Abstract: This invention describes a personal therapeutic device comprising a supporting means with a far infrared ray emitting body placed thereon that provides a means for enhancing the health conditions of human beings. The device can be carried externally on the section of human body to be exposed to far infrared radiation . The result is improved blood circulation and metabolism and reduced stress and fatigue.

Abstract: A therapeutic infrared emitting wrist cover 12 that provides a wrist cover 12, constructed for placement over a human wrist 10, that contains an infrared energy generating system 14. The wrist cover 12 emits infrared energy into the wrist 10 at a localized area corresponding to the carpal tunnel for the purpose of providing therapeutic heat inside the wrist 10 in order to relieve the symptoms and to prevent further trauma associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc device is provided comprising a probe capable of being extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, the probe forming a loop when extended from the distal end of the introducer, the loop having first and second proximal ends external to the introducer which are brought together adjacent the introducer distal end to form the loop by the proximal ends being either attached to or entering the distal end of the introducer; and a proximal handle for externally causing the probe to be extended from the distal end of the introducer and externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: The use of a flexible foldable or rollable and heatable mat (1) for the manufacture of an orthosis, in which a flat sheet of a thermoplastic material is heated on a flat-laid mat (1) to a temperature at which the sheet softens and can be readily shaped, whereafter the sheet is applied to and shaped on part of a patient's body and then allowed to cool on the patient so as to form a supporting orthosis. The mat can be transported in a rolled-up state or a folded state and laid out on a supporting surface, such as a floor surface in the proximity of the patient. The mat includes a heating element (13) disposed over the area of the mat and functioning to deliver heat uniformly to said sheet.

Abstract: A far infrared radiation health appliance which can effectively stimulate sebaceous glands together with perspiratory glands for dioxins egestion. The appliance includes a plurality of semicylindrical members to be axially coupled to each other in a bush-like manner, and carbon-black-containing planar heating elements arranged over the general entire inner surfaces thereof. The planar heating elements are energized and heated to a temperature of 55-70° C.

Abstract: A thermal therapy method includes inserting an applicator including an energy-emitting device into a body cavity such as a urethra adjacent a targeted tissue region such as a prostate, energizing the energy-emitting device, and circulating coolant between the energy-emitting device and a wall of the body cavity. The therapy is controlled by decreasing a temperature of the coolant and continually adjusting coolant temperature based on therapy parameters. The applicator, or selected tissue at a predetermined depth from the wall of the body cavity, is maintained at a temperature corresponding to a predetermined applicator temperature profile by adjusting a power level provided to the energy-emitting device.

Abstract: Many surgical applications require the heating of a tissue site. The heating of the site may be for the purpose ablating the tissue, shrinking the tissue, coagulating the tissue, cauterizing the tissue, or the like. Vapor provides a medium for transfer of thermal energy to a tissue site. The vapor rapidly heats the tissue rapidly upon release of thermal energy in the phase change of the vapor from gas to liquid. By changing attributes of the vapor such as duration, direction, pressure, volume, and temperature, the effect, i.e. ablation, coagulation, or the like, of the heating can be controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of ocular collagen connective tissue comprises identifying a portion of the ocular collagen connective tissue having a connector portion which transitions into the ciliary muscle and the lens of an eye. A source of energy is then directed at at least one selected site along the portion of the connective tissue, the amount of energy being sufficient to cause longitudinal shrinkage in the length of connective tissue.

Abstract: An orthopedic apparatus, for effecting a change in ligaments, joint capsules and connective tissue through the controlled contraction of collagen fibers, includes a trocar. The trocar has a trocar elongated body with a trocar longitudinal axis, a trocar distal end that is laterally deflectable relative to the trocar longitudinal axis, and a trocar proximal end. An electrode is positioned at the trocar distal end. The electrode delivers substantially uniform energy across an energy delivery surface of the electrode. The energy delivery surface is positioned next to an area of collagen fibers to cause a controlled amount of contraction of the collagen fibers while minimizing dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers. A handle is positioned at the proximal end of the trocar. The handle includes an actuating member and a locking member.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic device radiates far infrared rays from Macbanseok received therein and applies electric stimulation to the body by means of an electric needle, in addition to generating magnetic vibration through rotation of two permanent magnets having magnetic polarities different from each other. The portable therapeutic device smoothes blood circulation by means of the magnetic vibration, and may relieve neuralgia and arthritis by applying the electric stimulation to a pain area of the human body. Also, the portable therapeutic device can easily be worn on a desired area of the human body by using a band.

