Abstract: Methods for treating gastrointestinal conditions, conditions associated with sympathetic and/or parasympathetic activity in the gastrointestinal organs, and conditions associated with central sympathetic and/or parasympathetic activity in a patient with therapeutic gastrointestinalneuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a gastrointestinal artery of a gastrointestinal organ of a patient. Sympathetic drive in the patient can thereby be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for the gastrointestinal condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that can identify a mechanism of action of an arrhythmia in a chamber of the heart. A plurality of electrograms recorded by a plurality of electrodes contacting a wall of a chamber of the heart at a corresponding plurality of different locations within the chamber in response to an electrical perturbation can be received. An activation map of the chamber can be determined based on the plurality of electrograms. Based on the activation map, a location and a shape of a mechanism of action of the arrhythmia can be determined. A treatment plan can be developed based on a location and a size of the mechanism of action within the chamber. For example, the treatment plan can include guiding an ablation of the mechanism of action.

Abstract: A battery-powered, modular surgical device includes an electrically powered surgical instrument operable to surgically interface with human tissue and a handle assembly connected to the surgical instrument. The handle assembly has a removable hand grip and a handle body. The hand grip is shaped to permit handling of the surgical device by one hand of an operator, has an upper portion and a cordless internal battery assembly that powers the surgical instrument. The internal battery assembly has at least one energy storage cell. The handle body is operable to removably connect at least the upper portion of the hand grip thereto and create an aseptic seal around at least a portion of the hand grip when connected thereto and electrically couple the internal battery assembly of the hand grip to the surgical instrument and thereby power the surgical instrument for interfacing surgically with the human tissue.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic immune system neuromodulation and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods including modulating nerves proximate a vessel or duct of an immune system organ using an intravascularly or intraluminally positioned therapeutic element. One or more measurable physiological parameters corresponding to an immune system disorder, a condition associated with sympathetic activity in an immune system organ, or a condition associated with central sympathetic activity in the patient can thereby be reduced.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.

Abstract: A pivot port that can provide a pivot point for a surgical instrument. The pivot port may be held in a stationary position by a support arm assembly that is attached to a table. The pivot port may include either an adapter or a ball joint that can support the surgical instrument. The pivot port allows the instrument to pivot relative to a patient.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly housing a wireless circuit board. The wireless circuit board transmits a signal to a set of safety glasses worn by a surgeon using the surgical instrument during a procedure. The signal is received by a wireless port on the safety glasses. One or more lighting devices on a front lens of the safety glasses change color, fade, or glow in response to the received signal to indicate information to the surgeon about the status of the surgical instrument. The lighting devices are disposable on peripheral edges of the front lens to not distract the direct line of vision of the surgeon.

Abstract: An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The energy source is configured to deliver a first series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by irreversible electroporation and a second series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by thermal heating, through at least one of the first and second electrodes. The first series of electrical pulses is characterized by a first amplitude, a first pulse length, and a first frequency. The second series of electrical pulses is characterized by a second amplitude, a second pulse length, and a second frequency.

Abstract: A new method for the ablation of undesirable tissue such as cells of a cancerous or non-cancerous tumor is disclosed. It involves the placement of electrodes into or near the vicinity of the undesirable tissue through the application of electrical pulses causing irreversible electroporation of the cells throughout the entire area of the undesirable tissue. The electric pulses irreversibly permeate the cell membranes, thereby invoking cell death. The irreversibly permeabilized cells are left in situ and are removed by the body immune system. The amount of tissue ablation achievable through the use of irreversible electroporation without inducing thermal damage is considerable.

