Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for temperature control of the human body. The system includes an indwelling catheter with a tip-mounted heat transfer element. The catheter is fluidically coupled to a console that provides a heated or cooled heat transfer working fluid to exchange heat with the heat transfer element, thereby heating or cooling blood. The heated or cooled blood then heats or cools the patient's body or a selected portion thereof. In particular, methods and devices, including software, are provided for administering cooling or rewarming and controlling the same based on a projected control temperature measured by a temperature sensor within the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter includes a first plurality of expandable leads and a second plurality of expandable leads separate and longitudinally spaced-apart from the first plurality to deliver energy to a hollow anatomical structure, such as vein, fallopian tube, hemorrhoid, esophageal varix, to effectively ligate that structure. Each of the leads includes an electrode located at the distal end of the respective electrode lead. Polarizations of the leads may be selected to achieve the power distribution desired. Each electrode lead includes an outward bend such that when a movable sheath is moved out of contact with the leads, they expand outwardly into apposition with an inner wall of the structure to be ligated. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for temperature modification of selected body regions including an induced state of local hypothermia of the brain region for neuroprotection. A heat exchange catheter is provided with heat transfer fins projecting or extending outward from the catheter which may be inserted into selected blood vessels or body regions to transfer heat with blood or fluid in the selected blood vessels or body regions. Another aspect of the invention further provides methods and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within a blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel to increase or decrease whole body temperature or the temperature of a target region. Feed back from temperature sensors located within the patient's body allow for control of the heat transfer from the catheter to automatically control the temperature of the patient or of the target region within the patient.

Abstract: Modular therapy apparatus for treatment of at least a portion of an animate body comprises a first modular member and a second modular member. The first modular member comprises a heat transfer device adapted to transfer heat between the device and the at least a portion of an animate body. The second modular member forms a pouch having a perimeter and is adapted to receive the first modular member. The second modular member comprises a front side and a back side. The front side has a hook portion, which forms the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener. The back side has a loop portion, which forms the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. The second modular member can be wrapped around the at least a portion of an animate body and the hook and loop portions fastened to one another to secure the second modular member with the first modular member positioned therein to the at least a portion of the animate body.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is used in a closed-loop heat exchange system for manipulating the temperature of a patient. The balloon catheter is positioned in the stomach of the patient, and then expanded with a heat exchange fluid delivered through a lumen formed in the shaft of the catheter. The balloon catheter comes into contact with the wall of the stomach, and the stomach substantially conforms around the expanded balloon catheter. The heat exchange fluid is allowed to flow continuously into and out of the balloon catheter. Heat is exchanged between the balloon catheter and the stomach so as to controllably alter the temperature of at least a portion of the patient. Anti-shivering mechanisms and automatic control based on temperature feedback from the patient may be used in connection with the heat exchange system.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for treatment of urinary tract disorders is provided. The device includes a catheter having multiple lumens for insertion into a urinary bladder and for providing fluid flow within the bladder and within the fluid reservoir within the urethra. The device further includes an anchor to be placed within the bladder. A port hub having multiple ports is connected at a proximal end of the catheter. A method of treatment includes providing heated fluid to a urinary bladder and to a fluid reservoir for insertion into an adjacent organ such as the urethra. Simultaneous treatment or separate treatment may be done. Optionally, a medicated solution may be added to the heated fluid. Additionally, pressure may be adjusted so as to optimize the therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Biocompatible liquid is pumped into a body cavity (e.g., subarachnoid space, peritoneum, mediastinum, pleural space) by means of one pump and removed from it by means a second pump, preferably via a double-barreled catheter is used for insertion and removal of the liquid. An optional secondary catheter removes liquid from a distal area of the body cavity. Temperature and pressure are sensed within the cavity and can be controlled by adjusting liquid flow rates. While outside the body, the liquid can be ultraviolet-sterilized, foam fractionated to remove contaminants, oxygenated and pH balanced, cooled or warmed, and augmented with exogenous liquid that may contain drugs.

