Abstract: A system for delivering energy into a body tissue. A tissue puncturing device is adapted to puncture a tissue surface and generate micro-channels from the tissue surface into the body tissue. A stimulator is adapted to deliver energy to the body tissue over or adjacent to the micro-channels.

Abstract: A tissue resection device includes an elongate shaft having a ceramic working end with a window and a wire-like electrode. A motor oscillates the electrode back and forth in an arc between opposing sides of the window. The working end is engaged against a tissue surface while radiofrequency current is delivered to the wire-like electrode to cut tissue received within the window. A negative pressure source may be connected to the window through an interior passageway in the elongate shaft to extract cut tissue from the working end.

Abstract: A cautery pen tip accessory cover comprises a cylindrical member that can receive a cautery pen in a first end and the tip of the cautery pen can extend from a second opposite end when the cover is in a retracted configuration. The cylindrical member has an opened lateral exposure that allows the feel of the cautery pen therethrough. A cover exposure opening in the cylindrical member to provide access to a trigger of the cautery pen when the cautery pen tip cover is in the retracted configuration. A resilient member urges the cautery pen tip cover to the non-retracted configuration where access to the cautery pen trigger is prevented. The cylindrical member is easily retracted by a finger ring configured permanently into the cylindrical member, allowing easy retraction of the cover by the operator squeezing the cover to a resistance bar stabilization system accessory configured over the cautery pen.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for regulating, maintaining and/or controlling the temperature of fluids and tissues during therapeutic or ablative tissue treatment applications. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a multi-purpose subassembly that is easy to use, supports all infusion and fluid-cooled ablation systems, and readily and reliably accepts a variety of tubing designs to decrease preparation time and minimize user error during setup and use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control mechanism for controlling a rod (210) having at least one key, the control mechanism comprising a handle comprising a sliding ring (131), a sliding shaft (132) and a drive shaft (133), each extending along a longitudinal axis (101) and comprising a central opening; and a friction reduction cannula (110) comprising an opening configured to receive the rod (210). The present invention also relates to a steerable device and a steerable system comprising the control mechanism according to the invention.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus places electrodes at the perimeter of a cavity. In an embodiment, the alternating electric field is used to expose the cavity to enough energy to ablate the cavity. In an embodiment, two modes are used to expose different regions of the cavity to different amounts of power so that the thermal effect is more uniform. In an embodiment, the electrodes have a relatively large surface area so as to avoid charring the cavity, but are shaped so as to fit within a body orifice.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a medical instrument (for example, an ablation device) comprises an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, an energy delivery member positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, a first plurality of temperature-measurement devices carried by or positioned within the energy delivery member, the first plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member, and a second plurality of temperature-measurement devices positioned proximal to a proximal end of the energy delivery member, the second plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member.

Abstract: A medical device for treatment for overweight or obesity is presented. The medical device is attached or implanted in patient's target body organs, wherein in each one of the device attachments, or daily in the case of long continuous attachment, the device removes up to 100 grams of energy containing materials from the body. The medical device optionally contains needles or alternatively contains crawling worm-like arm. The energy containing materials may be fat cells, fatty acid molecules driven out from the fat cells or lipids or carbohydrates molecules such as glucose from the blood stream.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include apparatus that includes an electrical interface and a processor. The processor is configured to receive, via the electrical interface, a first signal that indicates a time-varying force that was applied to a portion of tissue, and one or more second signals that are derived from ultrasound reflections received from the portion of tissue. The processor is further configured to learn, from the first signal and the second signals, a dependency of a thickness of the portion of tissue on the force applied to the portion of tissue. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An end effector includes a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer comprising an electrically conductive projection extending from the second electrically conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first electrically conductive layer and the electrically conductive projection is movable relative to the other one of the first electrically conductive layer and the electrically conductive projection to capture tissue therebetween.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for determining a proposed ablation site in a cardiac chamber. A system includes an implanted device configured to record a plurality of intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) couples, and a mapping and ablation system communicatively coupled to the implanted device. The mapping and ablation system is configured to receive the recorded plurality of IEGM couples from the implanted device, calculate a parameter for each of the plurality of IEGM couples, determine, based on the calculated parameters, an area of origin for each IEGM couple, and determine an intersection between the determined areas of origin, wherein the intersection represents the proposed ablation site in the cardiac chamber.

