Abstract: An electrode arrangement is provided having at least one electrode for insertion into a human or animal body for electrothermal treatment of the body. The electrode is situated on an electrode support and is connected to an alternating current source via a supply lead and to a temperature stabilizer device for influencing the effective temperature profile in the treatment area. The electrode support and the electrode, or electrodes, are constructed for direct insertion into the body tissue, said insertion being channel forming. The temperature stabilizer device has a timed heating device for thermal support of the insertion.

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: Apparatuses for controlling the surgical tissue heating process. An irrigation fluid pump provides both positive and negative pressure to allow the surgeon to accurately determine the condition of the tissue under both pressurized and non-pressurized states. The temperature of the irrigation fluid is monitored to ensure that the tissue is not overheated. The heating probe tip is supplied with a sleeve to control the heat profile during the surgery.

Abstract: A suction assisted ablation device having a support surface, suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one electrode and at least one suction conduit is provided. The device may further include fluid openings, which allow fluid to irrigate target tissue and aid in ablation. A method for ablating tissue using suction is also provided.

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 surgical technique for treating bladder outflow obstruction is disclosed in which access is gained to the treatment site via the bladder itself through one or more suprapubic conduits. The disclosed technique includes inserting at least a first conduit suprapubically into the bladder, inserting at least a surgical instrument along the first conduit, distending the bladder with an isotonic fluid, viewing the position of the instrument using remote visualisation means, direct visualisation means, or a combination of the two, and using the surgical instrument to create at least one hole in the prostate gland, thereby to debulk the adenoma. Preferably the procedure is performed using electrosurgery, which offers significant advantages in terms of minimally invasive surgery and patient recovery times in comparison to more conventional forms of surgery.

Abstract: For heat ablating living tissue of a body, an ablation electrode, contacting a surface of the tissue or within tissue, is coupled to an RF power supply referenced to a second electrode contacting the body. Fluid coolant is circulated to cool the contact surface extending the ablation to an increased volume of tissue. Temperature may be sensed contiguous to the surface to control the flows of RF heating energy and fluid coolant. Computer capability implements control and provides graphics of data, preplans, or controls relative to the ablation. Several forms of electrode structures accommodate specific objectives.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods place a temperature sensing element in an “edge regions” between an energy transmitting electrode and a non-electrically conducting support body, where higher temperatures are likely to exist. Reliable temperature sensing, which is sensitive to variations in temperatures along the electrode, results.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating cancerous or benign conditions of an organ by selective irradiation of the organ tissue with focused energy.

Abstract: A thermal therapy catheter includes a catheter shaft having an outer surface that is insertable into the body lumen. The catheter shaft carries an energy-emitting element. A multi-lobe balloon is positioned around the outer surface of the catheter shaft adjacent to the energy-emitting element, with opposing ends of the multi-lobe balloon being sealingly connected to the catheter shaft to form a chamber between the multi-lobe balloon and the outer surface of the catheter shaft. Fluid is circulated between the outer surface of the catheter shaft and the multi-lobe balloon in a defined fluid flow path to firmly contact the wall of the body lumen and thereby cool the body lumen tissue while thermally treating targeted tissue at a depth from the body lumen wall.

Abstract: Microwave heating apparatus for heating fluid or tissue includes an elongated catheter for placement adjacent to high/dielectric high loss organic fluid or tissue in a patient. The catheter has a distal end and a proximal end and includes an antenna adjacent to the distal end and a cable having one end connected to the antenna and a second end. A transmitter provides a transmitter signal capable of heating the fluid or tissue and a first receiver receives a first signal indicative of thermal radiation from a first depth in the fluid or tissue, producing a first output signal in response thereto. There is also a second receiver for receiving a second signal indicative of thermal radiation from a second depth in the fluid or tissue, producing a second output signal in and response thereto. The apparatus also includes active and passive diplexers connected in series between the transmitter and the second end of the cable.

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: The invention provides systems, methods for 14 treatment, and occlusion of the fallopian tube. An elongated catheter (22) is placed into the isthmic region (14) of the fallopian tube (16) in a trans-cervical trans-uterine fashion, and a mono-pole antenna (92) is disposed within a distal end of the catheter. The antenna radiates microwave energy in resonance to a drive frequency into tissue of the isthmic region without physical contact between the mono-pole antenna, and the tissue. This heating causes occlusion after a period of time. Typically, the catheter, and the mono-pole antenna are disposable after one treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the antenna is formed from an extension of the inner conductor of a coaxial cable coupled to a microwave generator. A power control section (24) can be used to control, and apply the appropriate microwave power to the fallopian tube tissue.

