Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In particular, the present invention relates to systems and devices for the delivery of energy with a linear array of antenna components having optimized energy delivery characteristics. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy with the systems and devices of the present invention.

Abstract: A detecting device for detecting biological particles includes an optical system including an excitation light source, a filter and spectroscope group, a photomultiplier tube, and a charge-coupled device. The excitation light source illuminates the biological particles on a detecting carrier of the detecting device. A kind of target biological particles in the biological particles is excited to generate an emission light. The emission light enters the filter and spectroscope group to be separated into a first detecting light and a second detecting light. After the photomultiplier tube receives the first detecting light, the photomultiplier tube transmits a regional positioning signal to a processor of the detecting device. After the charge-coupled device receives the second detecting light, the charge-coupled device transmits an image signal to the processor. The processor obtains a precise location of the target biological particles based on the regional positioning signal and the image signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for detecting biological material on surfaces after decontamination with UV-C and with high sensitivity and having low detection limits while providing rapid and efficient response to accommodate high turnover. Embodiments of the present invention monitor the disinfection process by detecting changes in the electrical properties of surface-confined biological thin films photodegraded with UV-C radiation using microwaves (MW). MW sensing provides noninvasive, real-time detection of the electromagnetic properties of biological materials via concentrated electromagnetic fields, for which advantages include wide bandwidth, small size, and cost-effective fabrication.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an electrosurgical system for treating biological tissue. The system comprises: an electrosurgical generator configured to supply pulsed microwave energy; and an electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument comprises a flexible coaxial cable arranged to convey the pulsed microwave energy; and a radiating tip portion connected at a distal end of the coaxial cable and configured to receive the pulsed microwave energy. The radiating tip portion has a maximum outer diameter that is 1.0 mm or less, and wherein the maximum outer diameter of the radiating tip portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the coaxial cable. Also, the radiating tip portion comprises: a proximal coaxial transmission line for conveying the pulsed microwave energy; and a distal needle tip mounted at a distal end of the proximal coaxial transmission line, the distal needle tip being arranged to deliver the pulsed microwave energy into biological tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument having a radiating tip portion capable performing tissue ablation using microwave energy and electroporation (e.g. non-thermal irreversible electroporation) in a minimally invasive manner. The electrosurgical instrument may be used to perform microwave ablation and electroporation separately (e.g. sequentially) or simultaneously. The radiating tip portion may be dimensioned to be suitable for insertion into a pancreas via a surgical scoping device, to provide a rapid and accurate alternative to known RF ablation techniques. By enabling tumours within the pancreas to be treated using a minimally invasive procedure, it may be a viable option to use ablation and/or electroporation treatment for both curative as well as palliative reasons.

Abstract: The present invention is generally a radio frequency apparatus for warming fluids such as IV fluids. In exemplary embodiments, a uniform warming of fluids is achieved by exposing a fluid-carrying tube to Radio Frequency (RF) energy. The RF energy may be supplied by an RF generator, which is coupled to a waveguide. The waveguide typically includes an inlet into which a fluid tube may be introduced. Inside the waveguide, a pathway may be formed wherein the fluid tube may rest in a predetermined position. In exemplary embodiments, the pathway guides the positioning of the tube along a transmission-line length of the waveguide, in a manner such that the tube gradually approaches an electromagnetic field inside the waveguide and exits at a second terminal end of the waveguide. Having absorbed energy supplied from the RF generator, the fluid inside the tube exits the apparatus warmed to a desired temperature.

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: In biological tissues, exposure to electromagnetic fields usually induces actuation and vibration of the underlying molecules which, from the perspective of the electromagnetic device, manifests as power absorption. It has been shown that increased power absorption of a low-power RF source can have positive enhancement in therapeutic, medical, and scientific procedures. However, often the enhanced power absorption is limited due to the electromagnetic properties of the tissue being treated. This invention introduces a method to modify the native electromagnetic properties of a targeted biological tissue to increase and enhance the electromagnetic power absorption within and increase treatment efficacy.

