Abstract: A method of ablating the sympathetic ganglionic cell bodies in the thoracic paravertebral space is provided. The method includes ablating the sympathetic ganglionic cell bodies in the thoracic paravertebral space through a posterior, non-invasive or minimally invasive approach for the treatment of resistant hypertension. The ablation may additionally involve various permutations of the gray and white rami and the dorsal root ganglion in addition to the sympathetic chain ganglionic cell bodies, all located in the triangular paravertebral space.

Abstract: A method of modulating a physiological parameter of a patient is provided. The method includes disabling one or more pre-aortic ganglion cells within a pre-aortic ganglion trans-venously and improving the physiological parameter. The method further includes destroying a pre-aortic ganglion cell trans-venously to prevent regeneration.

Abstract: A method of modulating a physiological parameter of a patient is provided. The method includes disabling one or more pre-aortic ganglion cells within a pre-aortic ganglion and improving the physiological parameter. The method further includes destroying a pre-aortic ganglion cell to prevent regeneration.

Abstract: A phototherapy and massage apparatus is disclosed for treating medical conditions in a patient's body cavity. The phototherapy and massage apparatus comprises a light source embedded in a hollow massage wand to produce therapeutic light. The massage wand can be inserted into the patient's body cavity to provide mechanical massage to the tissue inside. A portion of the massage wand is substantially transparent to the therapeutic light such that the therapeutic light can transmit through the massage wand to provide phototherapy to the same subject tissue.

Abstract: A light-based method of endovascular treatment, in particular, of pathologically altered blood vessels. Provided are a Method of Endovascular Light Treatment and a corresponding Endovascular Light Application Device.

Abstract: A light diffuser (10), which is particularly suitable for introducing diffuse light into a tissue, is produced by interpenetration of a diffuser material in a liquid state into a boundary layer (4) of a porous shaping material, by which process a diffuser surface is formed having a surface structure which represents essentially a negative of the pore structure of the shaping material and includes undercut structures induced by a surface tension. The light diffuser (10) is e.g. produced by introducing a diffuser blank (1) including material which is liquefiable through mechanical vibration into the shaping material and simultaneously stimulating it with mechanical vibrations, such that the liquefiable material liquefies at least there where it is in contact with the shaping material and is pressed into the shaping material. An in situ production of the diffuser is particularly advantageous for photodynamic therapy in bone tissue (20).

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a treatment probe comprising an elongated body member and a needle portion. The elongated body member can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle portion can be connected to the distal end portion. The needle portion can include at least one electrode and at least one fluid port. The at least one electrode and the at least one fluid port can be configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate, an intermediate bus disposed on the flexible substrate, and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate and coupled to the intermediate bus. The plurality of sensing elements and intermediate bus are disposed on the flexible substrate such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal strain of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool. Thus, over a first cutting portion, radio frequency current may help cut the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current may initiate vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the cutting device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for resecting and debulking prostatic tissue to utilize a shaft carrying an energy source. The shaft is anchored by a balloon or other structure expanded in the bladder, and the energy source is capable of directing ablative energy radially outwardly from the urethra, where the energy source will be moved in order to remove a pre-defined volume of prostatic tissue.

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and systems that use an optical probe head to deliver light to a target and to collect light from the target for imaging and monitoring a target while a separate radiation is applied to treat the target.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a laser catheter that includes a catheter body, a light guide, and a distal tip that extends beyond the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, an imaging device is disposed on the distal tip such that the imaging device is distal relative to the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, the imaging device can be gated to record images during and/or slightly beyond periods when the laser catheter is not activated.

