Abstract: The present invention comprises electrosurgical apparatus and methods for maintaining patency in body passages subject to occlusion by invasive tissue growth. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may be used to open and maintain patency in virtually any hollow body passage which may be subject to occlusion by invasive cellular growth or invasive solid tumor growth. Suitable hollow body passages include ducts, orifices, lumens, and the like, with exemplary body passages including the coronary arteries. The present invention is particularly useful for reducing or eliminating the effects of restenosis in coronary arteries by selectively removing tissue ingrowth in or around stents anchored therein.

Abstract: A heating or cooling pad for reducing pain or swelling, or increasing range of motion, includes: (a) phase change material having a melting point of between about 42 and 65 degrees Centigrade, or between about −10 and 6 degrees Centigrade; (b) a gel or viscous fluid carrier in which the phase change material is relatively evenly distributed; and (c) a fluid-impermeable, conformable envelope surrounding the phase change material and the carrier. A preferred embodiment herein includes: (a) a fluid-impermeable, flexible, conformable envelope; (b) a mixture of from about 10 to about 75 weight % of alkanes having a carbon chain length of between 12 and 14 or 22 and 30, and from about 25 to about 90 weight % of a gel or viscous fluid carrier in which the alkanes are substantially evenly distributed, the mixture being sealed within the envelope; and (c) at least one layer of insulation adjacent to a first side of the envelope.

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. The present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within tissue structures in the mouth, such as the tonsils, tongue, palate and uvula, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure. Applicant has discovered that such stiffening of certain tissue structures in the mouth and throat helps to prevent the tissue structure from obstructing the patient's upper airway during sleep.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within of 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 remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herniated discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to reduce a volume of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a spinal nerve. In one embodiment, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to ablate a portion of the nucleus pulposis, either the extruded portion outside of the annulus or a portion or all of the pulposis within the annulus.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus method for performing rf intraluminal reduction and/or occlusion with a virtual electrode. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a catheter and a guide wire. The guide wire includes a conductive core having a proximal end electrically connected to a generator of rf current and an exposed distal end. An insulative material having disposed therein at least one microlumen for providing a conductive fluid to a target site within the lumen encases the guide wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to regulating the temperature of a desired medium that is applied to the exterior surface of a mammal. These devices have been used in the past but not with the ability to control the temperature of the desired medium in a predetermined ratio to the temperature of the mammal. With such control, the present invention decreases the change of discomforting the patient when the patient's temperature is being brought to a set point temperature body temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within of 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 remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herniated discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to reduce a volume of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a spinal nerve. In one embodiment, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to ablate a portion of the nucleus pulposis, either the extruded portion outside of the annulus or a portion or all of the pulposis within the annulus.

Abstract: Microwave heating apparatus for heating fluid or tissue includes an elongated catheter for placement adjacent to high/dielectric high loss organic fluid or tissue in a patient. The catheter has a distal end and a proximal end and includes an antenna adjacent to the distal end and a cable having one end connected to the antenna and a second end. A transmitter provides a transmitter signal capable of heating the fluid or tissue and a first receiver receives a first signal indicative of thermal radiation from a first depth in the fluid or tissue, producing a first output signal in response thereto. There is also a second receiver for receiving a second signal indicative of thermal radiation from a second depth in the fluid or tissue, producing a second output signal in and response thereto. The apparatus also includes active and passive diplexers connected in series between the transmitter and the second end of the cable.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for introducing a conductive fluid and delivering an electrical current to the fluid at a target site in a body lumen. The electrical current is delivered to the site by a conductive electrode through the conductive fluid, causing the tissues in the lumen walls, or peripheral to the lumen walls, to heat and contract. Application of the current can be discontinued when the lumen wall has contracted or been reduced to the desired extent, which will often be complete occlusion. Alternatively, the current can be applied until tissues peripheral to the lumen are effected.