Abstract: An RF electrode can have a straight shaft to generate an RF heat lesion that is asymmetric about the central axis of the cannula through which the RF electrode is introduced into bodily tissue. For example, system for tissue ablation including a cannula and an electrode, the cannula including an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the cannula shaft including an electrically conductive active tip distal to an electrically insulated cannula shaft portion, the cannula shaft including a lumen extending from a proximal opening at the proximal end of the shaft to a distal portion of the shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is provided that includes a handset having a shaft extending therefrom, a pair of active electrodes at a distal end of the shaft, and a movable, electrically floating electrode selectively positionable between the active electrodes. The floating electrode, when positioned to contact tissue between the active electrodes, modifies the electrosurgical current flows through tissue. The resultant modified current flows enables a surgeon to more effectively to control tissue desiccation by focusing electrosurgical energy toward targeted tissue and by reducing peripheral current flows. Embodiments are provided wherein the active electrodes include cooling provisions. Related electrosurgical systems and method of use are also provided.

Abstract: An energizable surgical attachment system is configured for engagement about a mechanical clamp. The energizable surgical attachment includes a clamp sleeve having a first sleeve portion configured to receive a first jaw member of a mechanical clamp and a second sleeve portion configured to receive a second jaw member of a mechanical clamp. Each sleeve portion defines an open proximal end, an enclosed distal end, a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, and an inner surface. First and second electrically-conductive plates are operably associated with the inner surfaces of the clamp sleeve portions. A connector is coupled to each electrically-conductive plate and a cable management hub is configured to releasably couple the electrosurgical cable with the mechanical clamp.

Abstract: A device for transcatheter gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an elongated tube extending in a longitudinal direction and having an open distal end, a tissue securing component disposed at the distal end of the elongated tube, and a capture tool movable in the elongated tube between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongated tube may have an inner surface and a lumen extending therethrough. The tissue securing component may include a clip having a roller and a support element. The roller may be rotatable relative to the support element. The capture tool may be operable to capture tissue of the heart valve leaflet and to draw the captured tissue into the tissue securing component. The tissue securing component may be adapted to be applied to the captured tissue to hold the captured tissue in a gathered configuration.

Abstract: A catheter probe configured with a capability to present a larger tissue contact area or “footprint” for larger, deeper lesions, without increasing the french size of the catheter, especially its distal section, includes an elastically deformable electrode configured to adopt a neutral configuration and a tissue contact configuration. The deformable electrode comprising a hollow porous tube with a distal portion having a closed distal end, and a proximal portion defining an opening to an interior of the tube, where the distal tip end is received in the tube through the opening and the distal section is generally surrounded by tube, with the proximal portion being affixed to an outer surface of the distal section. In some embodiments, the closed distal end is shaped with a bulbous portion that can spread and widen to provide a larger surface contact area.

Abstract: A system for controlling a treatment device generates a graphical interface that visually prompts a user in a step-wise fashion to use the treatment device to perform a process of forming a pattern of lesions that extends both circumferentially and axially in different levels in a body region. The graphical interface displays for the user a visual record of the progress of the process from start to finish and guides the user so that so that individual lesions desired within a given level are all formed, and that a given level of lesions is not skipped.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are for preparing microimplant arrays for sustained drug delivery or live cell based therapy. The “array in array” (AIA) device enables formation of microimplant arrays without having tissue piercing elements to the microimplant. The methods and compositions are for solid state delivery of drugs, especially biologics drugs without forming a drug solution prior to injection. New methods and compositions are for preparing in situ arrays for sustained drug delivery or live cell based therapy. Tissue surface is first treated with laser drilling, microneedle array, mechanical drilling or other methods to create artificial micro-porosity of various sizes, shapes and patterns. The artificial pores created are then infused with sustained drug delivery compositions or live cell suspensions. The compositions are converted into solid or semisolid state by physical or chemical reaction/s to entrap drug or live cells. The entrapped drug or live cells provide local or systemic therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: A system for controlling a surgical instrument comprises an input device operably coupled to remotely control movement of a surgical instrument operably coupled to a computer-assisted surgical system; a first auxiliary input device configured to transmit an auxiliary function control signal to activate an auxiliary function of a surgical instrument in an operably coupled state of the first auxiliary input device and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Intrauterine devices and methods for facilitating deployment thereof using a bumper are disclosed. In one embodiment, an intrauterine device comprises a structure including a first central support member and a deployment mechanism coupled to the first central support member. The intrauterine device further comprises a bumper positioned at a distal end of a second central support member and at a more distal position relative to a distal end of the structure so as to prevent the distal end of the structure from contacting the fundus of the uterus of a patient during deployment of the deployment mechanism. In another embodiment, the intrauterine device comprises a bumper coupled to the deployment mechanism and configured to move from a more distal to a more proximal position relative to a distal end of the structure.

