaft, the optical assembly including a light source and an imaging sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated insulated wire having improved heat dissipation properties, insulation properties, flame retardancy, and lightweight properties; and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Limiting joint temperature. At least some of the example embodiments are systems including an electrosurgical probe and a high frequency power supply. The electrosurgical probe may include: a shaft with a distal end, a proximal end, and lumen defined within the shaft; an active electrode disposed near the distal end; a return electrode disposed on the shaft; and a temperature sensor disposed on the shaft spaced away from the active electrode and the return electrode, the temperature sensor is electrically insulated from the electrically conductive fluid. The high frequency power supply may be coupled to the active electrode, and configured to provide an electrical energy output between the active electrode and the return electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to treat skin defects include a pump with reservoirs for a pressurization gas and a fluid. Upon activation, the pump generates a gas introduced into the gas reservoir, a movable wall of which displaces a movable wall of a fluid source, thus dispensing the fluid into the dressing to spread throughout irrespective of orientation of the dressing, maintaining a transport fluid (e.g. carrier) in the dressing and in contact with a skin defect being treated. The dressing may have a distribution network, and multiple members, dispensing the fluid into the dressing and in contact with a skin defect being treated.

Abstract: An elongate electrode is configured to flex and generate plasma to incise tissue. An electrical energy source operatively coupled to the electrode is configured to provide electrical energy to the electrode to generate the plasma. A tensioning element is operatively coupled to the elongate electrode. The tensioning element can be configured to provide tension to the elongate electrode to allow the elongate electrode to flex in response to the elongate electrode engaging the tissue and generating the plasma. The tensioning element operatively coupled to the flexible elongate electrode may allow for the use of a small diameter electrode, such as a 5 ?m to 20 ?m diameter electrode, which can allow narrow incisions to be formed with decreased tissue damage. In some embodiments, the tensioning of the electrode allows the electrode to more accurately incise tissue by decreasing variations in the position of the electrode along the incision path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a skin treatment apparatus using plasma, in which a plasma generator includes an electrode plate an upper dielectric body independent electrode parts and a lower dielectric body. The independent electrode parts are a plurality of pieces of silver paste or flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) which are spaced a certain distance apart from each other. According to the present invention, electrode parts operate independently to prevent a plasma concentration phenomenon and uniformly generate plasma. According to the present invention, a plasma generator configured as described above is easy to form in a convex shape, and a convex plasma generator is applicable to a curved region of the skin to be treated, e.g., a palm. Furthermore, the convex plasma generator is capable of more uniformly generating plasma and is particularly effective for treatment of a long and round cylindrical object to be treated, e.g., the vagina of a woman.

Abstract: Heat treatment apparatus for inactivating viruses in blood includes a series of four tubing coils with connectors at the opposite ends of the series for connecting the tubing to a blood source and a blood destination, a microwave heating chamber arranged to receive the first coil of the series, a dwell chamber to receive the second coil of the series, a cooling chamber adapted to receive the third coil of the series, and a microwave reheating chamber to receive the fourth coil of the series, with the first, second, and fourth chambers employing microwave energy for heating the blood as it flows within the coils and providing a radiometer circuit for monitoring the temperatures of the blood in the first, second, and fourth coils to produce first, second, and fourth temperature signals in response thereto, which is responded to by a controller to control the energy producing means to impart a selected time/temperature profile to the blood flowing through the tubing and to deliver that blood at a selected delive

Abstract: A feedback mechanism for an injection device that is configured to deliver a medicament to a user is described. The feedback mechanism has a biasing member that is arranged to apply a force to a delay element, and the delay element is configured to deform and/or break under the force. The feedback mechanism also includes an indicator arranged to generate user feedback after the delay element is deformed and/or broken. The delay element is configured to deform and/or break at a time after the force is applied by the biasing member to create a delay before the user feedback is generated.

Abstract: A handheld, therapeutic electrode and connector that are compatible with high voltages from a pulse generator are disclosed. The electrode includes therapeutic terminals on a tip configured to deliver high voltage pulses safely to a patient. The electrode includes sleeves, bosses, wiring channels, and other features that maximize a minimum clearance distance (across non-conductive surfaces) and air clearance between conductive connectors themselves or the connectors and a user, thus preventing dangerous arcing. Internal surfaces and seams are taken into account. The connector and its mating outlet can include similar features to maximize clearance distance. Skirts, skirt holes, and finger stops are also employed, and they can be on either the connector or outlet, or the tip or handle of the electrode.

