Abstract: Devices, systems, and method for treating urinary incontinence generally rely on energy delivered to a patient's own pelvic support tissue to selectively contract or shrink at least a portion of that pelvic support tissue so as to reposition the bladder. Devices and methods apply gentle resistive heating of tissues to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. Alternative heat-applying probes heat tissue structures which comprise or support a patient's urethra. By selectively contracting the support tissues, the bladder neck, sphincter, and other components of the urinary tract responsible for the control of urinary flow can be reconfigured or supported in a manner which reduces urinary leakage.

Abstract: A set for heat treatment of a target zone of a biological tissue, having an energy-generator to supply energy locally in the target zone, a mapper for measuring and recording temperature in the target zone, and a control unit to determine, on the basis of temperature measured in the target zone, the amount of energy required to be supplied to the target zone, and to control the energy-generator to deliver the energy. The control unit determines the energy required using point by point digital processing of the spatial distribution of temperature in the target zone and its immediate surroundings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are adapted to use synchronized hyperthermia or synchronized chirp hyperthermia to provide selected necrosis of diseased cells.

Abstract: Improvements in safety and efficacy for externally focused adaptive phased array microwave thermotherapy (hyperthermia) for treatment of cancer and benign conditions of an organ or an appendage are described. In order to reduce blood flow thereby accumulating additional equivalent thermal dose following the step of heating an organ or appendage by irradiating microwaves at the organ or appendage, the step of compressing the organ or appendage following the heating step is added to thermotherapy treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the organ is the prostate and periodic prostate compression is employed to reduce the prostate blood flow thereby allowing chemotherapy, thermosensitive liposome-encapsulated chemotherapy, or gene therapy to accumulate in the prostate region during thermotherapy.

Abstract: A linear lesion ablation catheter includes a conductive ablating portion having a predetermined resistivity profile for ablating tissue in a generally even temperature profile. In one embodiment, the conductive ablating portion is disposed on a distal portion of an elongate flexible member and has a resistance that increases exponentially along its length from a center of the ablating portion to a non-infinite value at opposite ends of the ablating portion. The ablating portion is adapted to produce a generally even temperature profile along a length of its surface when the ablating portion is in contact with a target tissue within a patient's body. In one example, the conductive ablating portion comprises a plurality of electrically connected conductive regions which extend from the center to the opposite ends of the ablating portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing or minimizing post-surgical complications are described. By applying energy to tissues under specifically controlled conditions, the formation of adhesions in response to cutting or other damage of those tissue may be eliminated or significantly reduced. According to an embodiment of the method of the invention, energy application is controlled to heat the tissue within a range of 61 to 100 degrees centigrade. In one embodiment, the system of the invention includes an easily manipulated applicator, having a scissor-like configuration and a controller for the energy application.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and method for treating urinary incontinence generally relying on energy delivered to a patient's own pelvic support tissue to selectively contract or shrink at least a portion of that pelvic support tissue so as to reposition the bladder. The energy will preferably be applied to the endopelvic fascia and/or an arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. A variety of devices and methods are provided for applying gentle resistive heating of these and other tissues to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. By applying sufficient energy over a predetermined time, the tissue can be raised to a temperature which results in contraction without significant necrosis or other tissue damage. By selectively contracting the support tissues, the bladder neck, sphincter, and other components of the urinary tract responsible for the control of urinary flow can be reconfigured or supported in a manner which reduces urinary leakage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that increases safety when employing externally focused adaptive phased array microwave thermotherapy (hyperthermia) for breast cancer treatment include microwave absorbing pads and metallic shielding to prevent undesired or stray surface tissue heating and to cushion the breast from mechanical pressure during breast compression. The microwave absorbing pads are attached on the top of the microwave waveguide thermotherapy applicators and on top of the breast compression paddles. A metallic-shielding strip mounted across the top portion of the microwave applicator aperture acts to block microwave radiation from illuminating the base of the breast and chest wall area. The patient treatment table utilizes a metallic shield to shield the body from stray microwave radiation. Combined E-field and temperature sensors within a single catheter are used to require only a single minimally invasive skin entry point for E-field focusing and measurement of the tumor temperature.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided, having a holding formation, an elongated probe, an electrode, and a conductor. The elongated probe is connected to and extends from the holding formation. The electrode is located on an end of the elongated probe opposing the holding formation, and has a leading edge and a face. The electrode is locatable so that the face is substantially in a horizontal plane and the leading edge is above the horizontal plane. The conductor extends along the elongated probe and has a portion connected to the electrode to provide RF power thereto. The electrode creates a temperature profile with a temperature adjacent to the leading edge being higher than a temperature adjacent to the face.