Abstract: Intravascular closed loop heat exchange catheters are used to manage temperature in burn patients.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the delivery and removal of a biocompatible liquid to and from the lungs of a mammal, comprising an ice water container adapted for containing ice water; a biocompatible liquid tank disposed within the ice water container, with the tank adapted for containing a biocompatible liquid; and a biocompatible liquid infusion reservoir disposed within the biocompatible liquid tank. The apparatus also comprises a pump assembly and tube assembly that are in operable connection to the ice water container, biocompatible liquid tank and biocompatible liquid reservoir so as to provide a volume of biocompatible liquid to and from the lungs of a mammal, while breaths of oxygen are supplied using a manually operated air bag.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide for treatment of the anulus fibrosus (AF) and intevertebral disc (IVD), including herniated discs, anular tears of the disc, or disc degeneration, while enabling surgeons to contain blood, fluid, proteins, or other materials that are placed into or migrate into or near defective regions of the spine. The invention also concentrates mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the surgical area and increases the area of bone to be fused. Other aspects of the invention may be used to raise the temperature of tissues, including surgical tissues, to stimulate inflammation, thereby stimulating tissue healing. According to these embodiments, the invention places a heating element below the skin and adjacent to the tissue to stimulate the healing thereof.

Abstract: Methods for treating a migraine by cooling a patient's nasopharyngeal cavity are described. In one method, a cooling assembly is inserted into a nasal cavity through a patient's nostril. The cooling assembly includes a flexible balloon defining a chamber and a first elongate tubular member having a lumen in fluid communication with the chamber. A liquid having a temperature between about ?20° C. and about 37° C. is infused through the lumen of the first elongate tubular member into the chamber, wherein the flexible balloon expands to place it in contact with the nasal cavity. In another method, an elongate member having a plurality of ports is inserted into the nasal cavity. A perfluorocarbon spray and a gas are then delivered onto a surface of the nasal cavity through the plurality of ports.

Abstract: A method for cooling of a brain with localized hypothermia allowing for maintenance of the core body temperature is achieved by positioning a cooling catheter within a ventricular cavity of the brain. The cooling catheter includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel providing for a closed flow of a cooling fluid into and out of the cooling catheter. A sack is formed at a distal end of the cooling catheter. The sack is in fluid communication with distal ends of the inlet channel and the outlet channel such that the sack is continually flushed with the cooling fluid as the cooling fluid flows into and out of the cooling catheter. The sack, when filled, takes the shape and size of the ventricular cavity filling the ventricular cavity in which it is positioned. The method further includes cooling the cooling catheter and the ventricular cavity through the closed flow of the cooling fluid through the cooling catheter.

Abstract: Virtual-electrode catheters and methods for using such virtual-electrode catheters are disclosed. For example, bipolar and multipolar, virtual-electrode catheters having at least one internal electrode and at least one surface electrode, and methods of using these catheters for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias via, for example, radiofrequency (RF) ablation are disclosed. The catheters may comprise a catheter body with an internal lumen extending within it and adapted to flowingly receive a conductive fluid. An exit feature defining a flow path from the internal lumen to the catheter's outer surface may exist through a sidewall of the catheter body. A conductor is mounted within the internal lumen adjacent to the exit feature and is adapted to deliver treatment energy to the tissue via the conductive fluid in the internal lumen. At least one surface electrode is mounted on the outer surface of the catheter body adjacent to the exit feature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. The control unit includes a heater/cooler device for providing heated or cooled fluid to a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the fluid heat exchange medium circulating to the heat exchange catheter, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.

Abstract: A system and method uses both a heart-lung machine (HLM) and a catheter and/or pad to reach a target temperature for, e.g., cardiac bypass surgery. At or about the target temperature, temperature control of the catheter/pad is suspended and patient temperature controlled using only the HLM.

Abstract: A disposable warmer cartridge is used to heat fluids to be infused to the patient to prevent hypothermia in the patient. The cartridge has in its chamber a pair of spaced in parallel electrodes that have substantially the same dimension. When RF power is fed to the electrodes, an alternating electric field is generated between the electrodes to directly heat the fluid that is in the chamber. The heating of the fluid is achieved in a substantially instantaneous manner by controlling the energization of the electrodes through the distributed impedance of the electric field between the electrodes. Heat is readily controlled by modulating the RF power fed to the electrodes. Feedback to control the temperature of the fluid in the cartridge may be provided by non-contact and direct contact sensor(s).