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: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within or on a patient's body. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for resecting, cutting, partially ablating, aspirating or otherwise removing tissue from a target site, and ablating the tissue in situ. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for ablation and hemostasis of tissue in sinus surgery (e.g., chronic sinusitis and/or removal of polypectomies) and for resecting and ablating soft tissue structures, such as the meniscus and synovial tissue within a joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a fissure or tear location within an invertebral disc. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more active electrodes in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to heat and seal a fissure on an annulus fibrosus. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating the fissure by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to seal the fissure. In one embodiment, the RF energy is directed through the conductive fluid to heat the tissue immediately surrounding the fissure. The RF energy is sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the fluid in contact with the active electrode. In another embodiment, the electrical current is directed through the tissue to directly heat the annulus tissue. This causes the annulus tissue to contract and seal the fissure. In a specific configuration, a sealant is added to the fissure to enhance the seal.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for ablation, resection, aspiration, collagen shrinkage and/or hemostasis of tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery. In particular, the present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within spinal discs, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure and for reducing the volume of the disc to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves. High frequency voltage is applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the disc tissue, and the active electrode(s) are advanced through the space left by the ablated tissue to form a channel, hole, divot or other space in the disc tissue.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for ablation, resection, aspiration, collagen shrinkage and/or hemostasis of tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery. In particular, the present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within spinal discs, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure and for reducing the volume of the disc to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves. High frequency voltage is applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the disc tissue, and the active electrode(s) are advanced through the space left by the ablated tissue to form a channel, hole, divot or other space in the disc tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location on an external body surface, such as skin tissue removal and/or collagen shrinkage in the epidermis or dermis, e.g., the removal of pigmentations, vascular lesions (e.g., leg veins), scars, tattoos, etc., and for other surgical procedures on the skin, such as tissue rejuvenation, cosmetic surgery, wrinkle removal, hair removal and/or transplant procedures. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals adjacent an external body surface, such as the outer surface of the skin, to remove and/or modify the structure of tissue structures within the skin. Depending on the specific cosmetic procedure, the present invention may be used to: (1) volumetrically remove tissue or hair (i.e.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for removing adipose or fatty tissue underlying a patient's epidermis is disclosed (e.g., liposuction, abdominoplasty, and the like). The method includes positioning one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) in close proximity to a target region of fatty tissue. A high frequency voltage difference is applied between the active and return electrodes, and the fatty tissue or fragments of the fatty tissue are aspirated from the target region. The high frequency voltage either softens the fatty tissue or completely removes at least a portion of the tissue. In both embodiments, the remaining fatty tissue is more readily detached from the adjacent tissue in the absence of energy, and less mechanical force is required for removal. The bipolar configuration of the present invention controls the flow of current to the immediate region around the distal end of the probe, which minimizes tissue necrosis and the conduction of current through the patient.

Abstract: A vascular therapy device is used for treatment, such as injecting or applying medicine, to a lumen or body cavity without surgical treatment. The vascular therapy device includes an elongated shaft, an inflatable balloon attached to a side portion of a distal end portion of the shaft, a first path provided in the shaft and communicating with an inside of the balloon to inflate and deflate the balloon, and a second path provided inside the shaft and extending from a proximal end portion to the distal end portion of the shaft. The second path has an outlet at the distal end portion. When the balloon is inflated, a part of the distal end portion is biased to contact a wall where the shaft is inserted. Thus, when the balloon is inflated, the outlet faces and substantially contacts the wall to thereby provide a treatment through the second path and outlet.

Abstract: A medical device that can emulsify tissue with a heated fluid. The device may include an active heating element that is located within an inner channel at a distal end of a cannula. The cannula is adapted to be inserted into tissue such as a cornea. The active heating element can provide heat to a fluid that flows through the inner channel. The heat can be transferred into a bolus of fluid that is periodically generated by a pump. The heated bolus is then directed onto tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relating to an exothermic decomposition has, as essential components, a water absorptive polymer and/or tackifier, carbon component and/or metal chloride and features that the product is as a whole ink-like or cream-like.

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. The present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within tissue structures in the mouth, such as the tonsils, tongue, palate and uvula, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure. Applicant has discovered that such stiffening of certain tissue structures in the mouth and throat helps to prevent the tissue structure from obstructing the patient's upper airway during sleep.

