Abstract: A probe for intermittent contacting a patient body with a predetermined speed and force. Initially, the probe is recessed inside the device which is brought in contact with the patient body, while keeping the probe from making a contact with the patient. On a command from an operator or control circuit, the probe is deployed moving toward the patient body surface with a substantially consistent force and rate of motion, thus making a contact in a consistent fashion.

Abstract: Provided herein is an instrument and method useful to incise in to the skin to a precise depth and at a specific angle with respect to the surface of the skin of a patient, for the extraction of individual follicular groups or individual follicular units. An instrument according to the invention precisely limits the depth of incision, and creates a circular incision around a hair, follicular unit, or follicular cluster in a manner such that no damage occurs to any of the hair shafts.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter, a longitudinal axis, and a sharp distal end. An insulating member extends through the hollow needle and is movable relative to the hollow needle. An elongated member extends through the insulating member and is movable relative to both the insulating member and the hollow needle. A resilient wire projects from the elongated member and is retractable within and extendable outside of the insulating member and the hollow needle. The insulating member, elongated member, and resilient wire are movable relative to the needle using first and second moving means whereby the surgical assembly assumes various configurations having different operational functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an intraosseous nerve. The method includes positioning a hollow shaft through the cortical shell of a vertebral body and into a cancellous bone region of the vertebral body. The hollow shaft includes an annular wall having a longitudinal bore therein, a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a first window extending transversely through the annular wall. An electrosurgical probe is advanced within the longitudinal bore from the proximal portion toward the distal portion. The electrosurgical probe includes a first treatment element at a distal end of the probe, wherein the first treatment element being in electrical connection with a power supply. The first treatment element is slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore so that the first treatment element is advanced radially outward from the window and shaft to affect treatment of the intraosseous nerve within the cancellous bone region.

Abstract: A magnetically-guided catheter 100 includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal electrode assembly configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. A magnetically-guided mapping catheter 100 includes an electrically-conductive capsule in the form of a casing 146 that includes a distal ablation surface and isolates the positioning magnet from bio-fluids to prevent corrosion. An open irrigation ablation catheter includes an isolated manifold that isolates the positioning magnet from contact with irrigation fluid to prevent corrosion.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue of a mammalian body. In one embodiment, a spring mechanism is carried by first and second tubular members and actuatable for moving a needle from a first position disposed within the distal extremity of the first tubular member to a second position extending distally of the first tubular member. In another embodiment, a nozzle is coupled to the distal extremity of an elongate tubular member for delivering a material into tissue of the mammalian body. In a further embodiment, a flexible elongate member provided with a recess is introduced into a cavity of the body to capture tissue in the recess and electrical energy is applied to such tissue in the recess so as to change the compliance of the tissue.

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: A method and device are provided for the preparation of sterile medical ice slurry, for example having ice loadings of greater than approximately 50%. An integrated-operation ice slurry blender-based production and delivery system methods for monitoring cooling capacity of the produced and delivered slurry. All individual medical ice slurry production and delivery steps are integrated into one tightly coupled precisely sequenced and timed system. The novel procedure and equipment is simple to use and makes sterile slurry, which is ready to deliver to patients, for example, in less than 2 minutes after adding predetermined thermally preconditioned ingredient modules to a blender.

Abstract: A medical device for injection during endoscopy or arthroscopy, the device having a curved, hollow needle, optionally coated by a semi-rigid covering, all surrounded by a curved tubular sleeve, wherein the needle is attached to a base, separated from the sleeve by one or more removable extensions or tabs, and a connection means for connecting either directly to a syringe for a liquid or semi-liquid treatment or to an extension tube connected to such a syringe.

Abstract: A tissue cutting and sealing device, having a pair of opposing elements dimensioned to grasp tissue therebetween; and a heating assembly on at least one of the opposing elements, wherein the heating assembly includes: a ceramic body; and a metalized portion extending along a top surface of the ceramic body. The top surface of the ceramic body preferably has a width greater than the metalized portion.

Abstract: An engaging mechanism, which restricts rotation of a cutter section about an axis of a sheath, is provided. In accordance with an advancing/retreating operation of an operation wire by an operation slider, switching is made between a rotation restriction position where rotational restriction of the cutter section is effected by the engaging mechanism and a restriction release position where the cutter section is released from the rotation restriction position and is made rotatable about the axis of the sheath relative to the sheath.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device including a reinforcing underlayment having a non-stick, anti-microbial coating. In one embodiment, the coating includes a non-stick material having anti-microbial particles interspersed in the non-stick material. This coating is applied to the surfaces of the electrode to minimize the build-up of charred tissue on the surfaces of the electrode. Also, the coating tends to kill harmful organisms residing on the surfaces of the electrode. In another embodiment, a primer coating is initially applied to the surfaces of the electrode. A plurality of anti-microbial particles are then applied to the primer coating layer and engage and are embedded in the primer coating layer. A top coat including a non-stick material is applied to the anti-microbial particle layer. In either embodiment, the coating layers applied to the surfaces of the electrode are cured to harden and adhere the layers to the electrode.