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing therapeutic hypothermia using irrigation of the aerodigestive tract with cooled liquids. The disclosed method provides much more rapid therapeutic cooling to lower temperatures than could previously be achieved, thereby improving clinical outcomes. Novel cooling liquids and cooling devices are disclosed for carrying out the method. An external turbulent flow of cooling liquid may also be applied to the exterior of the head to further promote heat exchange. Multiple embodiments of devices are disclosed for performing rapid induction and maintenance of therapeutic hypothermia either in a hospital setting or in the field so that hypothermic treatment can be quickly instituted before significant tissue damage occurs. Methods are also disclosed for targeting brain cooling by irrigating the upper airway/aerodigestive tract, and more generalized cooling by irrigating the esophagus and/or stomach.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling and warming the central nervous system of a patient comprises a delivery tube with one of the ends couplable to a supply of fluid. A head structure is coupled to the other end of the delivery tube and cooling or warming fluid is directed through the tube to the head structure. The head structure is configured to be placed within the rectal cavity of a patient such that either a contact surface on the head structure or the fluid itself directly contacts a portion of the rectal mucosal membrane. A means for reversing the vertebral venous flow of blood through Batson's plexus supplies cooled or warmed blood directly to the vertebral structures. Unique methods of utilizing the system to selectively cool and warm the central nervous system structures of a patient are set forth herein.

Abstract: A system and method for temperature control of the human body includes an indwelling catheter with a tip-mounted heat transfer element. The catheter is fluidically coupled to a console that provides a heated or cooled heat transfer working fluid to exchange heat with the heat transfer element, thereby heating or cooling blood. The heated or cooled blood then heats or cools the patient's body or a selected portion thereof. Cooling is provided while monitoring an EEG signal of a patient, and employing the same to monitor a depth of hypothermia of the patient.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for treatment of urinary tract disorders is provided. The device includes a catheter having multiple lumens for insertion into a urinary bladder and for providing fluid flow within the bladder and within the fluid reservoir within the urethra. The device further includes an anchor to be placed within the bladder. A port hub having multiple ports is connected at a proximal end of the catheter. A method of treatment includes providing heated fluid to a urinary bladder and to a fluid reservoir for insertion into an adjacent organ such as the urethra. Simultaneous treatment or separate treatment may be done. Optionally, a medicated solution may be added to the heated fluid. Additionally, pressure may be adjusted so as to optimize the therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling the brain comprises a pernasal intubation tube for insertion through one of the nostrils of a patient requiring brain cooling, an inflatable occluder provided on the tube to occlude the nasopharynx of the patient behind the soft palate of the patient and to prevent passage of liquid between the nasal cavities and the mouth of the patient; a pressure device for application to the exterior of the nose of the patient so as to apply pressure to the angular vein of the patient thereby to increase venous blood flow to the patient's brain; and a coolant gas supply for supplying coolant gas to at least one of the nasal cavities of the patient.

Abstract: A method for treating acute coronary syndromes (i.e., unstable angina or non-Q-wave MI) or transient ischemic attacks in a human or animal patient by placing a heat exchange apparatus in the patient's vasculature and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool the patient to a temperature (e.g. 30-36° C.) at which platelet inhibition (i.e., inhibition of platelet activation and/or aggregation and/or adhesion) occurs. Anti-shivering drugs or anesthesia may be administered to patients whose body temperature is cooled below that patient's shivering threshold (typically approximately 35.5 C). If it is determined that platelet inhibition is no longer desirable, such as when the patient is about to undergo a surgical or interventional procedure wherein bleeding could be problematic, the hypothermia-induced platelet inhibition may be rapidly reversed by using the intravascular heat exchange apparatus to re-warm the patient's body to normothermia or near normothermia.

Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticle compositions are provided which provide an inherent temperature regulator for use in magnetic heating, particularly for use in magnetic hyperthermia medical treatments. The composition includes magnetic nanoparticles having a Curie temperature of between 40 and 46° C., preferably about 42° C., and may further include a polymeric material and optionally a drug or radiosensitizing agent. Methods of hyperthermia treatment of a patient in need thereof are provided which include the steps of administering to the patient a composition comprising magnetic nanoparticles having a Curie temperature of between 40 and 46° C.; and exposing the magnetic nanoparticles in the patient to an alternating magnetic field effective to generate hysteresis heat in the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A chemohyperthermia treatment system includes a reservoir for storing fluid, a heating/cooling system coupled to the reservoir so that the fluid can be transferred from the reservoir to the heating system, wherein the heating/cooling system comprises a heating/cooling exchange module having a channel within which the fluid can flow, and a plurality of peltier modules/heating strips coupled to the heating/cooling module, wherein the plurality of peltier modules/heating strips heat up the fluid flowing through the channel, and wherein in the cooling mode, the plurality of peltier modules cool the fluid flowing through the channel. A pumping means is coupled to the heating/cooling system, wherein the pumping means pump the perfusion fluid from the reservoir to the heating/cooling system, thereby allowing the heating/cooling system to change the temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: A method for cerebral and systemic cooling by providing a nebulized liquid having a boiling point of 38-300° C. The nebulized liquid is delivered as a mist or a spray via the nasal and/or oral cavities of a patient. The mist causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis. Compositions and medical devices for cerebral and systemic cooling are also provided. Cooling assemblies, and methods of use, are also provided that include flexible balloon assemblies that are inserted to various locations in a patient's body. The flexible balloons are then infused with a liquid having a temperature between about ?20° C. and about 37° C. The flexible balloon assemblies can be inserted into the nasal cavity, oral cavity, throat, stomach, and other locations to effect cerebral cooling.

