Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument for forming an incision in a body cavity, insufflating the body cavity with gas, and suturing the incision at the completion of the surgery includes a set of jaws at the distal end of the Veress needle or cannula. The jaws are pivoted to one another for motion between an open position or a closed position in which they may be used to grasp a suture in the body cavity for removal from the cavity for knotting. A push mechanism at the proximal end of the instrument moves the jaws between their open and closed position on successive actuations of a pushbutton and retains them in that state until the next push. An illumination source is provided for the distal end of the instrument to provide illumination through the walls of the body cavity so that the surgeon can determine the degree of penetration of the instrument into the body cavity and can identify any major arteries which should be avoided in the formation of other laparoscopic openings.

Abstract: A system for intracorporeal gas exchange includes a flexible, rotatable shaft; a plurality of axially spaced agitation mechanisms positioned on the rotatable shaft, such that the rotatable shaft can flex between the axially spaced agitation mechanisms; a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers adapted to permit diffusion of gas between intracorporeal fluid and an interior of the hollow fibers. The plurality of hollow fibers is positioned radially outward from the agitation mechanisms. A blood contacting medical system includes at least one seal, and a purge system via which a flushing fluid is introduced under pressure over a blood-side face of the seal and caused to flow through a space on the blood side of the seal. The system can further include a rotatable member. The space on the blood side of the seal can be in fluid connection with an annular space adjacent to a rotating element operatively connected to the rotatable member.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for creating a pneumatic seal during a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The trocar assembly including an elongated body having a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal end portion of the body defining a housing. A fluid supply plenum is defined in the housing configured to deliver pressurized insufflation fluid to a nozzle. The nozzle configured for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen and creating a pneumatic seal. A fluid return plenum is defined in the housing configured to collect spent insufflation fluid from as patient's abdominal cavity. The fluid return plenum including a plurality of axially and radially oriented elongate vanes configured to permit spent insufflation fluid to proceed between the vanes and direct spent insufflation fluid back to the fluid return plenum.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to medical tubes and methods of manufacturing medical tubes. The tube may be a composite structure made of two or more distinct components that are spirally wound to form an elongate tube. For example, one of the components may be a spirally wound elongate hollow body, and the other component may be an elongate structural component also spirally wound between turns of the spirally wound hollow body The tube need not be made from distinct components, however. For instance, an elongate hollow body formed (e.g., extruded) from a single material may be spirally wound to form an elongate tube. The elongate hollow body itself may in transverse cross-section have a thin wall portion and a relatively thicker or more rigid reinforcement portion. The tubes can be incorporated into a variety of medical circuits or may be employed for other medical uses.

Abstract: A method of delivering therapy to a treatment volume of a vein of a patient includes inserting a vapor delivery shaft into the vein at an entry location. The vein is fluidly coupled with other veins in a venous vasculature of the patient. The method also includes applying a compressive force to tissue surrounding the venous vasculature to compress and at least partially occlude the venous vasculature at an occlusion location other than the entry location. A treatment volume is formed between the entry location and the occlusion location. The method further includes delivering vapor to the vein through the vapor delivery shaft into the treatment volume.

Abstract: A method of applying a liquid or powder in a body cavity of a living body involves positioning the distal portion of an applicator in the living body, using an applicator that includes an outer tube and a nozzle having an elongated nozzle main body and a nozzle head at the distal end side of the nozzle main body. The method also includes relatively moving the outer tube and the nozzle so a curved section of the nozzle main body moves proximally relative to the outer tube and enters the outer tube to adjust the direction in which the nozzle is facing, conveying the liquid/powder through the nozzle main body and to the nozzle head, expelling the liquid or the powder from the nozzle head toward a surface in the body cavity, and discharging gas in the body cavity into a longitudinally extending gap and to outside the body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, method, system and kit for receiving effluent from an individual. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device, method, system and kit for collecting effluent from an individual during a medical or diagnostic procedure including but not limited to, imaging or viewing one or more sections of an individual's gastrointestinal tract. In another alternative embodiment, the effluent is collected in a hollow area in order to prevent the effluent form contaminating a component, device or apparatus used in connection with the medical or diagnostic procedure.

