With Thermal Control Means Patents (Class 606/31)
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Patent number: 8273080Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Syneron Medical Ltd.Inventor: Bankim H. Mehta
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Publication number: 20120226270Abstract: Thermally adjustable surgical tools include a conductor and a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material may be quickly heated when subjected to high frequency alternating current through the conductor. The ferromagnetic material may also cool rapidly because of its relatively low mass and the small thermal mass of the conductor. The thermally adjustable surgical tools may be used to sculpt, melt, break and/or remove biological material. The thermally adjustable surgical tools may also include balloon catheters which can heat fluid to thereby treat biological material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Patent number: 8226636Abstract: A device 1a for bonding adherends T1 and T2, as a device for bonding biological tissue to biological tissue or a biological tissue bonding material, comprises: a clamping part 2a for clamping the adherends T1 and T2 between members 21a and 22a; a pressing part 3a for pressing the member 22a towards the member 21a; a pressure control part 4a for controlling the pressure by the pressing part 3a; a heating element 5a built into the member 21a; a heating control part 6a for controlling the heating by the heating element 5a; a vibration generating part 7a for generating microvibration; and a vibration control part 8a for controlling the microvibration generated by the vibration generating part 7a.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignees: National University Corporation Tokyo Medical and Dental University, National University Corporation Ibaraki University, National University Corporation Shimane UniversityInventors: Akio Kishida, Toru Masuzawa, Tetsuya Higami
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Patent number: 8211097Abstract: An electro-surgical system actively maintains an optimal heating profile at the electrode-patient contact surface under varying load resistivity, thereby reducing the risk of burns and maximizing patient comfort at a given power level. A set of temperature sensors is integrated within the electrode assembly of the electrosurgical system. The sensors are located both at the center and the edges of the electrode. The sensors are thermally coupled to the electrode-patient contact surface and have a time response that is short compared to the thermal time constraints of the tissue. Some degree of signal processing may take place at the sensor, inside the transducer assembly. As RF power is applied, a control loop monitors the temperature at the center and edges of the electrode. If the edge temperature of the electrode is high compared to its center temperature, then the control loop increases the operating frequency, effectively driving heat towards the center of the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Cutera, Inc.Inventor: Greg Leyh
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Patent number: 8201563Abstract: The invention comprises a method for introduction of materials into a patient's body. The method generally comprises providing an elongate member for introducing the material. The elongate member defines a lumen and comprises a distal end defining an aperture and a proximal end. The method further comprises the steps of positioning the elongate member at a target site of a patient's body; providing a motorized device at least partially disposed within the lumen; and introducing the material through the lumen into the target site using the motorized device.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark, Inc.Inventors: Laura Conquergood, Mark Leung, Caitlyn Paget
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Patent number: 8182475Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: LumaTherm, Inc.Inventors: Robert Conrad, Charles Conrad
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Patent number: 8162937Abstract: A fluid resistant seal connector for an electrosurgical handpiece includes a housing adapted to be supported within an electrosurgical handpiece. The housing includes opposing half sections each having an inner peripheral surface. The fluid resistant seal further includes a first seal adapted to engage an activation circuit of the handpiece and at least one second seal adapted to engage an electrosurgical supply wire in a fluid-tight relationship therewith. At least one of the first and second seals is configured to complement the inner peripheral surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: James S. Cunningham, Paul R. Romero, Jeffrey M. Roy
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Patent number: 8160693Abstract: An irrigation ablation probe comprises a generally rigid probe body and a handle mounted to the proximal end of the probe body. The generally rigid probe body comprises an ablation electrode at its distal end having at least one irrigation opening through which fluid can pass. An infusion tube extends through the probe body for introducing fluid into the ablation electrode. The irrigation ablation probe is useful for treating atrial fibrillation during open heart surgery.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventor: Kristine B. Fuimaono
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Patent number: 8142426Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Syneron Medical Ltd.Inventors: Peter G. Knopp, Bankim H. Mehta
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Patent number: 8142425Abstract: A hemostatic surgical blade is described which is formed of five symmetrically disposed layers. A martensitic stainless steel core is provided with oppositely disposed faces which are bonded to hard pure copper thermal transfer layers which, in turn, are supported by buttressing layers of austenitic stainless steel. The blade is heated by a blade heater circuit which is provided as a flexible circuit carrying one or more resistor heaters and associated leads supported by a polyimide substrate. A thermally conductive and electrically insulative adhesive is used to bond the flexible circuit to a blade blank. The system employs a multi-lead cable which is removable from an instrument handle. One blade embodiment involves an elongate stem for accessing body cavities and another embodiment incorporates a controller function within an instrument handle.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Hemostatix Medical Techs, LLCInventor: Philip E. Eggers
