Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a return electrode pad having a patient-contacting surface configured to conduct electrosurgical energy and a sensor circuit coupled to the return electrode pad. The sensor circuit is configured to monitor at least one of a return electrode pad property and a tissue property to generate sensor data. The return electrode also includes a control circuit coupled to the return electrode pad and to the sensor circuit. The control circuits configured to receive and process sensor data from the sensor circuit and relay the processed sensor data to an electrosurgical energy source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

Abstract: A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.

Abstract: A method for treating a bone body comprises inserting a probe having at least one active electrode into the target tissue and applying a voltage difference between an active electrode and return electrode to ablate the tissue. The method is particularly directed to removing tumors in a bone body and or removing cancellous bone in a bone body. The bone body may be a vertebral body. An apparatus includes a plurality of active electrodes and a distal section including two bends. The bends serve to prevent the active electrodes from impinging upon the shaft of an introducer needle. Also, a kit includes an electrosurgical probe, an electrosurgical generator, an introducer needle, and a fluid connector to connect the introducer needle to a fluid source such that liquid may be supplied to the target site during an application.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for mapping out endoluminal gastrointestinal surgery, including endoluminal gastric reduction. Mapping is achieved by locally marking the interior of the gastrointestinal lumen at specified locations. In some variations, mucosectomy and/or mucosal ablation are performed to map out endoluminal GI surgery, to facilitate direct endoluminal engagement of underlying muscularis tissue and/or to initiate a wound healing response. Specialized apparatus may be provided to achieve desired spacing and/or positioning of tissue markings, as well as to actually form the markings. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a neutral electrode for HF surgery and to an electrically conductive gel. The neutral electrode comprises at least one electrically conductive section that can be brought into contact with a section of a patient's body. In order to enable the contact resistance to be reduced in a simple and economical manner, in particular in cases of problematic skin and/or tissue conditions, the neutral electrode comprises circulation-promoting means that enhance blood flow through the section of the body that is in contact with this electrode section. The invention also relates to a conductive gel for application of a neutral electrode to a section of a patient's body that contains capsaicin or similar means for promoting circulation.

Abstract: An expandable tip cannula system, comprising: a hollow cannula shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and an expandable tip mounted at the distal end of the hollow cannula shaft, the expandable tip comprising a plurality of generally-triangular shaped petals held together in a radially-inwardly tapered arrangement between adjacent petals, each petal comprising a nerve sensing electrode disposed therein.

Abstract: Junctions of ablation electrodes and catheters are disclosed. Electrophysiology catheter systems include a recessed region such as a channel at a junction of an electrode and a catheter shaft. The channel can help to reduce electrode hotspots, energy density and/or blood coagulation at the junction. The channel may be incorporated in a distal tip electrode or a ring electrode.

Abstract: A method for relieving pain associated with an intervertebral disc having a disc nucleus pulposus is provided. The method includes the initial step of: providing an elongated probe member having proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal axis, and having a flexible guidable region adjacent the distal end. The method also includes the steps of: introducing the flexible guidable region of the probe into the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc and supplying energy to the guidable region from an energy source, to heat or induce an electromagnetic field within the nucleus pulposus sufficient to denature proteins expressing at least one inflammatory cytokine.

Abstract: The cornea is reshaped in multiple steps according to varying amounts of energy in varying patterns and/or at varying locations to achieve a customized reshaping of the cornea to address the specific needs of an individual patient. The varying amounts of energy may be applied via one or more conducting elements, which include an outer conductor and an inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor, a distal end of the outer conductor and the inner conductor defining the varying patterns. For example, one step may form a substantially circular lesion to flatten a first portion of the cornea to treat presbyopia, while another step may form a substantially circular and concentric lesion having a greater diameter to steepen a second portion of the cornea to treat hyperopia. Advantageously, continuous transitional regions are formed relative to the reshaped portions to provide vision for intermediate distances.

Abstract: A sidewall of biological tissue which surrounds and defines an opening in the tissue is sealed or fused to occlude the opening by compressing apposite sidewall portions and applying sufficient energy to cause the fibers of the compressed apposed sidewall portions to intertwine and fuse with one another to form a permanent seal. The energy application is controlled by detecting a precursor fusion condition while applying the energy and before sufficient energy has been applied to achieve an adequate seal. The application of energy is terminated in a time-delayed relationship to the detection of the precursor fusion condition such that sufficient energy has been applied to achieve an effective seal. The precursor fusion condition is detected upon the peak RF current delivered to the tissue remaining below a threshold value for a threshold time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.