Abstract: An introducer for use during endoscopic procedures provides insufflation, washing, and aspiration functions, and provides for the protection of the endoluminal surface during laparoscopic examination of an anastomosis or suture line following low anterior resection of the bowel. The introducer may be designed for the insertion of an endoscope capable of white light and/or near infra-red fluorescence imaging into the rectum for analysis of an anastomosis following low anterior resection of the bowel.

Abstract: A trocar for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an elongated body, nozzle means and means for delivering a pressurized flow of fluid to the nozzle means. The elongated body has a generally tubular configuration with coaxially arranged inner and outer walls and longitudinally opposed proximal and distal end portions, with the inner wall defining a lumen to accommodate passage of an instrument therethrough. The nozzle means is operatively associated with the inner wall of the body for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen to develop a pressure differential in an area within a region extending from a location adjacent a distal end portion of the lumen to a location adjacent a proximal end portion of the lumen, to form a fluid seal around an instrument passing therethrough.

Abstract: A cannula adapter for converting a trocar insufflator into a two-phase or two-mode insufflation system. In the needle insufflation mode the insufflation gas flows through a trocar cannula, a cannula adapter and an insufflation needle before entering a body cavity and in the trocar insufflation mode gas flows directly into the body cavity from the trocar cannula. The cannula adapter although sealingly attachable to the trocar cannula during the needle insufflation mode is removable therefrom for a seamless transfer between the needle insufflation mode and the trocar insufflation mode.

Abstract: A coupling system is provided for connecting a tube set to a trocar that includes a multi-lumen trocar having a housing that includes a connector, wherein the connector has a plurality of coaxial flow passages defined therein by a plurality of concentric annular walls, a multi-lumen tube set including a plurality of tubes arranged in a parallel relationship, and a coupling including a generally cylindrical body having a first end portion configured to selectively mate with the coaxial flow passages of the connector of the trocar and a second end portion configured for attachment to the parallel tubes of the tube set.

Abstract: In a gas supply system, a controller is electrically connected to a pressure regulator and an operation switch. The controller is operative to control the pressure regulator so that a predetermined gas is supplied to a first delivery member directing to a first body cavity with its pressure regulated to a first pressure suitable for the first body cavity. The controller is operative to control the pressure regulator depending on an instruction sent from the operation switch upon operation of the operator so that the predetermined gas is supplied to a second delivery member directing to a second body cavity with its pressure regulated to a second pressure suitable for the second body cavity.

Abstract: A system for intracorporeal gas exchange includes a flexible, rotatable shaft; a plurality of axially spaced agitation mechanisms positioned on the rotatable shaft, such that the rotatable shaft can flex between the axially spaced agitation mechanisms; a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers adapted to permit diffusion of a gas between an intracorporeal fluid and an interior of the hollow fibers. The plurality of hollow fibers is positioned radially outward from the agitation mechanisms. A blood contacting medical system includes at least one seal, and a purge system via which a flushing fluid is introduced under pressure over a blood-side face of the at least one seal and caused to flow through a space on the blood-side face of the at least one seal. The system can further include a rotatable member. The space on the blood-side face of the at least one seal can be in fluid connection with an annular space adjacent to a rotating element operatively connected to the rotatable member.

Abstract: An internal dry powder delivery system through a working channel of an endoscopic cannula for directly applying the powder form medication to an internal tissue/organ site, includes an elongated tubular delivery channel and a powder supply device for producing pressurized gas mixing with the dry powder for feeding to form a mixture of dry powder and pressurized gas delivering to an internal tissue/organ site through the delivery channel via endoscopic cannula. It ensures a smooth powder release by preventing liquid from accumulation at the tip of the delivery channel and offers physicians a new powder form drug delivery method via endoscope. Also, it offers new minimal invasive application by directly and precisely applying the powder format drug to the internal sites of human gastrointestinal organ via endoscope to achieve hemostasis, anti-inflammation, anti-ulcer and anti-tumor treatment, etc.