Abstract: Prostate treatment using fluid stream to resect prostate tissue, thereby relieving symptoms of conditions such as BPH, prostatitis, and prostatic carcinoma. A device having a fluid delivery element is positioned within a lumen of the urethra within the prostate. A fluid stream is directed outwardly from the fluid delivery element toward a wall of the urethral lumen. The fluid delivery element is moved to scan the fluid stream over the wall to remove a volume of tissue surrounding the lumen. The fluid may be combined with therapeutically active substances or with substances that increase resection efficiency. Fluid force may be adjusted to provide selective tissue resection such that soft tissue is removed while harder tissue is left undamaged. In order to gain a working space within the urethra, another fluid may be introduced to insufflate the urethra in the region of treatment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for Near Infrared Microbial Elimination Laser Systems (NIMELS) including use with medical devices are disclosed. The medical devices can be situated in vivo. Suitable medical devices include catheters, stents, artificial joints, and the like. NIMELS methods, systems, and apparatus can apply near infrared radiant energy of certain wavelengths and dosimetries capable of impairing biological contaminants without intolerable risks and/or adverse effects to biological moieties other than a targeted biological contaminant associated with traditional approaches described in the art (e.g., loss of viability, or thermolysis). Lasers including diode lasers may be used for one or more light sources. A delivery assembly can be used to deliver the optical radiation produced by the source(s) produced to an application region that can include patient tissue. Exemplary embodiments utilize light in a range of 850 nm-900 nm and/or 905 nm-945 nm at suitable NIMELS dosimetries.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter apparatus, configured to cut through a vessel wall, includes an elongate body including a distal end. A cutting device, configured to selectively cut a hole in the vessel wall, is disposed at the distal end of the elongate body. The cutting device includes a substantially ring-shaped cutting portion including a first dimension and a second dimension, wherein the first dimension is greater than the second dimension. The gripping device, disposed at the distal end of the elongate body, is configured to grip the vessel wall to maintain the cutting device proximate the vessel wall during cutting of the hole in the vessel wall. The gripping device is further configured to retain a portion of the vessel wall removed during cutting of the vessel wall. In some examples, a method includes using a catheter apparatus to cut through a vessel wall.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating a heart using laser therapy by applying low energy pulses to left ventricular. The laser therapy made be used alone or in combination with another therapy, such as cell transplantation or gene therapy, or one or more therapeutic agents, such as a cytokines or growth factors.

Abstract: A catheter structure is provided for use with an electroviscerogram (EVG) system. The catheter structure includes an elongated tube structure having distal and proximal ends. Three electrodes are associated with distal end of the tube structure and are constructed and arranged obtain signals relating to myoelectrical activity internally of an intra-abdominal organ to thereby locate targeted tissue that includes main pathways of electrical generation in the organ. Therapy delivery structure, associated with the distal end of the tube structure and separate from the electrodes, is constructed and arranged to provide therapy at the targeted tissue simultaneously as the electrodes obtain the signals at the targeted tissue so that effectiveness of the therapy can be monitored.

Abstract: A device delivers light within a patient using an inner cannula, fiber optics, LED along an endotracheal tube, ETT or tracheostomy tube or a strip with embedded LED adhered to an ETT. The inner cannula includes a tubular thin walled device that transmits light by fiber optics or delivers electrical power to an LED. The light passes along one or more fibers placed within the walls of the inner cannula for outward delivery of the light. The light affects the inside of the cannula, the area between the cannula and the ETT, the area outside the ETT, and into the tracheobronchial tree. The light delivers an antimicrobial effect into the upper airway of a patient. Alternatively, the light delivery device involves tubes and cannulas attaching to existing medical tubes and devices. Alternatively, a transparent strip of embedded LED secures to an existing medical tube.

Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs.

Abstract: A directionally limited illuminating balloon catheter includes a multi-lumen shaft having a distal end and a hollow balloon portion disposed at the distal end and inflated through the shaft, the balloon portion having a light source illuminating only a portion of the environment outside the balloon portion. The balloon portion can have a directionally limited light source directing substantially all illumination towards the shaft. Also provided is a directionally illuminating balloon catheter kit including a set of illuminating catheters each having the light source with different sized illuminating areas to illuminate a different sized partial portion of the environment outside the balloon portion.

Abstract: Methods for the conditioning of bioprosthetic material employ bovine pericardial membrane. A laser directed at the fibrous surface of the membrane and moved relative thereto reduces the thickness of the membrane to a specific uniform thickness and smoothes the surface. The wavelength, power and pulse rate of the laser are selected which will smooth the fibrous surface as well as ablate the surface to the appropriate thickness. Alternatively, a dermatome is used to remove a layer of material from the fibrous surface of the membrane. Thinning may also employ compression. Stepwise compression with cross-linking to stabilize the membrane is used to avoid damaging the membrane through inelastic compression. Rather, the membrane is bound in the elastic compressed state through addition cross-linking. The foregoing several thinning techniques may be employed together to achieve strong thin membranes.

