Abstract: A device for removing polyps is provided and includes a tubular member having proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the tubular member includes a first electrode extending thereacross. The first electrode defines at least one opening therein. The polyp removal device further includes a snare portion operably extending from within the distal end of the tubular member and through at least one opening defined in the first electrode. The tubular member is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy between the first electrode and the snare portion. The polyp removal device further includes a handle portion operatively extending from within the proximal end of the tubular member. The snare portion may include a second electrode. The snare portion and the first electrode are configured to grasp and seal a polyp therebetween. The first and second electrodes may be independently activated.

Abstract: A heat treatment catheter (10) for use in heating a biological site in a patient's body includes an elongate electrode-carrying element (12). A plurality of heating electrodes (16) are arranged at spaced intervals at a distal region (14) of the electrode-carrying element (12). The distal region (14) of the electrode-carrying element (12) is formed into a predetermined, non-rectilinear shape so that, in use, when any two of the electrodes (16) are energised with heat energy, overlapping heat treated zones (36, 38) are created by the energised electrodes (16) to form a heat treated region extending between the two energised electrodes (16).

Abstract: Tissue sticking is substantially reduced or eliminated altogether by smoothing a working surface of a ceramic material or material with a ceramic-like surface microstructure of a tissue fusion instrument to an Ra in the range of less than 0.15 to 0.40 microns. The ceramic material may be aluminum nitride. Reducing or eliminating tissue sticking is particularly advantageous when fusing tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ablating tissue in a heart (24) of a subject (25) during an ablation procedure is disclosed. The method includes contacting an ablation catheter tip (48) to tissue of the heart (24) at a plurality of sites designated for ablation; sensing at each respective site a feedback signal from the ablation catheter indicative of success of the intended local ablation; storing any available data defining a current position of the ablation catheter tip (48) relative to the heart (24) at a moment of sensing the feedback signal indicative of a failed intended ablation for later re-visit; displaying a map (60) of a region of interest of the heart (24); and designating, on the map display (60), indications of the sites corresponding to when the required electrical current is above the threshold current value indicative of a gap in an ablation line or ring.

Abstract: A handheld probe treats acne and other skin conditions using a combination of optical and thermal therapy. The device contains light emitting devices capable of impinging a treatment area with laser light. In the preferred embodiment, the light emitting devices emit a combination of red and blue light to treat acne causing bacteria and prevent inflammation. The emitted light can be formed into therapeutically effective shapes by one or more optical arrangements. The device also contains a thermally conductive plate heated by a heater. The thermally conductive plate contacts the skin and warms it, enlarging the pores in the treatment area. One or more contact switches activate the device when brought into or near contact with the treatment area. In the preferred embodiment, the device is powered by a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating varicose veins includes a catheter (20) where the distal end is placed within a varicose vein and the proximal portion remains outside the body of the subject. A heating element (22) heats the vein. A cooling element (62) can be applied to an external surface of the skin above the vicinity of the heating element. A control unit (26) can drive the heating element to apply heat to the vein simultaneously. Alternatively, the control unit can apply a current to the heating element to resistively heat a resistive element. A method for treating a varicose vein includes inserting the elongated heating element into the vein, and driving the heating element to apply heat to the segment of vein simultaneously from the entire active heating portion.

Abstract: Improved corrective procedures for conductive keratoplasty are disclosed. Over correction can be relieved by the addition of one or two spots along one of the rings on the cornea.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: A resistance heater for use in a tissue sealing and cutting device, including a tubular heating element adapted to conduct current therethrough; and a thermally conductive electrical insulator disposed within the tubular heating element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises two oppositely-positioned working numbers each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface. The instrument also comprises at least one ring member affixed to a least one of the working members to encompass one or more of a user's fingers. In one embodiment at least one working surface has a heating element to cut or seal and cut tissue.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device includes a catheter with a window at its distal tip for admitting tissue into a catheter compartment. A cylindrical cartridge in the compartment has a cutting edge that supports an electrically conductive cutting element, e.g. a band or wire. The cutting element and adjacent tissue can be heated to a selected temperature by generating an electrical current through the cutting element. The catheter is maneuverable to position its distal end near the tissue to be cut. The catheter incorporates a dilatation balloon or other feature to urge the catheter against the tissue, so that at least part of the tissue may enter the compartment through the window. Then, the cartridge is manipulated from the catheter's proximal end to move the cutting edge across the window, cutting the tissue. According to alternative embodiments, the cartridge is either rotated or moved axially relative to the catheter and, in either event may be capable of closing the catheter window when the cut is complete.