Abstract: A method and system for treating body structures or tissue allows treatment by any of ablation, coating, expansion, plumping, shaping, and shrinking. Treatment sitesinclude any of a sphincter, sinus or orifice. During treatment, electrodes emerge from apertures in a balloon. The balloon with liquid from a circulating bath cools tissue in direct contact with electrodes and immediately adjacent, so that discrete regions are treated, with minimal damage to adjacent structures. Sensors, coupled to electrodes, measure treatment properties such as: temperature, impedance and nervous activity. Measurements are used for: diagnostic assessment, determining treatment parameters, providing nervous stimulation and/or blocking, and feedback for controlling energy delivery. The catheter includes an optical path that can be coupled to external viewing apparatus. Endoscopic methods, including fluoroscopic, fiber optic, or radioscopy allow examining tissue and determining position of electrodes.

Abstract: A catheter device suitable for shrinking chordae tendineae of the human heart is provided having an energy conduit and a positioning device that facilitates the delivery of thermal energy, including coherent (laser) or non-coherent light, RF, microwave or ultrasound energy, to a predetermined region of the chordae tendineae or other collagen-containing tissue, such as the female urethra or the esophagus near the sphincter. The device comprises a tubular catheter containing an energy conduit, such as a fiber optic cable, adapted for delivering thermal energy to the tissue. The tubular catheter also contain a stabilizing device, disposed at its distal end, such as an asymmetrically shaped balloon or a retractable flexible metal hook. With the distal end of the catheter device positioned within a human heart, application of thermal energy to the chordae tendineae results in a shrinkage of the chordae, providing a treatment for primary mitral valve regurgitation.

Abstract: Instruments for thermally-mediated treatment of a patient's lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to induce an injury healing response to thereby populate the extracellular compartment of walls of the LES with collagen matrices to altere the biomechanics of the LES to provide an increased intra-esophageal pressure for preventing acid reflux. A preferred embodiment is a bougie-type device for trans-esophageal introduction that carries conductive electrodes for delivering Rf energy to walls of the LES (i) to induce the injury healing response or (ii) to “model” collagenous tissues of the LES by shrinking collagen fibers therein. Typically, an Rf source is connected to at least one conductive electrode that may be operated in a mono-polar or bi-polar fashion. A sensor array of individual sensors is provided in the working end.

Abstract: A method for treating cancerous or benign conditions of a body or organ employs selective irradiation of the body tissue with energy. The method includes the steps of monitoring temperatures of the skin surface adjacent the body, positioning at least one energy applicator around the body, delivering energy to the at least one energy applicator to selectively irradiate the body tissue with energy and treat at least one of cancerous and benign conditions of the body, adjusting the level of power to be delivered to the at least one energy applicator during treatment based on the monitored skin temperatures, monitoring the energy delivered to the at least one energy applicator, determining total energy delivered to the at least one energy applicator, and completing the treatment when the desired total energy dose has been delivered by the at least one energy applicator to the body.

Abstract: An RF treatment device according to the present invention includes one or two radio frequency electrode holders each having multiple electrodes arranged to create a transmural lesion through tissue. The treatment device is placed with one holder placed on the endocardial surface of the heart wall with the electrodes protruding towards the epicardial surface of the heart and the other optional holder placed on the epicardial surface of the heart with the electrodes protruding towards the endocardial surface of the heart forming a bipolar arrangement of equally spaced electrodes. The embodiments of the present invention are described for use in creating a transmural lesion in heart tissue to treat atrial fibrillation by blocking the passage of abnormal electrical currents through the heart. However, the devices and methods may also be used to create continuous transmural lesions in heart tissue and other body organs and tissues to treat other conditions.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical or surgical device creates holes in heart tissue utilizing an ultrasonic needle or probe. The ultrasonic needle is inserted into heart tissue and activated to cause cavitation of fluid surrounding the needle. The cavitation heats the surrounding tissue and causes reversible tissue damage. The ultrasonic device consists of a transducer, a needle, and a regulator. The device can be a hand held device for external application or may be a catheter device for performing a minimally invasive procedure. A temperature sensor may be positioned on the needle for sensing a temperature of the heart tissue in which the needle has been inserted.