Abstract: An irrigated needle electrode ablation catheter has a distal tip section with a tip electrode, a needle electrode assembly longitudinal movable relative to the catheter, and a needle centering insert in a channel in the tip electrode. The assembly has a proximal tubing and a distal needle electrode, and the insert supports the needle electrode in the channel at a predetermined separation distance from the tip electrode while enabling irrigation to flow circumferentially around the needle electrode through the channel and exit at the distal end of the tip electrode. The catheter also provides a first dedicated fluid pathway through the assembly and exits at the distal end of the needle electrode, and a second dedicated fluid pathway to supply fluid to the channel in the tip electrode, wherein the second pathway is defined by a guide tube and directed by a plunger member.

Abstract: A method for maintaining patency in a duct or hollow vessel located within the body of a patient is described wherein the duct includes one or more obstructions. The method comprises the steps of introducing a device into the duct, the device comprising a catheter having a distal and a proximal end, wherein the distal end includes a distal tip portion and wherein the distal tip portion comprises at least one energy delivery member; locating the device within the duct at a position proximal to the obstruction; delivering energy to the duct and any surrounding tissue via the at least one energy delivery member for a specified time period, so that the obstruction is removed from the duct; and withdrawing the device from the duct. It is optional to subsequently place a device such as a stent at the therapy site in order to further maintain long term patency of the duct. It is also optional to apply a dilation force to the duct or hollow vessel after the energy delivery phase.

Abstract: The invention includes catheters that have therapeutic agent- and therapeutic energy-delivery capability. In particular embodiments, the catheters include only a single therapeutic energy transducer that is configured to deliver energy to over half of the circumference of the catheter. The therapeutic catheters of the invention allow for faster and more effective thrombus removal because of the simultaneous delivery of therapeutic agents and energy.

Abstract: A guidance device may include a base member, a support coupled to the base member via at least one leg, thereby defining a passage configured to receive an accessory device between the base member and the support, and a guide coupled to the support. The guide may be movable relative to the base member and may include a through hole extending therethrough.

Abstract: Devices for therapeutic nasal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A system for therapeutic neuromodulation in a nasal region configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a shaft and a therapeutic element at a distal portion of the shaft. The shaft can locate the distal portion intraluminally at a target site inferior to a patient's sphenopalatine foramen. The therapeutic element can include an energy delivery element configured to therapeutically modulate postganglionic parasympathetic nerves at microforamina of a palatine bone of the human patient for the treatment of rhinitis or other indications. In other embodiments, the therapeutic element can be configured to therapeutically modulate nerves that innervate the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary sinuses for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.

Abstract: Methods for draining pseudocysts and stent delivery systems for use therein are disclosed. An illustrative system may include a catheter shaft having an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal end region thereof. A cutting electrode may be disposed at the distal end of the system and at least one heating electrode may be disposed within the inflatable balloon. A self expandable stent may be disposed about the inflatable balloon. The stent may be formed of a shape memory polymer. The inflation fluid may be heated within the balloon to facilitate expansion of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for sampling internal substance(s) in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal composed of at least one wall which is partially expandable. The invention also relates to a method of orally administering the device to an animal and recovering the device from the stool to carry out analysis on the collected sample for diagnosing the health of the gastrointestinal tract and determining nutrient absorption and digestibility.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are presented for treating a tissue site and managing hair proximate the tissue site. A composition is provided for inhibiting, removing, or weakening hair proximate the tissue site and for providing an improved fluid seal by a flexible film drape over the tissue site. In some example embodiments, a hair-modification agent is disposed at least proximate a peripheral edge of a treatment manifold between a drape and epidermis proximate a tissue site. The hair-modification agent can be configured to flow over imperfections on the epidermis and to form a fluid seal against the epidermis, and can further be configured to at least substantially weaken hair on the epidermis as the hair encounters the hair-modification agent.

Abstract: A connection body includes: a wire for operating an endoscope; and a joint member having a cylindrical shape including a through hole into which the wire is inserted, the joint member being configured to be joined to an operating mechanism of the endoscope including an operating lever, the joint member including: a first cylindrical portion provided on a longitudinal rear end side of the joint member, a part of the first cylindrical portion being plastically deformed through pressurization to deform a part of the through hole such that the wire is fixed; and a second cylindrical portion provided on a front end side of the first cylindrical portion and having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion. The part of the first cylindrical portion plastically deformed is separated from the second cylindrical portion.

