Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive method for treatment of arrhythmia. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of atrial fibrillation in a heart of a patient comprises directing radiation from outside the patient toward one or more target treatment regions of the heart so as to inhibit the atrial fibrillation. The radiation may induce isolation of a pulmonary vein.

Abstract: A far infrared heat emitting device includes a pad for positioning over or around a body part of a user such as a waist, leg, arm, or back. The user may be a human or an animal such as a pet. The device can include straps to form a belt sized to fit around the waist of a human user. The belt includes a pad, a plurality of far infrared heat emitting elements, a charging inlet, a heating device, and a fastener for securing the belt to the human user. The device may be secured around the waist of the human user to provide relief from lower back pain.

Abstract: A system 30 and method(s) 100 for thermal treatment of a selected target within a subject is disclosed. System 30 includes RF source 10, phase shifter 14, impedance matching network 11 and resonator 13. Applicator 3 conveys output signal 17 from energy source 10 through surface 6 of biological tissue 4 to predetermined energy dissipation zone 5 after output 17 has been processed by the phase shifter 14, IMN 11 and resonator 13. Stationary water molecules 1, such as those in fat cells, are heated. System 30 is operative to heat a volume of biological tissue beneath the biological tissue surface 6 such that surface 6 of biological tissue 4 is maintained at a lower temperature than predetermined energy dissipation zone 5 without a cooling device. The invention is useful in selective heating of cellulite bodies as a means of treating cellulite.

Abstract: A thermal therapy of body tissue with electromagnetic energy is controlled by feedback from one or more temperature sensors placed in the vicinity of the tissue to be treated. The temperature sensors are calibrated by comparing stabilized temperature values of the one or more temperature sensors against a normal range of body temperature and adjusting sensed temperature to a value within a normal body temperature range if the actual temperature value of a stabilized temperature sensor is less than the normal body temperature range. The temperature adjustment to the temperature sensor is maintained throughout the thermal therapy which reduces the risk of thermal damage to healthy tissue located near the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: A procedure electrically stimulates a nerve or group of nerves. Unlike conventional systems this procedure is tuned to target a large or small group of neurons using noninvasive electromagnetic induction. This system is capable of doing this by using the principles of the alternating current in a capacitance inductance series resonance circuit. In this system the nerve resonator treats the neuron like a thin conductor placed between the plates of a capacitor in series with an inductor and then tuned to resonate with the appropriate frequency of alternating current. The system could also be inductance tuned for a given frequency. Once the system is tuned, the current amplitude in the entire circuit including the thin conductor or nerve fiber can be externally controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering an electric field to a body by delivering a first magnetic field from a first coil in a first orientation to a body and directed at a desired target within the body, and delivering a second magnetic field from a second coil in a second orientation directed at the desired target within the body to induce an electric field across the desired target, wherein only one magnetic field is delivered to the body at any one time.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for creating hyperthermia in a selected position in target tissue using the application of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the HF, VHF and UHF microwave region and phased array steering includes an array of applicators and a single channel EMR radiation energy source coupled to at least one of the applicators of the array. A variable reflective termination device is coupled to at least one of the applicators so that a user can vary the energy radiated from the coupled applicator to steer the heating region in the target to a desired position in the target. Several different applicator arrays are suitable for use with the system, and comprise generally cylindrical annuli which emit radiation toward a central axis. Parasitic applicators with variable reflective termination devices can be used in the applicator array along with at least one applicator directly coupled to the energy source.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering electromagnetic energy to a patient's tissue. The treatment apparatus includes a closed-loop cooling system that cools the energy delivery device. The fluid forced to flow in the closed-loop cooling system is chilled to a first temperature at a location remote from the energy delivery device and is warmed to a higher second temperature near the energy delivery device. This promotes better control over the fluid temperature at the energy delivery device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device for treating prostate diseases by using near-infrared LEDs (light emitting diodes), and more particularly, to a medical device for treating prostate diseases in which a probe having installed therein near-infrared LEDs and a vibrator is constructed to be inserted into the rectum, to radiate near-infrared rays to the prostate from a position closest to the prostate and render a direct physical massage function to the prostate, thereby effectively treating prostate-related diseases. Also, the present invention relates to a pad mechanism supplementing the probe mechanism, being brought into close contact with the perineal region to radiate red visible rays and transmit vibration to the organs around the prostate, thereby curing the natures of diseases in the organs around the prostate, and a disposable probe condom used in a state in which it is worn over the probe mechanism.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for Near Infrared Microbial Elimination Laser Systems (NIMELS) including use with medical devices are disclosed. The medical devices can be situated in vivo. Suitable medical devices include catheters, stents, artificial joints, and the like. NIMELS methods, systems, and apparatus can apply near infrared radiant energy of certain wavelengths and dosimetries capable of impairing biological contaminants without intolerable risks and/or adverse effects to biological moieties other than a targeted biological contaminant associated with traditional approaches described in the art (e.g., loss of viability, or thermolysis). Lasers including diode lasers may be used for one or more light sources. A delivery assembly can be used to deliver the optical radiation produced by the source(s) produced to an application region that can include patient tissue. Exemplary embodiments utilize light in a range of 850 nm-900 nm and/or 905 nm-945 nm at suitable NIMELS dosimetries.