Abstract: A method for treating cancerous or benign conditions of an organ includes the steps of inserting an E-field probe sensor to a depth in the organ tissue, monitoring temperatures of the skin surface adjacent the organ, positioning two or more energy applicators around the organ, setting the initial relative phase delivered to each energy applicator to focus the energy at the E-field probe positioned in the organ tissue, delivering energy to the applicators to selectively irradiate the organ tissue, adjusting the power level to be delivered to each applicator during treatment based on the monitored skin temperatures, monitoring the energy delivered to the applicators, determining total energy delivered to the applicators and displaying the total energy in real time during the treatment, and completing the treatment when the desired total energy dose has been delivered by the energy applicators to the organ. Either focused or non-focused may be employed.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus includes an ablation energy source producing an electromagnetic energy output. A monopolar multiple antenna device is included and has a primary antenna with a longitudinal axis, a central lumen and a distal end, and a secondary antenna with a distal end. The secondary antenna is deployed from the primary antenna central lumen in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis. The primary antenna and secondary antennas are each electromagnetically coupled to the electromagnetic energy source.

Abstract: Information indicative of the flow rate of fluid through a biological organ is provided to a processor. Using this information the processor assesses whether the fluid-flow rate is high or low and controls a generator such that the generator provides energy to an electrode positioned within the organ to effect tissue ablation. Energy of a first level is provided during periods of high fluid-flow and energy of a second level, less than the first level, during periods of low fluid-flow. The flow rate information may be provided by an electrocardiograph (ECG) device or a flow sensor. A temperature sensor provides temperature signals to the processor indicative of the electrode temperature. The processor further controls the generator based on the electrode temperature to maintain the temperature at or near a target temperature and below a maximum threshold temperature.

Abstract: A tissue-ablation method and apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of RF ablation electrodes, and a plurality of sensor elements, each movable from retracted to deployed positions in a tissue to be ablated. A control device in the apparatus is operatively connected to the electrodes for supplying an RF power to the electrodes, to produce tissue ablation that advances from individual-electrode ablation regions to fill a combined-electrode ablation volume. The control device is operatively connected to the sensor elements for determining the extent of ablation in the regions of the sensor elements. The supply of RF power to the electrodes can thus be regulated to control the level and extent of tissue ablation throughout the combined-electrode volume. The electrodes are preferably hollow-needle electrodes through which liquid can be infused into the tissue, also under the control of the control unit, to modulate and optimize tissue ablation.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device for treatment of diseased biological tissues includes an outer lumen and at least one inner lumen. Preheating of non-target tissue is carried out during a desensitizing mode of the thermotherapy process at a temperature that is sublethal to cells of the non-target tissue structure but is high enough to provoke the building of heat shock proteins for protecting non-target tissue structures during the thermotherapy process. Then during a destructive mode of the thermotherapy process, an energy source is insertable into one of the lumens in carry out a heating protocol to treat the enlarged tissue while the non-target tissue is protected by shock proteins produced during the desensitizing mode of the process. The energy source can be microwave, ultrasound or other energy source, and a temperature sensing device can be used in controlling the energy source for effective treatment.

Abstract: An energy radiation applicator apparatus for hyperthermic treatment of targeted tissue in a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a catheter for insertion into the patient, and an applicator operatively attached to the catheter and an energy source sufficient for elevating the temperature of targeted tissue in proximity to the applicator to a preselected temperature and for maintaining the preselected temperature during treatment. It may also comprise a positioning mechanism operatively attached to the catheter so that the applicator may be positioned at a desired position in proximity to the targeted tissue to be treated, a temperature sensor operatively attached to the catheter and in operative association with the applicator for measuring the temperature of the targeted tissue, and a locator for determining whether the applicator remains at the desired position.

Abstract: A heating device and method is provided that controls a desired temperature in a selected area of a body part to obtain a temperature effect within the selected area for therapeutic or medical purposes. It includes temperature generating means to generate the desired temperature in the selected area. It also includes temperature detecting means to detect the generated temperature from the selected area. It further includes temperature controlling means to control the temperature generating means to obtain that the generated temperature is within a range of the desired temperature. The device and method prevents irreversibly damaging or overheating of the selected area or the tissue surrounding the selected area.