Abstract: An open-close-repeatable rotatable hemoclip for the gastrointestinal tract with electrocoagulation is provided by the present invention, including a clamping assembly, a tightening assembly, an insulating outer tube assembly and a handle assembly. The clamping assembly is rotatable and open-close-repeatable under actions of the handle assembly, the insulating outer tube assembly and the tightening assembly. An electrode is arranged inside the handle assembly. The electrode is electrically connected to the clamping assembly through the insulating outer tube assembly and the tightening assembly. The hemoclip of the present invention can be easily rotated inside the human body according to various angle requirements. When a flaky and irregular bleeding occurs, a high frequency electric power can be introduced for an electrocoagulation hemostasis.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure in an intestine of a patient is provided. The method comprises providing a system comprising: a catheter for insertion into the intestine, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a distal portion; and a functional assembly positioned on the shaft distal portion and comprising at least one treatment element. The catheter is introduced into the patient, and target tissue is treated with the at least one treatment element. The target tissue comprises mucosal tissue of the small intestine, and the medical procedure can be configured to treat at least one of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ablation systems and methods for providing feedback on lesion formation in real-time. The methods and systems assess absorptivity of tissue based on a degree of electric coupling or contact between an ablation electrode and the tissue. The absorptivity can then be used, along with other information, including, power levels and activation times, to provide real-time feedback on the lesions being created. Feedback may be provided, for example, in the form of estimated lesion volumes and other lesion characteristics. The methods and systems can provide estimated treatment times to achieve a desired lesion characteristic for a given degree of contact, as well as depth of a lesion being created. The degree of contact may be measured using different techniques, including the phase angle techniques and a coupling index.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an end effector assembly, a motor assembly, an energy source, and a controller. The controller activates the motor assembly, once it is determined that tissue is present between jaw members of the end effector assembly, to move the jaw members from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to grasp tissue. The controller further activates the energy source, once tissue is grasped between the jaw members, to supply energy to the jaw members to seal tissue grasped between the jaw members. The controller further activates the motor assembly, once it is determined that tissue sealing is complete, to move the jaw members from the approximated position to the spaced-apart position to release sealed tissue. The system may further be configured to cut tissue once it is determined that tissue sealing is complete but before moving the jaw members to the spaced-apart position.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongated catheter body, and an electrode assembly distal of the catheter body, the assembly comprising a plurality of spines, wherein each spine has a distal end that is connected to the distal end of at least one other spine, wherein each spine has an electrode-carrying portion, the electrode-carrying portions of all spines of the assembly being in a single common plane, and wherein all spines of the assembly have a uniform exposed total length.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and an output device. The processor is configured to receive positions, within a heart of a patient, of one or more electrodes that apply Radio Frequency (RF) energy to ablate tissue in the heart, in a coordinate system having a vertical axis. The processor is further configured to calculate, based on the received positions, a subset of one or more smallest heights among respective heights of the electrodes above an esophagus of the patient along the vertical axis. The output device is configured to present to a user an indication of the smallest heights.

Abstract: A conductive tip catheter includes a flexible tubular member defining a lumen that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The conductive tip catheter also includes an electrically conductive metallic coil at least partially located within the lumen of the flexible tubular member. The electrically conductive metallic coil includes a first region located at a distal end of the metallic coil and having a first pitch, a second region proximal to the first region and having a second pitch that is greater than the first pitch, and a third region proximal to the second region and having a third pitch that is different from the first pitch and the second pitch. A conductive tip is located at the distal end of the flexible tubular member, and the conductive tip defines a tip lumen in fluid communication with the lumen.

