Abstract: A balloon-type electrode catheter is capable of performing an ablation treatment with respect to a lesion over a wide area and excellent in an effect of cooling the inner portion of a balloon. The balloon-type electrode catheter includes an outer tube, an energization connector, a balloon having neck portions at both ends of an expansion portion, an inner tube, a distal end tip, strip electrodes formed on the outer surface of the balloon, and a conducting wire that connects each of the strip electrodes and the energization connector to each other. Openings of fluid supply sub lumens of the outer tube are located on the distal end side from an intermediate location in the axial direction in the expansion portion of the balloon. Openings of fluid drainage sub lumens of the outer tube are located at the proximal end of the expansion portion.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided surgical system is provided that includes one or more surgical tools having components configured to develop reactive effects when exposed to MR signals generated by the MRI system. The system includes a control system that can determine whether the MR system is generating MR signals, and if the control system determines that the MR system is generating MR signals, mitigates the reactive effects of MR signals on components of the surgical tools. The system can include a cryoablation system with a cryoprobe having a probe shaft being made of a metallic material. If the control system determines that the MR system is generating MR signals, the control system can electrically disconnect the cryoprobe and/or ignore electrical signals generated by the electric heater in response to exposure to MR signals, and/or initiate a cooling operation of the probe shaft, whereby the cooling operation.

Abstract: An attachment for an imaging device may include a first sheath including a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a second sheath positioned around an exterior of the first sheath; and a connector coupled to the first sheath and configured to be coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for maintaining cryoballoon size, cryoballoon pressure, and/or coolant flow rate based on physical characteristics of the tissue to be ablated. In one embodiment, a cryoablation system comprises: a cryoablation device, the cryoablation device including: an expandable treatment element defining an interior chamber; and a pressure sensing system at least partially within the interior chamber; a fluid flow path including at least one valve that is in communication with at least one PID device; and a control unit including processing circuitry in communication with the pressure sensing system and the at least one PID device, the processing circuitry being configured to: determine a target pressure of the expandable treatment element based on a target size of the expandable treatment element; and determine a target flow rate of coolant through the fluid flow path based on the target pressure of the expandable treatment element.

Abstract: A system using a guide to assist in insertion of a helicoidal member in a target biological tissue. The system adheres to tissues using suction to allow insertion of the helicoidal member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Abstract: A surgical cryoablation system comprising a valve having a valve inlet and a valve outlet the valve inlet connectable to a source of cryogenic fluid at a pressure of greater than 4000 psi and the valve outlet connectable to a cryoablation probe, such that the valve outlet is in fluid communication with the cryoprobe such that the source of cryogenic fluid is in fluid communication with the valve inlet.

Abstract: A medical device including an outer tube, an expandable chamber coupled to the outer tube, and an injection tubular member in fluid communication with an interior of the expandable chamber. The injection tubular member is coupled to a source of fluid and a distal end within the expandable chamber and a fluid nozzle is located in a distalmost end face of the distal end of the injection tubular member. A fluid dispersion unit is coupled to the injection tubular member with a longitudinal axis, the fluid nozzle being within the fluid dispersion unit and configured to direct a flow of fluid into the fluid dispersion unit. The fluid dispersion unit has an opening to direct a flow path of the flow of fluid expelled by the fluid nozzle within the fluid dispersion unit and into an interior surface of the expandable chamber from the opening at the distalmost end face.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for regulating cryogenic treatments are disclosed which comprise devices and methods for delivering controlled treatment of a cryoablative agent. In one variation, such devices may generally comprise an elongate probe having a distal tip and a flexible length, at least one infusion lumen positioned through or along the elongate probe, wherein the infusion lumen defines one or more openings along its length, and a liner expandably enclosing the probe. An inflow reservoir or canister valve may be fluidly coupled with a reservoir or canister containing the cryoablative agent and a modulation control unit may also be fluidly coupled with the inflow reservoir or canister valve and in fluid communication with the at least one infusion lumen. Additionally, a warming element may also be thermally coupled with the reservoir or canister.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing pressure within a cryogenic device include receiving a flow rate value corresponding to an expected average mass flow rate of a cryogen through a needle probe of the cryogenic device during a cryotherapy treatment cycle; determining, based on the flow rate value, a target heater power to be applied to a heater associated with the cryogenic device for a treatment cycle, wherein the heater is configured to heat the cryogen; receiving an input for the treatment cycle; causing the cryogen to flow for a period of time toward the needle probe in response to the input; and apply the target heater power to the heater during the treatment cycle so as to heat the cryogen and stabilize pressure within the cryogenic device.