Abstract: Elastographic images provide visualization in two or three dimensions of RF ablation lesions to guide in the ablation process. Compression may be applied using the RF probe. A similar technique may be applied to in vivo imaging of soft tissue without ablation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the treatment of skin lesions resulting from bacterial, fungal or viral infections or from exposure to irritants are disclosed. The invention relates methods and devices for delivering a controlled dose of thermal energy to the infected or irritated tissue and thereby speed the recovery process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for transporting a molecule through a mammalian barrier membrane of at least one layer of cells comprising the steps of: ablating the membrane with an electric current from a treatment electrode; and utilizing a driving force to move the molecule through the perforated membrane.

Abstract: Treatment equipment for treating body tissue comprises heater elements which are heated by electric power supplied from an electric power supply circuit, and the heat of the heater elements is provided to the body tissue through a heat transmitting member. The state of thermal connection between the heater elements and the heat transmitting member is determined by a determining device for determining the thermal connection state.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises two oppositely-positioned working numbers each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface. The instrument also comprises at least one ring member affixed to a least one of the working members to encompass one or more of a user's fingers. In one embodiment at least one working surface has a heating element to cut or seal and cut tissue.

Abstract: Novel suture removal instrument and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: The medical apparatus of this invention includes a therapeutic section at least having a blade for treating a living tissue thermally, a heat insulating part for insulating heat conduction from the blade to the main body of the medical apparatus. The therapeutic section and the heat insulating part are preferably provided on a grasping section (for example, a pair of jaws) for grasping the living tissue. It is preferable that the therapeutic section has a shape such that the living tissue and the side surface of the therapeutic section do not contact with each other. It is also preferable that the heat insulating portion has a shape such that the living tissue and the heat insulating portion do not contact with each other.

Abstract: Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element used in those devices.

Abstract: A system and method for approaching the intervertebral disc through a percutaneous insertion from the back of a patient for thermal or electromagnetic treatment of an intervertebral disc, includes an elongated probe member having a guidable region adjacent its distal end with an undulating groove defined in its outer surface. The undulating groove is dimensioned to facilitate bending of the guidable region in at least one radial direction of movement relative to a longitudinal axis of the thermal probe. Preferably, the guidable region includes a plurality of undulating grooves, whereby adjacent undulating grooves are longitudinally spaced with respect to each other. The undulating grooves each define a sinusoidal configuration which may be arranged about an undulating axis extending in oblique relation to the longitudinal axis. The guidable region also includes a longitudinally extending backbone which resists bending of the guidable region in a radial direction of movement.

Abstract: A surface electrode for ablating tissue is provided. The surface electrode comprises a base, a plurality of tissue penetrating needle electrodes extending from the surface of the base an adjustable distance, and an electrical interface coupled to the plurality of needle electrodes. The adjustability of the needle electrodes allows the depth that the needle electrodes penetrate through tissue to be adjusted.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermally destroying tumors in which heat is generated by electrical resistance heating conducted to the target tissue. Computerized scanning is used to optimize the geometry of a thermal probe. The probe has a themally conductive tip containing an electrical resistance heating element. The thermally conductive tip is mounted on the end of a fiber that contains the electrical power leads and other electrical leads connecting to monitoring devices associated with the tip. The tip is coated with a thin layer of biocompatible ceramic to avoid coagulated tissue sticking to the tip. The tip has one or more thin, thermally-conductive elements which deploy in stages to coagulate the tumor. The conductive elements may be thin wires or blades. On one embodiment, the conductive elements are composed of a shape memory material that is folded against the tip at lower temperatures and deploys at selected higher temperatures.