Abstract: A catheter system and methods for repairing a valvular annulus or an annular organ structure of a patient comprising sandwiching and compressing the annulus and applying heat sufficient to shrink or tighten tissue surrounding the annulus defect.

Abstract: A deflectable interstitial ablation device includes an elongated housing, an electrode mounted within the elongated housing, a driver coupled to the electrode, an imaging device integrally mounted within the elongated housing and a deflection system disposed within the elongated housing. The elongated housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and a deflectable segment. The electrode is deployable from a first position within the elongated housing to a second position a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of the elongated housing. The electrode further has a flexible portion capable of deflecting with the deflectable segment of the elongated housing, and can be deployed by the driver with a sufficient force such that penetration of the urethral wall occurs in a single motion. The imaging device further has a flexible portion capable of deflecting with the deflectable segment of the elongated housing.

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 gently heats fascia and other collagenated support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy will preferably be applied between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces. 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. 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 system and method for safely heating cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions of the prostate, as well as benign and pre-benign lesions (any localized pathological change in the prostate tissue) by irradiation of the prostate tissue with coherent phased array or non-coherent energy is introduced. Microwave energy and prostate compression provide preferential heating of high-water content prostate carcinoma and benign cells in the prostate compared to the surrounding lower-water content normal prostate tissues and tissue surrounding the prostate. To coherently focus the energy, such as microwave energy, in the prostate, the patient's prostate can be compressed via a urethral and rectal balloon and either a single electric-field probe, inserted in the central portion of the prostate, or two noninvasive electric-field sensors on the urethral and rectal walls, can be used to measure a feedback signal to adjust the energy phase delivered to the applicators located in the urethra and in the rectum.

Abstract: A method for creating a tissue effect provides a substrate with a releasable coating. At least a portion of the releasable coating is released on a selected skin epidermis surface to create a marked skin epidermis surface. The marked skin epidermis surface is used to provide a guide for delivery of energy from an energy source to a tissue site through at least a portion of the marked skin epidermis surface.

Abstract: A method for selectively heating cancerous conditions of the breast including invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive glandular lobular carcinoma, and pre-cancerous conditions of the breast including ductal carcinoma in-situ, lobular carcinoma in-situ, and intraductal hyperplasia, as well as benign lesions (any localized pathological change in the breast tissue) such as fibroadenomas and cysts by irradiation of the breast tissue with adaptive phased array focused microwave energy is introduced. Microwave energy provides preferential heating of high-water content breast tissues such as carcinomas, fibroadenomas, and cysts compared to the surrounding lower-water content normal breast tissues.

Abstract: A method to modify a skin surface or a soft tissue structure underlying the skin surface includes a template with a mechanical force application surface and a receiving opening to receive a body structure. The mechanical force application surface is configured to receive the body structure and apply pressure to the soft tissue structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. The energy delivery device is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the template to form a template energy delivery surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system for the curative treatment of female uro-genital disorders. One aspect of the invention is that it allows the gynecologist to coagulate the entire endometrium and upper layers of the myometrium in one short procedure that can be performed in a physician's office or other outpatient setting, using local or regional anesthesia. A second aspect of the invention is that it can be used to tighten the urethral sphincter and bladder outlet.

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 method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A porous membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.

Abstract: A device for supply of heat to body tissue, comprising a heating device (10) and a first temperature transducer (11) which is insertable in the body tissue, the heating device (10) being connected with an energy supply unit (13) governed by a control unit (14) via a catheter for treatment (12) which is insertable in a body cavity and said first temperature transducer (11) being operatively connected to the control unit (14). The control unit (14) is operatively connected with first memory means (15) for storage of data corresponding to the survival of cells as a function of cell temperature.