Abstract: The invention modifies the pericardium to treat patients suffering from or at risk of heart failure of the type wherein constraining forces of the pericardium around the heart are inadequate to prevent remodeling of the heart. The pericardium is enhanced by restoring, increasing, or improving its ability to restrain the heart and prevent dilation of the chambers of the heart. Methods and apparatus are provided for stiffening, strengthening, tightening, reshaping, and/or shrinking the pericardium to enhance the restraining and supporting capability of the pericardium around the heart. Specific embodiments enhance the pericardium by heating the pericardial tissue using radiofrequency energy and the like, treating the pericardium with a chemical such as glutaraldehyde, plicating the pericardium, or some combination of the above.

Abstract: A therapeutic device system provides therapeutic application of energy to a living body. The energy is applied by the action of photon-emitting diodes, and photon emitting diodes in combination with transcutaneous electrical stimulators. A power grid is adapted to provide electrical current for operation of the energy sources. A shapable housing contains the energy sources and the power grid. The shapable housing is selectively moldable with memory retention to retain a shape configuration, and may be cast or adapted conformably as a custom or generically sized device over a treatment area and placed on the living body. Program instructions provide for implementation of a plurality of therapeutic modalities.

Abstract: A method is provided for stimulating nerve growth, especially for nerve regeneration after damage to the nerve. The method comprises: applying thermal energy to one or more nerve segments adjacent a damaged region of the nerve, such that nerve fibers from the treated adjacent segment are stimulated to grow and extend toward the damaged region. The method may be used to enhance mechanical stimulative effect at a terminus of a severed nerve or a region of nerve injured by crush or other physical forces. The method may also be used to treat nerve segments retrograde up the nerve fiber and to increase the response of the injured nerve to regrowth and extension rapidly. An apparatus for delivery of thermal energy to the distal terminus of the severed nerve or region is disclosed. Thermal conductive or electromagnetic energy is delivered through a probe having a handle and a shaft.

Abstract: An anti-aging device to control the level of oxidation occurring at skin surface is described. The device is plugged into an electrical outlet to allow electromagnetic waves to pass through the inner surface, which has been pre-treated with far infrared light. The resulting affect on the skin is the reduced appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Abstract: This invention is generally in the field of improved methods for the localized delivery of heat and the localized imaging of biological materials. The delivery may be in vitro or in vivo and is useful for the localized treatment of cancer, inflammation or other disorders involving overproliferation of tissue. The method is also useful for diagnostic imaging. The method involves localized induction of hyperthermia in a cell or tissue by delivering nanoparticles to said cell or tissue and exposing the nanoparticles to an excitation source under conditions wherein they emit heat.

Abstract: An indwelling RF catheter achieves warming of patients by dielectric heating of blood or other bodily fluids. In one example, the catheter is deployed in a suitable blood vessel, such as the inferior vena cava. The catheter design includes an emitter structure electrically coupled to an RF generator, which provides a source of RF power. The emitter structure, distally located upon the catheter, administers electromagnetic radiation to the blood within the patient, thereby creating heat due to the dielectric qualities of blood. As blood heated by the indwelling RF catheter courses through the patient's body, the patient's body is systemically warmed, raising the body core temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating blood that includes a source of ultraviolet radiation arranged to irradiate a target region. A cuvette fabricated of a single tube of quartz that contains a series of parallel runs that are connected by 180° bends so that the runs and bend lie in a common plate within the target region. An aspirator is connected to the inlet of the cuvette and a vacuum bottle or pump is connected to the outlet of the cuvette. The inside diameter of the cuvette is sized so that a uniform flow of blood moves through the cuvette and the blood is well mixed as it moves through the bends.

Abstract: A device for emission of red/infrared light radiation for treatment of a human body comprises red/infrared lamps (11) and lamp-emission modulating means (12) which modulates the emission between a low level and a high level with a modulation period included between 0.1 and 20 seconds.

Abstract: A light stint implant device adapted to be surgically implanted in a major blood vessel for assisting in the treatment of long term viral infection, alone or in combination with anti-viral drugs, is disclosed. The implant device is programmed for set periods of illumination and set periods of dormancy through a remote power supply and timing device accessible through a sub-dermal implant adapted to be surgically placed in a location under the skin. The device, after being implanted within such blood vessel will eliminate viruses located within the blood through exposure to light given off by the light stint implant device during the periods of illumination.