Abstract: An implantable oxygen generator system is disclosed. The implantable oxygen generator system includes a receiver configured to generate an electrical current, and an electrode set configured to deliver the electrical current to water molecules of an interstitial fluid within a tissue, wherein the electrical current electrolyzes the water molecules into oxygen molecules.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided for a ablating tissue. The medical instrument has an inner bipolar electrode and an outer bipolar electrode. The inner and outer electrodes are separated by an insulation layer. The inner and outer electrodes form a loop that may be rotated around a tumor to ablate the tumor tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode arrangement for a dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment of an irregularly three-dimensionally shaped surface of an electrically conducting body used as a counter electrode, comprising a planar electrode (1) and a dielectric (2, 3), which is designed to be arranged at a defined distance from the surface to be treated in order to form a cold plasma, wherein said arrangement can be produced in a simple manner and can be reliably designed in the use thereof in that the dielectric (2, 3) is formed by a flexible planar material, which is provided with a structure (4) on the side of the flexible planar material facing the surface to be treated in order to form air guiding areas (7) when the dielectric (2, 3) lies on the surface to be treated, and in that the planar electrode is flexible and Is fastened to the dielectric (2, 3) in such a way that a layer (2) of the dielectric (2, 3) shields the electrode (1) from the surface to be treated.

Abstract: An embolic coil deployment system for placing a coil at a preselected site within a vessel of the human body is provided. The deployment system includes a heating element at the distal end of a detachment member and a heat-responsive coupling attached to a delivery member for holding the coil during positioning of the coil. The heating element is heated to reduce the strength of and sever the heat-responsive coupling for releasing the coil at a desired position within the body vessel.

Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders. The invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors. The methods rely on non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to cause cell death in treated tumors.

Abstract: Methods for treating hyperaldosteronism with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in renal nerves proximate a renal blood vessel of a human patient. One or more measurable physiological parameters corresponding to hyperaldosteronism of the patient can thereby be improved. Moreover, central sympathetic drive in the patient can be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for hyperaldosteronism. Renal sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated along the afferent and/or efferent pathway. The modulation can be achieved, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a neuromodulation assembly, e.g., a neuromodulation assembly configured to use electrically-induced, thermally-induced, and/or chemically-induced approaches to modulate the renal nerve.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a planar electrode which includes two equally sized electrode surfaces. The equally sized electrode surfaces are electrically separated along a linear insulation zone and adjoin directly along an inner edge portion. The two equally sized electrode surfaces include, respectively, a band-shaped extension section, which encloses the other electrode surface along its outer edge portion and thereby is separated by the extended insulation zone from the respectively enclosed electrode surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating contrast nephropathy, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for bilateral renal neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the prognostic evaluation of a patient suspected of having, or having, cancer by assessing the expression of IMP3 in a biological sample of a patient. Methods can be used at the time of initial diagnosis of malignant tumors to identify a group of patients with a high potential to develop progression or metastasis later. Therefore, methods not only are able to provide very useful prognostic information for patients but also can help clinicians to select a candidate patient likely to benefit from early and aggressive cancer therapy. Methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer associated with expression of IMP3 are also provided.

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: The tissue cutting device comprises an elongated assembly including both an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a tissue-receiving window, and the inner sleeve has a distal end which cuts tissue as the inner sleeve is advanced past the window. The tissue is received into a lumen of the inner sleeve, and the inner sleeve lumen is typically enlarged in a proximal direction to reduce the tendency of resected tissue to lodge therein. The tissue displacement member is optionally provided at a distal end of the outer sleeve to further aid in dislodging tissue which becomes captured in a distal end of the inner sleeve of the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of electrochemistry to control and generate specific user defined chemical reactions in regions that may be defined by electrode placement and geometry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of shape changing cartilage in a subject through potential-driven electrochemical modification of tissue (PDEMT) or use of a potential-driven electromechanical (EMR) device.