Abstract: Systems, including methods and apparatus, for growing viable monoclonal colonies, identifying them as monoclonal after their viability has been demonstrated, and picking and placing them into a target environment. The methods may include plating cells at low density in a well, capturing at a first time shortly after plating a series of vertically spaced-apart images of the well showing locations of the cells, capturing at a second, later time images of the same well showing locations of candidate cell colonies, determining a likelihood that the candidate colonies are monoclonal based on information in the first set of images, and, based on the likelihood, picking candidate colonies using a picking head for transfer to a target environment.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved medical devices, systems, and methods. In many embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for locating and treating a target nerve with integrated cold therapy and electrical stimulation systems are provided. For example, nerve stimulation and cryoneurolysis may be delivered concurrently or alternately with the cryo-stimulation device. In some embodiments, the device may be operated by a single operator or clinician. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may improve nerve targeting during cryoneurolysis procedures. Improvements in nerve localization and targeting may increase treatment accuracy, physician confidence in needle placement during treatment, and clinical efficacy and safety. In turn, such improvements may decrease overall treatment times, the number of repeat treatments, and the re-treatment rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods providing evaluation and feedback to an operator of a device providing neuromodulation treatment, such as modulation of renal nerves of a human patient. In one embodiment, for example, a system monitors parameters or values generated before treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of various electrical properties associated with an electrode carried by a catheter. The electrode measures an electrical property of biological material making contact with the electrode while deploying the electrode, the electrical property being dependent on a ratio of a wall-interface area to a fluid-interface area.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) operable to deliver microwave energy to cause targeted tissue ablation is provided. The electrosurgical device (10) comprises an antenna (26), a reflector (30), and a dielectric material (34) disposed therebetween. The selection of the dielectric material (30) and the relative positioning of the antenna (26) and the reflector (30) provide impedance matching between the antenna (26) and a transmission line (12) so as to minimize heating along the length of the device (10) during use.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes an electrode pair including a first electrode and a second electrode configured to be selectively energized for delivery of electroporation therapy. The electrode assembly also includes an expandable isolation member disposed axially between the first electrode and the second electrode. One of the first electrode and the second electrode is positioned proximally of a proximal end of the expandable isolation member and the other of the first electrode and the second electrode is positioned distal to a distal end of the expandable isolation member. The expandable isolation member is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable isolation member includes a circumferential sealing surface configured for sealing engagement with tissue of a patient such that the expandable isolation member inhibits fluid and electrical communication between the first electrode and the second electrode when engaged with the tissue.

Abstract: A system includes an expandable distal end of a catheter and a processor. The expandable distal end has multiple electrodes that are configured to be placed in contact with a tissue in an organ and to apply ablative power to tissue. The processor is configured to, during application of the ablative power, determine whether a physical contact between the electrodes and tissue meets a predefined contact quality, and, if the physical contact of an electrode among the electrodes with the tissue does not meet the predefined contact quality, re-use the electrode for electrophysiological (EP) sensing.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for delivering both microwave and radiofrequency (RF) energy in which a pair of longitudinally spaced electrodes are combined with an intermediate tuning element to enable both effective bipolar RF ablation and/or coagulation and microwave ablation with a field shape that is constrained around the instrument tip. The instrument comprises a radiating tip disposed at a distal end of a coaxial cable. The tip has a distal electrode and a proximal electrode disposed on a surface of a dielectric body and physically separated by an intermediate portion of the dielectric body. A tuning element is mounted in the intermediate portion.

Abstract: An intrauterine device includes a central support member, first and second internal flexures and first and second external flexures. The first and second internal flexures each include a first section having a first stiffness, a second section having a second stiffness, and third section having a third stiffness, wherein the second stiffness is more flexible than the first and third stiffness and wherein the first section of each internal flexure is coupled to the central support member. The first and second external flexures are coupled to the central support member and coupled to the third sections of the first and second internal flexures, the first and second external flexures in combination with the first and second internal flexures being configured to extend from a collapsed position parallel to the central support member to a deployed position flexing away from the central support member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a magnetic therapy device. The therapy device includes a body having a holding portion and a mounting portion. The holding portion is adapted to be held by a user for maneuvering the therapy device to access a treatment area on a skin of the user and the mounting portion is attached the holding portion. Further, the therapy device has at least one hollow pin mounted to the mounting portion. The at least one hollow pin encloses at least one magnet, with the magnetic field of the magnet extending outside of the hollow pin to impart magnetic flux onto a treatment area of a patient.

Abstract: A handpiece tip for refrigerant injection of an RF high frequency device for skin treatment including a refrigerant injection nozzle configured to inject a refrigerant for local anesthesia in a plane direction is disclosed. Also disclosed is a handpiece tip for refrigerant injection of an RF high frequency device configured such that a needle is inserted into a projecting piece of the skin, which is projected as the result of being suctioned by a skin adsorption contact unit, whereby the needle is located in a place at a position desired by an operator.