Abstract: A catheter includes a proximal segment and a distal segment. The catheter is configured to permit relative movement between the distal segment and the proximal segment in response to an application of force on the distal segment. The catheter further includes an inductive sensing element configured to measure displacement between the proximal segment and the distal segment.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: A ratio of reversible electroporation and irreversible electroporation may be controlled by selecting a symmetric waveform or asymmetric waveform to either minimize or enhance irreversible effects on cells in the target tissue. Combined reversible and irreversible electroporation includes inserting one or more therapeutic electrodes into a target tissue, introducing an electroporation compound into the target tissue, selecting a pulse waveform that is either 1) asymmetric bipolar that has positive and negative pulses with different durations, or 2) symmetric bipolar that has positive and negative pulses with the same duration, and delivering to the target tissue a series of electrical pulses having the selected pulse waveform.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for application of a pulsed radio frequency therapy in a vascular system or another cavity or tissue of the human or animal body comprising a catheter with at least one electrode disposed thereon for insertion into the vascular system or another cavity or the tissue of the human or animal body; a probe with at least one further electrode disposed thereon, wherein the probe is insertable via the catheter into the vascular system or the other cavity or the tissue of the human or animal body; and a generator electrically connected with the electrodes for generating a pulsed electro-magnetic field between the electrodes.

Abstract: A system for treating uterine tissue having a seal assembly configured for positioning in a patient's cervical canal and uterine cavity; an expandable distal balloon portion; an expandable elongate medial balloon portion configured for movement between a first transversely expanded shape for engaging a cervical canal and a second transversely non-expanded shape for trans-cervical insertion; and a fluid source in communication with distal balloon portion and medial balloon portion for expansion of said balloon portions.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a device for a surgical instrument, including at least one sensor, a circuit for controlling and processing signals coming from the at least one sensor, a memory for storing information coming from the circuit, and a radio interface for transmitting this information to an external device, the sensor(s), the circuit, the memory and the radio interface being powered by a power source, the circuit, the memory, the radio interface and the power source being housed in one or several hermetic and heat and pressure resistant case(s), in order to allow an autonomous operation of the device.

Abstract: An example of a system may include a lead including a distal electrode portion. The distal electrode portion may be configured to at least partially encircle a sympathetic chain in a lumbar region or thoracic region. The distal electrode portion may include at least one electrode oriented toward the sympathetic chain when the distal electrode portion at least partially encircles the sympathetic chain. The distal portion may include at least one anchoring site configured for use to mechanically secure the distal electrode portion to tissue proximate to the sympathetic chain. The lead may have a strain relief proximate to the distal electrode portion.

Abstract: Endoscopic systems and methods that provide wireless power transmission from a camera head to at least one solid-state light source housed in an endoscopic device. The endoscopic systems and methods employ a multi-stage electromagnetic induction coupling mechanism that can wirelessly transfer power from the camera head to an endocoupler, as well as from the endocoupler to the solid-state light source, while allowing axial rotational motion of at least the camera head, the endocoupler, and/or the endoscopic device relative to one another.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic location of a target treatment structure, such as a pulmonary vein ostium, from an anatomical image. The method includes calculating a most likely path of blood flow through a pulmonary vein based on a cross-sectional area minimization technique and calculating pulmonary vein geometry as a function of length. For example, a pulmonary vein ostium may be located by analyzing a change in pulmonary vein dimensional size or other anatomical factors, such as absolute size. The method may also include determining tissue thickness at the pulmonary vein ostium or other treatment size for treatment dose optimization. The method may be an algorithm performed by a processing unit of a navigation system or other component of a medical system.

Abstract: The ablation system (10) according to the invention works with an ablation probe (12, 12a) that comprises two alternatingly working spark plasma electrodes (31, 32). They generate a plasma beam (47, 48) having a non-circular cross-section, which beam is to be guided—transversely with respect to the large longitudinal axis of its preferably oval cross-section—over the tissue to be ablated, in particular the mucosa (14). In doing so, it is possible to treat large-area tissue regions by means of a reliable and easily controllable procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment and tissue remodeling. The apparatus includes an array of needles that penetrate the skin and serve as electrodes to deliver radio frequency current or other electrical or optical energy into the tissue being treated, causing thermal damage in controlled patterns. The damaged regions promote beneficial results such as uniform skin tightening by stimulation of wound healing and collagen growth.

Abstract: A lumen extension member is provided for a catheter having a catheter body and an elongate electrode coupled to the catheter body. The elongate electrode defines an electrode lumen extending therethrough. The lumen extension member is positioned within the electrode lumen and is coupled to the catheter body. The lumen extension member includes a tubular member including a sidewall and at least one opening that extends through the sidewall.

Abstract: A heat monitoring instrument of the invention includes: an insertion portion for inserting into tissue of a subject; a distal end portion that constitutes a distal end portion of the insertion portion and receives and transmits heat of the subject into which the insertion portion is inserted; and a shape-memory portion that constitutes the distal end portion and changes shape due to the heat of the subject.