Abstract: A method for resecting tissue from an organ of a patient, the organ being comprised of at least a first layer, a second layer and a third layer, the method including the steps of providing an EMR device with access to the organ, the EMR device including at least one deployable cutting element disposed on at least one moveable arm, identifying a target tissue area for resection, forming an incision through the first and second layers without penetrating the third layer, positioning the EMR device through the incision such that the device is positioned between the first third layers, advancing the moveable arm between the first and third layers, deploying the cutting element such that the cutting element is advanced in the direction of the first layer and away from the third layer and, while the EMR device is positioned between the first and third layers, cutting through the first layer.

Abstract: An irradiation device for irradiating a living organism with electromagnetic radiation in order to influence biological structures inside the organism has a frequency generator that has a frequency synthesizer for the production of electromagnetic radiation having a defined frequency pattern, and a transmission antenna that is fashioned such that during operation the electromagnetic radiation is emitted essentially into a particular radiation volume.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The electrosurgical generator includes a power supply for generating a DC voltage. The electrosurgical generator also includes a first parallel inductor-capacitor circuit being driven by a first signal at a first predetermined frequency and a second parallel inductor-capacitor inductor-capacitor circuit driven by a second signal at the first predetermined frequency phase shifted 180°. The electrosurgical generator further includes a series inductor-capacitor resonant circuit operably connected in series with a primary winding of a transformer. The first and second parallel inductor-capacitor circuits are operably connected to the transformer, such that the first inductor-capacitor circuit generates a positive half sine wave and the second inductor-capacitor circuit generates a 180° phase-shifted positive half sine wave to generate a full sine wave in a secondary winding of the transformer.

Abstract: The variable stiffness heating catheter includes a heating catheter shaft including at least one electrically conductive member, a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide a heating catheter that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.

Abstract: An electrocautery device comprises first and second continuous loop electrode structures. The electrodes are typically coupled together at one end, permitting the electrodes to be introduced anteriorly and posteriorly over a uterine body. The electrodes may be clamped together, and radiofrequency energy may be delivered through the clamped electrodes to sever and cauterize blood vessels, tubular structures, and ligaments which connect the uterine body to surrounding tissue structures. The mobilized uterine body may then be removed by conventional hysterectomy.

Abstract: A method of therapeutic treatment including the steps of modulated application of a time domain radiation beam to a therapeutic target; and providing a time domain application of a modulated magnetic resonance (MR) signal to the therapeutic target during the periods of application out-of-phase with energy peaks of the radiation beam.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a plurality of return electrodes is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of return electrodes adhered to a patient and adapted to couple to an electrosurgical generator configured to generate an electrosurgical current. The system also includes a current monitor connected in series with each of the plurality of the return electrodes to measure a current signal passing therethrough and a processor coupled to each of the current monitors. The processor is configured to determine a desired current ratio and an actual current ratio for each of the plurality of the return electrodes as a function of the current passing through each of the plurality of the return electrodes. The processor is further configured to compare the desired current ratio and the actual current ratio.

Abstract: A system that interfaces with a workstation endocardial mapping system allows for the rapid and successful ablation of cardiac tissue. The system allows a physician to see a representation of the physical location of a catheter in a representation of an anatomic model of the patient's heart. The workstation is the primary interface with the physician. A servo catheter having pull wires and pull rings for guidance and a servo catheter control system are interfaced with the workstation. Servo catheter control software may run on the workstation. The servo catheter is coupled to an RF generator. The physician locates a site for ablation therapy and confirms the location of the catheter. Once the catheter is located at the desired ablation site, the physician activates the RF generator to deliver the therapy.

Abstract: A universal contact port for receiving contacts of various cross-sectional dimensions and cross-sectional profiles of an electrosurgical component is provided. The universal contact port includes a plurality of rollers each defining a corporal axis, the corporal axes being at least substantially parallel to one another; and a plurality of shafts eccentrically supporting a respective roller, each shaft defining a longitudinal axis, wherein each corporal axis is spaced a radial distance from a respective longitudinal axis and wherein the rollers are rotatable about the longitudinal axes. The rollers define an opening therebetween, wherein the opening is expandable and constrictable upon rotation of the rollers about the longitudinal axes, whereby the contact port can accommodate receipt of contacts, from electrosurgical components, of varying cross-sectional diameter therein.