Abstract: A surgical system for controlled application of ultrasound energy to engaged tissue volumes for creating effective biological welds or seals in tissue. The invention provides an ultrasound transmission assembly including piezoelectric elements coupled to an elongate waveguide that is reciprocatable in an interior of an introducer. The reciprocatable waveguide assembly of the invention is adapted to have multiple functionality: (i) to couple ultrasound energy to both opposing jaws to thereby deliver energy to both sides of engaged tissues to create uniform thermal weld effects; (ii) to apply very high compressive forces to captured tissues over the length of elongate jaws by engaging substantially the entire length of the jaws, and (iii) to transect the captured tissues contemporaneous with the delivery of energy to create the thermal weld.

Abstract: Treatment equipment for treating body tissue comprises heater elements which are heated by electric power supplied from an electric power supply circuit, and the heat of the heater elements is provided to the body tissue through a heat transmitting member. The state of thermal connection between the heater elements and the heat transmitting member is determined by a determining device for determining the thermal connection state.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermally destroying tumors in which heat is generated by electrical resistance heating conducted to the target tissue. Computerized scanning is used to optimize the geometry of a thermal probe. The probe has a themally conductive tip containing an electrical resistance heating element. The thermally conductive tip is mounted on the end of a fiber that contains the electrical power leads and other electrical leads connecting to monitoring devices associated with the tip. The tip is coated with a thin layer of biocompatible ceramic to avoid coagulated tissue sticking to the tip. The tip has one or more thin, thermally-conductive elements which deploy in stages to coagulate the tumor. The conductive elements may be thin wires or blades. On one embodiment, the conductive elements are composed of a shape memory material that is folded against the tip at lower temperatures and deploys at selected higher temperatures.

Abstract: A device and method for treating tissue at a treatment site. The device and method include supplying controlled energy to a heating portion of the device positioned within a tissue wall at the treatment site. The size of the heating portion and energy supplied provides for ablation of the tissue to form a cavity within the tissue wall without ablating the surfaces of the tissue wall. Treatment fluid can then be supplied through the device to the cavity to supplement growth of blood vessels or retard such growth at the treatment site. The device can also be used to create an injury zone at a treatment site without ablating tissue, wherein the injury zone can be injected with treatment fluid. The device and method has use anywhere within the body, especially in the regions of the heart.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an improved method and apparatus for securing a prosthesis that is being implanted in a patient. A heat-curable bone cement is used to secure the implanted prosthesis in the patient. A heater is then applied to the prosthesis to decrease the time required for the cement in contact with the prosthesis to cure or set. An adjustable heater control and temperature gauge are used to monitor and control the amount of heat applied to the prosthesis. A socket is provided on the heater such that a tip designed to couple with the particular type of prosthesis being implanted in the patient can be installed on the heater. One or more safety gauges are used to monitor the heater's operation to insure that an excessive amount of heat is not being applied.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: The medical apparatus of this invention includes a therapeutic section at least having a blade for treating a living tissue thermally, a heat insulating part for insulating heat conduction from the blade to the main body of the medical apparatus. The therapeutic section and the heat insulating part are preferably provided on a grasping section (for example, a pair of jaws) for grasping the living tissue. It is preferable that the therapeutic section has a shape such that the living tissue and the side surface of the therapeutic section do not contact with each other. It is also preferable that the heat insulating portion has a shape such that the living tissue and the heat insulating portion do not contact with each other.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: Ablation devices and associated methods are provided for use in palliative treatment of a bone tumor on or in a compact bone region. The bone treatment devices include an elongate probe having a distal end. A proximal end of the probe supports placement in a location at or adjacent to the bone tumor. Electrodes are carried within the probe for deployment from the distal end into the bone tumor. The electrodes may be shapable to create, upon deployment, an array of electrodes that defines a geometric area within the bone tumor. Application of energy, for example energy from a radio frequency (RF) source, to the area of the bone tumor via the electrodes destroys at least a portion of the nerve receptors located in or adjacent to the tumor and produces a reduction in pain associated with the bone tumor.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: A system and method for approaching the intervertebral disc through a percutaneous insertion from the back of a patient for thermal or electromagnetic treatment of an intervertebral disc, includes an elongated probe member having a guidable region adjacent its distal end with an undulating groove defined in its outer surface. The undulating groove is dimensioned to facilitate bending of the guidable region in at least one radial direction of movement relative to a longitudinal axis of the thermal probe. Preferably, the guidable region includes a plurality of undulating grooves, whereby adjacent undulating grooves are longitudinally spaced with respect to each other. The undulating grooves each define a sinusoidal configuration which may be arranged about an undulating axis extending in oblique relation to the longitudinal axis. The guidable region also includes a longitudinally extending backbone which resists bending of the guidable region in a radial direction of movement.