Abstract: A control method, computer readable medium, and imaging apparatus for diagnosis being configured to create a tomographic image are disclosed. The method includes obtaining ultrasound line data oriented in a radial direction from a rotation center based on a signal obtained by executing the scanning; obtaining optical interference line data oriented in a radial direction from the rotation center based on a signal obtained by executing the scanning; identifying a line or a group of lines having a same feature out of each line data of the ultrasound tomographic image and the optical tomographic image; determining segmentation positions for a bundle of lines corresponding to at least a single frame included in each tomographic image from each line data of the ultrasound tomographic image and the optical tomographic image with respect to the identified line or group of lines; and creating a tomographic image from the determined bundle of lines.

Abstract: Thermography of an ablation site is carried out by navigating a probe into contact with target tissue in the heart, obtaining a first position of a position sensor in the probe and acquiring a first magnetic resonance thermometry image of the target tissue. The method is further carried out during ablation by iteratively reading the position sensor to obtain second positions, and acquiring a new magnetic resonance thermometry image of the target tissue when the distance between the first position and one of the second positions is less than a predetermined distance. The images are analyzed to determine the temperature of the target tissue.

Abstract: A needle with multiple injection ports is used in connection with a high-pressure injection system to infuse a treatment solution into a treatment area below the dermis of the skin. The needle has multiple tines that extend outwardly from the injection ports while inside the treatment area to disrupt tissue in the treatment area and to create multiple pathways of infusion. The tines are withdrawn and the needle is partially withdrawn, and solution is injected from the needle into the treatment area at high pressure to infuse the tissue within the treatment area. The burst, infusion, and a treatment such as an energy or third solution may be interleaved and repeated multiple times.

Abstract: An electrosurgical wand for treating tissue at a target site within or on a patient's body is described, having an elongate shaft with a handle and a distal end portion. The distal end portion has an active electrode, an insulative spacer body and a return electrode; the active electrode supported by the insulative spacer body and spaced away from the return electrode. The active electrode has both lateral and medial edge surfaces. The insulative spacer body has an aspiration cavity fluidly connected with an aspiration lumen, and at least one tapered aperture extending beyond at least one of the electrode medial edge surfaces and directed to the aspiration cavity.

Abstract: A system for highlighting an instrument in an image includes a probe (122) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic energy and a marker device (120) configured to respond to a received ultrasonic signal and emit an ultrasonic signal after a delay. A medical instrument (102) includes the marker device. A control module (124) is stored in memory and configured to interpret the ultrasonic energy received from the probe and from the marker device at the probe to determine a three dimensional location of the medical instrument to highlight a position of the marker device in an image.

Abstract: A catheter adapted or high density mapping and/or ablation of tissue surface has a distal electrode array with offset spine loops, each spine loop having at least a pair of linear portions and a distal portion connecting the pair of linear portions, and one or more electrodes on each linear portion. The linear portions of the plurality of offset spine loops are arranged in-plane a single common plane, and the distal portions of the plurality of offset spine loops are arranged off-plane from the single common plane.

Abstract: A medical device for sympathetic nerve ablation includes a catheter shaft and an expandable member disposed on the catheter shaft. The balloon is configured to be able to shift between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The medical device includes an elongate electrode assembly constructed as a flexible circuit and a protective bumper member. The elongate electrode assembly may have an outer edge and may be disposed on an outer surface of the balloon. The protective bumper member may cover at least a portion of the outer edge of the elongate electrode assembly.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices for harvesting a skin graft(s). The present invention provides a blister raising device integrated with a member for cutting the blister.

Abstract: A medical device for multiple treatment therapies includes a hollow tube (102) having a first end portion with an electrode (104) disposed at the first end portion and an insulator (108) configured over a length of the tube such that conductive materials of the tube, except for the electrode, are electrically isolated from an exterior surface the tube. A conductive connection (127) is configured to electrically couple to the electrode to provide a voltage thereto. A selectively closeable valve (106) is configured to dispense a medical fluid from the tube.

Abstract: A catheter having a distal assembly with multiple spines with proximal ends affixed to the catheter and free distal ends. The spines have different lengths so distal ends of the spines trace different circumferences along an inner tissue surface of a tubular region to minimize risk of vein stenosis. The spine lengths can be configured so that the distal ends trace a helical pattern. The distal assembly may have a plunger which deflects the spines when moved longitudinally relative to the distal assembly. The catheter may include a second distal assembly distal of a first distal assembly wherein the first and second distal assemblies are separated by a fixed distanced or an adjustable distance.