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Patent number: 8118808Abstract: Microwave antenna assemblies incorporating a resilient insulating coupler are described herein. The microwave antenna includes a radiating portion connected by a coaxial feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. Distal and proximal radiating portions of the antenna, which correspond to inner and outer conductors provided by the coaxial feedline, are separated by the resilient insulating coupler. The described coupler includes a proximal threaded portion, and an overmolded insulating portion formed from an elastomeric material. The inner conductor of the coaxial feedline is joined to the threaded portion of the coupler, and is placed under tension to draw together the distal radiating portion, the coupler, and the proximal radiating portion into a single rigid assembly. In use, the resilient coupler provides increased strength and reliability by absorbing mechanical stresses typically encountered during microwave ablation procedures.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Vivant Medical, Inc.Inventors: Ian Smith, Joseph D. Brannan
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Patent number: 8104956Abstract: A thermocouple measuring circuit for sensing a temperature at a measuring point is provided. The thermocouple measurement circuit (12) includes a thermocouple input for sensing a temperature at a measuring point, a compensation circuit (14) for compensating thermocouple effects of junctions of the thermocouple, and an instrumentation amplifier (16) for summing an output of the thermocouple and an output of the compensation circuit and outputting a voltage indicative of the temperature sensed, wherein the output of the compensation circuit is a reference voltage for the output of the instrumentation amplifier. Various embodiments of the thermocouple measurement circuit may be employed in electrosurgical generators for controlling output power dependent on temperature conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Covidien AGInventor: Derek M. Blaha
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Publication number: 20120022516Abstract: An energy source of a thermal tissue operating system performs self-tests using simulation heating elements and jaw heating elements in tissue-grasping jaws of a handpiece. Power is supplied to the simulation heating elements and verified, without necessitating connection of a handpiece. Power is also delivered and verified to each of the two jaw heating elements when the handpiece is connected. Voltage and current are measured by peak hold detectors, and the peak hold detectors are tested to verify correct operation. All tests may be combined in a power on self-test (POST).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Brian C. Stuebe, Richard K. Thompson
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Publication number: 20120022517Abstract: A jaw heating element of a handpiece of a thermal tissue operating system is tested on an ongoing basis by supplying a test heater power signal to the jaw heating element between individual thermal tissue operations. Voltage and current through the jaw heating element is sensed and the resistance of the jaw heating element is calculated. If the calculated resistance is outside a range of predetermined acceptable values, an error condition is indicated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventor: Brian C. Stuebe
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Patent number: 8043287Abstract: A treatment method is disclosed for treating a bodily tissue utilizing one or more steps of removal of material as well as one or more steps of energy delivery in order to effectively treat the bodily tissue. These mechanisms of treatment may beneficially be used to induce separate treatment effects, for example to treat both the symptoms and the underlying cause of a specific pathological condition. In addition, a specific application of the inventive method is described for using the inventive method to treat an intervertebral disc.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Inc.Inventors: Laura Conquergood, Mark Leung, Subashini Chandran, Krishan Shah, Frank Baylis, Neil Godara, Elizabeth Pyshnov, Amanda Martyn
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Patent number: 8034050Abstract: A catheter with temperature sensing has a catheter body and a tip section with an integrated thermosistive temperature sensor on its outer surface. The temperature sensor includes a microfabricated thin film assembly of which one layer is a sensor layer of thermoresistive material. In one embodiment, the tip section has a flexible tubing with a temperature sensor on its outer surface. In another embodiment, the tip section has an extended tip electrode with a temperature sensor on its outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventors: Shiva Sharareh, Michele Migliuolo, William D. Suh, Jennifer Rogers, Ariel Garcia
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Patent number: 8016820Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Michael R. Treat, Fred H. Co, George D. Hermann, Thomas A. Howell, Theodore R. Kucklick, Michelle Y. Monfort, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Publication number: 20110166563Abstract: A medical heating device is based on an electrical heater formed out of a self-limiting conductive material, such as a conductive polymer or ceramic. An electrical resistance that gradually changes with temperature characterizes the material such that heat production from electrical current through the material varies with temperature. A thermally insulating jacket contains the self-limiting heater element, which can be coupled to an electrical power supply. A probe thermally coupled to the heater extends outward from the jacket. The self-limiting medical heating device can be used by touching the end of the probe to target tissue, such as skin, adipose tissue, nerves, glands, vascular tissue, or abnormal growths or tumors to effect the desired treatment, typically by thermally ablating, cutting, or shrinking the target tissue where touched by the probe or in the vicinity therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Tai Chun Cheng, Elbert T. Cheng, Jacqueline T. Cheng, Ivy Y. Cheng
