Abstract: Products and methods directed to the improved infusion of fluids are disclosed. Such products and methods can be used to more efficiently and efficaciously administer therapeutic pharmaceuticals to a subject in need of treatment. In many instances, the systems comprise a therapeutic fluid delivery system and a mechanism for enhancing the absorption of the therapeutic fluid. The enhancement of the absorption of the therapeutic fluid is generally performed locally i.e., at or near the site of administration of the therapeutic fluid. The system and methods can be used to deliver any number of therapeutic fluids including but not limited to insulin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient includes a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The device and related methods may provide such features as constant-flow operation, an electrolytic mode of pumping, and/or wireless communication.

Abstract: Medical device for the delivery and/or the extraction of fluid to and/or from a patient, said medical device comprising a pumping unit (1) for pumping a fluid, a warming chamber (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) and containing a heating element (5) for warming said fluid, fluid volume measuring means (13-18) and a fluid line crossing said pumping and warming units (1, 2), characterized by the fact that said heating element (5) is adapted to be fully immersed in the fluid which is crossing said warming chamber (2) and by the fact that said fluid measuring means comprise temperature sensing means adapted to measure the fluid temperature on at least two separate points and electrical parameter measuring means for determining at least one electrical parameter such as current, power or frequency applied to said heating element (5). The invention also includes a method for using this device.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable intravenous fluid heating system comprising (a) a metallic heated conduit for warming IV fluids passed therethrough at a continuously regulated normal body temperature and transporting said IV fluids; and, (b) a controller unit including a power source operative to apply an electric potential across said conduit. The conduit comprises a wall made of a metallic material capable of producing resistance heat by the passage of electric current, such that said IV fluid is heated by the contact with said wall.

Abstract: A syringe set includes a syringe and a heating device. The heating device includes a heating module in thermal engagement with the syringe and a body supporting the heating module. The heating module includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a heating element. The heating element includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes forming at least one electrically conductive path. The first electrode and the second electrode electrically connect with the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A delivery device (1) for administering an active substance to a subject transdermal? comprises a first plate member (7) having a plurality of first chambers (8) formed therein. Solid form structures (2) comprising the active substance and of conical shape having a pointed skin penetrating tip (5) are located in the first chambers (8). A second plate member (12) having a plurality of second chambers (16) comprising a driving substance (18) is secured to the first plate member (7) with a first membrane (20) of an expandable material sealably located between the respective first and second plate members (7,12). Expansion of the driving substance (18) in the second chambers (22) urges the first membrane (20) into the corresponding first chambers (8) for in turn urging the solid form structures (2) to penetrate through a second membrane (22) into the skin of the subject.

Abstract: A high efficiency electrosurgical electrode with an advanced electrically conductive tip and aspiration port, and a method of conducting an electrosurgical procedure with such electrode. The electrosurgical electrode comprises an electrically conductive body portion of various geometries, an electrically conductive tip and a dielectric insulator adjacent the metallic body portion. The electrically conductive tip comprises a plurality of protuberances of various forms and geometries that define a plurality of recesses. The aspirating member includes a wall surrounding the aspirating port, to separate the aspirating port from adjacent recesses and prevent the flow of fluid from the recesses directly into the aspirating port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, apparatuses, devices and methods for improving, modifying and/or stabilizing pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic profile of a drug infused into the tissue by a catheter and absorbed into the blood or lymphatic system. In some embodiments, infusion sets provide fluid and electrical connection between a catheter assembly/treatment element and at least one of a fluid source and a second source.