Abstract: The catheter includes a multi-lumen tube having an outflow portion and an accessory portion. The accessory portion is integrally formed within an interior volume of the outflow portion. The accessory portion has a cross-section smaller than the outflow portion. The outflow portion is offset from the accessory portion such that they are integrally joined. The space between these portions defines a fluid return passageway and the space within the accessory portion defines an accessory passageway. A flexible outer sleeve cooperates with the multi-lumen tube to form a fluid inlet passageway. During operation, an inlet flow of warming fluid flows through the fluid inlet passageway formed between the outer sleeve and the multi-lumen tube. The flow continues around a distal end of the outflow portion of the multi-lumen tube, thus becoming an outlet flow of the warming fluid which is directed through the fluid return passageway.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling the brain comprises a pernasal intubation tube for insertion through one of the nostrils of a patient requiring brain cooling; an inflatable occluder provided the tube for inflation to occlude the nasopharynx of the patient behind the soft palate of the patient thereby to prevent passage of liquid between the nasal cavities and the mouth of the patient; a nostril closure arranged to cooperate with the pernasal intubation tube; an orifice for introduction of a liquid coolant into the nasal cavities; and a liquid vent for insertion in the other nostril of the patient for controlling venting of liquid coolant from the nasal cavities. Also described herein is a method of cooling the brain of a patient in danger of suffering brain damage comprising occluding the air passage leading from the nasal cavities to the mouth cavity of the patient behind the soft palate of the patient and irrigating the nasal cavities of the patient with a coolant liquid.

Abstract: A device (100) and method for achieving localised hypothermia during laparoscopic surgery comprises a sheath portion (101) in the form of a flexible bag-like shape which is shaped and sized so that it substantially surrounds the organ of interest in use. The sheath portion (101) comprises walls, each consisting of at least a first inner layer and a second outer layer which define a space therebetween into which catheters (104a, b) deliver and remove cooled fluid to provide a cooling effect to the organ.

Abstract: A method for cerebral and systemic cooling by providing a nebulized liquid having a boiling point of 38-300° C. The nebulized liquid is delivered as a mist or a spray via the nasal and/or oral cavities of a patient. The mist causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis. Compositions and medical devices for cerebral and systemic cooling are also provided. Cooling assemblies, and methods of use, are also provided that include flexible balloon assemblies that are inserted to various locations in a patient's body. The flexible balloons are then infused with a liquid having a temperature between about ?20° C. and about 37° C. The flexible balloon assemblies can be inserted into the nasal cavity, oral cavity, throat, stomach, and other locations to effect cerebral cooling.

Abstract: A method for exchanging heat with a patient's spinal column incident to spinal surgery or to relieve a patient for a hypoxia condition of the spine. A closed loop heat exchange catheter is percutaneously advanced into the retroperitoneal space of the patient, and then heat exchange fluid is circulated through the catheter to cool the spinal column.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for treating tissue that includes a power measurement device, a flow rate controller coupled to the power measurement device, and an electrosurgical device configured and arranged to provide radio frequency power and conductive fluid to the tissue, wherein the flow rate controller is configured and arranged to modify a flow rate of the conductive fluid to the tissue, based on signals from the power measurement device. The invention also provides methods and devices for modifying flow rate of conductive fluid to tissue based on measurement of radio frequency power delivered to the tissue.

Abstract: A device for treating tissue, via a cooled antenna, within a body is described.

Abstract: Minimally invasive apparatus and method for treating medical conditions of hollow organs. The treatment apparatus and method provide for delivery of energy from fluid sources of energy to the interior surface of the hollow organ in contact with the underlying glands, nerves, and muscle walls of the organ.

Abstract: A method of minimally invasively reducing a volume of a hyper-inflated target section of diseased lung comprising the steps of introducing a bronchoscope into a patient's airway to a position adjacent the target section and equilibrating air within the target section with atmospheric air to at least partially deflate the target lung section; injecting an inflammation-causing substance into the target section to precipitate adhesion of the walls within the target lung section, preventing substantial re-inflation of the target section by occluding an airway upstream of the target section for a period of time, and removing the airway occlusion after the target section has substantially permanently been reduced in volume. The injected substance can be autologous blood or a constituent thereof.

