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: An apparatus and method for treating an intervertebral disc having an inner nucleus pulpous and an outer annulus fibrous includes a thermal probe defining proximal and distal ends and having a guidable region adjacent the distal end thereof. The guidable region is characterized by having sufficient rigidity to advance within the annulus fibrous of the intervertebral disc in response to an axial force exerted on the proximal end of the thermal probe while having sufficient flexibility to substantially follow and conform to an azimuthal course defined by the natural striata of the annulus fibrous. The thermal probe is adapted for connection to a thermal energy source to provide thermal energy to the annulus fibrous to alleviate pain associated with the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A heat transfer device has first and second elongated, articulated segments, each having a turbulence-inducing exterior surface. A flexible joint connects the first and second elongated, articulated segments. An inner coaxial lumen is disposed within the first and second elongated, articulated segments. The inner coaxial lumen is capable of transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the first elongated, articulated segment.

Abstract: An apparatus having an inflatable balloon near a distal end of a multi-lumen catheter, with a plurality of blood flow passageways formed through the interior of the balloon from a proximal face of the inflated balloon to a distal face of the inflated balloon. A heat transfer solution is introduced through a supply lumen of the catheter to inflate the balloon in a selected blood vessel; this allows blood to flow through the blood flow passageways of the balloon, from one exterior face of the balloon to another exterior face. The heat transfer solution continues to circulate around the blood flow passageways inside the balloon, to change the blood temperature, eventually exiting the balloon through a return lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter system and method are provided which change the temperature of a fluid, such as blood, by heat transfer. Selective cooling or heating of an organ may be performed by changing the temperature of the blood feeding the organ. The catheter system includes an inlet lumen and an outlet lumen structured and arranged to carry a working fluid having a temperature different from the adjacent blood. The outlet lumen is configured to induce turbulence in the adjacent fluid passing adjacent the outlet lumen.

Abstract: A radiofrequency (RF) ablation device includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough. At least one electrode having a lumen and plurality of ports is disposed within the cannula. The electrode can reciprocate between a proximally retracted position and a distally extended position. The at least one electrode is coupled to a source of pressurized conductive fluid. The RF ablation device is used to pre-treat a region of tissue with a high-pressure injection of conductive fluid prior to the delivery of RF energy to the tissue. The pre-treatment step aids in creating extremely large lesions within the tissue.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits detect and/or treat vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel. A temperature differential can be sensed along a lumen surface with temperature sensors on a balloon filled with warm gas. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) are disclosed. A PMR system in accordance with the present invention includes a first electrode disposed proximate the end of a catheter, a second electrode adapted for connection to the body of a patient, and an ablation current source for providing an ablation current. The ablation current source includes a first output coupled to the first electrode and a second output coupled to the second electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the ablation current source has an enabled state in which an ablation current may be passed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a disabled state in which the passage of an ablation current between the first electrode and the second electrode is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of tissue within a body requiring thermotherapy includes a catheter to be inserted into a bodily conduit, an energy-emitting source disposed within the catheter, a compression balloon surrounding the energy-emitting source where the compression balloon has an inflated diameter that is greater than that of the bodily conduit in a relaxed state and an outside surface of the balloon is coated with one of gene modifiers and drug or medication, and means for activating the energy-emitting source to radiate energy to heat the drug-coated compression balloon and tissue to be treated whereby the heated drug-coated compression balloon effectively delivers the one of the gene modifiers and drug or medication to a target area of the diseased tissue. In addition, methods for using the above apparatus to treat diseased tissue are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for insertion into the mouth for the application of heat or cold to oral tissue to provide a therapeutic effect. The device 10 includes an upper member 11 substantially conforming to a contour of an upper gum line, a lower member 12 substantially conforming to a contour of a lower gum line, a first hinge member 13, and a second hinge member 14, wherein at least one hinge member 13, 14 is configured to exert a compressive force to maintain the upper member 11 substantially in contact with an upper gum and the lower member 12 substantially in contact with a lower gum.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. In one aspect, a method is provided for reducing the volume of enlarge swollen tissue in the patient's nose, such as swollen nasal tissue, mucus membranes, turbinates, polyps, neoplasms, cartilage (e.g., the nasal septum) or the like. In particular, the turbinates are treated by positioning one or more electrode terminal(s) adjacent to the turbinates, and delivering electrically conductive fluid, such as isotonic saline, to the nasal cavity to substantially surround the electrode terminal(s) with the fluid.