Abstract: A tissue ablation apparatus comprises a first elongated delivery device including a lumen and an obturator with a tissue piercing distal end. The obturator is positionable in the lumen of the first elongated delivery device. A second elongated delivery device is positionable in the lumen of the first elongated delivery device. An energy delivery device is positionable in the second elongated delivery device. The energy delivery device includes at least a first and a second RF electrode each with a tissue piercing distal portion. The first and second RF electrodes are positionable in the second elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable from the second elongated delivery device with curvature in a deployed state. The first and second RF electrodes exhibit a changing direction of travel when advanced from the second elongated delivery device to a selected tissue site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a prostate in a patient in need thereof and a heating catheter, or an electromagnetic radiation applicator, system suitable for effecting the present inventive method. The present inventive method provides for substantial unexpected improvement in patient outcome by providing, inter alia, a preferred therapeutic temperature for thermotherapy of the prostate and a method of decreasing a patient's intolerance due to pain. The present inventive system provides for, inter alia, automatic implementation of the present inventive method.

Abstract: A tip electrode for an ablation catheter mounted at the distal tip of an elongated catheter body member has a distal-end region and a proximal-end region. A tip thermal sensor is located at or near the apex of the distal-end region and one or more side thermal sensors are located near the surface of the proximal-end region. The electrode is preferably an assembly formed from a hollow dome-shaped shell with a core disposed within the shell. The side thermal sensor wires are electrically connected inside the shell and the core has a longitudinal channel for the side thermal sensor wires welded to the shell. The shell also preferably has a pocket in the apex of the shell, and the end thermal sensor wires pass through the core to the apex of the shell. Spaces between the shell and the core can be filled with epoxy resin. Alternatively, the electrode is formed of a solid metal having a plurality of bores for positioning thermal sensors at the tip and near the surface of the electrode.

Abstract: A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy sources transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Abstract: An apparatus for the high-frequency treatment of body tissue comprises a head (10) which is provided with at least one HF electrode (14a, 14b, 14c) of an electrically conductive material. Optionally one electrode (14a, 14b) can be brought into contact with the tissue (24) to be treated and electrically activated. In order to avoid undesired temperature peaks provisions are made that the head supporting the HF electrode or the HF electrodes, respectively, comprises highly heat conductive portions (12) in order to dissipate heat generating at the HF electrode or the HF electrodes, respectively, in particular in the proximal direction.

Abstract: Heat treatment apparatus for inactivating viruses in blood products includes a series of tubing coils with connectors at the opposite ends of the series for connecting the tubing to a blood product source and a blood product destination. The apparatus also includes a microwave heating chamber arranged to receive the first coil of the series and a cooling chamber adapted to receive the second coil of the series. Microwave energy is supplied to the heating chamber for heating the blood product as it flows along the first coil from an initial temperature to an elevated temperature and the cooling chamber is cooled so that the blood product in the second coil is cooled to a selected temperature appreciably below the elevated temperature. A radiometer circuit is provided for monitoring the temperatures of the blood product in the first and second coils to produce first and second temperature signals in response thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vascular catheter apparatus for temperature measurement of vascular tissue, comprising a flexible body (14, 15, 18), at least two thermal sensors (10) mounted on resiliently biased projections (11) depended from the body; and a carrier (13) for transmitting temperature data at the vascular wall from the sensors (10) to a remote device. A computer program associated with the vascular catheter apparatus is provided for manipulating image data and temperature data to generate an output in which the temperature data is mapped onto a corresponding position on an image where that temperature data was detected to provide an integrated graphical image output. The temperature data is thermography data that represents surface temperature at a vascular wall, and the image data is representative of the vascular wall morphology.

Abstract: A central venous catheter includes coolant supply and return lumens which communicate coolant to and from first and second heat exchange membranes arranged along the distal segment of the catheter. The coolant in the heat exchange membranes removes heat from the patient. Additional lumens are provided for conventional central venous catheter uses.