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Patent number: 7938779Abstract: In a treating apparatus, a forceps body as a treating device is connected to a generator as a control device. The forceps body mainly includes a pair of handle portions, which are used for manipulation by being held by an operator, a pair of jaws provided between the handle portion and the pair of jaws, which are used to coagulate/resect by grasping living-body tissue to be treated and a pair of scissors component members. A heating member, which is a heat generating source as a heat generating portion for applying heat energy to living-body tissue, is embedded at least one of the jaws. A pair of electrode portions, which is a treating energy generator, is provided to the pair of jaws. By supplying bipolar electric surgical knife current between the pair of electrode portions, high frequency current as treating energy is applied to the grasped living-body tissue.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Tomohisa Sakurai, Koji Iida, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Eiji Murakami, Akihisa Ogawa, Kenji Noda, Seiichi Hosoda, Takeaki Nakamura
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Publication number: 20100268215Abstract: An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Publication number: 20100268212Abstract: A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Kim Manwaring, Mark Manwaring, Loraine Manwaring, David McNaily
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Publication number: 20100268207Abstract: An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally, William J. Biter
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Publication number: 20100268216Abstract: Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Publication number: 20100268208Abstract: An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Publication number: 20100268213Abstract: Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Publication number: 20100268211Abstract: Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Publication number: 20100268214Abstract: An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Kim Manwaring, David McNally
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Patent number: 7789876Abstract: An electrode catheter is introduced into a vein or other hollow anatomical structure, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. The end of the catheter is positioned near a junction formed in the structure. This junction can be the sapheno-femoral junction. The position of the catheter near the junction is determined based on a signal from a device associated with the catheter within the structure. A fiber optic filament which emits light is used with the catheter or a guide wire over which the catheter is advanced. The light is visible externally from the patient. The light dims and may no longer externally visible at the sapheno-femoral junction where the catheter moves past the deep fascia and toward the deep venous system. The position of the catheter can be determined based on this external observation.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group, LPInventors: Arthur W. Zikorus, Ralph G. DePalma, Christopher S. Jones, Brian E. Farley, James G. Chandler
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Publication number: 20090287204Abstract: A device is disclosed for locating and treating an infarct scar in a heart. The device includes a catheter, a collapsible heater and energizing means connected to the collapsible heater for energizing the collapsible heater to raise the temperature of the infarct scar to a temperature sufficient to reduce the surface area of the infarct scar.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: Co-Repair, Inc.Inventor: Michael D. Laufer
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Patent number: 7615016Abstract: Methods and systems for treating stretch marks through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a shallow tissue region, such as a region comprising an epidermis, a dermis and a deep dermis. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth from 0 mm to 1 cm with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue in the range of frequencies from 2 to 50 MHz. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Peter G. Barthe, Michael H. Slayton, Inder Raj S. Makin
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Patent number: 7588566Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Michael R. Treat, Fred H. Co, George D. Hermann, Thomas A. Howell, Theodore R. Kucklick, Michelle Y. Monfort, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Patent number: 7510553Abstract: A temperature measuring unit of a temperature sensor has electrodes disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of a temperature measuring element, thin-film substrates disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrodes, and laser beam shield plates disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the thin-film substrates. One of the electrodes is bonded to the temperature measuring element by a conductive adhesive, and the other electrode is not bonded to the temperature measuring element by a conductive adhesive. When the temperature sensor is bonded to a hollow cylinder of an insert, the temperature measuring unit is curved along the surface of the hollow cylinder, tending to develop tensile stresses in the other electrode. At this time, the other electrode is positionally displaced depending on the developed tensile stresses, allowing the temperature sensor to be adjusted in length. Consequently, the temperature sensor is prevented from being broken or damaged.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Shiono, Akira Sakaguchi, Yuichiro Irisawa
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Publication number: 20080281267Abstract: Apparatus intended for the injection of pulsed steam into a human or animal vessel comprising an injection unit sending pulses of cold water into a handpiece, a handpiece temporarily attached to an injection unit within which there is a metal tube, of external diameter between 200 ?m and 1,000 ?m and internal diameter between 100 ?m and 500 ?m, the metal tube having its distal end coiled to form a spiral, the tube being sheathed with a material of resistivity such that only the spiral heats to a temperature transforming water from the liquid phase into the vapor phase, a means of distributing the steam into the vessel intended to be connected in a reversible manner to the distal end of the handpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: CENTRE D'ETUDE ET DE RECHERCHE MEDICALE D'ARCHAMPSInventor: HENRI MEHIER