Abstract: Methods and devices for both imaging and treating uterine fibroid tumors in one real-time system are provided. One minimally invasive method comprises introducing a sheath into a uterus and determining a location of a fibroid using a visualization element within or on the sheath. Upon identification, a portion of the sheath is steered to position at least one treatment needle at the determined location. The needle is then anchored in uterine tissue and the fibroid treated with the needle.

Abstract: Methods of treating the sacroiliac region of a patient's body by delivering energy are described. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: positioning one elongated probe comprising at least one energy delivery device within a sacroiliac joint of the body; and delivering radiofrequency energy through the elongated probe. In some embodiments, the delivery of energy results in the creation of a lesion. In further embodiments, energy may be delivered substantially along a long axis of the sacroiliac joint. In yet further embodiments, at least one energy delivery device may be positioned adjacent a sacroiliac joint and energy may be delivered so as to create a lesion at least partially within the joint.

Abstract: Methods of treating the sacroiliac region of a patient's body by delivering energy are described. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: inserting at least one probe into the sacroiliac region, the probe comprising at least one energy delivery device; positioning the at least one energy delivery device adjacent material to be treated; and delivering energy through the at least one energy delivery device to create a longitudinal strip lesion; wherein the at least one energy delivery device remains in a substantially static position during creation of the strip lesion. In some embodiments, energy may be delivered to treat at least two branches of the sacral nerves or to create an intra-articular lesion.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for surgically treating tissue. In one embodiment, the device can include a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a conductive tip disposed within the distal end of the shaft and movable between a first and second position. In the first position, the conductive tip is disconnected from a conductive contact which is adapted to communicate with an energy source. In the second position, the conductive tip is in contact with the conductive contact such that energy can be delivered from an energy source through the conductive contact to the conductive tip. The conductive tip can have a variety of shapes and sizes, but in one exemplary embodiment, the conductive tip is a blunt tip. The conductive contact can include at least one lead extending therefrom and adapted to communicate with an energy source.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of straddling an intraosseous nerve with an energy transmitting device to improve the therapeutic treatment of the nerve.

Abstract: An operational status display for a nerve stimulator is located remote from the nerve stimulator. In one embodiment the display comprises a stand-alone discrete component that can be placed as desired by the nerve stimulator needle. In another embodiment, the display comprises an integral part of the nerve stimulator needle. The display can be alphanumeric or can comprise one or more discrete signal lights or other visual indicia. Color can be used to provide information regarding levels (intensity) of current, or the energy being provided to the needle and/or being delivered to the patient. In some embodiments these displays also provide information regarding the presence or absence of current and/or the polarity of the electricity then being provided to the nerve stimulator needle.

Abstract: There is described a method of epilation using an insulated probe connected to an epilator apparatus supplying multiple pulses of energy that created concentrated heat at the probe tip. The steps of the method comprise inserting the probe tip into the hair follicle; positioning the probe tip at a position corresponding to either the bulb or the bulge; activating the apparatus to generate heat at the probe tip using predefined settings; and displacing the probe tip from the position to the other of the bulb and the bulge with continuous generation of heat using the multiple pulses of energy at the probe tip.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of weight loss involving acupuncture includes the steps of placing a plurality of EBS acupuncture needles at a plurality of predetermined locations of the body corresponding to acupuncture meridians; and energizing each of the plurality of EBS acupuncture needles to treat the body at the location of the EBS needle insertion.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for removal of body hair using electroporation using an apparatus having a pulse generator capable of generating electrical pulses of the desired amplitude and duration to kill hair follicles and an applicator having a first electrode placed in contact with a hair follicle and a second electrode interacting with the first electrode to provide an electroporating field in the tissue volume surrounding a hair to be removed. The method utilize a TENS system to provide patient relief from discomfort experienced by application of the electroporation pulses.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for removal of body hair using electroporation. The apparatus has a pulse generator capable of generator electrical pulses of the desired amplitude and duration to kill hair follicles and an applicator having a first electrode placed in contact with a hair follicle and a second electrode interacting with the first electrode to provide an electroporating field in the tissue volume surrounding a hair to be removed. The apparatus may include a TENS system to provide patient relief from discomfort experienced by application of the electroporation pulses.

Abstract: A puncture cannula, particularly for nerve stimulation, comprises a steel cannula (10) attached to a cannula hub (11), and a cable (19) extending through an insertion channel (18) and having its core (21) connected to the steel cannula (10). The hub (11) of the cannula (10) comprises a metallic clamping element (24) formed with a first clamping slot engaging the steel cannula (10) and with a second clamping slot engaging the core (21) of the cable (19).