Abstract: A device for heat treatment of prostate, comprising a treatment catheter with a fluid reservoir and heating means which is arranged within the treatment catheter and emits electromagnetic radiation for heating of the surrounding bodily tissue. The fluid reservoir constitutes an integrated part of the catheter for treatment and is positioned in the catheter so that, when inserted in a patient, it extends to cover the area heated by the heating means between the prostatic apex and bladder neck. The fluid reservoir also constitutes a closed chamber which is connectable via a channel passing through the catheter for treatment. A stop for the heat-absorbing means is embodied distal to said heating means and distal to said heat reservoir.

Abstract: An electrosurgical ablation probe is provided having a shaft with a proximal end portion and a tongue-shaped distal end portion sized to fit within confined (e.g., narrow) spaces within the patient's body, such as the spaces around the articular cartilage between the femur and tibia and the spaces between adjacent vertebrae in the patient's spine. The probe includes at least one active electrode integral with or coupled to the tongue-shaped distal end portion and a connector on the proximal end portion for coupling the active electrode to an electrosurgical generator. The tongue-shaped distal end portion is substantially planar, and it offers a low profile, to allow access to confined spaces without risking iatrogenic injury to surrounding tissue, such as articular cartilage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for controlling selective application of heat into a material, preferably into a biological material, having an ultrasonic-wave generating unit which couples the ultrasonic waves into the material, an ultrasonic-wave-detecting unit which detects the ultrasonic waves emerging from the material and an evaluation unit which generates information-providing parameters on the basis of the detected ultrasonic waves which provide information about the thermal and structural changes inside the material.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an infarct scar on a heart comprising an electric cable with proximal and distal ends; a handle with proximal and distal ends with the proximal end connected to the distal end of the cable; a stem with proximal and distal ends with the proximal end of the stem connected to the distal end of the handle; a heating element with a first surface for contacting infarct scar tissue connected to the distal end of the stem wherein the heating element comprises at least two electrodes and at least one temperature sensor positioned on the first surface for sensing a temperature of infarct scar tissue adjacent to the sensor; an energy source connected to the electrodes via the electric cable; and a regulator connected to the energy source and the temperature sensor of the infarct scar tissue, for controlling the temperature of the infarct scar tissue from about 60 degrees C. to about 99 degrees C.

Abstract: A method of positioning on a microwave waveguide a sensor (20) including an elongate metallic element (23, 24) comprising: selecting a tubular waveguide (12); determining the general orientation of the magnetic field (3) generated during microwave transmission; and positioning the elongate metallic element (20, 23, 24) substantially parallel to the orientation of the magnetic field (3). Connections (23, 24) of the sensor (20) extend longitudinally of the waveguide (12) and are connected to the outer wall (25) of the waveguide and the central conductor (16) of the coaxial cable (15) that powers the waveguide.

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: Vascular catheter comprises a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode array disposed near the distal end. The electrode array is located proximally of a common electrode, typically located on a movable guidewire, and includes a plurality of isolated electrode terminals. By positioning the common electrode within a stenotic region and contacting a leading surface of the stenotic region with the electrode array, the stenotic material can be heated by applying a high frequency voltage between the electrode array and the common electrode. The stenotic region can thus be recannalized by advancing the distal end of the catheter body through the heated stenotic material.

Abstract: A plurality of electrodes are positioned at the distal end of a catheter such that the electrodes may be positioned proximal biological tissue. A select number of the electrodes have a temperature sensing device associated with them for providing a temperature signal indicative of the temperature at the interface between the electrode and the tissue. A generator operates under the control of a processor to apply power to each of the electrodes. The power has an associated phase angle and, within a time duration, a plurality of alternating on periods and off periods, one set of adjacent on and off periods defining a duty cycle. The processor is programmed to determine the temperature at the electrode/tissue interface based on the temperature signals, compare the temperature to a target temperature and to adjust the power to the electrode accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: A tissue ablation catheter for forming a lesion along a substantially circumferential region of tissue is described. The catheter includes one or more sensors for monitoring the temperature of the tissue being ablated. The temperature sensors are mounted on the interior or exterior of an expandable member that is affixed to a shaft of the catheter.

Abstract: Improvements in safety and efficacy for externally focused adaptive phased array microwave thermotherapy (hyperthermia) for treatment of cancer and benign conditions of an organ or an appendage are described. In order to reduce blood flow thereby accumulating additional equivalent thermal dose following the step of heating an organ or appendage by irradiating microwaves at the organ or appendage, the step of compressing the organ or appendage following the heating step is added to thermotherapy treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the organ is the prostate and periodic prostate compression is employed to reduce the prostate blood flow thereby allowing chemotherapy, thermosensitive liposome-encapsulated chemotherapy, or gene therapy to accumulate in the prostate region during thermotherapy.