Abstract: A charged hydration device and a method of filling the hydration device so the charged hydration that can be mounted to a medical apparatus that provides insufflation fluid to a body cavity either immediately prior to the medical procedure or during a medical procedure with the charged hydration device including an inlet and outlet for an inline connection with the medical apparatus so that an insufflation gas delivered through the charged hydration device is hydrated to prevent tissue damage to a person receiving the insufflation gas.

Abstract: Systems for insufflation and recirculation of insufflation fluid in a surgical procedure include a control unit having a fluid pump, a supply conduit, a return fluid conduit and a pressure-controlled valve. The pressure-controlled valve is in fluid communication with an insufflation gas supply, the supply conduit and the return conduit and is adapted and configured to respond to pressure control signals to adjust position and thereby system flow parameters, to reduce entrainment of air from the surrounding environment, and to increase the concentration of insufflation gas in an operative space, and/or to reduce an overpressure condition in the operative space.

Abstract: An aerosol generator is positioned adjacent to a patient as an attachment to a trocar. The trocar has an entry port for insufflation gas. Aerosol generated by a vibrating element is entrained in the insufflation gas and the mixture is delivered through the trocar. The aerosol may contain a medicament. The trocar may be a conventional trocar. Such trocars are typically used for a camera. The delivery of the aerosolized medicament can occur at the start of the procedure and be delivered in bolus. At the start of the procedure, the peritoneum is being inflated by means of the flow of insufflator gas. This gas flow will help to entrain the aerosolized medicament to the pneumoperitoneum regions. The surgeon can temporarily remove the camera from the trocar port to facilitate insertion and positioning of the aerosolizing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for insufflating a body cavity with an insufflation gas comprising an insufflation device for delivering the insufflation gas to the body cavity. To detect possibly critical states in the body cavity, the apparatus is designed to withdraw a measuring gas from the body cavity. A measuring device having a gas sensor serves for measuring an additional substance contained in the measuring gas in addition to the insufflation gas and for outputting a measuring signal as a function of the additional substance.

Abstract: A medical gas condition system for supplying a liquid hydration fluid to a hydrator before or during an ongoing medical procedure by coupling the flow of liquid hydration fluid into the hydrator to either the absence of flow of medical insufflation gas into the hydrator or to a condition where the liquid hydration fluid can be absorbed by a hydrator instead of being forced through the hydrator in liquid form.

Abstract: The disclosure includes systems and methods for performing surgery. In a first aspect, the system includes a trocar having in a nested configuration, an outer cannula, an inner cannula disposed within the outer cannula, the inner cannula defining the central longitudinal lumen at least in part to provide access through the trocar, a tube center component disposed within the outer cannula, and a ring jet assembly disposed within the outer cannula. In a further aspect, the system includes an instrument guide disposed in the central longitudinal lumen of the trocar. The instrument guide has a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of channels defined through the instrument guide from the proximal end to the distal end, each channel being adapted and configured to receive a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method are provided for selectively controlling a flow of pressurized fluid from a fluid source to trocar assemblies. The valve assembly includes a first coupling configured and adapted to couple to a primary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid and a second coupling to couple to a secondary trocar assembly. A third coupling is provided to couple to a source of pressurized fluid for directing pressurized fluid from the source to the first and second couplings. Also provided is at least one valve member adapted and configured to be operable in at least first and second operating positions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers.

Abstract: A feeding tube assembly for insertion and delivery of nutrients into an alimentary canal is disclosed. A method of facilitating the use of the feeding tube with an insufflation device is also disclosed. The feeding tube assembly has a feeding tube with opposite proximal and distal ends, a feeding passage extending between the proximal and distal ends, an outlet proximate the distal end and in fluid communication with the feeding passage, a port at the proximal end and in fluid communication with the outlet; and an air insufflation device fluidly connectable to the port comprising a compressible air bulb having a bulb inlet and a bulb outlet; an inlet check valve at the bulb inlet, an outlet check valve at the bulb outlet, and a relief valve fluidly connected to the bulb outlet.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for fluid control, and more particularly to systems and methods for power and flow rate control for aspiration. In accordance with one embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.