Abstract: For post-mortem prolongation of the viability of an organ (7, 8, 50, 51) in a donor body, a flow of a solution is introduced from outside the body between a pair of barriers (21, 22) and a return flow including previously introduced quantities of the solution is led to the outside of the body. During a flushing phase, the flow including blood flushed out of the organ (7, 8, 50, 51) is discharged to a drain. Subsequently during a recirculation phase, solution returned from the body is cooled and/or oxygenated and recirculated from outside the body back into the body between the barriers. A system for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing and adjusting cerebral cooling in response to changes in a physiological parameter. A spray having a boiling point between 38-300° C. is delivered to the surface of a patient's nasal cavities. The spray causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis. A physiological parameter, such as cerebral temperature, changes in cerebral blood flow or brain oxygenation is monitored. The delivery rate of the spray is adjusted in response to the physiological parameter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering therapeutic hypothermia to a patient are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a hypothermia system comprising a fluid source, a heat exchanger assembly, a catheter in fluid communication with the fluid source, and a pump system configured to infuse hypothermic fluid into a patient cavity and extract hypothermic fluid from the patient cavity. The hypothermia system can infuse and extract fluid automatically from the patient cavity. In one embodiment, the patient cavity is a peritoneal cavity. A safe access device to gain access to the patient cavity is also provided.

Abstract: A system for affecting a temperature of a patient, the system includes: a nose catheter that is adapted to be inserted into a nose upper channel and to receive a first fluid; and a temperature control and fluid supply unit that is adapted to supply the first fluid and control a temperature of the first fluid so as to affect a temperature of a brain of a patient when the nose catheter is inserted into the nose upper channel of a patient and receives the first fluid.

Abstract: A device and method for providing body cooling for treating fever. The cooling device applies cooling to blood flowing in a vein or artery, e.g., the vena cavae, that is then distributed throughout the body.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a heat exchange catheter for indirect cooling of internal organs, particularly the heart. The heat exchange catheter is inserted into the esophagus and a cooled fluid is circulated within the catheter, cooling the esophagus, and by conduction, the heart. The heat exchange catheter or the invention may be rapidly deployed in the field and is particularly useful for preventing and reducing tissue damage caused by ischemia.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cryo-therapy are disclosed herein. This includes a hollow guidewire disposed within a catheter having helical loops contacting tissue. A coolant delivery tube disposed within can have a coolant delivered from a proximal end into the guidewire lumen. The coolant flows back proximally through the guidewire while cooling the guidewire surface and cooling or cryogenically ablating the contacting tissue. To minimize guidewire exposure to surrounding fluids or tissue, insulative barriers can be attached to the guidewire. A coolant delivery tube and return lumen can be integrated from a single extrusion in various configurations. Expandable balloons can also be used to expand the loops of the guidewire to contact the tissue. Also, helical loops with a coolant delivery tube or stem disposed longitudinally within the loops can be used and the loops can also have a variable collapsible cooling region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for influencing magnetic particles in a region of action. With the help of an arrangement that has means for generating magnetic fields, a spatially inhomogeneous magnetic field is generated that has at least one zone (301) in which the magnetization of the particles is in a state of non-saturation, whereas it is in a state of saturation in the remaining zone. By displacing the said zone within the region of action, a change in magnetization is produced that can be detected from outside and that gives information on the spatial distribution of the magnetic particles in the region of action. Alternatively, the displacement may also be repeated so frequently that the region of action heats up. To improve the accessibility of the region of action, the said region is situated outside the arrangement having means for generating magnetic fields.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.

Abstract: A medical device is provided that may include a catheter body having proximal and distal portions, a fluid injection lumen disposed within elongate body, and a guidewire lumen disposed within the elongate body. A tip portion defining a cavity in fluid communication with the fluid injection lumen may be coupled to the distal end of the guidewire lumen, and an expandable element may be coupled to the distal portion of the catheter body and to the tip portion, such that the expandable element is in fluid communication with the fluid injection lumen. A shaping element may at least partially surround the expandable element, where the shaping element is configurable in a first geometric configuration and a second geometric configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and related methods for using those devices in the relieving and/or treating of pain, discomfort, and/or inflammation in the pelvic region using targeted pressure and temperature delivery. The devices and methods for using those devices to deliver targeted pressure and temperature therapy internally to patients through their rectal or vaginal cavities are disclosed.