Abstract: An IR generator comprises a base body, an electro-thermal body and an IR emitting body. The electro-thermal body is located on the base body and generates heat when electric power is supplied. The IR emitting body is located on the electro-thermal body and emits IR when absorbing the heat. The IR emitting body comprises an IR coating. The composition of the IR coating comprises graphite and carbon black. The ratio between the graphite and the carbon black is about 1:1-1:2.

Abstract: A wearing article includes an article element and a fastening mechanism. The article element includes at least one pack unit that has a fabric housing and a flexible pad body fitted into the fabric housing and including a thin elastic matrix of an elastic material and a plurality of functional particles dispersed in the matrix and capable of providing at least one of the functions consisting of emitting far-infrared rays, emitting negative ions, and destroying bacteria. The fastening mechanism is secured to the pack unit so as to permit wearing of the pack unit by the human body and abutment of the fabric housing against the human body.

Abstract: An insertable medical element may be supportive of evanescent energy for sterilization of a biomaterial. A system including an insertable medical element supportive of evanescent energy may include an energy source, where the energy source may be emissive of electromagnetic or plasmon energy, a sensor such as a surface plasmon resonance sensor, and/or it may include an imager.

Abstract: A device has four fundamental components: an enclosure, a soft seal, a vacuum system and a thermal energy system having a thermal energy contacting element. The device provides thermal energy therapy and negative pressure therapy device simultaneously and/or in conjunction to a patient. The device has a thermal energy system that is more efficient in thermal energy transfer and the soft seal decreases tissue interface pressure to obtain the desired soft seal effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for treating tissue in a region at depth by applying optical radiation thereto of a wavelength able to reach the depth of the region and of a selected relatively low power for a duration sufficient for the radiation to effect the desired treatment while concurrently cooling tissue above the selected region to protect such tissue. Treatment may be enhanced by applying mechanical, acoustic or electrical stimulation to the region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for damaging hair follicles using a series of rapidly-delivered low-fluence pulses of coherent or incoherent light are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the pulses of coherent or incoherent light have a wavelength or wavelengths primarily in the range between 750 nm and 1500 nm. In some embodiments, applied electromagnetic radiation comprising the rapidly-delivered low-fluence pulses is effective for concomitantly heating both the sub-dermal layer (i.e. the dermis) of the tissue and the hair follicles. In some embodiments, the thermal damaging of the hair follicles is useful for facilitating hair-removal.

Abstract: Provided are a charged particle generator that continually generates large quantities of charged particles as a result of temperature dependent excitation, functional fibers comprising composite carbon particles, having SP3 and SP2 structures, and a healthcare device that can increase the effect of penetration of the human body by charged particles without limit in time, and which can produce a synergistic effect with infrared radiation. The charged particle generator comprises semiconductor particles and a coupling agent, blended at a ratio that results in a percolation effect, and is disposed at a human body contact face of the healthcare device, so as to achieve a body temperature elevating effect and blood circulation improving effect. The functional fibers can be used in processed or formed products for improved effects in the heating range produced by the human body, as well as in combination with a magnet, for a further synergistic effect.