Abstract: An electrosurgical knife is provided with an improved surface coating designed for substantially non-stick hemostatic cutting of soft patient tissue. The electrosurgical knife includes a conductive knife blade adapted for connection to a suitable high frequency current source for electrocauterizing tissue at the point of contact to prevent or minimize bleeding. The knife blade includes the improved surface coating formed on at least a cutting edge thereof, wherein the outer surface of the coating includes a relatively non-stick constituent such as an aromatic hydrocarbon in combination with a relatively hard constituent such as a ceramic. The surface coating is additionally loaded with a substantially uniformly dispersed matrix of conductive material for transmitting the electrical energy to patient tissue primarily by conduction.

Abstract: An ablation instrument having a flexible portion at or near the distal portion of the instrument, is provided. The instrument includes an elongated tubular member having a steerable distal end configured to deflect, or otherwise direct, and properly position at least a portion of the distal portion, comprising an ablation device, during an ablation procedure. The instrument further includes a deflectable member which cooperates with the steering system allowing for the proper placement of the ablation device adjacent or proximate to the target tissue surface. The steering system may alternatively be incorporated into a separate guiding catheter as part of the catheter system.

Abstract: An electrosurgical working end for instant and automatic modulation of active Rf density in a targeted tissue volume. The working end of the probe of the present invention defines a tissue-engagement plane that is adapted to contact the targeted tissue. The cross-section energy delivery apparatus comprises (i) a conductive surface engagement plane for tissue contact, (ii) a substrate comprising a medial conductive matrix of a temperature sensitive resistive material; and (iii) an inner or core conductive material (electrode) that is coupled to an Rf source and controller. Of particular interest, the medial conductive matrix comprises a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) that exhibits very large increases in resistivity as it increases beyond a selected temperature, which is described as a switching range. The PTC material is selected and fabricated to define a switching range that approximates a particular thermally-mediated therapy.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: A pair of openable/closable jaws, an insertion section configured to support the pair of jaws, an operation section configured to open/close the pair of jaws, a heat generating element provided in a jaw, that generates heat by supply of electricity, electricity supply means configured to supply electricity to the heat generating element, and damage protecting means for protecting the electricity supply means from being damaged, are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system for the curative treatment of female uro-genital disorders. One aspect of the invention is that it allows the gynecologist to coagulate the entire endometrium and upper layers of the myometrium in one short procedure that can be performed in a physician's office or other outpatient setting, using local or regional anesthesia. A second aspect of the invention is that it can be used to tighten the urethral sphincter and bladder outlet.

Abstract: A device for supply of heat to body tissue, comprising a heating device (10) and a first temperature transducer (11) which is insertable in the body tissue, the heating device (10) being connected with an energy supply unit (13) governed by a control unit (14) via a catheter for treatment (12) which is insertable in a body cavity and said first temperature transducer (11) being operatively connected to the control unit (14). The control unit (14) is operatively connected with first memory means (15) for storage of data corresponding to the survival of cells as a function of cell temperature.