Abstract: A method for cryogenically treating tissue. A connection is detected between a probe having a disposable secure processor (DSP) to a handpiece having a master control unit (MCU) and a handpiece secure processor (HSP), the probe having at least one cryogenic treatment applicator. The probe is fluidly coupled to a closed coolant supply system within the handpiece via the connection. An authentication process is initiated between the DSP and the HSP using the MCU. As a result of the authentication process, one of at least two predetermined results is determined, the at least two predetermined results being that the probe is authorized and non-authorized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double-layer cryogenic inflatable balloon including an inflatable balloon assembly and a cryogenic balloon assembly. The inflatable balloon assembly includes an inflatable balloon, an outer catheter and a liquid-filling cavity provided with a liquid-filling chamber, the inflatable balloon, the outer catheter and the liquid-filling cavity being communicated with each other. The cryogenic balloon assembly includes a cryogenic balloon, an inner catheter and a fluid-diverting cavity provided with a gas return chamber as well as a gas inlet pipe and an inflation assembly, the cryogenic balloon, the inner catheter and the fluid-diverting cavity being communicated with each other, wherein the cryogenic balloon is located in the inflatable balloon, and the inner catheter is located in the outer catheter.

Abstract: A method includes receiving position signals that are indicative of positions of multiple electrodes disposed on an expandable balloon that is fitted at a distal end of a shaft for engaging a lumen of an organ to occlude the lumen. Based on the received position signals, a change is calculated in one or more dimensions of the balloon between (i) a first configuration in which the balloon is inflated but not engaged in the lumen, and (ii) a second configuration in which the balloon is inflated and engaged in the lumen. Using the calculated change, a degree is estimated to which the balloon occludes the lumen. The estimated degree of occlusion is presented to a user.

Abstract: Provided herein are new compositions, methods, and devices to treat cancer through a combination of immunologic chemotherapeutic agents and ablation techniques. These compositions can include immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines and nucleic acid drugs that aid in eliciting an immune response to treat the tumor. The administration of these compositions in addition to various ablating techniques provides a presentation of the cancer cell antigens to the immune system and the immunologic targeting of the cancer.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument includes a feed line for conveying fluid into an expansion chamber. The feed line has a capillary line section that terminates in the expansion chamber and forms an aperture for the fluid to undergo the Joule-Thomson effect. The flow cross-section of the feed line decreases in at least one transition section of the feed line in the form of a funnel. Following each transition section there preferably follows a step section, in which latter section the flow cross-section is preferably largely constant. The last step section is preferably formed by the capillary line section. Due to the acceleration of the fluid in the transition sections and the abating of pressure fluctuations in the capillary tube section and, optionally in the additional step sections, the expansion range in the expansion chamber is increased, without impeding the backflow of the expanded gas out of the expansion chamber.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus for creating a lesion in target tissue, the ablation apparatus having an ablation shaft including a handle, a first portion, an ablation portion, distal tip, at least one ablation energy delivery lumen, at least one ablation energy return lumen, and a stylet lumen that extends substantially along a length of the ablation shaft from the handle to at least the ablation portion. The ablation apparatus also includes a stylet that is capable of being inserted into the stylet lumen where the stylet is made of a shape-memory material.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for treating an area of tissue and evaluating lesion formation and quality. The system may include a medical device having a plurality of mapping electrodes on a treatment element, the plurality of mapping electrodes being configured to record from the area of tissue at least one of unipolar impedance measurements, bipolar impedance measurements, local electrical activity, and pace threshold measurements before, during, and after circulation of the cryogenic fluid within the treatment element. These measurements may be transmitted to a control unit having processing circuitry configured to compare pre-treatment measurements, in-treatment measurements, and/or post-treatment measurements to each other and/or to threshold values to determine occlusion and/or lesion quality, such as lesion transmurality.