Abstract: Methods for the conditioning of bioprosthetic material employ bovine pericardial membrane. A laser directed at the fibrous surface of the membrane and moved relative thereto reduces the thickness of the membrane to a specific uniform thickness and smoothes the surface. The wavelength, power and pulse rate of the laser are selected which will smooth the fibrous surface as well as ablate the surface to the appropriate thickness. Alternatively, a dermatome is used to remove a layer of material from the fibrous surface of the membrane. Thinning may also employ compression. Stepwise compression with cross-linking to stabilize the membrane is used to avoid damaging the membrane through inelastic compression. Rather, the membrane is bound in the elastic compressed state through addition cross-linking. The foregoing several thinning techniques may be employed together to achieve strong thin membranes.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening.

Abstract: A method for denervation comprises: introducing a distal portion of a catheter to an interior of a vessel of patient, the catheter including an elongated catheter body extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the catheter body including the distal portion at the distal end and a catheter lumen from the proximal end to the distal end; delivering optical energy via the catheter lumen to the distal portion of the catheter body; emitting an optical beam outwardly from the distal portion, through an optical emission port disposed in the distal portion of the catheter body; and forming at least one trench using the emitted optical beam with sufficient intensity to a depth into a vessel wall of the vessel sufficient to cause tissue removal and physically sever at least one nerve associated with the vessel wall at the depth within that depth range.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound probe is disclosed, incorporating features for utilizing an advanced transducer technology on a rotating transducer shaft. In particular, the probe accommodates the transmission of the multitude of signals across the boundary between the rotary and stationary components of the probe required to support an advanced transducer technology. These advanced transducer technologies offer the potential for increased bandwidth, improved beam profiles, better signal to noise ratio, reduced manufacturing costs, advanced tissue characterization algorithms, and other desirable features. Furthermore, the inclusion of electronic components on the spinning side of the probe can be highly advantageous in terms of preserving maximum signal to noise ratio and signal fidelity, along with other performance benefits.

Abstract: The invention is a rotating tip catheter-imaging probe where electromagnetic energy is delivered to the distal end of a catheter and converted to mechanical energy using a light drive apparatus. The mechanical energy is then used to rotate a mirror that redirects light in fixed pattern on a sample. The rotating element of the light drive apparatus contains vanes, which rotate about an axis and positioned with bearings to minimize friction. A chamber encompasses the rotating element and is set to a vacuum pressure. The rotational speed of the catheter tip can be controlled by varying the optical power delivered to the vanes, the vacuum pressure in the chamber, or by a braking mechanism applied to the rotating element. The vanes may be shaped in a particular geometry to increase forces on the vanes from thermally driven gas flow.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of treating a male subject with a prostate condition, for example, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of treating a male subject with a prostate condition, which include administering a MetAP2 inhibitor at a dose that does not substantially modulate angiogenesis.

Abstract: A method of managing a system of minimally invasive surgery. The management method includes providing a practitioner with a minimally invasive surgery system including a controller. One or more use parameters is stored to memory associated with the controller. In addition, an electrosurgical probe having its own memory is provided to mate with the remaining elements of the system. Complementary use parameters are stored in the memory of the probe. The management method also includes communicating and comparing the use parameters of the controller with the complementary use parameters of the probe and managing the use of the electrosurgical probe according to the use parameters.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation instrument capable of removing blood from a treatment area is provided. The instrument includes a catheter configured to deliver a distal end thereof to a patient's heart. The instrument can also include an expandable element coupled to the distal end of the catheter wherein the expandable member is configured to be positioned adjacent a target area thereby defining a treatment area between the expandable member and the target area. Further, the instrument can include an irrigation mechanism configured to dispense an irrigation fluid from the catheter thereby displacing blood from the treatment area. Additionally, the instrument includes an energy emitter configured to deliver energy to tissue within the treatment area. The instrument can also include a contact sensor configured to determine the presence of such blood within the treatment area. Methods for ablating tissue are also provided.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tissue clip for use in electrosurgical procedures. The tissue clip includes an arm having a first electrode formed thereon. The tissue clip also includes a body pivotally coupled to the arm. The body includes a power source and a second electrode.