Abstract: A method and device for thermally affecting tissue. The device having a thermal member and a contact probe in thermal communication with the thermal member. The device configured to provide a way to contact tissue with the contact probe and to thereby impart a thermal change to the tissue.

Abstract: A device for thermally affecting tissue having a thermally transmissive contact member being in thermal communication with a thermal member and a surface area expansion element configured for contacting a tissue. The contact member and thermal member are disposed within a housing and the surface area expansion element is coupleable to the housing. The housing is configured to fit within an opening in a skull.

Abstract: A catheter system and method are provided which change the temperature of a fluid, such as blood, by heat transfer. Selective cooling or heating of an organ may be performed by changing the temperature of the blood feeding the organ. The catheter system includes an inlet lumen and an outlet lumen structured and arranged to carry a working fluid having a temperature different from the adjacent blood. The outlet lumen is configured to induce turbulence in the adjacent fluid passing adjacent the outlet lumen.

Abstract: An intravenous cardiovascular guiding catheter system (apparatus and method) for controlling patient temperature includes a generally tubular elongate body having a guide lumen with a guide duct disposed at the distal tip of the catheter for providing a pathway through which medical apparatus may be advanced in the patient's circulatory system. The catheter also comprises one or more lumens for conveying a heat exchange fluid to one or more heat exchange elements that exchange heat with the patient's blood to control the patient's temperature. The catheter may have an internal heating element that heats or cools the heat exchange fluid. The catheter also preferably has one or more infusion lumens for providing access to the patient's central blood supply. The catheter may be used to treat myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for reducing the volume of a lung using a clip including a plurality of tines. The clip is advanced along an interior of a bronchial passage to a predetermined location with the tines in a contracted condition. The tines are expanded outwardly to engage surrounding tissue, and then collapsed towards the contracted condition, thereby drawing the surrounding tissue inwardly to substantially close the bronchial passage from air flow therethrough. Optionally, electrical energy may be applied to the surrounding tissue after collapsing the tines to the contracted condition, thereby fusing the surrounding tissue together. The clip is then released within or removed from the passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. In one aspect, a method is provided for reducing the volume of enlarge swollen tissue in the patient's nose, such as swollen nasal tissue, mucus membranes, turbinates, polyps, neoplasms, cartilage (e.g., the nasal septum) or the like. In particular, the turbinates are treated by positioning one or more electrode terminal(s) adjacent to the turbinates, and delivering electrically conductive fluid, such as isotonic saline, to the nasal cavity to substantially surround the electrode terminal(s) with the fluid.

Abstract: A method of treating cardiac arrhythmia, including guiding a distal end portion of a catheter, the distal end portion having a distal tip and accommodating at least one elongated ablation electrode into a desired intracardiac region, for example, from the inferior vena cava into the right atrium of a human heart, and then from the right atrium into the right ventricle of the heart, pulling the catheter backwards, for example, towards the inferior vena cava, until the distal tip engages a edge of an intracardiac orifice, for example, the tricuspid annulus whereby the at least one ablation electrode engages a target tissue, for example, the isthmus of tissue between the tricuspid annulus and the inferior vena cava, deflecting the distal tip into a hook-shaped configuration, and activating the at least one ablation electrode to produce a substantially continuous lesion on the target tissue.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc device is provided comprising a distal sheath sized to be extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, a distal section of the sheath being predisposed to adopting a bent configuration when extended from the introducer; a probe adapted to be extended from a distal end of the sheath, the bent section of the sheath causing the probe to adopt a same bent configuration; and a proximal handle for externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired. The method and system further provide for the cooling of initially hypothermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been warmed above the desired target level and the warming of initially hyperthermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been cooled below the desired target temperature.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (58) at-its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (56) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket (18). The return electrode defines an inner passage (83) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid (50). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode array so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the active and return electrodes.