Abstract: Provided herein are new compositions, methods, and devices to treat cancer through a combination of immunologic chemotherapeutic agents and ablation techniques. These compositions can include immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines and nucleic acid drugs that aid in eliciting an immune response to treat the tumor. The administration of these compositions in addition to various ablating techniques provides a presentation of the cancer cell antigens to the immune system and the immunologic targeting of the cancer.

Abstract: A medical device for directionally focusing energy to a treatment site, the medical device including a shaft having an elongated body defining a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, the distal portion including at least one electrode having a contact portion and a permeable sheath at least partially surrounding the at least one electrode, the permeable sheath and the at least one electrode defining an insulation cavity, the permeable sheath being impermeable to an insulation material introduced to the insulation cavity from a fluid source configured to be coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A method and system in accordance with a particular embodiments of the technology includes applying a substance onto skin of a human subject. An applicator is then applied to the subject to cool a region of the subject. After cooling the tissue, a nucleation initiator is used to initiate a freeze event in the tissue. The nucleation initiator can be an ice crystal that inoculates the skin upon contact to create a predictable freeze event therein. The time of contact between the ice crystal and the skin can be controlled to achieve desired effects.

Abstract: A base sequence determination apparatus includes (1) a mobility correction unit that outputs a mobility correction signal obtained by mobility correction of a time-series signal of a wavelength spectrum corresponding to each base, (2) a deconvolution unit that executes processes for calculating a deconvoluted signal of the mobility correction signal respectively for a plurality of parameter candidates of point spread function, calculating variance of peak intervals for the calculated deconvoluted signal, specifying a parameter of the point spread function using the calculated variance, and outputting the deconvoluted signal corresponding to the point spread function having the specified parameter as an updated deconvoluted signal, (3) a peak extracting unit that extracts a peak waveform from the updated deconvoluted signal and outputs an updated peak-extracted signal, and (4) a sequence specifying unit that inputs the updated peak-extracted signal and determines a base sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system may include controller that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.

Abstract: Methods for treating a human patient diagnosed with cancer with therapeutic neuromodulation and associated systems are disclosed herein. Sympathetic nerve activity can contribute to several cellular and physiological processes associated with the progression of cancer. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods that attenuate neural traffic along target sympathetic nerves innervating tissue proximate a primary malignant tumor. Other aspects are directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in a renal nerve of a patient diagnosed with cancer or who has a high risk of developing cancer. Targeted sympathetic nerve activity can be attenuated to improve a measurable physiological parameter corresponding to the progression of cancer in the patient. The attenuation can be achieved, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a therapeutic assembly, e.g.

Abstract: A cryoprobe having a working tip formed of two coaxial flexible internal and external tubular lines, wherein the cross-section diameter of the internal line is substantially smaller than the cross-section diameter of the external line, and the length is slightly smaller than the length of the external line. The external line ends with a top closing the working tip of the cryoprobe, while the end of the internal line is open, and there are openings evenly distributed across the circumference on at least half of the section of the internal line. On the section from the handle to the end located under the top, a resistance wire is spirally wound on the internal line, wherein the distance between the wall of the external line and the wall of the internal line is larger than the diameter of the resistance wire. On the external line, no further from the top located on the top of the working tip than ? of the length thereof, there is a temperature sensor connected to the handle by a power line.

Abstract: A device for treatment of acne includes: a case having a contact surface portion to contact a skin of an acne region, the contact surface portion being provided with at least one through hole; at least one needle inserted into the skin of the acne region through the through hole with the contact surface portion arranged in contact with the skin; a driving unit arranged inside the case; a needle fixing part arranged inside the case so as to fix the at least one needle and configured to be linearly moved by the driving unit; and a needle cooling unit configured to cooling the at least one needle to transfer coldness into the skin of the acne region through the at least one needle to suppress a function of a sebaceous gland in the skin of the acne region such that proliferation of propionibacterium acnes is limited.