Abstract: A device for providing therapeutic treatment to a body part such as a joint to promote healing of the body part comprises a signal generator for generating a pulsed electromagnetic field based upon a selected treatment mode, a controller for storing the treatment mode and communicating the treatment mode to the signal generator, a heat source configured to provide thermal therapy to the body part, and monitoring means for monitoring the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic stimulating means. The device may also include telemetry means in communication with the monitoring means for remotely accessing the controller to modify the treatment mode. The device can also be disposable.

Abstract: Embodiments of somatic cell treatment are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting a human patient or a mammalian animal to be subjected to chemotherapy treatment of a tumor not residing in the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal against chemotherapy-induced alopecia, comprising administering to the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising a chemical inducer of the stress protein response sufficiently prior to the administration of a chemotherapeutic drug. It also relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. It further relates to a method for protecting a human patient or a mammalian animal to be subjected to chemotherapy treatment of a tumor not residing in the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal against chemotherapy-induced alopecia, comprising administering to the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal an effective heat dose sufficiently prior to the administration of a chemotherapeutic drug.

Abstract: A fluid filled applicator conformed to position a source of electromagnetic radiation adjacent a portion of human anatomy to interpose a fluid of known characteristics between the source and the adjacent tissue includes in its first form a generally resilient envelope rendered conformable to the body surface to which it is applied by adjusting the internal pressure therein. In an alternative form the fluid is confined to a selected depth of a vertical container and the limb or body part is then immersed therein while contained in a flexible sheath. The source may then be applied to any selected exterior portion of the container.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for irradiating a target with electromagnetic radiation to produce a heated region. The system comprises a coupling device operable to couple electromagnetic radiation from a magnetic resonance imaging system. A plurality of energy radiator applicators are connected to the coupling device to receive electromagnetic radiation energy from the coupling device. Each of the radiator applicators is operable to emit a radio frequency heating signal using the electromagnetic radiation energy from the coupling device. A bolus filled with a dielectric fluid is positioned within the inner area of the MRI system. The bolus is operable to receive the radio frequency heating signals from the plurality of energy radiator applicators and direct the radio frequency heating signals into a section of the body to produce a heated region within the body.

Abstract: A treatment for deep tissue using long effective pulse durations is described. Fatty tissue can be treated by delivering a beam of radiation to a subcutaneous fat region disposed relative to a dermal interface in a target region of skin. Radiation is delivered to a first region of tissue as by exposure to pulses of the beam of radiation in a stacked fashion. Between successive exposures of the first region of tissue, other regions of tissue are exposed to the beam of radiation.

Abstract: A method for treating skin includes a first beam of radiation and a second beam of radiation. The first beam of radiation is delivered to a first region of skin to cause a plurality of sub-surface volumes of a first thermal injury, which can elicit a healing response from substantially undamaged skin adjacent to the sub-surface volumes of thermal injury. The second beam of radiation is delivered to a second region of skin to cause a second thermal injury, which can cause the skin to rejuvenate.

Abstract: A system and method for medical imaging includes an improvement to the MP-RAGE pulse sequence that enables the readout bandwidth thereof to be matched to that of other pulse sequences used in the same examination without a significant loss in SNR. More specifically, the present invention includes using a multi-echo MP-RAGE pulse sequence in which multiple gradient-recalled NMR signals are acquired at the desired “matching” bandwidth and combining selected ones of the NMR signals to reconstruct an image. By selecting and combining NMR signals acquired at each phase encoding, the SNR of the resulting reconstructed image can be maintained.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system with acoustic monitoring applies substantially constant electromagnetic energy superposed with pulsed electromagnetic energy to targeted tissue. The pulsed electromagnetic energy reacts with tissue to create an acoustic pressure wave within the tissue. The acoustic pressure wave is sensed by an acoustic sensor, and a sensor signal indicative of the acoustic pressure wave is generated and processed to determine changes in tissue composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a far-infrared ray generator, which is suitable for warming a human body partially or as a whole, and an object of the present invention is to effectively warm a deep part of a human body even at relatively low temperature by the far-infrared ray generator having high efficiency of generating far-infrared rays. In the present invention, far-infrared ray means, which generates far-infrared rays upon being heated by a heating element and which is used in a thermotherapy apparatus, includes a far-infrared ray generating member comprising only a radon generating rare element mineral or at least two of a tourmaline mineral, carbon and a radon generating rare element mineral so as to attain effective reaching of far-infrared rays to the deep part of the human body and warming said part. The far-infrared ray generating member may be applied to, for example, trowel-shaped, vibration-type and dome-shaped thermotherapy apparatuses.