Abstract: A system for treating atrial fibrillation includes a stent and a delivery catheter for carrying the stent to a treatment site. The stent is self-expanding, for example, being formed of a shape memory alloy, and is configured to lodge against the interior wall of a pulmonary vein. The stent may be formed as a loop, helix, progressively wound helix or other suitable shape, and in one embodiment has an exposed proximal portion including an ablation region that contacts and subtends a circumference of the vein, or contacts endocardial wall tissue along a circumferential path at the ostium. The proximal portion is attached to an energy delivery line in the catheter to energize the stent and ablate tissue in the circumferential region, forming a lesion to block conduction across the ostium or preventing trigger signals originating in the pulmonary vein from initiating or sustaining fibrillation in the atrium.

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

Abstract: Heat-removal method and apparatus for treatment of movement disorder episodes; more specifically, a device and method for intracranially suppressing movement disorder episodes upon the detection of physiological symptoms. The device includes a temperature-contact implanted at a targeted portion in the brain which is determined to be associated with such episodes and connection to an implanted heat-transfer operator, typically a Peltier cooler or a thermal-electric cooler. Heat transfer from the temperature-contact to the heat-transfer operator cools the targeted portion and suppresses the movement disorder episode. Such heat transfer is performed upon the sensing of symptoms which normally preface episodes. The symptoms can be sensed intracranially by sensing-contacts, on the skin by a sensor or by a person or animal. Alternatively, heat removal (cooling) can be performed without sensing symptoms to prevent episodes when the patient is particularly sensitive to, or in danger from, episodes.

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: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by applying a form of energy to tissue in the vicinity of the urethra and/or bladder outlet to change tissue compliance without substantially narrowing the urethral and/or bladder outlet lumen. The apparatus comprises an elongated shaft having a means for treating urethral tissue and an expandable member deployable distal of the means for treating. The expandable member is configured to be anchored against the bladder outlet to dispose the means for treating at a desired treatment site in the urethra using only tactile feedback. The means for treating may include a needleless RF electrode, an ultrasound transducer, or a cryogenic probe configured to be advanced through a hollow needle, each of which are designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Abstract: An electrode catheter is provided having a predetermined flexibility throughout the entire length or at least at the contact portion, such as the electrode region, to allow for the molding of the contact portion such that it conforms to the shape of the heart at a preselected desired target area, such as the isthmus between the inlet of inferior vena cava and posterior tricuspid annulus. The catheter also includes a guiding sheath that is preferably semirigid and may be pre-shaped with at least one bend or angulation to assist in molding to ensure that the electrode region overlies the desired target treatment area. A remotely controlled anchoring device is provided at the distal end of the catheter for anchoring it in position to facilitate the molding operation and placement over the target treatment area. A method of cardiac ablation using the catheter of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention prevents the danger of falling body heat by making blood temperature similar to body temperature in Ringer's solution fluid or blood transfusion, and also lessens the patient's pain and improves the speed at which Ringer's solution fluid or blood enters the body. The warming device is much cheaper than previously released products, and small and light in weight, and allows blood or solution fluids to flow most effectively by allowing sufficient time for heat transfer as a pack type. Temperature of the heating element and of the element being warmed is equal by maximizing the contact area. The operation is convenient and sanitary in its single usage only. The inventive purpose has the methods of utilizing the temperature sensor in adjusting temperature by utilizing them PTC heating element's resistance specialty against the temperature as well as temperature sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for treating herniated or swollen discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to contract or shrink the collagen fibers within the nucleus pulposis. This causes the pulposis to shrink and withdraw from its impingement on the spinal nerve.

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 of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. The control units include a heater/cooler device, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. The heater/cooler device may be thermoelectric to enable both heating and cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.

Abstract: An RF tonsillar probe comprises a generally elongated insulated structure having means for coupling to the bipolar outlet of electrosurgical apparatus, and two internal insulated wires leading to a distal end that is angled downwardly and that terminates in two laterally-spaced needle electrodes whose tips are exposed. The probe works best with relatively high-frequency RF electrosurgical currents in excess of 1.5 MHz. The combination of the bipolar mode with electrosurgical currents in the MHz range causes relatively low tissue temperatures avoiding the need for the addition of a complicated temperature-controller structure and suitable circuitry, and the bipolar action confines the RFTA effect to the tissue region between the two active needle electrodes.