Abstract: A photostimulation apparatus may include: a membrane for insertion into a living body; and at least one cell disposed on the membrane. Each cell may include a first light source for irradiating light to a photosensitive material in the living body. Further, a photostimulation apparatus may include: a membrane for insertion into a living body; and at least one first light source disposed on the membrane for irradiating light to a photosensitive material in the living body. Since the photostimulation apparatus is placed on the surface of cortex or dura, it may minimize damage of the brain tissue and may activate and/or inhibit a large area simultaneously using light.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides fabricated micro-devices for application in live biological systems, each comprising (a) an outer membrane, (b) a micro-mechanical, micro-chemical, micro-chemical-mechanical, micro-optical, micro-acoustical, micro-biological, micro-bio-chemical, micro-bio-chemical-mechanical, micro-electro-bio-chemical-mechanical, micro-electro-chemical-mechanical, micro-electro-bio-chemical-mechanical, micro-electro-mechanical, micro-electromagnetic-mechanical, micro-acoustic-mechanical, and micro-superconducting-mechanical properties, and (c) having a size as defined by the outer membrane ranging from 1 angstrom to 5 millimeters; and methods of using such fabricated micro-devices.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present application are devices for localized delivery of energy and methods of using such devices, particularly for therapeutic treatment of biological tissues. The disclosed methods may involve positioning and deploying the energy delivery members in a target site, and delivering energy through the energy delivery members. The disclosed devices may also be used to create a tissue tract within a biological tissue and to ablate the tissue tract.

Abstract: A laser tissue fusion device is optimized for particular surgical applications to join tissue layers. The device has two opposed arms that engage and disengage to clamp and release layers of tissue therebetween. The distal end of the first arm is disposed opposite the distal end of the second arm. A laser energy source generates therapeutic laser energy is either integrated within the device is a separate unit. An energy pathway transmits the laser energy to the distal end of the first arm to deliver the laser energy to tissue layers clamped between the distal ends of the arms. An actuator decreases the separation distance between the distal ends of the arms to clamp the tissue layers. A switch activates the laser energy source upon engagement. The laser energy source delivers a burst of energy at a predetermined wavelength for a predetermined period of time sufficient to spot-weld the tissue.

Abstract: An object is to provide a laser treatment tool capable of guiding a plurality of fluids, a laser transmission path insertable into such a laser treatment tool, and an external tube for forming the laser transmission path. In an external tube 80 which forms a laser transmission path 70 together with a lengthy hollow waveguide path 90 for guiding treatment laser light 57a and has an inner insertion space 81 for allowing insertion of the hollow waveguide path 90, a plurality of sub passages 84 and cooling water passages 85 are provided outside the hollow waveguide path 90, inserted into the insertion space 81, along a longitudinal direction of the insertion space 81.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices for endoluminally treating female fallopian tubes or male vas deferens of mammals are presented as a permanent method of contraception. In preferred embodiments, medical devices for male and female sterilization comprise laser radiation source operating at one or more preselected wavelengths between about 980 nm and about 1950 nm, preferably at least one of 980 nm, 1470 nm and 1950 nm; treatment waveguide with a radial or cylindrical radiation emitting tip; viewing scope; and a temperature sensor. In another preferred embodiment, a minimally-invasive permanent contraception method for males and females comprises the steps of introducing at least one treatment waveguide in a body cavity; positioning the treatment waveguide inside a body cavity; irradiating; and repeating the procedure in companion body cavity to inhibit fertilization.

Abstract: Laser radiation delivered to a treatment area may be used with a smoke suppressing irrigant. A laparoscopic laser device may include an elongate body adapted for insertion into an insufflated bodily cavity. A laser energy delivery element, at the distal end of the elongate body, may be coupleable to a source of tissue-vaporization-capable laser energy and capable of delivering laser energy along a laser energy path extending away from the laser energy delivery element. A smoke-suppressing liquid may be directed generally along the laser energy path. A remote visualization device may be used to view along the laser energy path. The laser energy path can be shrouded with a circumferentially extending suction manifold so that liquid can be suctioned from the target site and away from the laser energy path. In some examples, the suction manifold is an axially extendable and contractible suction manifold.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided including a handle portion and a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes a grasper disposed at a distal end of the body portion, the grasper including an ultraviolet (UV) light mechanism for performing UV tacking of an implant. The implant is positioned between the first and second jaw members of the grasper: (i) to be placed at a surgical site and (ii) to be exposed by a UV light emitted from the UV light mechanism such that the UV tacking of the implant to the surgical site is performed.