Abstract: A method and system for heating or cooling a fluid to be delivered into the body of a patient is provided and may include a controller and a fluid delivery line assembly. The fluid delivery line may include sterile fluid pathway and for communicating a fluid from a source to a destination, one or more terminating connectors, and an integral resistance element for producing heat in response to electrical current. The fluid delivery line may also include one or more thermal sensor positioned within the fluid pathway for detecting and reporting the temperature of the fluid being delivered. The controller may include an embedded control/feedback logic program with novel heat balance algorithm to precisely control the amount of heat applied to the fluid. The fluid delivery line assembly may be disposable with at least one of the thermal sensors being reusable while maintaining sterility within the fluid pathway.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (58) at its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (56) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket (18). The return electrode defines an inner passage (83) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid (50). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode array so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the active and return electrodes.

Abstract: A replaceable heating cartridge for use with a warming device to heat or warm a fluid. The replaceable heating cartridge comprises a heater having first and second sides, a first connecting portion to receive a fluid from an external source, a second connecting portion to supply a heated fluid, a plurality of barrier members disposed on each side of the heater, and a pair of cover members. Each cover member is disposed on one side of the heater and configured to couple to each other with the heater and the barrier members therein between to form a body with a fluid path. The fluid path wraps around the heater multiple times to warm the fluid flowing through the fluid path from the first connecting portion to supply the heated fluid at the second connecting portion. An air filter is disposed on the fluid path to remove air from the fluid. Preferably, one of the cover member further comprises a plurality of openings to discharge the air removed from the fluid by the air filter.

Abstract: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus intended for the injection of pulsed steam into a human or animal vessel comprising an injection unit sending pulses of cold water into a handpiece, a handpiece temporarily attached to an injection unit within which there is a metal tube, of external diameter between 200 ?m and 1,000 ?m and internal diameter between 100 ?m and 500 ?m, the metal tube having its distal end coiled to form a spiral, the tube being sheathed with a material of resistivity such that only the spiral heats to a temperature transforming water from the liquid phase into the vapor phase, a means of distributing the steam into the vessel intended to be connected in a reversible manner to the distal end of the handpiece.

Abstract: Skin cooling apparatus is provided for use with a medical treatment device such as a hypodermic syringe or a skin ablation laser or other electromagnetic source. The skin cooling apparatus provides selective, localized cooling of the target area that is acted upon by the medical treatment device. Included is a support body engaging at least a portion of the medical treatment device, for supporting and orienting the medical treatment device to the target area. A solid state cooling device such as a thermoelectric or Peltier device is carried by the support body and includes a cooling surface facing the target area of a patient's skin surface. The support body may be flexible so as to allow the medical treatment device to be inclined relative to the skin surface. The support body may also include aiming structure for directing the medical treatment device to a particular point within the target area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters.

Abstract: A method for producing a temperature control means (5c, 5c) of an elastic heating profile (1), which heat and/or cool a medical instrument inserted into a cavity (3) of the heating profile (1), are provided in bores (4a, 4b, 4c, . . . ) having a bore diameter (110, 110?) which is smaller than the outer diameter (120, 120?) of the temperature control means (5c, 5e) to be inserted into the bores (4a, 4b, 4c, . . . ). A positive and/or non-positive connection between the heating profile (1) and the received temperature control means ensures good thermal contact. The production costs for an operable heating profile or temperature control means are also reduced.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a cavity containing a working medium 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 causes the diaphragm to deflect, and a semiconductor element disposed in the cavity, wherein the semiconductor element is adapted to heat the working medium to cause it to undergo the phase change into the liquid state. The actuator may be used in a pump for an infusion system.