Abstract: A surgical cryoablation system comprising a valve having a valve inlet and a valve outlet the valve inlet connectable to a source of cryogenic fluid at a pressure of greater than 4000 psi and the valve outlet connectable to a cryoablation probe, such that the valve outlet is in fluid communication with the cryoprobe such that the source of cryogenic fluid is in fluid communication with the valve inlet.

Abstract: An ablation assembly includes a handle, a catheter assembly and a connector locking assembly. The catheter assembly includes: a catheter shaft, a balloon and a connector at the distal and proximal ends of the catheter shaft, and a delivery tube extending between there between. The connector includes a connector body secured to the proximal end and a plug secured to the delivery tube, the plug and delivery tube movable axially and rotationally. The handle includes an open portion receiving the plug and the connector body. The connector locking assembly includes: means for simultaneously automatically connecting the plug and the connector body to the handle to place the connector in a load state prior to use, and means for automatically releasing the connector body and thereafter the plug from the handle to place the connector in an eject state to permit the connector to be removed from the handle.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for delivering a diagnostic agent to a site in the brain of a subject for imaging at least a portion of the brain site on a medical imaging system. The method and system includes a catheter device with associated lumens having diagnostic agent ports for delivering the diagnostic agent (e.g., infusate) through the lumens and advancing the diagnostic agent so as to exit out from the lumens to at least a portion of the brain site and while sealing a portion of the brain site thereby preventing the exited diagnostic agent from travelling proximally beyond the sealing location, and at the same time imaging at least a portion of the brain site during at least a portion of the sealing duration so that the brain site can be visualized on a medical imaging system. The diagnostic agent (infusate) is able to highlight borders and internal patterns of the deep structures of the brain thereby enabling direct targeting.

Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus. The system has an access tool with a lumen, the access tool being adapted to be inserted through a human cervical canal to place an opening of the lumen within a uterus when the access tool is inserted through the cervical canal; a seal disposed at a distal region of the access tool and adapted to seal the access tool against an interior cervical os; a sealing indicator adapted to provide a user with an indication that the seal has sealed the access tool with the interior cervical os; and a vapor delivery mechanism adapted to deliver condensable vapor through the access tool to the uterus, the condensable vapor being adapted to condense within the uterus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of cryotherapy. In particular, the present disclosure relates to cryotherapy systems that ensure egress of cryogen gas delivered within a patient's body during cryotherapy procedures and, more particularly, sensors for use with cryotherapy systems that include delivery catheters wherein the systems ensure that egress of cryogen gas from the patient's body is possible whenever the catheter is operating.

Abstract: Devices and systems for the selective positioning of an intravascular neuromodulation device are disclosed herein. Such systems can include, for example, an elongated shaft and a therapeutic assembly carried by a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The therapeutic assembly is configured for delivery within a blood vessel. The therapeutic assembly can include a pre-formed shape and can be transformable between a substantially straight delivery configuration; and a treatment configuration having the pre-formed helical shape to position the therapeutic assembly in stable contact with a wall of the body vessel. The therapeutic assembly can also include a mechanical decoupler operably connected to the therapeutic assembly that is configured to absorb at least a portion of a force exerted on the therapeutic assembly by the shaft so that the therapeutic assembly maintains a generally stationary position relative to the target site.

Abstract: A method and system for providing lesion depth feedback during an ablation procedure. In particular, the method and system provide feedback data or information relating to lesion depth in myocardial tissue during a cryoablation procedure. A plurality of tissue temperature measurements may be transmitted from a plurality of thermocouples disposed on a cryotreatment element, which measurements may be used to determine a slope of change in temperature sensed by each thermocouple over time. The circulation of coolant through the treatment element may be adjusted when the slope changes. A change in slope may indicate that the cryoablation temperatures have passed through target myocardial tissue into non-target, non-myocardial tissue, which may result in collateral damage to structures near the heart.