Abstract: Thermal therapy systems, devices, and methods of using the same disclosed. A localized hypothermia of the pancreas with a delivery and placement procedure in the stomach of a patient comprising a cooling balloon system is disclosed that can be used for the treatment of pancreatitis in a patient. The cooling balloon system can have mechanisms for affecting the pancreas without impacting or inducing hypothermia in the patient in a systemic fashion. The localized hypothermia system can have a simplified delivery system and can be intended to reduce patient discomfort while reducing the metabolic activity of the inflamed pancreas of the patient.

Abstract: An electro-anatomic mapping system is configured, in accordance with a preferred embodiment (and not limited thereto) to: (A) receive a first reference response signal from a first medical device, in which the first reference response signal is configured to be utilized by the electro-anatomic mapping system for formation of a first medical image; and (B) receive a second reference response signal from the first medical device, in which the second reference response signal is configured to be utilized by the electro-anatomic mapping system for forming a second medical image, and in which the second medical image, in use, depicts image noise interference resulting from activation of a second medical device.

Abstract: An antenna device includes: a ground plate made of a conductor with a flat plate shape; an opposing conductive plate made of another conductor with a flat plate shape, arranged to space apart from the ground plate by a predetermined distance, and having a power supply point electrically connected to a power supply line; a short-circuit portion electrically connecting the opposing conductive plate and the ground plate; and a radio wave shield body for shielding a propagation of an electric field, which is arranged on an upper side of the opposing conductive plate and is made of a conductor or a dielectric material. Parallel resonance at a predetermined target frequency is generated by an inductance provided in the short-circuit portion and a capacitance between the ground plate and the opposing conductive plate.

Abstract: Heat and heat based treatments that may be used to modulate, inhibit and/or prevent one or more of the processes that contribute to certain vascular and/or arterial complications.

Abstract: Microwave catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a microwave transmission element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Renal neuromodulation may be achieved via dielectric heating in the presence of microwave irradiation that modulates neural fibers that contribute to renal function or alters vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for degassing fluid prior to applying fluid to a treatment site during ablation therapy are provided. In one embodiment, an ablation system can include an elongate body, an ablation element, a heating assembly, and a fluid source. Fluid in the fluid source can be at least partially degassed prior to being provided as part of the system, or, in some embodiments, a degassing apparatus can be provided that can be configured to degas fluid within the system prior to applying the fluid to the treatment site. The degassing apparatus can include one or more gas-permeable and fluid-impermeable tubes disposed therein, which can allow gas to be removed from fluid passing through the apparatus. Other exemplary devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system for determining characteristics of a specific region within an inhomogeneous dielectric specimen by guiding propagation of electric fields through the inhomogeneous dielectric specimen is provided herein. Various embodiments include at least one source of electromagnetic energy for generating electromagnetic waveforms, the electromagnetic waveforms comprising electric fields propagating along a prescribed path that defines a series of spatial regions through which the electric fields propagate. In some embodiments the prescribed path includes electric field modulating elements that determine a rate of electric field propagation along the prescribed path. Some embodiments include a plurality of conductors for guiding the electric field propagation through an inhomogeneous dielectric specimen in the prescribed path, the electric fields spanning between two or more of the plurality of conductors as the electric fields propagate along the prescribed path.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to methods of treating various conditions including bladder conditions in a patient, comprising: positioning at least one ablative element of an ablative device on or over an adventitial surface of the bladder; and using the ablative device to denervate bladder nerve fibers. Other aspects of the present disclosure pertain, for example, to devices and kits for of treating bladder conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the magnetic fields generated by renal nerves before and/or after neuromodulation therapy are disclosed herein. One method for measuring the magnetic field of target nerves during a neuromodulation procedure includes positioning a neuromodulation catheter at a target site within a renal blood vessel of a human patient near the target nerves, and detecting a measurement of the magnetic field generated by the target nerves. The method can further include determining, based on the measurement of the magnetic field, a location of the target nerves, a location of ablation at the target nerves, and/or a percentage the target nerves were ablated by delivered neuromodulation energy.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to controlling electrical power of an electrotherapeutic signal that is provided to a biological tissue engaged by an electrosurgical instrument during a medical procedure. Electrical power—a product of a voltage difference across and an electrical current conducted by the engaged biological tissue—is controlled according to a therapeutic schedule. The electrotherapeutic schedule can be reduced or terminated in response to a termination criterion being met. In some examples, the termination criterion is a current characteristic, such as, for example, a decrease in current conducted by the engaged biological tissue. In some examples, the termination criterion is a biological tissue resistance characteristic, such as, for example, an increase in the biological tissue resistance that exceeds a predetermined delta resistance value.