Abstract: The gas-supply system includes a gas supply device that automatically supplies gas on the basis of the detection result of a pressure sensor that detects the pressure within a body cavity such that the pressure within the body cavity becomes a predetermined pressure, and a gas supply pipe for supplying the gas supplied from the gas supply device into the body cavity. The gas supply pipe is provided with a side face light leakage type optical fiber, and the gas supply pipe functions as a linear light emitter by controlling lighting of an LED according to the supply state of the gas due to the gas supply device and makes the light from the LED incident on the side face light leakage type optical fiber. Therefore, the supply state of the gas supplied into the body cavity may be easily grasped.

Abstract: A high-flow luer lock connector is disclosed. A high-flow luer lock connector comprises a connector body defining an interior region, a lumen, and an extended passageway. The interior region is bounded by a cylindrical side wall and a base wall. The lumen is defined at the base wall of the interior region and extends no more than 0.274 of an inch into the interior region. The extended passageway comprises a first and second end and passes through the connector body and the lumen. The extended passageway is in communication with the interior region to allow insufflation gas to flow through the interior region and extended passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for non-invasive anatomical and systemic cooling. The method and device provide for cooling of various bodily fluid-containing spaces or surfaces, such as mucus-containing spaces or surfaces via delivery of a dry fluid not including a coolant into or upon the mucus-containing space or surface. Exposure of such mucus to the dry fluid results in evaporation and cooling of the anatomical feature and/or systemic cooling, as intended. In this fashion, therapeutic hypothermia may be achieved to provide for neuroprotection of various organs after ischemic insult, such the brain after cardiac arrest.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for fluid control, and more particularly to systems and methods for power and flow rate control for aspiration. In accordance with one embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.

Abstract: A method of transluminal surgery is provided, which utilizes an endoscopic surgery apparatus having pivotable arms attached by hinges on its distal end. The arms are interchangeable with arms of various configurations. The method includes the steps of inserting an endoscopic surgery apparatus into a body cavity of a patient, making an incision in the body cavity wall to allow access to the patient's abdominal cavity, and further inserting the apparatus through the incision. Surgery is performed at the desired surgical site and the apparatus is withdrawn into the body cavity where the incision is closed. Finally, the apparatus is withdrawn from the patient's body.

Abstract: A multi-channel trocar developed for use in minimal-access surgery/single incision laparoscopic surgery. The trocar permits surgical access of two or more articulating laparoscopic instruments or scopes through one skin incision using a dividing membrane to separate the working channels. This allows maximal use of robotic technology and permits more degrees of freedom at the operative site. The trocar is inserted through one single skin incision, in the usual manner. The trocar relocates the fulcrum and focal point of motion to the abdominal wall when using a set of interacting and interlocking diaphragms.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas composition device that can be used for the sterile transport and storage of a gas composition that will be used with regard to a human or an animal. The device of the present invention consist essentially of a gas container (2) positioned within an cavity of an outer package, the gas container containing a gas composition within an internal reservoir of the gas container and being surrounded in the cavity of the outer package by the same gas composition.

Abstract: An applicator configured for cell treatment with pressure pulses has a hollow needle with a wall, which encloses a cavity and has a closed-off design at a closed-off end. A target is arranged or formed at the closed-off end on the inner side of the wall and a laser radiation emitter for emitting preferably pulsed laser radiation is arranged in the cavity of the hollow needle, at a distance from the target. The laser radiation emitter is arranged so that the emerging laser radiation impinges directly on the target through an interspace situated between the laser radiation emitter and the target. Under the formation of a plasma, at least one pressure pulse can be generated at the target by the target being impinged upon by laser radiation from the laser radiation emitter. The wall of the hollow needle has a lateral emergence opening for the emergence of the pressure pulse.