Abstract: A system according to the present invention includes a cabinet, a basin positioned within the cabinet to contain and thermally treat a liquid bath, and a rack or tray disposed on the cabinet that supports exposed scope optics above the liquid bath within the basin. The scope optics resides outside of the bath in a dry state, thereby permitting the remaining scope portions within the bath to be thermally treated. This enables accurate temperature warming of the scope to reduce trauma of tissue and retrieval of enhanced images by the scope during a medical procedure. The present invention permits medical personnel or operating room staff to warm scopes in a controlled environment while maintaining scope optics in a dry state.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly has a dispensing chamber housing, a temperature control device, a thermal sensor, and an interface. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a wall thickness. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for receiving a quantity of a substance. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing. The temperature control device alters a temperature of a substance in the dispensing chamber. The temperature control device and the thermal sensor are located on a substrate. The substrate is wrapped around an exterior surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The interface is connected to the temperature control device and the thermal sensor. An interface connector is connected to the interface. The distance between the temperature control device and the thermal sensor is approximately equal to the wall thickness of the dispensing chamber housing.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle is configured to engage bodily tissue and is hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source. Finally, the helical needle terminates in a needle tip. In one preferred embodiment, an electrode is associated with the helical needle for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the helical needle. During use, following delivery of conductive fluid, the electrode applies a current to the delivered conductive fluid for creating a virtual electrode. The virtual electrode ablates bodily tissue contacted by the conductive fluid.

Abstract: A novel radiofrequency hot balloon catheter capable of exactly cauterizing a target site around the mitral annulus. The radiofrequency hot balloon catheter includes a catheter shaft comprising an outer cylinder shaft and an inner cylinder shaft which are mutually slidable, a balloon provided between vicinities of a distal end of the outer cylinder shaft and a distal end of the inner cylinder shaft, a liquid sending pathway formed between the outer cylinder shaft and the inner cylinder shaft to communicate with an inside of the balloon, a coil-shaped electrode provided inside the balloon and through which a radiofrequency current conducts for heating the inside of the balloon. On the catheter shaft in the vicinity of the balloon, the radiofrequency hot balloon catheter includes an intracardiac potential detection electrode 5a for detecting an intracardiac potential.

Abstract: An injection assembly includes a dispensing chamber housing, a temperature control device, a thermal sensor, a switch, and a controller. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for receiving a quantity of a substance. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and alters a temperature of a substance in the dispensing chamber. The thermal sensor is located near the temperature control device and reads a temperature near the temperature control device. The switch is coupled to the temperature control device. The controller controls the temperature control device and the switch such that a first voltage is applied to the temperature control device until the temperature control device reaches a desired temperature, and a second voltage is applied to the temperature control device thereafter to maintain the temperature control device at the desired temperature.

Abstract: A system according to the present invention includes a cabinet, a basin positioned within the cabinet to contain and thermally treat a liquid bath, and a support assembly that stabilizes a surgical scope. The support assembly may include a first support that elevates scope optics above the liquid bath within the basin, and a second support that positions the shaft of the scope within the liquid bath, but above the floor and away from the walls of the basin. The scope optics resides outside of the bath in a dry state, while the remaining scope portions are positioned within the bath so the portions can be thermally treated. The support assembly enables a user to warm selected portions of the scope, while protecting the scope, the basin, and/or a drape lining the basin from damage caused when the scope contacts the basin.

Abstract: A flow-directed catheter guide includes a selectively deployable flow-directed member and a variable rigidity shaft. The variable rigidity shaft can be selectively changed between a flexible state and a rigid state. The flow-directed member can be deployed to direct the distal end of the catheter guide downstream following the blood flow in the vessel.

Abstract: A catheter delivers an electrode within a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency using RF energy. The catheter is introduced into a patient and positioned within the section of the vein to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy towards the vein, and the surrounding venous tissue becomes heated and begins to shrink. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage of the vein to the diameter of the member. The electrode remains active until there has been sufficient shrinkage of the vein. The extent of shrinkage of the vein may be detected by fluoroscopy. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter and the electrode can be repositioned intraluminally within the vein to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous sections and valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal limited reuse assembly for an ophthalmic hand piece having a power source for providing power to a tip segment, a controller for controlling the operation of the tip segment, a motor with a shaft, a mechanical linkage interface located on an end of the shaft, an interface for connecting the limited reuse assembly to the tip segment, and a housing at least partially enclosing the power source, the controller, and the motor. The limited reuse assembly is connectable to and removable from two or more types of tip segments. Each of the two or more types of tip segments is configured to perform a different procedure.