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: A therapeutic infrared emitting wrist cover 12 that provides a wrist cover 12, constructed for placement over a human wrist 10, that contains an infrared energy generating system 14. The wrist cover 12 emits infrared energy into the wrist 10 at a localized area corresponding to the carpal tunnel for the purpose of providing therapeutic heat inside the wrist 10 in order to relieve the symptoms and to prevent further trauma associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: The invention entitled the use of infrared radiation in the treatment of oncological disorders relates to the field of medicine and can be used for treating oncological disorders. The aim of the invention is to create an effective method of treating oncological disorders that involves exposing the patient to infrared radiation. The aim is achieved by exposing the patient to two kinds of infrared radiation, first to pulse infrared radiation with a wavelength of 16 to 16.25 micron, that consists of two short powerful pulses with an intensity up to 320 W/cm2, lasting 10-12 microseconds each, and following each other, and then to infrared radiation with a wavelength corresponding to the body's intrinsic infrared radiation. The exposure to pulse infrared radiation is done first generally, then locally. The exposure to infrared radiation with a wavelength corresponding to the body's intrinsic infrared radiation is also done first generally, then locally.

Abstract: This invention describes a therapeutic sleeping aid device comprising a far infrared radiation layer on the inner surface of the device which can wrap around the user's head, thereof said far infrared radiation permeates into the skin of human being to raise subcutaneous temperature for feeling of warmth simulating the touches from human and pets, and to promote circulation and metabolism within for helping the head recover from stress and fatigue and maintain the health and function of the head while sleeping.

Abstract: Surgical complications can be minimized by reducing, or eliminating, the release of substances such as TGF-&bgr; from a surgical site by immediately sealing the edges of a surgically-made puncture or incision site. In one system, a treatment device includes an electrically conductive surface that is connected to a source of electrical energy and which can be placed in contact with the edge of a surgical incision or perforation site such that, when the conductive surface is electrically activated, it operates to heat the cellular material at the edge of the surgical incision or perforation site to inhibit (i.e., reduce) the formation of complicating connective tissue bridges. The source of electrical energy is, preferably, a radio-frequency generator.

Abstract: A cancer thermotherapy apparatus of the present invention has an ortho-hexahedral cavity resonator and a loop antenna on a upper inner wall surface of the cavity resonator. The loop antenna is attached so that its loop face can be parallel to two side inner wall surfaces which are opposed each other, and orthogonal and adjacent to the upper inner wall surface. A high frequency electric power introduced into the cavity resonator is resonated in the parallel direction to the side wall surfaces on an excited mode with a constant electric field intensity along the side wall surfaces. A human body is set in the direction parallel to the side inner wall surfaces in the cavity resonator, and the resonated high frequency electric power is applied to the human body.

Abstract: A far infrared heating methods to facilitate a user receiving continued comfortable thermal stimulation. The far infrared heating method, are provided with a temperature sensor for attachment to the object to be heated, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor has reached a predetermined maximum temperature, the radiation from the far infrared radiator is stopped. Furthermore, the user can switch to a timer control mechanism which causes the far infrared radiator to radiate intermittently during a predetermined time cycles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the treatment of diseases by exposures to electromagnetic fields. Also, apparatus is described for focusing the biological effectiveness of such fields on specific cells, tissues or organs of a human or animal body.

Abstract: An far infrared ray irradiation apparatus having a human body mounting portion, an operable cover portion, and a plurality of infrared ray irradiation sources for achieving an improved performance in medical treatment. The infrared ray irradiation sources irradiate far infrared rays not containing near infrared rays of wavelength less than 4 &mgr;m, and each of the far infrared irradiation sources is provided at a position close to the portion of the human body to be irradiated so that a whole human body accommodated in a space formed by the human body mounting portion and the operable cover portion can be uniformly heated to a desired temperature without causing any low temperature burns in the human body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method/system of for monitoring tissue properties in real time during treatment using optoacoustic imaging system. Optoacoustic monitoring provides a control of the extent of abnormal tissue damage and assures minimal damage to surrounding normal tissues. Such technique can be applied for monitoring and controlling during surgical, therapeutic, and cosmetic procedures performed in various tissues and organs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inducing necrosis and degradation of blood vessels are described. The invention is suitable to treat various conditions such as varicose veins and telangiectasia. The apparatus for inducing degradation of a blood vessel in a tissue, e.g., skin, includes an external energy source that non-invasively delivers to the blood vessel energy that is preferentially absorbed by the blood vessel to heat the blood vessel walls to a temperature of at least about 60 degrees centigrade, and a pressure source connected to the energy source to collapse the blood vessel once the blood vessel walls have been heated to at least about 60 degrees centigrade for a period of time and with a force sufficient to permanently weld the apposed walls of the blood vessel together, whereby the blood vessel undergoes necrosis and degradation.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal low periodic wave treatment includes a pair of shock plates, a storage battery and a main control circuit, and a housing enclosing the main control circuit and the storage battery. The apparatus is characterized in that the shock plates are each provided with a sensing plate and a plurality of heating wires, and by way of a transmission wire, the shock plates are linked to the main control circuit, and any corresponding action of the main control circuit is transmitted to the shock plates and at the same time, provides the shock plates with a heat source and low periodic wave pulse source. The main control circuit includes a single chip CPU, and a DC charger switching circuit directly connected thereto, a voltage-stabilizing circuit, a ringing circuit, a heating circuit, a press key control circuit, a voltage-elevating and feedback monitoring circuit, a polar switching circuit and a display.