Abstract: A thermal energy delivery apparatus has a probe including a distal end and a proximal end. A first electrode is positioned at the distal end of the probe. The first electrode is configured to deliver sufficient thermal energy to a fibrillated cartilage surface to reduce a level of fibrillation of the fibrillated cartilage surface. A cabling is coupled to the proximal end of the probe. A method for thermal protection of non-targeted tissues that may be exposed to thermal probes used during arthroscopic procedures includes a pre-procedural cooling Lavage. The pre-cooled tissues provide a convective buffer for tissues not intended for thermal intervention, thereby reducing collateral damage.

Abstract: A radiofrequency thermal balloon catheter makes it possible to heat uniformly the tissues in contact with the balloon and to achieve thermotherapy such as ablation or hyperthermia safely and properly for a diseased part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods utilizing cryogenic cooling in an angioplasty balloon catheter for treatment of arterial stenosis and prevention of restenosis. More particularly, the present invention relates to an angioplasty balloon catheter utilizing expansion of compressed gas to effect Joule-Thomson cooling of an angioplasty balloon, and optionally further incorporating external temperature sensors utilizable to identify a locus for treatment of arterial stenosis. The present invention further relates to angioplasty treatment systems incorporating such a catheter, and to cryogenic angioplasty methods for treating arterial stenosis and discouraging restenosis.

Abstract: A thermal energy controller system useful in medical procedures includes a controller coupled to a probe, and a thermal element to vary probe temperature. The controller includes memory storing a non-continuous algorithm that permits user-selectable settings for various probe types such that controller operation is self-modifying in response to the selected probe setting. Probe output power Pout is constant in one mode to rapidly enable probe temperature to come within a threshold of a target temperature. The controller can then vary Pout dynamically using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm Pout=Kp·P+Ki·I+Kd·D, where feedback loop coefficients Kp, Ki, Kd can vary dynamically depending upon magnitude of an error function e(t) representing the difference between a user-set desired target temperature and sensed probe temperature.

Abstract: A method for treating cancerous or benign conditions of a body or organ employs selective irradiation of the body tissue with energy. The method includes the steps of monitoring temperatures of the skin surface adjacent the body, positioning at least one energy applicator around the body, delivering energy to the at least one energy applicator to selectively irradiate the body tissue with energy and treat at least one of cancerous and benign conditions of the body, adjusting the level of power to be delivered to the at least one energy applicator during treatment based on the monitored skin temperatures, monitoring the energy delivered to the at least one energy applicator, determining total energy delivered to the at least one energy applicator, and completing the treatment when the desired total energy dose has been delivered by the at least one energy applicator to the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating tissue adjacent to a bodily conduit using thermotherapy, while preventing obstructions of the bodily conduit due to edema employs the circulation of warmed fluid to maintain the temperature of the bodily conduit walls and compresses the tissue to be treated to increase the effectiveness of the irradiated heat. An energy-emitting source containing catheter is inserted in a bodily conduit and is positioned in a region of the tissue to be treated so that the energy-emitting source radiates energy to the tissue to be treated. Fluid warmed to over 30° C. is circulated into and through the catheter to warm walls of the bodily conduit adjacent the catheter. The circulated fluid inflates a balloon to a pressure to compress the tissue to be treated. The combination of warmed fluid over 30° C.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy gently heats fascia and other collagenous support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy will preferably be applied between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces separated by an insulating rib or film. 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.

Abstract: A method of providing thermal therapy to prostate tissue of a patient. The method includes: inserting a mechanical separator or infusing a fluid to separate human tissue to be treated from nontarget tissue, thereby providing thermal insulation and other beneficial effects, and applying the thermal therapy to the target tissue.

Abstract: A device for heat treatment of body tissue, including heating means (10) for local heating of the body tissue, and temperature sensing means (11) for sensing the tissue temperature, said heating means being enclosed in a catheter (12). A first temperature sensing means (11) is connected to a first carrier (13), which is made to be advanced through a first opening in catheter (12), and said first carrier (13) is equipped with a pointed tip for insertion into such body tissue that is to be heat-treated.