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Publication number: 20080167643Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2005Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: CARDIODEX LTD.Inventors: Noam Mizrahi, Shimon Eckhouse, Alon Getz, Aharon Cohen, Fabian Izhack, Eran Levit
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Publication number: 20080091185Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: Primaeva Medical, Inc.Inventors: Scott McGill, Peter G. Knopp, Bankim H. Mehta
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Publication number: 20080091183Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: Primaeva Medical, Inc.Inventors: Peter G. Knopp, Bankim H. Mehta
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Publication number: 20080091184Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: Primaeva Medical, Inc.Inventors: Peter G. Knopp, Scott McGill, Bankim H. Mehta
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Patent number: 7318822Abstract: A cannula having a hollow metal tube for injection of liquids such as an anesthetic, or RF energy, into a patient. A thermocouple or other temperature sensor is located at the bare tip of the cannula, and a wire for the temperature sensor extends along the length of the cannula, preferably in a groove formed in the tube, or through a passageway formed in the tube. An outer insulation layer covers the tube and wire. Thus, a single device serves as both a cannula and an electrode.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Diros Technology Inc.Inventors: George P. Darmos, Ilya Gavrilov, Peter G. Darmos
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Patent number: 7267675Abstract: An RF device includes a support structure. An RF electrode is coupled to the support structure and includes conductive and dielectric portions. A thermo-electric cooler is coupled to the support structure and is configured to cool a back surface of the RF electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Thermage, Inc.Inventors: Roger A. Stern, Mitchell Levinson, Bryan Weber
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Patent number: 7211080Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Michael R. Treat, Fred H. Co, George D. Hermann, Thomas A. Howell, Theodore R. Kucklick, Michelle Y. Monfort, Kenneth H. Mollenauer
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Patent number: 7211079Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventor: Michael R. Treat
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Patent number: 7166075Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Tomy Varghese, James A. Zagzebski, Udomchai Techavipoo, Quan Chen
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Patent number: 7151964Abstract: Multi-phase RF ablation employing a two-dimensional or three-dimensional electrode array produces a multitude of currents paths on the surface of the ablation zone. This results in a uniform lesion with a size defined by the span of the electrode array. An orthogonal electrode catheter array suitable for cardiac ablation is used in conjunction with a two-phase RF power source to produce uniform square-shaped lesions of size 1.2 cm2. Lesions of larger size are created by successive adjacent placement of the square-shaped lesions. A temperature sensor at the electrode tip allows monitoring of ablation temperature and regulation of thereof to minimize the electrode tips from being fouled by coagulum. In another embodiment, an external auxiliary electrode is used in combination with the catheter electrodes. This also produces lesions of greater depth. In yet another embodiment, ablation is performed with a sequence of elementary electrode-electrical configurations.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Inventors: Jawahar M. Desai, Htay L. Nyo
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Patent number: 7137979Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Tyrell, Inc.Inventors: Robert Conrad, Charles Conrad
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Patent number: 7131445Abstract: An electrosurgical method and apparatus comprises a probe, at least one temperature sensor, and a controller for generating and controlling electromagnetic energy supplied to the probe. The controller receives signals from the temperature sensor and controls the supply of electromagnetic energy such that the temperature of the probe is ramped up and then maintained at a steady state temperature of between 100° C. and 115° C. In an equilibration phase, between the ramping up and the steady state temperature, the controller holds the temperature of the probe substantially constant for a period of time to allow the temperature of different parts of the probe to equilibrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Gyrus Medical LimitedInventor: Francis Amoah
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Patent number: 7113821Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.Inventors: Ying Sun, Ralph W. Oakeson, Stephen J. Wisniewski, Jonas C. T. Wang
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Patent number: 7108694Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Keisuke Miura, Norihiko Hareyama
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Patent number: 7104985Abstract: A method and apparatus adapted to utilize means for controlling a plurality of energy pulses to repetitively increase and decrease the temperature of a target tissue with a prescribed timing for each temperature change and specific peak temperature for each temperature change to provide selected necrosis of diseased cells.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Michael A. Martinelli
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Patent number: 7083613Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventor: Michael R. Treat
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Patent number: 7044945Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that prevent or inhibit functional regression caused by the stromal remodeling resulting from epithelial or fibroblastic apoptosis or necrosis in patients who will undergo or have undergone a thermal ciliary muscle tendinoplasty or scleral collagen shrinkage procedures. Methods and compositions are provided that prevent apoptosis in epithelial cells by stromal cooling during thermal tendinoplasty procedures; that create or restore stabilizing molecular cross-links between scleral stromal lamellar fibers; and that interrupt at least one step in the stromal remodeling response including inhibition of apoptosis, fibroblastic proliferation and migration, and inhibition of collagenesis.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Bruce J. Sand