Abstract: An electromagnetic apparatus for treating patients. The apparatus comprises an electromagnetic frequency generator and a coil connected thereto for transmitting electromagnetic energy to a body part of a patient. A control connects to the electromagnetic frequency generator and to a number of sensors that register a local skin temperature and/or a skin resistance of the body part. The control contains an algorithm comprising an adjustment module and a treatment module. The adjustment module causes the transmission of electromagnetic energy of different test frequencies while recording with respect to each of the test frequencies corresponding variations observed by the sensors. The adjustment module is further arranged for determining a treatment frequency at which a significant variation is observed with at least one of the sensors.

Abstract: In an intravascular ultrasonic (IVUS) imaging system ring-down artifact is reduced or eliminated by dynamically enhancing the ring-down over a plurality of scans, determining the ring-down range by keying on a ring-down-to-blood transition characterized by a rapid change from high amplitude to low amplitude echoes, and using a spectral pattern for a single or several A-scans within the ring-down range, using for example an FFT analysis, as the basis of selectively filtering current or subsequent images using the recently computed ring-down pattern.

Abstract: A heat radiator for emitting infrared radiation to the human body has a heat source which is energized to emit infrared radiation, whose penetration depth into the human body is to near warmth sensing points of the human body, and an insulator for covering the surface of the heat source to be directed toward the human body. The free surface of the insulator forms a surface for contacting with the human body and the thickness of the insulator is less than the penetration depth of the infrared radiation into the insulator.

Abstract: A method for treating a neoplasm, such as a malignant tumor, in humans and other animals, is disclosed. A chromophore and an immunoadjuvant are introduced into the neoplasm. The neoplasm is then lased at an irradiance sufficient to induce neoplastic cellular destruction and to stimulate the self-immunological defense system against neoplastic cellular multiplication.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenated tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy heats fascia and other collagenated support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy can be applied intermittently, often between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces, the electrodes optionally being supported by a clamp structure. Such cooled plate electrodes are capable of directing electrical energy through an intermediate tissue and into fascia while the cooled electrode surface prevents injury to the intermediate tissue, particularly where the electrode surfaces are cooled before, during, and after an intermittent heating cycle. Ideally, the plate electrode comprises an electrode array including discrete electrode surface segments so that the current flux can be varied to selectively target the fascia.

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.

Abstract: A catheter which may be configured as a loop during an ablation procedure, and a method of use for such a catheter, are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an ablation catheter includes a flexible distal member arranged to inserted into a first vessel in the body of a patient, and an elongated flexible tubular member with a distal portion which is coupled to a proximal portion of the flexible distal member. The elongated flexible tubular member has a flexibility that is greater than or equal to the flexibility of the flexible distal member. The catheter also includes a transmission line which is at least partially disposed within the elongated flexible tubular member. A proximal end of the transmission line is suitable for connection to an electromagnetic energy source. The catheter further includes a transducer that is coupled to the transmission line, and is arranged to generate an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for altering a function of tissue in a patient. An electromagnetic signal generated by a signal generator is applied to the tissue to be altered through an electrode. The electromagnetic signal has at least one frequency component above the physiologic stimulation frequency range at an intensity sufficient to produce an alteration of the tissue and a waveform that inhibits temperature elevation to the lethal temperature range of the tissue. Both externally coupled and fully implanted electrode and signal generator systems can be used at tissue sites in various parts of the body.

Abstract: A treatment mat includes: a mat foldable at the one side thereof and centrally provided with a longitudinal groove; a hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus moving along a rail provided in the longitudinal groove of the mat; a mechanism for conveying the hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus; a control panel for controlling the conveying mechanism, and a control unit for controlling the position of the hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming and contracting scar collagen below a tissue surface in a selected tissue site. An electromagnetic energy apparatus is provided and includes an electromagnetic energy source and a delivery device. The delivery device is positioned on the tissue surface. Electromagnetic energy is produced from the electromagnetic energy source and delivered through the tissue surface to the selected tissue site for a sufficient time to induce scar collagen formation in the selected tissue site. No more than a second degree burn is formed on the tissue surface. The scar collagen is then contracted. This method is particularly useful in tissue sites that are devoid or deficient in collagen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an achieving low-rate collagen shrinkage using an electrode array comprising an elongated insulator strip having at least one pair of spaced-apart bi-polar RF electrodes, and a “channeling” disposed on the strip between the bi-polar electrodes to direct the flow of RF current therebetween. The channeling electrode is not directly coupled to the RF power source, but only indirectly through the tissue in contact with the channeling electrode. The apparatus enables low RF power levels (e.g., 0.5 watts to 25 watts) to be applied over time intervals of 5 seconds to 180 seconds to attain low-rate collagen shrinkage by directing or focusing the path of the RF current.