Abstract: Injectable depot compositions comprising a biocompatible polymer which is a polymer or copolymer based on lactic acid and/or lactic acid plus glycolic acid having a monomer ratio of lactic to glycolic acid in the range from 48:52 to 100:0, a water-miscible solvent having a dipole moment of about 3.7-4.5 D and a dielectric constant of between 30 and 50, and a drug, were found suitable for forming in-situ biodegradable implants which can evoke therapeutic drug plasma levels from the first day and for at least 14 days.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a catheter having a side-port, through which a device, for example, a wire, may be advanced, and a vestibule in the outer surface of the catheter at the distal edge of the side-port. The vestibule is operable for providing a gap between the catheter body and a distal tip of the device positioned through the side-port whereby the vestibule facilitates advancement of the device 5 through the side-port and through tissue towards a desired trajectory. In examples wherein the device is a wire having a distal tip electrode, energy may be delivered to a tissue adjacent the side-port, while avoiding damage to a wall of the catheter body.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is spirally furled about an axis and coupled to an expansion member such as an inflatable elastic balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is inflated to selectively expose a portion of the electrode surface while maintaining the electrode density.

Abstract: A system is provided for healing a wound. The system includes a flexible body, a therapeutic agent delivery mechanism, a suction mechanism, and a power source. The flexible body includes a cover film having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that define a compartment. The compartment includes a first porous material, a second porous material, and at least one electrode disposed therein. The second porous material is disposed between the first porous material and the at least one electrode. The therapeutic agent delivery mechanism and the suction mechanism are fluidly connected to the compartment. The power source is in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A guidance device may include a base member including a hole extending therethrough. The guidance device may include a handle coupled to the base member. Additionally, a driver may be positioned within the base member and coupled to a shaft extending between the base member and the handle.

Abstract: Provided herein are biologically active solution compositions comprising one or more sacrificial proteolytic enzyme substrates, one or more preservatives, and one or more antimicrobial agents and methods of using the solution compositions to treat tissue sites, in particular chronic wounds. The compositions may be used in conjunction with negative pressure wound therapy to treat tissue sites.

Abstract: A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.

Abstract: An ablation device and/or method of ablation may include placing one or more ablation electrodes in contact with a target tissue in a lumen. An electrical insulator may be positioned between the electrode and a lumen fluid and an electrical signal (for example a radio frequency signal) may be conveyed between the electrodes to heat and/or ablate the target tissue. Ablation may be bipolar and/or an in lumen dispersive electrode may be supplied for unipolar ablation. Ablation progress may be sensed and ablation may be adjusted to produce a desired level and/or geometry and/or distribution of ablation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. 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 within the wall to release the drug to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be coupled to a delivery mechanism having one or more balloons or other expandable devices which are expandable responsive to a condition in the small intestine or other GI lumen to advance the preparation 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 prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered.

Abstract: Provided herein in some embodiments is a catheter including an elongate body with a polymeric portion and a metallic portion; a balloon over at least some of the polymeric portion; a coupler formed over or between the polymeric and metallic portions; and one or more scoring wires. The metallic portion can include a spiral-cut portion configured to prevent elongation and kinking of the elongate body. The one or more scoring wires can be fixed to and extend from a tip at a distal end of the elongate body, over the balloon, through the polymeric portion of the elongate body, through the coupler, and to the metallic portion of the elongate body. The one or more scoring wires can be fixed to an internal surface of the spiral-cut portion or formed from the spiral-cut portion.

Abstract: A device for introduction into a body vessel includes a shaft, a balloon positioned at the distal end of the shaft, a guidewire disposed longitudinally within the shaft to receive a guidewire during use, a balloon disposed at the distal end of the shaft, and longitudinal scoring wires to score a vascular lesion attached to the distal end of the shaft, disposed over the balloon and disposed within the shaft. The proximal ends are welded or otherwise affixed to a spring mounted in the handle. The balloon expands when fluid is delivered to the balloon through the inflation lumen. This expansion pushes the scoring wires against the vascular lesion.

Abstract: Various aspects describe a lead delivery system for percutaneous introduction of a lead to a stimulation site near a neural target, such as the vagus nerve for nerve stimulation. The lead delivery system may include a needle assembly having a needle adapted to cut through tissue and provide initial access into the carotid sheath. The needle may be retracted into the lead delivery system to prevent cutting structures in the carotid sheath. The lead delivery system may also include a dilator assembly having one or more dilators to dilate a path to the stimulation site. The lead delivery system may further comprise a dilator assembly including a retractable needle adapted to cut through tissue. One or more locating elements, alternatively or in addition to one or more imaging elements, may be used on individual components of the lead delivery system for enhanced trackability and locatability within the body.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.