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 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 improved irrigation system for removing arthritis causing fragments from a joint in the body includes a handpiece and a tip that is connectible to the handpiece. The tip includes a shaft that forms an irrigation lumen, and a debrider disposed along at least a part of the shaft. The debrider defines a substantially planar debriding surface for debriding the interior surfaces of the joint. The debrider may include a plurality of bristles extending from the shaft to the debriding surface.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having two coaxially mounted tubes or channels mounted to a body. The first tube is used for aspiration and is smaller in diameter than the second tube so as to create an annular passage between the first and second tube. The annular gap communicates with a pumping chamber formed between two electrodes. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the annular gap. The distal end of the annular gap is sealed by frictionally fitting together the distal ends of the first and second tube. One or more grooves formed in either the first or second tubes allow fluid being propelled down the annular gap to escape. A stop may be provided against which the escaping fluid impinges such as by crimping the second tube near the distal end of the second tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to cut or incise structures in a patient's body. The electrosurgical systems and methods are particularly useful for removing tissue or ligaments from a patient's joint, such as the patellar ligament in the knee, in dermatological procedures, i.e., surface treatment of the patient's outer skin, such as the removal of pigmentations, vascular lesions (e.g., leg veins), scars, tattoos, etc., and in procedures for removing tissue in regions of the head and neck. The method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe adjacent the target tissue so that one or more electrode terminal(s) are brought into at least partial contact or close proximity with the target site in the presence of electrically conductive fluid.

Abstract: A temperature control system includes a cabinet or system housing having a plurality of heating compartments for containing intravenous solution bags or other medical items. Each heating compartment is independently heat controlled via a controller, and includes a heating assembly including a heater, a U-shaped heating plate, a temperature sensor and a cut-out switch for disabling the heater when a threshold temperature is exceeded. The desired or set point temperature for each heating compartment may be independently entered to the controller via an input device. The heating plate has a generally U-shaped configuration with a thermally conductive bottom wall and thermally conductive side walls extending therefrom. The heater is typically affixed to the underside of the bottom wall, wherein, upon heating of the bottom wall, heat is conducted through the side walls to provide an even distribution of heat to medical items placed within the heating compartment.

Abstract: A surgical warming system heats medical items of various sizes, independently and simultaneously for immediate use. The warming system includes a plurality of compartments, each separately heated and controlled. The compartments may be modular and stackable, or multiple compartments of varying size may be formed into a single cabinet structure so as to receive different sized intravenous bags or bottles. Each compartment is heated by forcing a controlled mix of recycled and outside air through a heating chamber and then into the compartment. Each compartment includes a heating unit and controller allowing the simultaneous maintenance of different temperatures.

Abstract: Methods for heating tissue by delivering radio frequency energy through tissue electrodes comprise controlling energy delivery so that an abrupt increase in impedance between the electrodes and the tissue is observed, typically in the form of an abrupt decrease in power delivered to the electrodes. The power at which the impedance increases and/or the time required to induce such an increase in impedance, are relied on to determine acceptable ranges to achieve a maximum sustainable delivery of radio frequency energy to the tissue consistent with complete, rapid, and uniform heating of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's. The present invention positions an electrosurgical instrument, such as a probe or catheter, in close proximity to a first body structure adjacent to a second body structure so that one or more electrode terminal(s) are brought into at least partial contact or close proximity with the first and second body structures. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to cut, remove, ablate, contract, coagulate, vaporize, desiccate or otherwise modify the first body structure without clinically damaging the second body structure.

Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for removing tissue from a target site of a patient, the apparatus including a probe adapted for coupling to a power supply. The electrosurgical probe includes a shaft having a first electrode type and a second electrode type. The electrosurgical apparatus/probe lacks a dedicated return electrode. Instead, the first electrode type and the second electrode type alternate between serving as active electrode and serving as return electrode. The first electrode type comprises at least one ablation electrode adapted for aggressively removing tissue from a target site. The second electrode type comprises at least one digestion electrode adapted for aggressively digesting resected tissue fragments present in an aspiration stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within of 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 remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herniated discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to reduce a volume of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a spinal nerve. In one embodiment, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to ablate a portion of the nucleus pulposis, either the extruded portion outside of the annulus or a portion or all of the pulposis within the annulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing rf intraluminal reduction and/or occlusion with a virtual electrode. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a catheter and a guide wire. The guide wire includes a conductive core having a proximal end electrically connected to a generator of rf current and an exposed distal end. An insulative material having disposed therein at least one microlumen for providing a conductive fluid to a target site within the lumen encases the guide wire. In a method in accord with the present invention, an rf conductive fluid is introduced at the target site in a body lumen. Radio frequency current is applied to the site by a conductive electrode through the conductive fluid, causing the connective tissues in the lumen walls to heat and contract. Application of the rf current is discontinued when the lumen wall has contracted or been reduced to the desired extent, which will often be complete occlusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's brain and spinal cord. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for treating cerebrovascular diseases, such as vessel occlusion, or for the volumetric removal or ablation of intracranial tumors or Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs). The method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe or catheter adjacent the target site so that one or more electrode terminal(s) are brought into at least partial contact or close proximity with a body structure within the patient's head or neck, such as tumor tissue or an occlusion within a blood vessel. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the body structure in situ.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe includes a shaft having an electrode array at its distal end and a connector at its proximal end. The array includes a plurality of isolated electrode terminals, and an electrosurgical power supply 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 impedence paths, such as blood and normal saline, will be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within or on a patient's body. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for resecting, cutting, partially ablating, aspirating or otherwise removing tissue from a target site, and ablating the tissue in situ. The methods and systems of the present invention are particularly useful for removing tissue within joints, e.g., synovial tissue, meniscus, articular cartilage and the like.

Abstract: A high frequency power supply for applying electrical energy to a target site on or within a patient's body includes an electrical output driver, an output current sensor detecting the current output from the driver, and a power limiting device coupled to the current sensor during normal conditions, the power limiting device operates on a continuous basis. When current output exceeds a predetermined threshold level, the power limiting device is adapted to reduce power on the output driver to a standby mode. The power limiting device operates on a periodic detection or duty cycle when in the standby mode. The power limiting device switches into the stand-by mode to prevent excessive power drains. The power supply operates at a low power, pulsatile manner when an attached probe is in conductive or isotonic fluid but is not engaging body tissue or near a high impedance source. In this pulsatile mode, the power supply operates in a cyclical manner, typically at a predetermined duty cycle.

Abstract: The present tool and associated methods provide for precisely controlled positioning of an ablative element, or an array of ablative elements, against a tissue targeted for treatment. Such treatment is in the form of a lesion, caused by energy emitted from the ablative element, selectively changing or destroying cells within the target tissue. The tool incorporates an element array. This element array consists of one or more energy emitting (ablative) elements. The energy delivered may be in the form of radio frequency, microwave, ultrasound, light, and cryogenics, among others. The element array may also incorporate one or more temperature sensing elements. Further, this element array may incorporate a fluid system providing recirculative cooling or fluid delivery to cool the element array and/or surrounding tissue. In one use of the tool, the element array, which is located at the distal end of an elongate member, is positioned against cardiac tissue during an open heart procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within of 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 remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herniated discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to reduce a volume of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a spinal nerve. In one embodiment, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to ablate a portion of the nucleus pulposis, either the extruded portion outside of the annulus or a portion or all of the pulposis within the annulus.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having at least two lumens mounted to a body. At least one lumen is used for aspiration and at least one other lumen is used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. A portion of the second lumen is enlarged to form a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the second lumen. The pumping chamber may use any type of heater, such as a resistive heater or an induction heater.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within of 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 remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herniated discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to reduce a volume of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a spinal nerve. In one embodiment, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to ablate a portion of the nucleus pulposis, either the extruded portion outside of the annulus or a portion or all of the pulposis within the annulus.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location on an external body surface, such as skin tissue removal and/or collagen shrinkage in the epidermis or dermis, e.g., the removal of pigmentations, vascular lesions (e.g., leg veins), scars, tattoos, etc., and for other surgical procedures on the skin, such as tissue rejuvenation, cosmetic surgery, wrinkle removal, hair removal and/or transplant procedures. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals adjacent an external body surface, such as the outer surface of the skin, to remove and/or modify the structure of tissue structures within the skin. Depending on the specific cosmetic procedure, the present invention may be used to: (1) volumetrically remove tissue or hair (i.e.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within of 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 remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herniated discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to reduce a volume of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a spinal nerve. In one embodiment, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to ablate a portion of the nucleus pulposis, either the extruded portion outside of the annulus or a portion or all of the pulposis within the annulus.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for ablation, resection, aspiration, collagen shrinkage and/or hemostasis of tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery. In particular, the present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within spinal discs, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure and for reducing the volume of the disc to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves. High frequency voltage is applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the disc tissue, and the active electrode(s) are advanced through the space left by the ablated tissue to form a channel, hole, divot or other space in the disc tissue.