Abstract: An ablation applicator for an ablation device for ablating tissue of a blood vessel having a tubular body defining an inner lumen to which an ablation medium is conductable, a control mechanism for converting the tubular body between a passive operation mode for inserting the ablation applicator into the blood vessel and an active operation mode for ablating tissue of the blood vessel, and an ablation medium supply line for supplying the ablation medium to the inner lumen and positioned within the inner lumen and having a number of openings for passing the ablation medium from the ablation medium supply line to the inner lumen for thermally contacting the ablation medium with the tubular body wherein at least some of the openings are distributed along the ablation medium supply line with a predetermined spacing between neighboring openings.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system can include a temperature monitoring device including: a heat flux channel, a first temperature sensor thermally coupled to the heat flux channel, a second temperature sensor thermally coupled to the heat flux channel, a thermal cage thermally coupled to and arranged around the heat flux channel along a length of the heat flux channel, and a processing system operable to determine a core body temperature measurement based on temperature data collected at the first and the second temperature sensors.

Abstract: A cryotreatment catheter for treating tissue. The catheter may include an outer elongate body, a balloon treatment element coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body with a plurality of balloon lobes radially arranged around the outer elongate body, an inner elongate body rotatably movable within the lumen of the outer elongate body, and a fluid delivery lumen located within the lumen of the outer elongate body and at least partially within the lumen of the inner elongate body. The fluid delivery lumen may be branched at a distal portion into a plurality of linear segments, each linear segment being in fluid communication with one of the plurality of balloon lobes. Each of the balloon lobes may be inflated independently of each other by the linear segments of the fluid delivery lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical system, including a catheter defining an injection lumen, a chamber in fluid communication with the injection lumen, and an exhaust lumen in fluid communication with the chamber; a first temperature sensor positioned in the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber; a second temperature sensor positioned in the chamber; and a console in electrical communication with the first and second temperature sensors, the controller modifying coolant flow through the medical device based at least in part upon a signal received from the first and second temperature sensor. The system may further include a thermally-conductive element circumscribing a substantial portion of the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber, where the first temperature sensor is mounted to the thermally-conductive element, and the thermally-conductive element may include at least one of a braid, coil, and band.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an outer shaft defining a passageway. An inner shaft is disposed within the passageway and defines a lumen. An expandable structure has a first end coupled to a second end of the outer shaft and a second end coupled to a second end of the inner shaft. The expandable member defines a chamber. A delivery shaft includes a first end positioned within the passageway and a second end positioned within the chamber. The delivery shaft defines a channel configured to deliver a coolant out of an opening in the second end of the delivery shaft and into the chamber to move the expandable structure from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. A variable exhaust valve is in communication with the passageway and is configured to regulate pressure within the chamber. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a stem extending from the distal end of the shaft and comprising a first cover and a second cover, the first cover and the second cover being configured to inhibit access to fallopian tubes of a patient; and a plurality of temperature sensors disposed on the shaft and on the stem. At least one of the temperature sensors is positioned between the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the shaft and at least one of the temperature sensors is positioned on the stem.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, devices, systems, and methods are provided for delivering energy to difficult to access tissue regions (e.g. central or peripheral lung tissues), and/or reducing the amount of undesired heat given off during energy delivery.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a gastrostomy tube reinsertion device. The present invention provides a dilation device for dilating the gastrostomy tube tract in living tissues. In one aspect, the gastrostomy tube reinsertion device comprises multiple dilators to open collapsed soft tissue within the gastrostomy tube tract. Such device is useful for reinserting a gastrostomy tube into the previously defined tract in a human body, even after partial closure of the tract and gastrostomy tube insertion site. In another aspect, the present invention provides the method or steps for reinserting a gastrostomy tube into a patient.

Abstract: A device is described for treating a nasal airway by modifying a property of a nasal tissue of or near a nasal valve of the airway, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in the nasal airway. Various embodiments include an elongate shaft, a bipolar radiofrequency delivery member extending from one end of the shaft, and a handle attached to the elongate shaft at an opposite end from the radiofrequency delivery member. The radiofrequency delivery member is sized to be inserted into a nose and configured to at least temporarily deform the nasal tissue and deliver radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency delivery member includes two rows of protruding electrodes disposed on a tissue contact surface, and the device is configured to deliver radiofrequency energy from one row of electrodes to the other row of electrodes.