Abstract: Hyperthermia has been applied by, for example, separate ultrasound transducers, RF or microwave transmitters and heated fluids. Imaging by separate MRI imaging coils is usually used to view the anatomical region under treatment. Separate temperature probes (needles, catheters) are often used to monitor tissue temperature. Control of the temperature profile required for effective hyperthermia treatment is usually done by trial and error, involving a human operator. The present invention combines all of these capabilities into a single device, which is MRI compatible and safe. It also allows for automatic control of the RF energy to achieve a prescribed tissue hyperthermia.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for affecting a region of a subject's body, comprising exposing the region to a cooling element under conditions effective to cool subcutaneous adipose tissue in said region; and increasing the blood flow rate to the cooled tissue by exposing the tissue to an energy source. Methods are also provided for treating subcutaneous adipose tissue in a region of a subject's body, comprising exposing said region to a cooling element under conditions effective to cool said tissue; and exposing the tissue to an energy source to increase the blood flow rate to the cooled tissue, thereby stimulating reperfusion in, and/or causing an ischemia-reperfusion injury to, the cooled tissue.

Abstract: A radio-electric conveyer includes one or more radiofrequency generators supplied by a power group; one or more irradiating antennas coupled with the generator and which are able to create a radiofrequency field; a variable modulator; and one or more electrodes connected to generator and able to be applied to one or more predetermined parts of a body object of the therapy treatment, placed inside the field, in order to convey radiofrequency currents to the body.

Abstract: A far infrared therapy unit with universal angle adjustment function includes a unit base, a universal flexible arm, which is height adjustable, and far infrared emitters. The far infrared emitters are pivotally connected to one another. One of the emitter is connected to an arched arm, which is connected to a rotation shaft. The rotational shaft is attached to the arm. The rotation shaft can rotate 360 degrees relative to the arm. The emitters can rotate 360 degrees relative to the pivotally connected emitters. Therefore, the emitters can be adjusted to any place and angle to adapt the human body. A fixing device is installed to fasten the emitters together when they are placed side by side.

Abstract: A catheter based delivery system may be used for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The catheter based delivery system includes a catheter having a distal end. The distal end of the catheter includes several electrodes that can emit a radio frequency waveform, and may receive a signal representative of an impedance of material in the exposed to the radio frequency waveform. The radio frequency waveform may also be applied to ablate specifically targeted material exposed to the radio frequency waveform. The several electrodes may be configured as an antenna.

Abstract: Methods are provided for readily and efficiently determining resonant frequencies that can be used therapeutically or beneficially, for debilitation of specific types of genomic materials, including DNA and/or RNA, genes, and gene sections. The methods can be used in a variety of circumstances related to various human and animal diseases and conditions. Methods allow determination of therapeutic resonant frequencies for use in various media having different refractivities. Therapeutic or beneficial resonance frequencies thus determined are adapted for use with currently available frequency-emitting devices by shifting resonant frequencies to electromagnetic ranges capable of generation by such devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods for utilizing electromagnetic radiation and other forms of energy to treat a volume of tissue at depth are described. In one aspect, a device modulates the flux incident on surface tissue to control and vary the depth in the tissue at which an effective dose of radiant energy is delivered and, thereby, treat a specific volume of tissue. The methods and devices disclosed are used to perform various treatments, including treatments to relieve pain and promote healing of tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for utilizing electromagnetic radiation and other forms of energy to treat a volume of tissue at depth are described. In one aspect, a device modulates the flux incident on surface tissue to control and vary the depth in the tissue at which an effective dose of radiant energy is delivered and, thereby, treat a specific volume of tissue. The methods and devices disclosed are used to perform various treatments, including treatments to relieve pain and promote healing of tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method according to the present invention can be provided, e.g., for a cell specific laser therapy of atherosclerotic plaques, particularly to systems and methods for targeting endogenous light absorbers present within plaque macrophages and exogenous nanoparticle targeting. In one exemplary embodiment, an electro-magnetic radiation can be forwarded to an anatomical structure. The electromagnetic radiation may have at least one property configured to (a) modify at least one characteristic of at least one first cell, and (b) minimize any modification of and/or modify at least one characteristic of at least second cell. The first and second cells may be different from one another, the characteristics of the first and second cells can be different from one another, and the first cell and/or the second cell may have at least one macrophage feature, and the characteristic of the at least one first cell and/or the at least one second cell can be temperature.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating a variety of disorders using electromagnetic radiation directed at excitable tissues, including nerves, muscles and blood vessels. By controlling the wavelength, the wavelength bandpass, pulse duration, intensity, pulse frequency, and/or variations of those characteristics over time, and by selecting sites of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, improvements in the function of different tissues and organs can be provided. By monitoring physiological variables such as muscle tone and activity, temperature gradients, surface electromyography, blood flow and others, the practitioner can optimize a therapeutic regimen suited for the individual patient.