Abstract: The non-joined thermocouple electrode configuration, for use in an RF ablation catheter for ablating biological tissue such as cardiac tissue, allows temperature to be monitored at two locations of a band electrode while only using a single pair of thermocouple wires. The thermocouple wires are connected to the electrode at separate locations. They preferably are formed of metallic materials having Seebeck coefficients that are substantially equal in magnitude but opposite in sign relative to the electrode material connecting the two. In the case of a band electrode, the two thermocouple wires are preferably spaced apart on the band electrode so that the first junction contacts the tissue having a first temperature and the second junction contacts circulating blood having a second temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus to modify a skin surface or a soft tissue structure underlying the skin surface includes a template with a mechanical force application surface and a receiving opening to receive a body structure. The mechanical force application surface is configured to receive the body structure and apply pressure to the soft tissue structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. The energy delivery device is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the template to form a template energy delivery surface.

Abstract: An apparatus to modify a skin surface or a soft tissue structure underlying the skin surface includes a template with a mechanical force application surface and a receiving opening to receive a body structure. The mechanical force application surface is configured to receive the body structure and apply pressure to the soft tissue structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. The energy delivery device is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the template to form a template energy delivery surface.

Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided which comprises an elongated catheter body, a plurality of electrodes, and a thermal monitoring circuit. The thermal monitoring circuit is comprised of a plurality of thermocouples joined in series. The thermocouples thermoconductively coupled to the electrodes. The thermal monitoring circuit will require only two wires to travel through the elongated catheter body in order to monitor a plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that modifies a skin surface or a soft tissue. The apparatus includes a skin surface conforming member and a hydration delivery device coupled to the conforming member. The hydration delivery device delivers a hydration agent to the skin surface. An energy delivery device is coupled to the conforming member and provides a controlled delivery of energy to the skin surface.

Abstract: A dual mode transurethral warming apparatus particularly adapted to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia includes a urethral catheter dimensioned for insertia through the urethra. The catheter includes an elongated flexible tube having a plurality of longitudinal lumens extending between the ends of the tube. A coaxial cable extends along one of the lumens to an antenna in the form of a multi-turn helical winding wound around the outside of the tube. A first connector connects one of the cable conductors to one end of the winding and a second connector connects the other cable conductor to the other end of the winding so that the antenna formed by the winding is larger in diameter than the cable, and all of the lumens are located within the winding. The cable is connected to a control and display unit which includes a transmitter which provides electromagnetic energy via the cable to the antenna so that the antenna generates an electromagnetic field sufficient to treat tissue adjacent the antenna.

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: An apparatus to treat the skin includes a template having a tissue interface surface and an energy delivery device coupled to the template. The energy delivery device is configured to be coupled to a power source and has a variable resistance portion. A sensor is coupled to one of the template, the energy delivery device, the tissue interface surface or a power source coupled to the energy delivery device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tightening a surface of a skin with an underlying collagen containing tissue applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A porous membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for introducing a fluid cooling media to a skin surface includes a template with a skin interface surface. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. A fluid cooling media introduction member is coupled to the template. Resources controllably deliver energy from the energy delivery device to the skin surface. In a related embodiment, the resources are configured to controllably deliver the flowable cooling media to the introduction member. In another embodiment, a sensor is coupled to the resources and to the skin surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for strengthening collagen in collagenous tissue which uses the controlled application of heat to induce shrinkage or contraction of the collagen in the tissue and a cross-linking means which cross-links the shrunken collagen in the tissue thereby stabilizing and strengthening collagenous tissue. In particular, the present invention provides an in vivo method for treating joint instability problems, controlled manipulation of skin structure and properties, and other problems involving collagen-containing tissues. The present invention further provides an in vitro method for stabilizing collagenous tissue for use in vivo or in vitro. Further, the present invention provides a method for treating collagenous tissue and testing the strength and stability of the treated tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for heat treatment of prostatic tissue. The device comprises a treatment catheter with an expandable fluid reservoir and first heating means which is arranged within the treatment catheter and emits electromagnetic radiation for heating of the surrounding prostatic tissue. A second heating means is provided in thermal contact with the liquid in the fluid reservoir for heating of the liquid in the fluid reservoir as well as the tissue located in the immediate surrounding of the reservoir.

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: An improved system and method for ablating a tissue site is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises an ablation catheter employing one or more electrodes and multiple temperature sensors located along the catheter distal end. The temperature sensors control the power applied to the one or more electrodes. A deflection mechanism may be included to provide directional control to the catheter.

Abstract: A deflectable interstitial ablation device includes an elongated housing, an electrode mounted within the elongated housing, a driver coupled to the electrode, an imaging device integrally mounted within the elongated housing and a deflection system disposed within the elongated housing. The elongated housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and a deflectable segment. The electrode is deployable from a first position within the elongated housing to a second position a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of the elongated housing. The electrode further has a flexible portion capable of deflecting with the deflectable segment of the elongated housing, and can be deployed by the driver with a sufficient force such that penetration of the urethral wall occurs in a single motion. The imaging device further has a flexible portion capable of deflecting with the deflectable segment of the elongated housing.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for introducing a fluid cooling media to a skin surface includes a template with a skin interface surface. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. A fluid cooling media introduction member is coupled to the template. Resources controllably deliver energy from the energy delivery device to the skin surface. In a related embodiment, the resources are configured to controllably deliver the flowable cooling media to the introduction member. In another embodiment, a sensor is coupled to the resources and to the skin surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for treating tissue with thermal energy while minimizing the amount of thermal energy to which adjacent tissue is exposed. A surgical instrument for delivering thermal energy to a section of tissue during percutaneous surgery, includes: an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and a split tip electrode coupled to said distal end, said split tip electrode i) including a first component and a second component coupled to said first component, and ii) defining a principle axis. The thermal energy is delivered to said section of tissue so as to heat said section of tissue asymmetrically with regard to said principle axis of said split tip electrode. The systems and methods provide advantages in that thermal energy can be directed to one side of the split tip so that a first of two juxtaposed areas of a surgical site can be heated while a second of the two juxtaposed layers is substantially not heated.

Abstract: A microwave or other radio frequency (RF) hyperthermia system and method with improved uniformity and selection of heating. The novel apparatus has a single applicator or an array of applicators excited by the RF/microwave sources and connecting with some kind of controlling and monitoring subsystems. It is used for ether hyperthermia or acupuncture to provide invasive and noninvasive medical treatment to the target inside a human body. The individual applicator consists of a central signal coaxial needle surrounded by a plurality of secondary needles to enclose the heated target. The applicator guides the wave to move forwardly further resulting in a penetration improvement, and also to reduce the backward reflection from the radiator end, thus to make the boundary of heating pattern clear-defined. Such a guided-wave acupuncture needles or like-needles array producing a quasi-TEM electromagnetic (EM) radiation makes even one individual radiation applicator have a capability of EM energy focus.

Abstract: A hydrodissection apparatus for treatment of the prostate of a patient using a moving apparatus for moving the prostate away from the adjacent rectum and heat used to heat the prostate while keeping the rectum protected from any damage that could be caused by the heat.

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 hand held applicator for delivery of microwave energy to skin surfaces is provided that is compact, easily manipulated, precisely positionable and secure against malfunction. Microwave energy of a chosen frequency is supplied for a given duration at a predetermined energy level, via one or more waveguides having a distal end section that is dielectrically loaded and matched to skin impedance. Positioning indicia may be disposed on a single use end cap adjacent the emitter end of the applicator to permit easy visualization by the surgeon or technician. Coolant, such as a pressurized gas refrigerant, is supplied in a burst to the skin surface via an interior solenoid controlled valve. The microwave energy pulse is initiated by control circuits after the effective delivery of coolant is sensed. The initiation of the cycle can be effected by actuation of a switch, movement of the applicator against the skin, or by tracking the movement of the applicator from one position to another.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Rather than relying on a surgeon's ability to observe, direct, and control the selective shrinking of pelvic support tissues, a relatively large surface of a tissue contraction system is placed statically against the target tissue. Sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from the surface into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results).

Abstract: A medical device for treating intravascular restenosis of a patient, the medical device comprising a catheter shaft and an inner catheter, the inner catheter having a deployable wire assembly arrangement, wherein the deployable wire assembly arrangement comprises a plurality of preshaped expandable metallic basket members at the distal end of the inner catheter adapted to contact a pre-implanted stent and to apply RF current to the tissues for therapeutic purposes through a wire guide shaft. Alternately, a plurality of expandable metallic basket members are secured to the distal section of the catheter shaft for contacting a pre-implanted stent of the patient through a wire guide shaft.