Abstract: A treatment catheter (10) carries an elongated ultrasonic emitter (20) extending in the lengthwise direction of the catheter. The array is flexible in all directions transverse to the lengthwise direction. The treatment catheter is inserted into a chamber of the heart and brought to a desired configuration such as a substantially closed loop. The treatment catheter is then biased into engagement with the wall of the heart by an expansible balloon (62) or other expansible structure, which may be carried on a separate stabilizer catheter (60). While the treatment catheter is engaged with the heart wall, the array is actuated to ablate tissue along a path having a shape corresponding to the configuration of the treatment catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: A Foley catheter has redundant temperature sensors to enable use of the Foley catheter with a patient heating system, such as one relying on a vascular heat exchange catheter. The temperature sensors electronically couple with a control unit, which obtains a primary temperature reading from one of the temperature sensors and obtains a secondary temperature reading from the other temperature. The control unit compares the primary and secondary temperature reading to determine a sensor temperature difference. When the sensor temperature difference exceeds a predetermined value, then the control unit activates an alarm, shuts down the patient heating system, or both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing hypothermia of a selected organ without significant effect on surrounding organs or other tissues. A flexible catheter is inserted through the vascular system of a patient to place the distal tip of the catheter in an artery feeding the selected organ. A compressed refrigerant is pumped through the catheter to an expansion element near the distal tip of the catheter, where the refrigerant vaporizes and expands to cool a flexible heat transfer element in the distal tip of the catheter. The heat transfer element cools the blood flowing through the artery, to cool the selected organ, distal to the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head or neck of a patient for treating obstructive sleep disorders. A method of the present invention involves positioning an electrosurgical probe with respect to a target tissue that affects the aperture of the upper airway of the patient. For example, the position of the tongue and the radix linguae affect the upper airway. The position of the tongue is controlled by the genioglossus muscle and tendon. The tendon of the genioglossus muscle may be irreversibly shrunk by positioning an electrosurgical probe in at least close proximity to the tendon, and applying a suitable high frequency voltage to the probe in a sub-ablation mode. Controlled heating of the tendon is effected by application of the high frequency voltage to the probe, wherein the voltage is insufficient to ablate the tissue of the tendon.

Abstract: A selective organ cooling method using a separate warming device for preventing secondary cooling which can result from cooling the selected organ. The cooling device applies cooling to the blood flowing in the feeder artery of the selected organ, while the body temperature control device warms the whole body by warming blood returning to the heart from only the selected organ, via a vein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating tissue at or near a sphincter provide for transluminal introduction of an energy delivery device. The device includes a tissue compression member to compress target tissue at or near the sphincter. A radiofrequency energy source is coupleable to the delivery device to deliver radiofrequency energy to the target tissue. Energy is delivered to heat the tissue to a desired temperature. The desired temperature is selected to induce an injury-healing response or to inducing shrinkage of collagen fibers in the target tissue to thereby reduce laxity in the target tissue.

Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for removing tissue from a target site of a patient. An electrosurgical suction apparatus includes an aspiration channel in communication with a distal aspiration port, and an electrode support having a plurality of active electrodes disposed thereon, the plurality of active electrodes spanning the aspiration port. Each of the plurality of active electrodes is adapted for removing tissue from a target site to form low molecular weight ablation by-products. Each of the plurality of active electrodes is also adapted for digesting resected tissue fragments to yield low molecular weight ablation by-products. Ablation by-products and resected tissue fragments are readily removed from the target site via an aspiration stream flowing proximally through the aspiration channel.

Abstract: Catheters adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid flowing through a body conduit employ helical elongate lumens for heat transfer with the body fluid. The helical elongate lumen of a catheter forms multiple turns extending longitudinally of a portion of the catheter with the turns each being bonded to the catheter along a fraction of the length of the turn. The length of the lumen and its orientation in each turn has the lumen otherwise displaced over a major portion of its length from the elongate body. The turns of the helical lumen can be arranged in sets having different lengths to encounter all areas of the flow. One or more infusion lumens may also extend to an infusion port or ports. The helical elongate lumen is defined by an elongate, thin-walled element. This lumen is in fluid communication with a heater/chiller supplying a working fluid for heat transfer through the wall of the elongate element defining the helical elongate lumen.

Abstract: This invention is related to a tissue ablation system and method that treats atrial arrhythmia by ablating a circumferential region of tissue at a location where a pulmonary vein extends from an atrium. The system includes a circumferential ablation member with an ablation element and also includes a delivery assembly for delivering the ablation member to the location. The circumferential ablation member is generally adjustable between different configurations to allow both the delivery through a delivery sheath into the atrium and the ablative coupling between the ablation element and the circumferential region of tissue.