Abstract: A foot controller for a microsurgical system that includes a body, a switch disposed on the body, and a switch guard coupled to the body and disposed in a spaced relationship to an outer surface of the switch.

Abstract: An esophageal catheter for displacing and fixing the position of the esophagus in relation to the atrium of the heart is composed of a long flexible tube to be inserted into the esophagus. A control wire is associated with the tube to change the shape of the catheter and displace the esophagus relative to the heart to reduce the risk of an esophageal fistula resulting from atrial RF ablation.

Abstract: Methods of treating osteoarthritis include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating osteoarthritis include a system control unit configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.

Abstract: An application for a grounding pad for use in electrosurgical procedures includes a base with a ground loop connector molded on a side edge of the base. A conductive coating covers at least part of a top surface of the base and continuing into the ground loop connector providing an electrical connection to a ground loop plug inserted into the ground loop connector. A pad retainer wall rises from the top surface of the base for holding a pad in place.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the placement of a catheter within the human body, in a lumen or vessel such as the fallopian tubes, and controlling the catheter after placement. The system coordinates the operation of treatment electrodes on the catheter with informative displays and prompts to an operator, based on information derived from electrical parameters of position detection electrodes on the catheter.

Abstract: A method in which a probe is advanced between a neural tissue structure and a non-neural tissue structure such as the intervertebral foramen. The probe includes electrodes on opposite surfaces. Threshold currents required to stimulate action potentials for each electrode are determined. A ratio of the threshold currents are calculated. Tissue is removed from the non-neural tissue structure when the ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold.

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 surgical tool system. Various embodiments of the surgical tool system may comprise surgical instrument that has a handle assembly that operably supports a drive system therein for generating drive motions upon actuation of a movable handle portion operably coupled to the handle assembly. An elongated body protrudes from the handle assembly and operably supports a control rod therein that interfaces with the drive system. The surgical tool system further includes at least two surgical tools selected from the group of surgical tools consisting of: manipulators, nippers, scissors, endocutters, tissue thickness measurement devices, staple appliers, clip appliers, syringes for applying glue, sealant, drugs or medicaments and cauterization devices wherein each of the surgical tool within the group of surgical tools at least has a housing that is removably couplable to the elongated body and a drive assembly that is removably couplable to the control rod for receiving the drive motions therefrom.

Abstract: An electrosurgical return pad including a material backing configured to support first and second conductive materials and an insulative layer disposed therebetween. A switch element is mounted on the first conductive material and is activatable upon reaching a threshold condition, such as temperature. Upon reaching the threshold condition, the switch element automatically activates to provide electrical continuity between the first and second conductive materials to offset the threshold condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing mucosectomy, such as to map out gastrointestinal surgery, including endoluminal gastric reduction. In one variation, the apparatus comprises a separating element and an integrated resection element. In one variation, the apparatus is configured to simultaneously separate mucosal tissue from underlying muscularis tissue and to resect the separated mucosal tissue. Methods of using the apparatus are provided.

Abstract: An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes an intermediary layer formed from a dielectric material, the intermediary layer having a top surface and a patient-contacting surface. The return electrode also includes a capacitive return electrode formed from a conductive material disposed on the top surface of the intermediary layer and a resistive monitoring electrode formed from a conductive material disposed on the patient-contact surface of the intermediary layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering, monitoring, balancing, and/or dispersing high-frequency current flow in monopolar electrosurgery. The methods generally include positioning an active electrode in or on target tissue, positioning at least two dispersive electrodes on tissue remote from the target tissue, establishing electrical current flow from the active electrode through the dispersive electrodes, and individually adjusting the current through at least one of the dispersive electrodes to balance the current through the dispersive electrodes. By adjusting and balancing the current through two or more dispersive electrodes, safety of electrosurgical systems may be enhanced by preventing unwanted patient burns.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus, system, and method are disclosed. The apparatus, includes an elongate member defines a longitudinal opening. An elongate actuator member is slideably movable within the longitudinal opening. A proximal jaw member having a proximal portion is fixedly coupled to a distal end of the elongate flexible member. A distal jaw member has a proximal portion fixedly coupled to a distal end of the elongate actuator member. A first aperture is defined between the distal portion of the distal jaw member and the proximal portion of the distal jaw member. The distal jaw member is slideably movable relative to the proximal jaw member. The system includes a handle portion to receive a proximal end of the elongate actuator member of the apparatus. A method includes preparing the apparatus for surgery.