Abstract: Disclosed is a poultice capable of rapidly curing an affected part of a patient's body and of enhancing a curative value by increasing an infiltration efficiency of medicine into a hypodermic tissue of the affected part with the aid of a low-frequency electro therapy. Both surfaces of compress sheets of the poultice are coated with predetermined skin-adhesive medicines adapted to cure an affected part of a patient's body. A thin film is attached to lower surfaces of the compress sheets. The thin film can be detached from the lower surfaces of the compress sheets during use of the poultice. An attaching sheet for attaching the poultice to the affected part of the patient's body is located on upper surfaces of the compress sheets. A pair of conductive layers are coated on a lower surface of the attaching sheet, which is opposite to the upper surfaces of the compress sheets. A low-frequency oscillator for applying a low-frequency energy into the compress sheets is installed between the conductive layers.

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: Photo illumination of sites along a nerve supplying a painful region is conducted one at a time until a thermal image of that region or one related to it shows a significant change in temperature, at which time the treatment is terminated. If it is an extremity (hand or foot) that is has pain symptoms, one extremity is treated by exposing its nerve sites to photo illumination while the other extremity is observed by a thermograph instrument. Use of the thermal image as a feedback technique allows the treatment to be terminated as soon as the favorable temperature change takes place.

Abstract: A substantially ungrounded crystal that has at least one external line angle emits a low level energy field about itself when an electromagnetic radiation is incident to its surface. An unenergized object may be placed in the field and energized such that the object may be used to stimulate biological processes when placed in proximity to the tissues to be stimulated.

Abstract: Fiber, fabric, clothes, and shoes having a material incorporated therein which, when stimulated by energy, emits a predetermined spectrum having a first electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength range selected from the group consisting of about 0.2 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m, and about 0.4 .mu.m to about 25 .mu.m, and a second radiation having a wavelength range selected from the group consisting of about 7500 .mu.m to about 100,000 .mu.m, and about 5400 .mu.m to about 500,000 .mu.m, similar to radiation generated by the human body over similar ranges. A reflecting layer is adjacent to a fabric having the material incorporated therein such that body heat is conserved so as to achieve a therapeutic result. The energy stimulating the material can be body heat, electrical heat, magnetic energy, or other energy forms.

Abstract: A thermal therapy method includes inserting a microwave antenna-containing applicator into a body cavity such as a urethra adjacent a targeted tissue region such as a prostate, energizing the microwave antenna, and circulating coolant between the microwave antenna and a wall of the body cavity. The therapy is controlled by decreasing a temperature of the coolant and continually adjusting coolant temperature based on other parameters. The applicator is maintained at a predetermined temperature set point by adjusting a power level provided to the microwave antenna. In one embodiment involving treatment of the prostate, rectal temperature is monitored and, upon sensing a rectal temperature that exceeds a predetermined threshold, the temperature of the coolant is increased to force a reduction in power provided to the microwave antenna to maintain the applicator at the predetermined temperature set point.

Abstract: A device for therapeutic action on a human organism has a hermetically closed housing composed of a material which is transparent for extra high frequency radiation, a generator accommodated in the housing and generating extra high frequency radiation in the range of 36-78 GHz, and a modulator modulating the radiation which is generated by the generator with a frequency of a low frequency in the range of 0.1-9.8 Hz so as to provide a resulting radiation which is specific for a corresponding pathology of the human organism.

Abstract: A noninvasive medical treatment system includes a support for supporting a patient in a predetermined position and a frequency generator for generating essentially monochromatic electromagnetic energy of a frequency selected from a plurality of different treatment frequencies predetermined to selectively destroy organic molecules of respective types specific to a plurality of different kinds of human tissue. A selector is operatively connected to the frequency generator for selecting the one frequency from among the different treatment frequencies produceable by the frequency generator. The system further comprises radiation transmission and guidance components disposed between the frequency generator and the support for directing the energy from the frequency generator to predetermined target tissues internal to the patient supported on the support and for concentrating the energy on the target tissues.