Abstract: Cryotherapeutic devices for renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator having a distributor in fluid communication with the supply lumen and a balloon configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the treatment site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.

Abstract: A system and method for Brugada syndrome epicardial ablation comprising preparing an endocardial duration map; preparing a baseline epicardial duration map comprising at least one or more areas of delimination; and when some of the areas of delimination are greater than 200 ms, performing epicardial ablation of the areas of delimination greater than 200 ms. The method may further comprise preparing an updated epicardial duration map after performing epicardial ablation, and determining whether or not a BrS pattern appears in the updated epicardial duration map; and when the BrS pattern appears, performing epicardial ablation. The method may further comprise preparing an updated epicardial duration map after performing epicardial ablation, and determining whether or not an abnormal EGM exists in the updated epicardial duration map; and when the abnormal EGM exists, performing epicardial ablation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves. According to some embodiments, the sensory nerves include neurons configured to transmit signals triggered by food passing through the duodenum, such as, but not limited to, neurohormonal signals.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and systems for treating joint pain associated with a nerve. A needle of a cryogenic system may be inserted beneath a skin surface. The needle may include an electrically conducting structure at least partially surrounded by an electrical insulator for conducting electrical energy. The needle may include an outer lumen and an inner lumen extending distally within the outer lumen, the inner lumen include a distal opening open to the outer lumen. The needle may be positioned at a desired location in proximity to the nerve, and a cooling therapy including cooling cycles and thawing periods may be performed to cool tissue at the desired location. The cooling therapy may sufficiently reduce the joint pain.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and systems for treating back pain associated with a nerve. A needle of a cryogenic system may be inserted beneath a skin surface. The needle may include an electrically conducting structure at least partially surrounded by an electrical insulator for conducting electrical energy. The needle may include an outer lumen and an inner lumen extending distally within the outer lumen, the inner lumen include a distal opening open to the outer lumen. The needle may be positioned at a desired location in proximity to the nerve, and a cooling therapy including cooling cycles and thawing periods may be performed to cool tissue at the desired location. The cooling therapy may sufficiently reduce the back pain.

Abstract: A cooling lance is provided to cool an electrically conductive contact body. The cooling lance includes a lance body, a fluid line extending through the lance body, and a flexible cooling bladder positioned on an end of the lance body and in fluidic communication with the fluid line.

Abstract: Cardiac catheterization is conducted using a probe having a balloon assembly, in which a spring has a resting axially elongated configuration and a torsed, axially shortened configuration. A balloon is twisted about the spring and mechanically linked to the spring. A flexible sheath is disposed about the spring within the balloon, the sheath and the wall of the balloon defining a chamber to contain a fluid flowing therein and thereout of the balloon.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for thermally affecting tissue. The device may generally include an elongate body, an actuation element slidably disposed within the elongate body, a balloon defining an interior chamber, a proximal neck, and a distal neck, the first neck being coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body and the second neck being coupled to the distal portion of the actuation element, retraction of the actuation element within the elongate body causing the treatment element to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. The distal neck may be located external to the interior chamber in the first configuration and within the interior chamber in the second configuration. The device may also include a fluid injection element that is transitionable to an expanded configuration when the balloon is inflated, thereby enhancing the cooling capacity of the balloon.

Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus. The system has an access tool with a lumen, the access tool being adapted to be inserted through a human cervical canal to place an opening of the lumen within a uterus when the access tool is inserted through the cervical canal; a seal disposed at a distal region of the access tool and adapted to seal the access tool against an interior cervical os; a sealing indicator adapted to provide a user with an indication that the seal has sealed the access tool with the interior cervical os; and a vapor delivery mechanism adapted to deliver condensable vapor through the access tool to the uterus, the condensable vapor being adapted to condense within the uterus.