Abstract: Medical devices for sympathetic nerve modulation are disclosed. An example medical device for sympathetic nerve modulation may include a catheter shaft having a distal region. An expandable member may be coupled to the distal region. A flexible circuit assembly may be attached to the expandable member. The flexible circuit assembly may include a first electrode strip, a second electrode strip, and a sensor strip disposed between the first electrode strip and the second electrode strip. The first electrode strip may include a first electrode. The second electrode strip may include a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may define a pair of bipolar electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods providing evaluation and feedback to an operator of a device providing neuromodulation treatment, such as modulation of renal nerves of a human patient. In one embodiment, for example, a system monitors parameters or values generated before treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of various electrical properties associated with an electrode carried by a catheter. The electrode measures an electrical property of biological material making contact with the electrode while deploying the electrode, the electrical property being dependent on a ratio of a wall-interface area to a fluid-interface area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that includes pressure sensors to assist in monitoring pressure at a selected location. Pressure sensors may be applied to or incorporated into catheters and/or shunts positioned within a patient. A monitoring system may then receive signals from the pressure sensors to monitor pressure at the location over time.

Abstract: A neuromodulation probe includes a body and at least one coil set. The body has a first axis and a length along the first axis. The at least one coil set includes at least one coil, and the at least one coil is formed by winding spirally a conductive wire plural times about a second axis inside the body or on an outer surface of the body. The second axis is parallel to the first axis. The at least one coil has two opposite wire ends for providing an electric current to flow in or out of the at least one coil.

Abstract: A novel monitoring method evaluates tissue ablation progress. An antenna in a distal portion of an ablation applicator sends and receives electrical information from the target tissue during ablation. The information is used to determine ablation progress. A related ablation monitoring system includes a power monitor and processor operable to evaluate ablation progress based on reflected electrical properties during the ablation. The invention has particular benefits when used in endoscopic-based microwave ablation.

Abstract: A system for use in tumor ablation. The tumor ablation system includes a microwave antenna which has a channel along the length thereof. There are two ports proximate the proximal end of the microwave antenna. The first port is an energy port configured to connect the antenna to an energy source. The second port is a fluid port configured to connect the channel to a fluid delivery mechanism. The system also includes an inflatable balloon configured to be attached to a distal end of the antenna. The channel permits fluid access from the fluid port to an interior of the balloon for inflation thereof.

Abstract: A system for delivering energy to a patient's body is disclosed that includes a plurality of probes, a touch-sensitive display screen, and a controller communicatively coupled to each of the probes and the display screen. The controller is configured to perform operations including displaying a virtual control object in the user interface of the touch-sensitive display screen that is associated with an operating parameter of a treatment procedure performed with the probe. The controller is configured to adjust the operating parameter when a user touch action is directed to the virtual control object. The controller is configured to convert the virtual control object into a non-control label based, at least in part, on a current status of the treatment procedure. The controller is configured to prohibit adjustment of the operating parameter using the non-control label in response to a user touch action that is directed to the non-control label.

Abstract: An antenna system for tissue ablation includes an energy transmission member, a conductive hollow coil member, and a fluid cooling system. The energy transmission member has an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric layer between the inner and outer conductors. A portion of the dielectric layer extends distally of a distal end of the outer conductor. The conductive hollow coil member includes a member lumen within a length of the conductive hollow coil member. The conductive hollow coil member is coiled around the portion of the dielectric layer and is separate from the inner conductor. The conductive hollow coil member extends along an entire length of the outer conductor of the energy transmission member. The fluid cooling system is coupled to the conductive hollow coil member for providing a flow of a cooling fluid through the member lumen for cooling the conductive hollow coil member.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system is configured to selectively provide cooling and/or heating to a component of the WCD system. In some embodiments, a Peltier device is used to provide the cooling to wearer of the WCD at or near where the WCDs defibrillation electrodes are positioned proximate or contacting the patient's body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical tool system for actuating a handpiece with a tip. The frequency of the drive signal applied to the handpiece drivers is a function of the equivalent of current through the mechanical components of the handpiece and tip and the frequency responsiveness of these components.

Abstract: Robotic surgical systems configured to control the movement and actuation of a single robotic arm, and the movement and actuation of multiple tools carried at a distal end of the robotic arm.

Abstract: A method and system for lesion formation assessment in tissue that has undergone an ablation procedure.