Abstract: A composition of microscopic devices utilizable in a medical diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Each microscopic device includes a nanostructure provided with a ligand for effectively coupling the nanostructure to a predetermined chemical or molecular site. A medical method in part comprises inserting the medical devices into a patient, attaching the nanostructures via the respective ligands to instances of a predetermined type of target structure inside the patient, and thereafter activating the nanostructures to perform a preselected medical diagnostic or therapeutic function.

Abstract: A method of achieving tissue changes in bone or bone-derived organic tissue, in which method bone or bone-derived organic tissue is provided, an interfacing agent is applied to the bone or bone-derived organic tissue, and electromagnetic energy is applied to the interfacing agent. The interfacing agent can include collagen, preferably bone-derived collagen, and a therapeutic agent. In a related embodiment, a method of treating bone tissue is provided wherein a bioactive interfacing agent is placed between the bone segments of the bone tissue to be treated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for preventing secondary ischemic injury in the brain. The apparatus includes an interstitial brain probe and an introducer sheath, which are placed into an ischemic region of the brain by stereotaxic surgical technique. The interstitial brain probe and introducer sheath provide for thermal coagulation to provide hemostasis, aspiration of blood clots, infusion of therapeutic agents, and localized hypothermia within an ischemic region of the brain. The interstitial brain probe cools an ischemic region of the brain from within the ischemic region, and cooling is substantially limited to the ischemic region. Cooling is provided for a period of time greater than one hour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a skin management system, and in particular to a total skin management system and a total skin management method using the same which are capable of checking a state of skin and comprehensively managing a skin based on a type of skin.

Abstract: A far infrared physiatric unit has a frame, an emitter and two adjustment knobs. The frame has two side boards and a supporting unit. The supporting unit is mounted between the side boards. The emitter is pivotally mounted between the side boards in the frame. A patient places his/her arm or foot on the supporting unit, and the emitter is adjusted to any position and angle to correspond to any position on the patient. The patient can be in a comfortable position during the far infrared treatment.

Abstract: A method for treatment and modification of material including biological material using an electromagnetic energy source directed to apply the energy to a region of the material, so as to modify and treat a portion of the material in the region. Preferably, an interaction-modifying substance is in the treated region prior to the interaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter device/method for enhancing local administration of pharmaceutical compounds. Such device/method is used for various situations which require high concentrations of drugs that are delivered locally.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an apparatus for use in light therapy is provided that includes (1) at least one light emitting diode array adapted to emit a wavelength of light; and (2) a targeting mechanism coupled to the at least one light emitting diode array so as to allow light emitted from the at least one light emitting diode array to be repeatably positioned on a target area during non-contact light therapy. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bed type hot compress and acupressure apparatus using a means for controlling a location of a hyperthermo-radiative device wherein a moving location of the hyperthermo-radiative device can be controlled based on an actually moved distance of the hyperthermo-radiative device.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus that includes at least one massaging element in a housing and extending therefrom for use in manipulating a subject's tissue and further including a radiant heat source.

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 produce an alteration of the neural tissue, the alteration causing the patient to experience a reduction in pain, and a waveform that prevents lethal temperature elevation of the neural tissue during application of the electromagnetic signal to the neural tissue.

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.