Abstract: A system includes an insufflator provided with a gas inlet, a valve that regulates the flow to be supplied, an adjustable heater for the gas to be supplied, a sensor that detects the temperature of the heated gas, an outlet for supplying the gas, and a mechanism for propelling the gas toward the supply outlet. A disposable supply duct can be coupled to the gas outlet for the insufflator in order to convey the heated gas into the patient and a return duct for the gas is connected to a distal area of the supply duct and to an inlet of the heater, wherein the gas supply duct and the gas return duct form a continuous recirculation circuit for heated gas.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to develop an improved device for injecting pulsed steam into a human or animal vessel (e.g. veins), especially tributaries and perforating veins to treat them through thermofibrosis. The device of the invention includes a water pulse generator that produces micro pulses of pressurized sterile water; a hand piece that transforms pulses of water coming from the generator into pulses of steam; an endoluminal catheter with a tubular part for delivering the steam into the vessel; connection means between the hand piece and the endoluminal catheter; and a programmable central processing unit (cpu) to control the water pulse generator and the hand piece.

Abstract: Chronic sinusitis is treated by the application of cold plasma or plasma-activated species to the infected mucosal surfaces through use of an endoscope having a steerable end which may be projected into the sinus cavities through the nasal cavity. The cold plasma is generated at either the distal end of the endoscope with a power source by application of a power, or at the distal end by gas and electrical connections extending through the endoscope. The cold plasma or plasma-activated species act to destroy bacterial cells but not eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A gas mixture apparatus includes a measurement control system, an activation system, a pressurized chamber with one or more gases, and a mixing chamber. The apparatus can also include additional pressure regulation control systems. The gas mixture apparatus can be used to introduce and automatically perform the steps to achieve a desired concentration of the one or more gases contained in the pressurized chamber. The gas mixture apparatus can include the pressurized chamber within the apparatus itself such that no external devices are necessary for introducing the one or more gases into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A gas mixture apparatus includes a measurement control system, an activation system, a pressurized chamber with one or more gases, and a mixing chamber. The apparatus can also include additional pressure regulation control systems. The gas mixture apparatus can be used to introduce and automatically perform the steps to achieve a desired concentration of the one or more gases contained in the pressurized chamber. The gas mixture apparatus can include the pressurized chamber within the apparatus itself such that no external devices are necessary for introducing the one or more gases into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus including a cannula defining an internal lumen, the cannula having a connection for receiving insufflation fluid. The apparatus also includes an obturator assembly, the obturator assembly configured to be inserted through a cannula so as to define an interstitial space between the cannula and the obturator assembly. The interstitial space is in fluid communication with the cannula connection so as to convey the insufflation fluid. The obturator assembly includes an obturator shaft having a hollow interior and a tip member at a distal end of the obturator shaft. The tip member is configured to penetrate and/or dissect through tissue. The tip member has an outer surface that defines a channel, the channel being in fluid communication with the interstitial space to as to convey the insufflation fluid from a proximal end of the tip member to a distal end of the tip member.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument for forming an incision in a body cavity, insufflating the body cavity with gas, and suturing the incision at the completion of the surgery includes a set of jaws at the distal end of the Veress needle or cannula. The jaws are pivoted to one another for motion between an open position or a closed position in which they may be used to grasp a suture in the body cavity for removal from the cavity for knotting. A push mechanism at the proximal end of the instrument moves the jaws between their open and closed position on successive actuations of a pushbutton and retains them in that state until the next push. An illumination source is provided for the distal end of the instrument to provide illumination through the walls of the body cavity so that the surgeon can determine the degree of penetration of the instrument into the body cavity and can identify any major arteries which should be avoided in the formation of other laparoscopic openings.