Abstract: An electrode connectable to a pulse generator is disclosed. The electrode includes therapeutic terminals configured to deliver the pulse to a patient, first and second electrical pulse inlet holes, and a first pulse input terminal. The first pulse input terminal is in the first electrical pulse inlet hole and is spaced apart from an entrance to the first electrical pulse inlet hole by more than about 2.5 cm. Also, first pulse input terminal is connected with one or more of the therapeutic terminals. The electrode also includes a second pulse input terminal, where the second pulse input terminal is in the second electrical pulse inlet hole and is spaced apart from an entrance to the second electrical pulse inlet hole by a distance greater than about 2.5 cm. Also, the second pulse input terminal is electrically connected with one or more of the therapeutic terminals.

Abstract: Wound dressings and wound inserts including a porous film layer and at least a channel, forming wound inserts including a porous film layer and at least a channel, and wound-treatment wound inserts.

Abstract: The invention includes catheters that have therapeutic agent- and therapeutic energy-delivery capability. In particular embodiments, the catheters include only a single therapeutic energy transducer that is configured to deliver energy to over half of the circumference of the catheter. The therapeutic catheters of the invention allow for faster and more effective thrombus removal because of the simultaneous delivery of therapeutic agents and energy.

Abstract: A surgical cutting tool includes a catheter, a first diametrically expandable member such as an inflatable balloon at a first location on the catheter, a second diametrically expandable member such as an inflatable balloon at a second location on the catheter that is distally spaced from the first expandable member, a cutting tool such as a cauterization tip extending between the first and second expandable members, and expanding structure such as a lumen for enabling the first and second expandable members to be actuated between a reduced diameter state and an expanded diameter state, and thereby move and position the cutting tool radially with respect to the catheter.

Abstract: An actuator comprises: a cavity containing a working medium (B) that reversibly expands as it undergoes a phase change from a solid to a liquid state; a diaphragm disposed adjacent the cavity such that expansion and contraction of the expandable working medium (B) causes the diaphragm to deflect, and a semiconductor element (A) disposed in the cavity. The semiconductor element (A) is operable in a first mode to heat the working medium (B) to cause it to undergo the phase change into the liquid state, and is operable in a second mode to measure the temperature at the semiconductor element (A). The corresponding actuation method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and devices for treating a tissue site may include an interface adapted to provide a reduced pressure to a dressing. The interface may include a positive-pressure channel for delivering a positive pressure from a positive-pressure port to a positive pressure outlet. The positive-pressure channel may include a constricted portion configured to provide a pressure drop. The interface may additionally include a reduced-pressure channel adapted to deliver reduced pressure to the dressing that substantially corresponds to the pressure drop. The reduced-pressure channel may be fluidly coupled between the positive pressure channel and a side of the interface body adapted to face the dressing. Other systems and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods treatment of patients can be used to help mitigate injury to the kidneys by applying cyclical mechanical pressure energy at low intensities. The energy often be selectively directed from non-invasive transducers disposed outside the patients. The energy will typically comprise low frequency ultrasound energy, shock wave energy, or the like, and may induce the generation and/or release of nitric oxide, thereby enhancing perfusion and ameliorating tissue damage. Superimposed micro and macro duty cycles may help avoid thermal and other injury to tissues of the patient during treatment. Bilateral treatments are facilitated by a support structure that orients at least one transducer toward each kidney.

Abstract: A digital biomedical device includes a substrate forming a reservoir, a membrane comprising a first layer and a second layer having a strain therebetween, the membrane sealing the reservoir, and a controller configured to activate the membrane and release at least a portion of the strain causing the membrane curl and open the reservoir.

Abstract: A wound care system comprising a single-layer arrangement of mutually parallel capillary membranes with a porous, semi-permeable wall, a lumen and at least one open end. The capillary membranes are connected to one another by connection elements to form a mat and are held at a distance from one another by the connection elements.

Abstract: A wound dressing system having a capillary membrane system arranged in a pouch-shaped wound dressing that is closed at its outer edge. The pouch-shaped wound dressing having an upper face, a lower face, and an interior formed from planar materials with the lower face permeable to fluids. The capillary membrane system is arranged into the interior of the pouch-shaped wound dressing.