Abstract: A temperature control system includes a cabinet or system housing having a plurality of drawers for containing intravenous solution bags or other medical items. Each drawer is individually controlled, and generally includes a window and a plurality of sub-compartments with each sub-compartment accommodating an intravenous solution bag or other medical item. The drawers are each pivotable relative to the system housing to permit access to the sub-compartments, while the drawer windows enable the intravenous solution bags to be viewed during heating. A heating element is typically disposed beneath each drawer bottom wall to apply heat to walls of corresponding sub-compartments and evenly distribute heat to intravenous solution bags contained within those sub-compartments. Each drawer is associated with a controller that controls the heating element to apply heat to the corresponding drawer sub-compartments in accordance with a comparison between desired and measured temperatures associated with that drawer.

Abstract: The temperature regulating device of the instant invention accurately regulates the temperature of a fluid to be sent through a conduit for either warming or cooling an infusate that is to be provided to a patient. The heater/cooler that is used for regulating the temperature of the fluid, and the fluid itself, are continuously monitored by a number of sensors, which provide feedback signals to a processor controller, to ensure that the temperature of the fluid is maintained at a desired temperature. The fluid is circulated by a pump which operation is also continuously monitored. A special connector assembly provides the inlet/outlet connection between the device and the fluid conduit. The connector assembly is constructed such that the system would operate only when the connector of the fluid conduit is correctly mated thereto.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system warming basin for warming a sterile liquid or medium includes a heating pad disposed on the exterior surface of the basin floor in various configurations (e.g., spiral, ‘I’, ‘X’ or serpentine configurations, multiple heating pad segments disposed about the basin floor, etc.) to prevent damage to a sterile surgical drape placed over the system when objects are placed within the basin. The configurations cover a portion of the basin floor to permit the basin to absorb thermal energy that may otherwise be absorbed by and cause damage to the drape. In addition, a thermal treatment system and corresponding sterile surgical drape may include a variety of mechanisms to ensure sterility of a sterile liquid within a basin. In particular, the drape may include a reflective material segment to reflect infrared light emitted from an infrared light source toward a detector to indicate the proper positioning and/or presence of the drape on the thermal treatment system.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within or on a patient's body. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for resecting, cutting, partially ablating, aspirating or otherwise removing tissue from a target site, and ablating the tissue in situ. The methods and systems of the present invention are particularly useful for removing tissue within joints, e.g., synovial tissue, meniscus, articular cartilage and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within or on a patient's body. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for resecting, cutting, partially ablating, aspirating or otherwise removing tissue from a target site, and ablating the tissue in situ. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for ablation and hemostasis of tissue in sinus surgery (e.g., chronic sinusitis and/or removal of polypectomies) and for resecting and ablating soft tissue structures, such as the meniscus and synovial tissue within a joint.

Abstract: A system for applying high frequency electrical energy to a body structure within a patient where the system detects the presence of conductive fluid. In one embodiment, the system includes a high frequency power supply, a surgical instrument having an electrode terminal, and a conductive fluid sensor coupled to the probe for detecting the presence of conductive fluid near the electrode terminal. The surgical instruments preferably has a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end, an electrode terminal on or near the distal end, and a connector coupling the electrode terminal to the power supply. The conductive fluid sensor may comprise of an electric switch adapted to create an open circuit when in contact with conductive fluid. Alternatively, the conductive fluid sensor may be a resistor that changes resistance when in contact with conductive fluid. The sensor detects for conductive fluid such as body fluid or saline solution. For devices having an active and return electrode (i.e.