Abstract: A system for insufflating a body cavity comprising a swallowable capsule comprising a chamber (11) containing a fluid capable to generate biocompatible gas or vapour by phase transition or chemical reaction, the chamber (11) being formed with at least one orifice (7) for placing it in communication with the outside. The orifice (7) is blocked by a shutter (4, 6; 26) made of magnetic material and there are provided elastic means (8) able to generate an elastic force sufficient to keep said shutter sealingly engaged in the orifice. The system further comprises magnetic actuating means (12; 34) external to the body cavity for generating a magnetic force having strength sufficient to overcome the elastic force of the elastic means disengaging the shutter from the orifice.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprises a trocar, an insufflating optical obturator slidably insertable into the trocar, and a laparoscope slidably insertable into the obturator. A distal end of the obturator comprises a tip, at least a portion of which comprises a wall with a generally uniform thickness comprising a transparent material. At least one vent hole disposed at the obturator tip is fluidly connected to a gas flow channel defined by an interior surface of the obturator and the laparoscope, which is fluidly connected to an insufflation gas inlet disposed at a proximal end of the trocar. Improved optical characteristics of the trocar system permit precise and accurate visual placement thereof into a body cavity. Accordingly the access system is suitable as a first entry surgical access system. Embodiments of the trocar access are also useful for drug delivery, and/or for fluid and/or tissue aspiration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-the-go humidifying an insufflation gas through water vapor transfer from a liquid to the insufflation gas through a barrier separating the gas from the liquid to enable the gas in a normally trauma inducing state to be brought to a conditioned state. If the gas is at an improper insufflation temperature the temperature of the gas can be brought to the proper insufflation temperature at the same time the gas is humidified through heat transfer through the barrier.

Abstract: A medical conduit includes a first conduit, a second conduit and a third conduit. The first conduit is bigger than the third conduit in length and built within the third conduit; one end of the first conduit penetrates a bore at one end of the third conduit, while the other end of the first conduit penetrates a through-hole on the side wall of the other end of the third conduit and, together with the other end of the third conduit, forms a Y shape; the side wall at the other end of the first conduit is provided with a number of through-holes for guiding liquid or gas; one end of the second conduit is embedded at the bore at one end of the third conduit. The medical conduit can perform guidance and location in a human body and separately conduct injection and exhaustion to provide accurate measuring data for doctors.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system includes a waveguide configured to leak microwave radiation through an array of subwavelength apertures.

Abstract: A warming gas flows through a jacket to heat an insufflation gas flowing in a separate tube, thereby reducing cost and disposable waste. The heated warming gas may be filtered to sterilize or maintain sterility and released to atmosphere after heating the flowing insufflation gas. Alternatively the warming gas may be reheated and recirculated through the jacket, with an additional tube being used within the jacket so that the warming gas flows in both directions lengthwise. As an alternative to separate tubes, a single, multi-lumen tube may be used. The insufflation gas may be CO2 and the warming gas may be room air. The heating element and sensors may be separate from the disposable unit of a heated insufflation set, and need not be re-sterilized prior to or after use in surgery. The heat is constantly maintained, thereby eliminating “cold spots” caused by the natural cycling of the resistance heaters.

Abstract: A method for improving outcome following cerebral ischemia is provided. The method includes delivering nitric oxide into the nasal cavity for absorption into the brain through the nasal vasculature and preventing the inhalation of nitric oxide into the lungs to prevent pulmonary vasodilatation.

Abstract: A system for improving outcome following cerebral ischemia is provided. The system includes a source of nitric oxide and an elongate tubular member for insertion into a nose including at least one orifice thereon. The tubular member is coupled to the source of nitric oxide and the elongate tubular member configured for delivering the nitric oxide into a nasal cavity through the at least one orifice for absorption into a cerebral vasculature through a nasal vasculature. A means for controlling flow of the gas, a concentration of the nitric oxide in the gas, or both, is also provided.

Abstract: A method for improving outcome following cerebral ischemia is provided. The method includes delivering nitric oxide into the nasal cavity for absorption into the brain through the nasal vasculature and maintaining the nitric oxide in the nasal cavity.