Abstract: Disclosed are vertebroplasty methods that include cauterizing an inner cavity of a vertebra of a mammal, such as a human, and injecting bone cement into the vertebra. Systems and kits for performing such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to an integrated apparatus for delivering energy to a tissue. The integrated apparatus included a housing having a distal end and a tubular structure located within the housing forming a first annulus between the tubular structure and the housing. The tubular structure is configured to accept an energy delivery component and is configured to form a second annulus between the tubular structure and the energy delivery component. The first annulus and the second annulus are configured to communicate with each other proximate to the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal pulmonary veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's pulmonary veins are provided.

Abstract: A method of treating atrial fibrillation includes the step of positioning a distal portion of an ablation instrument in proximity to one or more pulmonary veins. The instrument has a hollow housing and an independently axially positionable energy emitter within the distal portion The energy emitter is configured and the distal portion is shaped such that a distance a beam of ablative energy travels from the energy emitter to the portion of the distal portion in contact with target tissue changes based on the energy emitter's location along the length of the instrument while the distal portion maintains its shape The energy emitter is a light emitting element and a beam-forming optical waveguide that receives light from the light emitting element. The waveguide projects onto the distal portion a hollow cone of radiation.

Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs.

Abstract: A light transmission system to provide photodynamic treatment to a patient includes a single use integrated control module and catheter assembly having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit light toward target cells within a patient. The integrated light catheter and control module are used in combination with a light activated drug. Selected operating parameters may be programmed into the control module, or it may be wirelessly programmable in situ prior to use to allow user flexibility to tailor treatment for a particular patient or condition. Among the features that prevent reuse are that the control module lacks access to recharge the power source, and it may include a deactivation module that destroys circuitry or software when triggered. To prevent patient interference when in use, the control module may also be configured to selectively deactivate.

Abstract: A system for conducting a denervation of the neural plexus adjacent the renal artery of a patient comprises a first elongate member operatively coupled to a testing element, a second elongate member having a distal portion coupled to an ablative element, and a controller configured to: activate an ablative element to selectively denervate a portion of the neural plexus which is positioned adjacent the ablative element; monitor a level of a compound in blood sampled from the testing element of the first elongate member; and modulate the activation of the ablative element based at least in part upon the level of renin monitored using the testing element.

Abstract: Laser radiation delivered to a treatment area may be used with a smoke suppressing irrigant. A laparoscopic laser device may include an elongate body adapted for insertion into an insufflated bodily cavity. A laser energy delivery element, at the distal end of the elongate body, may be coupleable to a source of tissue-vaporization-capable laser energy and capable of delivering laser energy along a laser energy path extending away from the laser energy delivery element. A smoke-suppressing liquid may be directed generally along the laser energy path. A remote visualization device may be used to view along the laser energy path. The laser energy path can be shrouded with a circumferentially extending suction manifold so that liquid can be suctioned from the target site and away from the laser energy path. In some examples, the suction manifold is an axially extendable and contractible suction manifold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for impairing smooth muscle tissue function using energy and/or pressure are described herein. The systems and/or methods may be used in some embodiments to target smooth muscle tissue in the bronchial passages.

Abstract: An elongated flexible medical device is inserted into a patient's body via a natural orifice, and advanced through the natural orifice to a location proximate innervated tissue that influences renal sympathetic nerve activity. The medical device can be advanced into a body organ and to a location within the organ proximate the innervated tissue. The organ may comprise an organ of the gastrointestinal tract or urinary tract. The medical device may be advanced through and beyond an access hole in a wall of the organ, and situated at a location proximate the innervated tissue. One or both of imaging and ablation energy is delivered from a distal end of the medical device to the innervated tissue. Innervated renal tissue can be ablated using various forms of energy, including RF energy, ultrasound energy, optical energy, and thermal energy.

Abstract: A method, composition and system respond to ionizing radiation to adjust biological activity. In some approaches the ionizing radiation is X-ray or extreme ultraviolet radiation that produces luminescent responses that induce biologically active responses.