Abstract: Procedures, techniques, and systems for in vivo monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of tissue during the same or concomitant medical procedure. In disclosed embodiments, during a same or concomitant procedure or examination, tissue can be scanned on a localized level using a real-time optical biopsy system. The real-time optical biopsy system may involve angle-resolved and/or Fourier domain low coherence interferometry (LCI). Because the scanning can be performed in real-time, diagnosis can also be performed in real-time and during the same or concomitant medical procedure. As a result, therapy, if needed, can also be administered to the tissue during the same or concomitant medical procedure. Monitoring of the tissue after therapy can be performed during the same or subsequent procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating a tissue within a body of a subject includes an acoustic tag configured to be fixed to the tissue and adapted, responsive to acoustic waves incident thereon, to return acoustic echoes. Acoustic transducers are placed at respective positions so as to direct the acoustic waves into the body toward the tissue and to receive the acoustic echoes returned from the tag responsive to the acoustic waves, generating first signals responsive to the received echoes. Transducer position sensors are coupled respectively to the acoustic transducers so as to generate second signals indicative of the respective positions of the acoustic transducers in an external frame of reference. A processing unit processes the first signals and the second signals so as to determine coordinates of the acoustic tag in the external frame of reference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.

Abstract: Methods and devices that provide ultrasonic energy used to cause one or more nerves to become dysfunctional. A nerve to be treated is placed in the focal zone of ultrasonic energy emitted by ultrasound transducer. A first level of ultrasonic energy is provided to the nerve using the ultrasound transducer, the first level sufficient to stimulate the nerve. A verification is made that the desired nerve is being stimulated by the first level of ultrasonic energy. For example, the patient may be asked to confirm that the ultrasonically stimulated nerve corresponds to the pain that is affecting the patient. Subsequent to verifying the stimulated nerve is the nerve desired for the reduction of pain, a second level of ultrasonic energy is delivered to the nerve using the ultrasound transducer, the second level of ultrasonic energy sufficient to cause nerve dysfunction.

Abstract: Devices for electrosurgery by means of oxy-hydro combustion. Deleterious effects to tissue are minimized by means of control of acid-base shift reactions, which reactions can further be employed to control oxy-hydro combustion reactions. In one embodiment, radiofrequency energy in electrical connection with electrodes is employed to induce electrolysis in an aqueous salt environment, thereby producing oxygen and hydrogen, with the same energy source employed to initiate a combustion reaction.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes first and second ablation devices each including a plurality of wire electrodes and coupled to a generator in parallel. In one embodiment, the generator includes first and second terminals coupled in parallel to one another, and the first and second ablation devices are connected to the first and second terminals, respectively. Alternatively, the first and second ablation devices are coupled to a single terminal of the generator using a “Y” cable. A ground electrode is coupled to the generator opposite the first and second ablation devices for monopolar operation. The first and second arrays of electrodes are inserted into first and second sites adjacent one another within a tissue region. Energy is simultaneously delivered to the first and second arrays to generate lesions at the first and second sites preferably such that the first and second lesions overlap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmural ablation using an instrument containing two electrodes or cryogenic probes. A clamping force is exerted on the two electrodes or probes such that the tissue of the hollow organ is clamped therebetween. Bipolar RF energy is then applied between the two electrodes, or the probes are cryogenically cooled, thus ablating the tissue therebetween. The method provides for ablating cardiac tissue of a patient utilizing a sub-xyphoid approach and identifying cardiac tissue prior to ablation.

Abstract: In a method and device for positioning a linear array of electrodes mounted on a distal end section of an elongated flexible member in a patient's respiratory airways at the level of the patient's diaphragm, a length of the elongated flexible member pre-determined to position the linear array of electrodes at the level of the patient's diaphragm is inserted through the patient's respiratory airways. Signals representative of an electrical activity of the patient's diaphragm (EAdi) are detected through the electrodes of the linear array, a presence or absence of ECG signal components is detected in the EAdi signals, and the position of the linear array of electrodes in the patient's respiratory airways is detected in response to the presence or absence of the ECG signal components in the EAdi signals.