Abstract: An ablation catheter including an elongate shaft, an inflatable balloon positioned at a distal region of the elongate shaft, a first ablation electrode disposed outside of and carried by an outer surface of the inflatable balloon, a first ultrasound transducer disposed outside of the inflatable balloon, and a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit includes a first conductor and a second conductor and is disposed outside of and carried by the outer surface of the inflatable balloon. The first conductor is in electrical communication with the first ablation electrode, and the second conductor in electrical communication with the first ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: Methods and system are provided to mitigate RF interferences during operation of an electrosurgical system. An electrosurgical system configured to output therapeutic RF energy may refrain from outputting RF energy in order to measure an RF interference for a group of candidate frequencies, and to select a frequency from the group of candidate frequencies for which the measured RF interference is below a threshold value, and to produce a feedback signal (a control signal) at the selected frequency to control operation of the electrosurgical system. During operation of the electrosurgical system the feedback signal may be filtered by a BPF whose fundamental frequency is set to the selected frequency, to thus obtain an interference free feedback signal and, consequently, a reliable control of the electrosurgical system.

Abstract: Methods of treating the skin and in particular removing pigment from a tattoo are provided. In preferred embodiments, a piezoelectric transducer is placed at a plurality of locations above the skin and focused acoustic waves at 7 MHz or more are transmitted into the skin. The focal point of the focused acoustic waves is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm below the surface of the skin. The design of the piezoelectric transducer along with the frequency of operation are carefully chosen to create points of treatment with a desired size and shape. The correct amount of energy is supplied to the points of treatment to produce a lesion of a desired size and shape. The lesions are spaced and located to effect the treatment of the skin.

Abstract: An applicator includes at least one RF electrode coupled to an RF generator. The at least one RF electrode has protrusions each with a curvature radius which is equal to or greater than a curvature radius of an outer edge of the at least one RF electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy.

Abstract: An unattended approach can increase the reproducibility and safety of the treatment as the chance of over/under treating of a certain area is significantly decreased. On the other hand, unattended treatment of uneven or rugged areas can be challenging in terms of maintaining proper distance or contact with the treated tissue, mostly on areas which tend to differ from patient to patient (e.g. facial area). Delivering energy via a system of active elements embedded in a flexible pad adhesively attached to the skin offers a possible solution. The unattended approach may include delivering of multiple energies to enhance a visual appearance.

Abstract: Systems, tools and methods are disclosed for the selective and rapid application of DC voltage to drive irreversible electroporation, with the system controller capable of being configured to apply voltages to independently selected subsets of electrodes and capable of generating at least one control signal to maintain the temperature near an electrode head within a desired range of values. Electrode clamp devices are also disclosed for generating electric fields to drive irreversible electroporation while modulating temperature to elevate the irreversible electroporation threshold utilizing a variety of means such as cooling fluid or solid state thermoelectric heat pumps.

Abstract: A multi-probe system and a method of lesioning for targeting a region of a vertebral body are disclosed. The method includes inserting a first introducer assembly into a first target location of the vertebral body to provide a first trajectory to access the vertebral body, the first introducer assembly including a first cannula. The method also includes inserting a second introducer assembly into a second target location of the vertebral body to provide a second trajectory to access the vertebral body, the second introducer assembly including a second cannula. The method further includes inserting a first bipolar probe through the first cannula of the first introducer assembly, the first bipolar probe including a first active tip at a distal end of the first bipolar probe, the first active tip including at least two electrodes.

Abstract: In methods for treating a patient, a time varying magnetic field is applied to a patient's body and causes a muscle contraction. The time-varying magnetic field may be monophasic, biphasic, polyphasic and/or static. The method may reduce adipose tissue, improve metabolism, blood and/or lymph circulation. The method may use combinations of treatments to enhance the visual appearance of the patient.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for treating targeted tissue using cryoablation. An introducer canula and a cryoprobe are inserted the targeted tissue. The cryoprobe is cooled and an ice ball is formed. The cryoprobe is removed while the ice ball is still frozen, and an ultrasound catheter is inserted. Ultrasound generated within the ice ball is used to determine the distance from the ultrasound catheter to a perimeter of the ice ball. This is repeated at different angles to model a slice of the ice ball. The ultrasound catheter is moved radially, and the process is repeated to create a model of at least a portion of the ice ball. The ice ball model can be displayed on a registered set of images representing the targeted tissue to ensure that the tissue lies within the treatment zone of the ice ball.