Abstract: A surgical introducer including a body portion, a shaft and a sensor is disclosed. The body portion includes a reference indicator. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis and is positionable adjacent the body portion. The shaft is rotatable with respect to the body portion and includes a longitudinal indicator and a circumferential indicator. The sensor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with a distal portion of the shaft and is adapted to provide physiological data pertaining to a surgical worksite. At least a portion of the sensor is substantially aligned with the circumferential indicator. Rotation of the shaft with respect to the body portion causes displacement between the circumferential indicator and the reference indicator. Longitudinal movement of the shaft with respect to the body portion causes displacement between the longitudinal indicator and the reference indicator.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a nano-probe corona tool and uses thereof. A nano-probe corona tool is disclosed having a tip with a diameter in the nano-scale, typically around 100 nm. The nano-probe corona tool is constructed of electrically conductive material. On the other end of the tool, a pulsed voltage source outputs a pulsed voltage to generated a pulsed electrical potential at the tip. The pulsed electrical potential at the tip causes a plasma discharge corona to occur. Uses of the corona discharge include, but are not limited to, optical emission spectroscopy, in the enhancement of deposition of coatings and nanoscale welding, e.g., nanotube or nanowires to a contact pad and welding two nanowires together, and in nanoscale surgery. For example, a nano-probe comprising CNTs may be inserted into cell membranes. The resulting corona discharge may be used to destroy tumors within the cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating masses, such as prostate or breast cancer, or any other soft tissue cancerous or benign mass, employs a unique, three-dimensional software-controlled electronic amplifier array using arbitrary waveforms that dynamically and proportionally steer electrical currents by using two or more current vector paths, sequentially or simultaneously, through a mass containing electrically-conductive ionic solutions so as to obtain 100% thermal beating or hyperthermia through the mass, and destroying it with a minimally-invasive treatment which requires no radiation or chemotherapy which could be harmful to the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating tissue that employ a radiometer for temperature measurements and use feedback from the radiometer to regulate energy being applied to the tissue are provided. For example, methods and systems are provided for calculating temperature based on signal(s) from a radiometer, which may provide useful information about tissue temperature at depth, and automatically regulating energy applied to the tissue based on the tissue temperature.

Abstract: The endoscopic nasal palatoplasty procedure provides a reduction in the posterior aspect of the soft palate and/or uvula, thereby increasing the area of the nasopharyngeal passage between the soft palate and/or uvula and the back of the nasopharynx. This increased nasopharyngeal area promotes nasal breathing, thereby reducing reliance upon oral breathing and corresponding sleep-disordered breathing syndrome and associated problems such as sleep apnea and snoring. The procedure is performed using a conventional surgical implement, such as a Coblator® or other electro cauterizing or laser cauterizing implement, to ablate and cauterize a series of lesions in the soft palate and/or uvula. The procedure is performed by inserting the surgical implement through one of the nasal passages to access the superior surface of the soft palate and/or uvula.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of cosmetology. The invention relates to cosmetic or aesthetic skin treatment using an appliance, in particular for dermatological care, which combines applying pulsed electrical currents to the skin for treating the skin by electroporation in a first step, constant currents for electrophoretically treating the skin in a second step, with the simultaneous exposure of the skin under treatment to chromotherapeutic light emissions in which the color changes from one step to the next. The color red is preferred for electroporation; orange is preferred during the electrophoretic treatment. The appliance is programmed for automatic is programmed for automatic operation. The method advantageously comprises a third chromotheraphy step under blue light combined with the application of an electrophoretic current.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

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: Method and apparatus for treating conductive irregularities in the heart, particularly atrial fibrillation and accessory path arrythmias. An ablative catheter is positioned relative to an inter-atrial electrical pathway, or a vicinity of accessory paths such as the coronary sinus or fossa ovalis, and actuated to form a lesion that partially or completely blocks electrical conduction in at least one direction along the pathway. Method and apparatus for assessing lesion quality are also described.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter includes an elongate catheter body having an elastically-deformable distal region predisposed to assume a spiral shape and a first plurality of electrodes disposed thereon. Each of the first plurality of electrodes includes an electrically active region limited to the inner surface of the spiral shape for use in non-contact electrophysiology studies. A second plurality of electrodes may also be disposed on the distal region interspersed (e.g., alternating) with the first plurality of electrodes, with each of the second plurality of electrodes having an electrically active region extending into the outer surface of the spiral shape for use in contact electrophysiology studies. The distal region may be deformed into a straight configuration for insertion into and navigation through the patient's vasculature, for example via use of a tubular introducer. As the distal region deploys beyond the distal end of the introducer, it resumes the spiral shape.

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 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: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instruments associated with controlling the operating modes of an electrosurgical instrument using control signals delivered in a wireless manner from the electrosurgical instrument to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical instrument transmits wireless control signals to the electrosurgical generator to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy. The control signals are delivered to the electrosurgical generator without the need for a conductive cord extending between the electrosurgical generator and the electrosurgical instrument. The energy is delivered to the electrosurgical instrument, in response to the wireless control signals, along a path through an electrode and the physician utilizing the electrosurgical instrument and/or a conductive path external to the physician. The electrode upon which the physician rests provides a path for the electrosurgical energy and optionally prevents burning of the physician during an electrosurgical procedure.