Abstract: A surgical bone screw includes an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded portion on the circumference of the body, and a passage extending between the proximal and the distal ends of the body. An electrical conductor is disposed in the passage between the proximal and the distal ends of the screw body. The conductor has a first terminal at the proximal end and a second terminal at the distal end. The conductor and both of the terminals are electrically insulated from surrounding portions of the screw body. When the screw is driven into bone tissue and a stimulating current is applied to the first terminal, the current is directed substantially through the conductor to flow into tissue adjacent to the second terminal at the distal end, without shunting by other tissue that surrounds the screw body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating transmural ablations in heart tissue, for example, may include two or more electrodes adapted to be connected to opposite poles of a bipolar RF generator so as to energize the electrodes to ablate cardiac tissue between the electrodes. A first electrode may be inserted into cardiac tissue at a first location and a second electrode may be inserted into cardiac tissue at a second location which is spaced from the first location. At least one of the electrodes may be adapted to provide a sufficiently low current density in the vicinity of the electrode to avoid substantial tissue desiccation when energized. Alternatively, the apparatus may include at least one bipolar ablation electrode which comprises an elongated conductive member of spiral shape having a pitch sufficiently small to provide sufficient surface area to avoid substantial desiccation of tissue when energized by a bipolar RF generator.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and/or method for the reconstruction of geometry of a body component and analysis of spatial distribution of electrophysiological values. The shape of the body component is reconstructed based on coordinates associated with data points (e.g., electrophysiological values). The data points are interpolated to form a value distribution map. The value distribution map corresponds to the shape of the body component. A report (e.g., textual report, graphical report) is generated based on the data points and/or the value distribution map.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed, which includes an RF output stage connected to a DC power supply and first and second connections. The first connection includes a first switching component and a first parallel inductor-capacitor resonant circuit. The second connection includes a second switching components and a second parallel inductor-capacitor resonant circuit. The first and second switching components are configured to open and close at a predetermined frequency based on a phase-correlated dual drive signal emitted by a driver and are in a 180 degree out-of-phase relationship. The first parallel inductor-capacitor resonant circuit is further configured to produce a first half-sinusoidal waveform and the second parallel inductor-capacitor resonant circuit is configured to produce a second half-sin half-sinusoidal waveform.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for positioning, manipulating, holding, grasping, immobilizing and/or stabilizing a heart including one or more tissue-engaging devices, one or more suction sources, one or more fluid sources, one or more energy sources, one or more sensors and one or more processors. The system and method may include an indifferent electrode, a drug delivery device and an illumination device. The system's tissue-engaging device may comprise a tissue-engaging head, a support apparatus and a clamping mechanism for attaching the tissue-engaging device to a stable object. The system may be used during various medical procedures including the deployment of an anastomotic device, intermittently stopping and starting of the heart, ablation of cardiac tissues and the placement of cardiac leads.

Abstract: An artery, vein, aneurysms vascular malformation or arterial fistula is occluded through endovascular occlusion by the endovascular insertion of a platinum wire and/or tip into the vascular cavity. The vascular cavity is packed with the tip to obstruct blood flow or access of blood in the cavity such that the blood clots in the cavity and an occlusion if formed. The tip may be elongate and flexible so that it packs the cavity by being folded upon itself a multiple number of times, or may pack the cavity by virtue of a filamentary or fuzzy structure of the tip. The tip is then separated from the wire mechanically or by electrolytic separation of the tip from the wire. The wire and the microcatheter are thereafter removed leaving the tip embedded in the thrombus formed within the vascular cavity. Movement of wire in the microcatheter is more easily tracked by providing a radioopaque proximal marker on the microcatheter and a corresponding indicator marker on the wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering a function of neural tissue in a patient. An electromagnetic signal is applied to the neural tissue through an electrode. The electromagnetic signal has a frequency component above the physiological stimulation frequency range and an intensity sufficient to product an alteration of the neural tissue, the alteration causing the patient to experience a reduction in pain, and a waveform that prevents lethal temperature elecation of the neural tissue during application of the electromagnetic signal to the neural tissue.