Abstract: Electrophysiological methods and apparatus are disclosed. An exemplary myocardial treatment method includes the steps of positioning an electrode on the epicardial surface of a ventricle and transmitting energy from the electrode, through the epicardial surface and into the ventricular wall to create a lesion within the ventricular wall. An exemplary apparatus includes a shaft and one or more electrodes that have a main portion and a needle portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of lens tissue includes a first handpiece having a laser emitting probe sized for insertion into a lens capsule and radiating a lens therein. The laser emitting probe includes a lumen for introducing irrigation fluid into the lens capsule. A second handpiece includes a vibrated needle for insertion into the lens capsule and emulsifying laser eradiated lens tissue. The vibrated needle includes a lumen therethrough for aspiration of emulsified lens tissue and irrigation fluid.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for ablation, resection, aspiration, collagen shrinkage and/or hemostasis of tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery. In particular, the present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within spinal discs, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure and for reducing the volume of the disc to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves. High frequency voltage is applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the disc tissue, and the active electrode(s) are advanced through the space left by the ablated tissue to form a channel, hole, divot or other space in the disc tissue.

Abstract: The surgical needle holder has a support body formed of an electrically conducting material and constituted by an outer cylindrical tube and an inner core. The outer cylindrical tube and the exposed parts of the core are surrounded by an insulating jacket. At one end of the core extends a blind bore or passageway into which the shank of the surgical needle is inserted. The blind bore or passageway crosses a cylindrical cavity formed in the core. The cavity has a vertical face and an opposing inclined face. The cavity is accessible through a slot formed in the surface of the outer cylindrical tube. A releasable locking device is formed by an electrically conducting plate having an insulated tab portion. The plate is mounted for pivotal movement from an upright position to a maximum forward inclined position and occupies the cavity with the insulated tab portion extending outwardly through the slot to the exterior of the support body.

Abstract: The use of an electrolysis needle assembly having a shank for attachment to an electrolysis handle and having a forward portion from which the needle extends and in which a needle protective cap is provided for the forward end. The cap is used to manipulate the assembly as in attaching and removing such from the electrolysis handle so as to reduce the chance of being stuck by the needle.

Abstract: An electrolysis needle assembly having a shank for attachment to an electrolysis handle which includes an air flow source and a forward portion from which the needle extends. Each is provided with an air flow slot so as to enable air to be directed from the handle along the needle assembly to the skin of the patient and in which a needle protective cap is provided for such forward end. The cap is used to manipulate the assembly as in attaching and removing the needle from the electrolysis handle.

Abstract: An electrolysis machine which uses a plurality of probes each of which is to be insertable in conjunction with a hair follicle to effect removing of a hair. The probes are mounted on an arm unit which is adjustably movable to a multitude of different positions relative to a base unit which is fixedly located on a supporting surface. An electrolysis machine produces both direct current and a radio frequency with the user being able to select just the direct current or the direct current combined with the radio frequency in the performing of the destruction of the hair. The current emitted to effect the destruction of the hair is slowly raised (over a two second time period) to a level that is preset by the operator.

Abstract: An epilator probeholder for a replaceable, flexible, insulated epilator probe including a length of coaxial cable, and a coaxial capacitor structure for holding the epilator probe. The coaxial capacitor structure has an inner female connector and an outer conductive shell, the coaxial cable inner conductor is connected to the inner female connector for holding the flexible probe, and the coaxial cable outer conductor is connected to the outer conductive shell. The inner female connector is insulated from the outer conductive shell, the other end of the coaxial cable is connected to a standard coaxial connector, and the impedance seen at the input of the standard coaxial connector is standardized.

Abstract: The method of treating the skin (2), in particular long-lasting depilation or hair regrowth treatment, involves inducing a high-frequency electromagnetic current through the skin by means of a conductive gel (3) loaded with treating product and applied to the skin at the desired location, the electromagnetic current causing the product to penetrate the pores of the skin. The apparatus comprises a handleable member (1) making contact with the skin (2) and having a non-conductive body (10, 12) provided with a rectangular contact surface (17) having a row of individual conductive points (15) for electromagnetic emission. Said points (15) are exposed through openings in the surface, preferably recessed with respect to the latter, to make contact with loaded conductive gel (3) applied to the skin. An electric circuit (26) supplies pure emissive high-frequency current to the emission points (15), which emit it through the gel (3).

Abstract: A needle adaptor (10) for connecting a needle (20) to an electrosurgical tool (56). The adaptor (10) includes a stem 12, an integrally formed post (14) and a collar (16) press-fitted on the stem (12). An annular ridge (50) or a spiral ridge (54) formed on the interior surface (32) of the collar (16) grips the flange (42) of the needle hub (22) to firmly hold the needle (20) in place on the post (14). The stem (12) is sized and shaped to be slidably received within a cylindrical terminal (64) positioned in the nose portion (60) of the electrosurgical tool (56).

Abstract: A method of removing hair by epilation employing thermolysis in which the probe is inserted into the follicle parallel to the hair shaft, applying multiple bursts of energy to the tip of the probe located adjacent the papilla in an amount for each burst not exceeding 80% of that required to destroy the papilla, followed by applying the same level of energy at intermediate points along the follicle, and repeating the procedure after the hair shaft is removed. Multiple applications of heat are applied to destroy the papilla without damaging the skin. Hair regrowth is minimized by applying the heat at various points along the length of the follicle.