Abstract: A device comprising: a handpiece having one or more attachment ports; a tubeset having one or more attachment features for connecting the tubeset to the one or more attachment ports in the handpiece; a removable tip having an attachment arm for attaching to the one or more attachment ports in the handpiece; wherein the device comprises one or more of the following: the handpiece includes an attachment port that attaches the handpiece to an active lead and a return lead and the device is adapted to use only the active lead or both leads so that the device can switch between bi-polar energy and mono-polar energy; the tubeset has one or more fluid conduits that are in fluid communication with the removable tip, wherein the removable tip is located at a distal end of the device; and the handpiece connects to one or more electrical input lines; the tubeset connects to one or more fluid lines, and the removable tip is free of direct connection to both the one or more electrical input lines and the one or more fluid

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing non-invasive treatment of the human face and body by electroporation in lieu of cosmetic surgery is provided. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator and an applicator having two or more electrodes in close mechanical and electrical contact with the patient's skin for applying the pulses to the patient's skin. The applicator may consist of two pieces with one electrode having a sharp tip and another having a flat surface. High voltage pulses delivered to the electrodes create at the tip of the sharp electrode an electric field high enough to cause death of relatively large subcutaneous fat cells by electroporation. Moving the electrode tip along the skin creates a line of necrotic subcutaneous fat cells, which later are metabolized by the body. Multiple applications of the electrode along predetermined lines on the face or neck create shrinkage of the skin and the subcutaneous fat volume underlying the treated area.

Abstract: A transducer for use with a high intensity focused ultrasound medical system has transducer elements that are made from a piezocomposite material bonded together in turn with an adhesive. The elements are deployed along a surface of a geometric structure with two curvatures. The structure is a truncated curved cylinder. The transducer also includes electrodes, each of which is arranged on a corresponding one of the transducer elements for exciting the transducer elements to emit ultrasonic waves in response to electrical signals applied to the electrodes to steer the waves to form a common focus zone in a desired heating area.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for percutaneous energy delivery in an effective, manner using one or more probes. Additional variations of the system include array of probes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: The invention provides a bipolar electrosurgical device to treat tissue in a presence of radio frequency energy and a fluid provided from the device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode at the end of a malleable shaft assembly to be hand shapeable by a user of the device, and at least one fluid outlet. The malleable shaft assembly comprises a first shaft and a second shaft, a length of the first shaft and a length of the second shaft in an outer member comprising a polymer, and at least a portion of the first shaft and at least a portion of the second shaft being malleable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for treating heart failure by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal The present disclosure includes methods for creating and maintaining an opening in the atrial septum. Tools for making an opening and enlarging the opening are also disclosed. Use of the techniques and tools described herein prolongs the patency of an intra-atrial pressure relief opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating chronic pain occurring secondarily to subacromial impingement syndrome in a human body. A system is provided to deliver percutaneous electrical stimulation through at least one electrode to neurological motor points of the posterior and middle deltoid muscles to mediate such pain. One-time, continued and/or periodic dosing of treatment methods according to the present invention may result in a change to central nervous system maladaptive neuroplasticity.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for signal detection are described. In one example, a detection assembly includes a signal detector. The signal detector is configured to receive a sensor signal having a peak magnitude and a first frequency and generate an output signal having a magnitude proportional to the peak magnitude of the sensor signal and having a second frequency less than the first frequency of the sensor signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density or power density, and the amount of time required for energy delivery. A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring an inner diameter of a body lumen, where a balloon is inflated inside the body lumen at a fixed pressure.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical electrode for use with electrosurgery and various other surgical procedures is disclosed. The electrode includes a heating element for generating heat to warm a patient resting upon the electrode. The electrode can also include one or more pads to prevent the creation of pressure sores or decubitus ulcers on a patient resting upon the electrode. The electrode has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 ?·cm, which arises from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. Through the selection of the impedance characteristics for the electrode materials, and through tailoring of electrode geometries, the electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma.