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 source 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: The invention relates to an ablation system, including an ablation catheter with a plurality of ablation electrodes (34) and a neutral electrode (36), at least one energy source (22), switching elements (26, 28) for connecting the electrodes to the energy source (22) and control elements (16, 18, 20, 24) which are connected to the switching elements (26, 28). The control elements (16, 18, 20, 24) are configured in such a way that electrode pairs made up of both ablation electrodes (34) and an ablation electrode with a neutral electrode (36) can be connected to the energy source (22) in a predetermined sequence. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the electrodes of an ablation system of this type. According to said method, electrode pairs made up of both ablation electrodes (34) and an ablation electrode with a neutral electrode (36) are connected to the energy source (22) in a predetermined sequence.

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: An ablation catheter system and methods for repairing an annular organ structure comprising high frequency ablation for the purposes of tightening and stabilizing a tissue. A catheter suitable for high frequency ablation comprises a flexible tissue-contactor means located at the distal tip section of a catheter shaft for contacting an inner wall of the annular organ structure, and a needle electrode means located at or within the flexible tissue-contactor means for penetrating into the tissue, wherein the needle electrode means is deployable out of the tissue-contactor means in a manner essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: An improved guiding catheter system having inflated balloon at its tip section, wherein the inflated balloon having a plurality of electrodes is heated to a predetermined temperature as an ablation means for delivering the thermal energy to a tissue by deploying the balloon to contact the tissue to cause a circular ablation lesion, the plurality of electrodes using RE energy as a heat source for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation indications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ablation apparatus for intracardiac treatments which comprises a high-frequency source whose power output is controlled in a power-or temperature-controlled mode. Ablation catheters which each comprise at least one energy-emitting pole can be used with the apparatus, the or each pole comprising at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a tissue. The temperature sensors of the poles are either thermistors or thermocouples. The instrument further comprises a sensor-detection system and corresponding devices by means of which the power output can be automatically regulated such that the power is regulated according to the actual catheter type. To that end, it is not necessary to use a specially coded catheter and no special manual operations are necessary for adjusting the catheter type.

Abstract: A medical ablation device system for treating endometrosis, gingivae, valvular annulus, or reducing the mass of cellular tissues, wherein an elongate tubular element comprises an electrode disposed at its distal section that is extendible from an opening at one side of the tubular element, the energy generator, and means for generating rotational sweeping force at the distal section of the tubular element to effect the heat treatment and the rotational sweeping massage therapy for target tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis in an effective, non-invasive manner, which leaves the outer layer of skin intact and undamaged. One embodiment of the invention provides electromagnetic energy to the skin of a patient. The device includes a carrier and an array of electrodes on the carrier. A microporous pad on the carrier overlies the array of electrodes, forming an interior chamber to contain an electrically conductive material. The microporous pad is adapted to contact a patient's skin and ionically transport the applied electromagnetic energy to ohmically heat dermal tissue beneath the epidermal skin region. The shape of the carrier may differ to match different skin topographies and the electrodes may be sized to extend into tissue to heat a dermal skin region.

Abstract: To treat and diagnose tissue, a radiating antenna system is positioned within the tissue to radiate electromagnetic energy into a portion of the tissue desired to be heated, and a plurality of antenna elements are positioned for receiving and/or reflecting the radiated electromagnetic energy from the radiating antenna system. In certain applications, one or more of the antennas has an interior volume for receiving a heat exchange fluid to change the temperature of the tissue proximal to the receiving element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating the prostate. The apparatus includes a urethral probe, a microwave generator, and coolant circulating system. The urethral probe has microwave antenna and ducts for circulating a coolant. The microwave generator applies microwave energy to the microwave antenna. The coolant circulating system circulates the coolant and controls the temperature of the coolant.

Abstract: An apparatus for in situ saphenous vein bypass includes an operating catheter which includes an optical fiber and an electrode, and a control catheter which includes a valvulotome. The operating catheter and control catheter are locked together and advanced through an incision in the leg. The catheters are closely spaced from each other, on opposite sides of a valve to be disrupted. Then, the valvulotome is manipulated to disrupt the valve, the electrode is manipulated to stanch blood flow from the valve and to close off side branches, and both procedures are viewed by means of the optical fiber. The valves of the saphenous vein are thusly disrupted in sequence, and the side branches to the saphenous vein closed off, to thereby modify the saphenous vein in situ for arterial use. In alternate embodiments, the electrode is used with delivery catheters to stop blood flow through a side branch or varicose vein. The electrode includes an embedded temperature sensor for sensing electrode temperature.

Abstract: An ablation device for treating tissues, valvular annulus, valvular organ structure, or atherosclerosis of a patient, the ablation device including a flexible elongate tubular shaft having a deployable spiral wire electrode at its distal end adapted to contact/penetrate the tissue to be treated and to apply high frequency energy to the tissue for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy to a biological site includes an electrode device having a plurality of electrodes, the electrode device positioned proximal the biological site. A power control system supplies power having a controllable phase angle to each of the electrodes. A backplate is also positioned proximal the biological site so that the biological site is interposed between the electrode device and the backplate. The backplate is maintained at the reference voltage level in relation to the power. The power control system controls the phase angle of the power so that the current flow between the electrodes and between the electrodes and the backplate results in the continuity and depth of lesions desired. In a preferred embodiment, the electrodes are arranged in a substantially linear array.

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

Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with an anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a secondary lead is surrounded by the primary leads, and extends beyond the primary leads.

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 system and method for heating cells surrounding metallic implants in living beings. The system includes a metallic implant within the living being, surrounded by the cells to be heated, an induction coil having an aperture sufficiently large to accommodate a portion of the living being containing the metallic implant, and an RF generator coupled to the coil to apply an electric RF signal thereto, the RF signal ranging in frequency from 10 kilohertz to 10 megahertz. The metallic implant is inductively heatable by the application of the RF signal to the induction coil.

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, probes generally limit heating so that only sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from a surface of the probe into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results).

Abstract: The present invention provides for an electro-surgical instrument with a rich graphical user interface (GUI) capability and a verifiable hardware and software platform meeting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. The rich GUI makes for a device which is more easily operated than prior art devices which lacked a sophisticated user interface. The increased functionality is achieved without sacrificing the ability to validate the device for FDA purposes. This goal is achieved by a dual processor design. In the dual processor design a control or master processor with verifiable source code implements the functions of: power delivery, temperature measurement, power measurement and power control. A display or slave processor, is functionally isolated from the first processor receiving only messages from the first processor. In a first embodiment of the invention an electro-surgical instrument is disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided to treat atherosclerosis wherein the artery is partially closed by dilating the artery while preserving the vital and sensitive endothelial layer thereof. Microwave energy having a frequency from 3 GHz to 300 GHz is propagated into the arterial wall to produce a desired temperature profile therein at tissue depths sufficient for thermally necrosing connective tissue and softening fatty and waxy plaque while limiting heating of surrounding tissues including the endothelial layer and/or other healthy tissue, organs, and blood. The heating period for raising the temperature a potentially desired amount about 20° C., within the atherosclerotic lesion may be less than about one second. In one embodiment of the invention, a radically beveled waveguide antenna is used to deliver microwave energy at frequencies from 25 GHz or 30 GHz to about 300 GHz and is focused towards a particular radial sector of the artery.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided to treat atherosclerosis wherein the artery is partially closed by dilating the artery while preserving the vital and sensitive endothelial layer thereof. Microwave energy having a frequency from 3 GHz to 300 GHz is propagated into the arterial wall to produce a desired temperature profile therein at tissue depths sufficient for thermally necrosing connective tissue and softening fatty and waxy plaque while limiting heating of surrounding tissues including the endothelial layer and/or other healthy tissue, organs, and blood. The heating period for raising the temperature a potentially desired amount, about 20° C. within the atherosclerotic lesion may be less than about one second. In one embodiment of the invention, a radically beveled waveguide antenna is used to deliver microwave energy at frequencies from 25 GHz or 30 GHz to about 300 GHz and is focused towards a particular radial sector of the artery.

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 heats fascia and other collagenous support tissues, causing them to contract. Pre-cooling and/or pre-heating may induce a temperature difference between the target tissue and the intermediate tissue prior to initiating RF heating. This allows the dimensions of tissue reaching the treatment temperature to be controlled and/or minimized, the dimensions of protected intermediate tissue to be maximized, and the like.

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 thermotherapy device for treatment of diseased biological tissues. The thermotherapy device includes a primary and at least one secondary cooling and/or radiation shielding lumen. The lumens are connected or disposed adjacent one another along their longitudinal exterior walls. An energy source is insertable into one or more of the cooling lumens to carry out a heating protocol to treat the diseased tissue while screening and/or cooling normal tissue. A transrectal ultrasound positioning and temperature sensing device can control the energy source for effective treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy to a biological site includes an electrode device having a plurality of electrodes, the electrode device positioned proximal the biological site. A power control system supplies power having a controllable phase angle to each of the electrodes. A backplate is also positioned proximal the biological site so that the biological site is interposed between the electrode device and the backplate. The backplate is maintained at the reference voltage level in relation to the power. The power control system controls the phase angle of the power so that the current flow between the electrodes and between the electrodes and the backplate results in the continuity and depth of lesions desired. In a preferred embodiment, the electrodes are arranged in a substantially linear array.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods place a temperature sensing element in an “edge region” 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: An apparatus and a process for catheter ablation, with an ablation catheter and, associated with this, a connection to a high frequency generator, to a controlled or to a regulated high frequency ablation equipment, wherein the catheter has at least one electrode for the ablation of tissue by irradiation of ablating power, preferably of high frequency power and preferably at least one temperature sensor associated with this electrode for the determination of the temperature of the electrode; the energy delivery to the tissue to be ablated is controlled or regulated such that a predetermined coagulation temperature is reached within the concerned tissue region, and a device is provided for the sensing of a parameter which is related to the temperature difference between the temperature measured at the electrode and the temperature in the tissue in the neighborhood of the electrode.

Abstract: A method is described for the operation of a radiofrequency ablation instrument comprising a radiofrequency energy source having a plurality of regulatable outputs, with a plurality of electrodes being connectable to its outputs. A respective power value and/or current value representative of the power and/or the current transmitted by the radiofrequency energy source is detected for each output. The voltage delivered from the radiofrequency energy source is regulated in dependence on the detected power value and/or current value in such a way that the latter corresponds substantially to a predetermined power value and/or current value. A predetermined phrase relationship is in each case maintained between the currents or between the voltages at the outputs of the radiofrequency energy source. Furthermore, a corresponding apparatus is described.

Abstract: A method and system to provide for the controlled heating of the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (POAH) for patients receiving such treatment. The system employs a catheter device which may be positioned proximate to the POAH and which emits radiant energy. The radiant energy provides for the heating of the POAH and a cooling apparatus may further be provide for cooling bodily tissues near the POAH which are heated. Feedback sensors may be positioned at various locations on the patient in order to determine an optimal position for the catheter device and to monitor the core body temperature. A control apparatus included with the system controls the amount of heating the POAH receives based on the feedback signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: Medical systems and instruments which utilize microwave energy to provide heat treatment and diagnostic imaging of tissue are provided. One medical treatment system for treating tissue includes an antenna having a radiating element configured to transmit electromagnetic energy toward a desired area of the tissue and having an interior volume for receiving a heat exchange fluid, thereby changing the temperature proximal to the desired area of the tissue.

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 the distal end, the split tip electrode i) including a first component and a second component coupled to the first component, and ii) defining a principle axis. The thermal energy is delivered to the section of tissue so as to heat the section of tissue asymmetrically with regard to the principle axis of the 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: An ablation device and methods thereof for treating canker sores or reducing the mass of cellular tissue, wherein an elongated tubular element comprises at least one electrode disposed at its distal section, RF energy generating means, and means for generating vibration at the distal section of the tubular element to effect the ablation and the vibrational massage therapy for the tissue.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a cannula or probe used to penetrate tissue to a target area to perform a medical procedure including biopsy and RF ablation of undesirable tissues or cells for treatment, or to prevent the spread of cancer cells during a biopsy procedure. The probe is preferably shape changeable. The probe may be hollow or solid having an exterior surface coated with a dielectric material, a preferably sharpened beveled tip at a distal end coated with a resistor material, and means for coupling the probe to an RF generator and control device. The RF generator provides current to the probe. The dielectric material provides a predominant impedance characteristic of the probe in contact with tissue, thus changes in impedance will vary primarily based on the area of the probe in contact with tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control a power output of a probe connected to a controller in a thermal energy controller system to maintain a target temperature. The system includes a probe, a controller/generator and a means for connecting the probe to the controller. The probe has a thermal element and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor provides a sensed temperature. The method and apparatus allow the controller to more effectively accommodate different types of probes by providing selectable probe settings for the probes. The controller modifies its operation in response to the selected probe setting. In this way, the power output of each type of probe can be more effectively controlled to better maintain the selected target temperature.

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. A 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 conductively cool the body lumen tissue while thermally treating targeted tissue at a depth from the body lumen wall.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus for treating tissues of a patient, the ablation apparatus including a catheter shaft, the catheter shaft including a shaft distal section, a shaft distal end, a shaft proximal end, and at least one lumen extending between the shaft proximal end and the shaft distal end; a handle attached to the shaft proximal end, wherein the handle has a cavity; electrode means mounted at the shaft distal section for emitting energy to ablate tissue, wherein the electrode means includes a plurality of surface sections, each surface section having different surface current resistance for transmitting different electrical current density through said surface section; and RF current generating means for generating RF current for delivering to the electrode means through at least one electrical conductor, wherein the at least one electrical conductor is coupled to the electrode means.

Abstract: A system for treatment of a target volume of cancerous tissue comprises a probe carrying a microwave antenna positioned in a body cavity proximate the target volume. At least one energy-emitting element is placed in the target volume. The microwave antenna is energized so that energy emitted from the antenna and the energy-emitting element necroses cancerous tissue in the target volume.

Abstract: A cell necrosis apparatus has a flexible introducer including a lumen and a distal end sufficiently sharp to penetrate tissue. An energy delivery device is positionable in the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue. The energy delivery device includes a first RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal portion and a second RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal portion. The first and second RF electrodes are deployable with curvature from the introducer at a selected tissue site in a lateral direction away from the periphery of the introducer.

Abstract: A medical probe device comprises a catheter having a stylet guide housing with one or more stylet ports in a side wall thereof and a stylet guide for directing a flexible stylet outward through the stylet port and through intervening tissue at a preselected, adjustable angle to a target tissue. The total catheter assembly includes a stylet guide lumen communicating with the stylet port and a stylet positioned in said stylet guide lumen for longitudinal movement from the port through intervening tissue to a target tissue. The stylet can be an electrical conductor enclosed within a non-conductive layer, the electrical conductor being a radiofrequency electrode. Preferably, the non-conductive layer is a sleeve which is axially moveable on the electrical conductor to expose a selected portion of the electrical conductor surface in the target tissue. The stylet can also be a microwave antenna. The stylet can also be a hollow tube for delivering treatment fluid to the target tissue.

Abstract: An ablation balloon catheter for treating tissues or atherosclerosis on a patient having a prior angioplasty procedure, the balloon catheter comprising a conductive elastomer electrode means which is coated onto a balloon surface and is connected to a radiofrequency current source to supply radiofrequency thermal therapy to the tissue for therapeutic ablation purposes.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the high-frequency catheter ablation of endomyocardial tissue, said device including an ablation catheter and an associated connection to a high-frequency generator or high-frequency ablation apparatus. According to the invention, in order to facilitate catheter ablation and reduce the amount of time and treatment necessary therefor, a catheter arrangement including a plurality of electrodes is provided, wherein a plurality of electrodes can be controlled selectively in order to coagulate preferably endomyocardial tissue.

Abstract: A device and method for performing electrolyte assisted tissue ablation of metaplasia in the esophagus includes a shaft with an expandable barrier which is deployable from the shaft's distal end. Also included in the device are an electrode and a temperature/impedance sensor which are each mounted on the shaft. Alternatively, the shaft may be a catheter formed with several lumens which are used independently for housing optical elements and for transferring fluid. In the operation of the device, the distal end of the shaft or catheter is placed in the esophagus proximal the cardia. The barrier is then deployed to the cardia and expanded to seal the esophagus from the stomach. The esophageal volume between the barrier and the catheter is partially flooded with a conducting medium and an electrode is deployed into the conducting medium. The sensor is also deployed into contact with the tissue to be ablated.

Abstract: A medical device for treating canker sores, wherein flexible RF electrode means having a distal surface plate permeable to medicament comprises therapeutic agent delivery means, is inserted into the mouth of a patient; the electrode means being placed against and/or surrounding the canker sore region; RF energy is applied for a predetermined time and temperature to the canker sore tissue through the electrode means to cause internal lesions; and delivering a heated therapeutic agent to heal the tissues thereafter for a pre-determined duration.

Abstract: A system and method for treating subcutaneous histological features without affecting adjacent tissues adversely employs microwave energy of selected power, frequency and duration to penetrate subcutaneous tissue and heat target areas with optimum doses to permanently affect the undesirable features. The frequency chosen preferentially interacts with the target as opposed to adjacent tissue, and the microwave energy is delivered as a short pulse causing minimal discomfort and side effects. By distributing microwave energy at the skin over an area and adjusting power and frequency, different conditions, such as hirsuitism and telangiectasia, can be effectively treated.

Abstract: A medical device for treating the uvula or airway obstructions by reducing the mass of cellular tissues, wherein a plurality of elongate tubular shafts comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer means disposed at its distal end portion of each shaft, an ultrasonic energy generating means, and a means for generating vibration at the distal section of the tubular element to effect the ablation having an additional vibrational massage therapy for the tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a needle-like probe (1) for use in electrical potential sensing and RF ablation of tissue, a method of making such probes (1), and a probe array comprising a number of such probes (1). The probe (1) has an elongated body (2, 22) with one end (9,29) adapted for penetration of tissue. The body (2, 22) has sufficient rigidity to be inserted into the tissue. The elongated body (2, 22) also comprises two or more electrodes (7, 27) separated and spaced apart from each other along the elongated body (2, 22) by insulative material (8, 28). Each electrode (7, 27) has at least one electrical conductor (10, 11) coupled to the electrode (7, 27). The electrode (7, 27) is capable of delivering RF energy to the tissue surrounding the electrode (7, 27) and sensing the electrical potential of the tissue.

Abstract: Medical systems and instruments which utilize microwave energy to provide heat treatment and diagnostic imaging of tissue are provided. One medical instrument has a collinear array having antennas configured to transmit electromagnetic energy so that the transmitted energy, in aggregate, is directed toward a desired area of the tissue. Another microwave medical system includes a catheter having an inflatable balloon in fluid communication with an inflation source, and an antenna having a radiating element positioned within the inflatable balloon to transmit electromagnetic energy toward the desired area of tissue. Still another medical instrument includes an antenna having receiving elements for receiving electromagnetic energy radiated from an electromagnetic source, rectifying devices, each having a first end electrically connected to a corresponding one of the receiving elements; and a transmission line electrically connected to a second end of each of the rectifying devices.

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. The energy will preferably be applied to the endopelvic fascia and/or an arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. The invention provides a variety of devices and methods for applying gentle resistive heating of these and other tissues to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. Alternatively, heat-applying probes are configured to heat tissue structures which comprise or support a patient's urethra. 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.

Abstract: A flexible three-paths catheter provided with a balloon carries a sealingly sheathed radiofrequency radiating antenna, together with the shielded power supply cable and with some thermocouples, within a plastic lining surrounded by a flow of liquid; a second path carries the power supply cables of some outer thermocouples, flooded by the reverse liquid flow, while the third path allows a fluid to flow through for inflating the balloon. Introduction of the catheter into a hollow organ makes it possible to perform hyperthermal therapy of tumors by means of radiation.