Abstract: According to the endoscope system of the present invention, when the image pickup device of the first endoscope device detects illumination light irradiated from the illumination device of the second endoscope device, the control device performs control so as to reduce light quantity of the illumination device of the second endoscope device based on the level of luminance signal outputted from the solid state image pickup element of the image pickup device, and when the image pickup device of the second endoscope device detects illumination light irradiated from the illumination device of the first endoscope device, the control device performs control so as to reduce light quantity of the illumination device of the first endoscope device based on the level of luminance signal outputted from the solid state image pickup element of the image pickup device.

Abstract: A portable body heating system includes suspenders with suspender strap(s) adapted to be worn adjacent to a person's torso, and a fastener that is adapted to secure the suspenders an article of clothing covering at least a portion of the person's lower body. The heating system also includes means for securing each of multiple portable heat-producing heat units to one or more of the suspender straps. A method of heating a person's body includes securing suspenders to an article of clothing that covers at least a portion of the person's lower body. The method also includes positioning suspender straps about the person's shoulders, and securing one or more portable heat-producing elements to one or more of the suspender straps. In addition, the method includes positioning an outer clothing layer about the person's body and the heat-producing element(s) so that the outer clothing layer surrounds the heat-producing element(s).

Abstract: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: Medical device for the delivery and/or the extraction of fluid to and/or from a patient, said medical device comprising a pumping unit (1) for pumping a fluid, a warming chamber (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) and containing a heating element (5) for warming said fluid, fluid volume measuring means (13-18) and a fluid line crossing said pumping and warming units (1, 2), characterized by the fact that said heating element (5) is adapted to be fully immersed in the fluid which is crossing said warming chamber (2) and by the fact that said fluid measuring means comprise temperature sensing means adapted to measure the fluid temperature on at least two separate points and electrical parameter measuring means for determining at least one electrical parameter such as current, power or frequency applied to said heating element (5). The invention also includes a method for using this device.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for the controlled release of a substance and a method of controllably releasing a substance from a compartment.

Abstract: An infusion fluid heating apparatus applicable to various types of infusion tube with different length dimensions includes a front-side tube fitting groove or a rear-side tube fitting groove formed on one of surfaces of a heating plate that receives an infusion tube in a first length between an inlet opening and an outlet opening open at the end surfaces of the heating plate. The groove also receives the infusion tube in a second length shorter than the first length. Therefore, the groove uses the second length for a relatively short infusion tube, capable of heating the tube appropriately and achieving high versatility. In addition, the tube fitting groove uses the first length for an infusion bag with a relatively long infusion tube, capable of heating the tube appropriately and increasing the maximum infusion fluid flow.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (58) at its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (56) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket (18). The return electrode defines an inner passage (83) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid (50). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode array so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the active and return electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a material comprising an injector barrel in communication with a delivery needle and a plunger, wherein at least a portion of the plunger is slidably disposed within a proximal portion of the injector barrel, and a proximal end of the delivery needle is in communication with a distal end of the injector barrel, and a thermal jacket surrounding at least a portion of the length of the injector barrel is disclosed. The thermal jacket may be used to regulate the temperature of the material to be delivered.

Abstract: A liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids in a removable basin is described with emphasis on the properties of the basin interaction with the liquid warming device and with a drape that works with the basin to maintain a sterile field above the drape and the top of the basin. The interactions between a temperature sensor and a temperature well integrated in the removable basin are disclosed. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for a control system for a liquid warming device are provided.