Abstract: A method of promoting blood vessel growth includes the steps of providing a cryocatheter having a thermally transmission region; placing the cryocatheter proximate an area of tissue to be treated; cooling the thermally transmissive region of the cryocatheter proximate the area of tissue to a temperature sufficient to injure the area of tissue; allowing the area of tissue to warm; and removing the cryocatheter from the area of tissue. Prior, during or after the cooling step, the area of tissue can be mechanically traumatized, and drugs can be injected into the tissue.

Abstract: An enhanced method and device are provided to treat atrial fibrillation or inhibit or reduce restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. A balloon-tipped catheter is disposed in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon flows into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. A similar catheter may be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon contacts at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium. In another embodiment, blood perfusion is performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lowering the body temperature of a patient while reducing shivering by using a heat exchange device in combination with an &agr;2-adrenoreceptor agonist, a non-opiod analgesic monoamine uptake inhibitor or neuropeptide that temporarily reduces shivering. The devices disclosed include a catheter having a heat exchange balloon thereon with heat exchange fluid circulating through the interior of the balloon. The heat exchange balloon is placed in the vasculature of a patient, and heat exchange fluid at a temperature other than the temperature of the blood in the vasculature is circulated through the interior of the balloon to add or remove heat from the blood of the patient. Various &agr;2-adrenoreceptor agonist&agr;2-adrenoreceptor agonists, non-opiod analgesic monoamine uptake inhibitors and neuropeptides are disclosed including dexmedetomidine, nepofam and neurotensin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention comprises electrosurgical apparatus and methods for maintaining patency in body passages subject to occlusion by invasive tissue growth. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may be used to open and maintain patency in virtually any hollow body passage which may be subject to occlusion by invasive cellular growth or invasive solid tumor growth. Suitable hollow body passages include ducts, orifices, lumens, and the like, with exemplary body passages including the coronary arteries. The present invention is particularly useful for reducing or eliminating the effects of restenosis in coronary arteries by selectively removing tissue ingrowth in or around stents anchored therein.

Abstract: This invention is a method for treating a patient diagnosed with atrial arrhythmia by forming a circumferential conduction block along a circumferential path of tissue in a pulmonary vein wall that circumscribes the pulmonary vein lumen and transects the electrical conductivity of the pulmonary vein such that conduction is blocked along the longitudinal axis of the vein wall and into the left atrial wall. The method is performed to treat a patient with a focal arrythmogenic origin along the pulmonary vein wall by either ablating the focal origin or by isolating the focal origin from the atrial wall with the circumferential conduction block. The circumferential conduction block is also formed in a pulmonary vein in order to bridge the adjacent ends of two linear lesions, wherein each linear lesion is formed to extend between the pulmonary vein and another adjacent pulmonary vein in a less-invasive “maze”-type procedure.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for treating atherosclerotic disease use controlled cryogenic cooling, often in combination with angioplasty and/or stenting. A combination cryogenic/angioplasty catheter may cool the diseased blood vessel before, during, and/or after dilation. Controlled cooling of the vessel wall reduces actual/observed hyperplasia as compared to conventional uncooled angioplasty. Similar reductions in restenosis may be provided for other primary treatments of the blood vessel, including directional arthrectomy, rotational arthrectomy, laser angioplasty, stenting, and the like. Cooling of vessel wall tissues will often be performed through plaque, and the cooling process will preferably take the thermodynamic effects of the plaque into account.

Abstract: A volumetric tissue ablation apparatus includes a probe having a plurality of wires journaled through a catheter with a proximal end connected to the active terminal of a generator and a distal end projecting from a distal end of the catheter. The probe wire distal ends are arranged in an array with the distal ends located generally radially and uniformly spaced-apart from the catheter distal end. A conductor connected to the return terminal of the generator is located relative to the probe wire array to form a closed electrical circuit through tissue to be ablated. Preferably, the probe wire array includes 10 wires, each formed in an arch from the catheter distal end. The conductor can be either a conventional ground plate upon which the tissue is supported, or a conductor wire extending through the probe and electrically insulated from the probe wires.

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

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