Abstract: A method of structuring a machine to heat a dialysis fluid includes: (i) allowing flow of the dialysis fluid through a disposable fluid conduit; (ii) directing energy from a 2-dimensional energy source to apply energy to the dialysis fluid in the disposable fluid conduit; and (iii) directing energy from a 3-dimensional energy source to apply energy to the dialysis fluid in the disposable fluid conduit.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for heating a flow of intravenous fluid comprising an intravenous tube (3) for connecting a source of intravenous fluid to an intravenous catheter (9), the intravenous tube comprising heating means (21) integrated therein for raising the temperature of the intravenous flow in the tube and a portable unit (2) comprising the energy source for providing electrical power to the heating means integral with a pump (5) for controlling the flow of the fluid. Hereby is provided a path between a source of intravenous fluid and an intravenous catheter ensured to be highly hygienic, because the number of connections wherein the flow of intravenous fluid can be contaminated is limited to a minimum as compared to other systems with multiple connections to external units.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for treating herniated or swollen discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to contract or shrink the collagen fibers within the nucleus pulposis. This causes the pulposis to shrink and withdraw from its impingement on the spinal nerve.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe comprises a shaft having an electrode array (12) at its distal end and a connector at its proximal end. The array (12) includes a plurality of isolated electrode terminals, and an electrosurgical power supply (28) is provided with a multiplicity of independently limited or controlled current sources and a connector. The electrosurgical probe and the power supply may be connected through their respective connectors so that the independent current sources are connected to individual electrode terminals. By applying very high frequency electrical energy to the electrode array, target tissue may be cut or ablated while heat dissipation through low impedance paths, such as blood and normal saline, will be minimized.

Abstract: A liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids in a removable basin is described with emphasis on the properties of the basin interaction with the liquid warming device and with a drape that works with the basin to maintain a sterile field above the drape and the top of the basin. The interactions between a temperature sensor and a temperature well integrated in the removable basin are disclosed. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for a control system for a liquid warming device are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. In one aspect, a method is provided for reducing the volume of enlarge swollen tissue in the patient's nose, such as swollen nasal tissue, mucus membranes, turbinates, polyps, neoplasms, cartilage (e.g., the nasal septum) or the like. In particular, the turbinates are treated by positioning one or more electrode terminal(s) adjacent to the turbinates, and delivering electrically conductive fluid, such as isotonic saline, to the nasal cavity to substantially surround the electrode terminal(s) with the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming fluids includes a heating element having a resistance value that limits an amount of heat dissipated from the heating element to a threshold temperature value in response to a specific amount of electrical energy being applied to the heating element. A fluid carrying member may have the heating element coupled thereto to transfer heat from the heating element to a fluid within the fluid carrying member. A power supply may control a temperature of the fluid so as not to exceed the threshold temperature value by applying the specific amount of electrical energy to the heating element.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a first instrument part adapted for introduction into a cavity of a human body and having an introduction channel therein for passage of gas therethrough, and a second instrument part having a connection channel therein adapted to be connected to the first instrument part introduction channel. The second instrument part is adapted for connection to a gas source to provide gas, at a flow rate suitable for insufflation of a human body cavity, from the gas source through the connection channel to the introduction channel for introduction into the human body. A heating device heats the gas in the introduction channel to substantially the temperature of the human body.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for treating herniated or swollen discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to contract or shrink the collagen fibers within the nucleus pulposis. This causes the pulposis to shrink and withdraw from its impingement on the spinal nerve.

Abstract: The advantages of this invention are provided by a surgical tool for repairing a damaged spinal disc of a patient comprising: a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; a guide wire contained within the catheter so that when the guide wire is pulled, the catheter will flex into a non linear shape allowing it to be steered once inserted in the patient; a heating element carried by the catheter, probe or heating member, and connected to a power source so that the heating element can be activated and provide heat to treat a disk; a grasping probe that extends from the catheter so that the grasping probe can be extended out of the catheter; and, a grasping member that can from the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable intravenous fluid heating system comprising (a) a metallic heated conduit for warming IV fluids passed therethrough at a continuously regulated normal body temperature and transporting said IV fluids; and, (b) a controller unit including a power source operative to apply an electric potential across said conduit. The conduit comprises a wall made of a metallic material capable of producing resistance heat by the passage of electric current, such that said IV fluid is heated by the contact with said wall.