Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously heating a plurality of discrete skin volumes to a coagulation temperature. The system comprises an applicator containing an electrode having a plurality of spaced apart protruding conducting elements configured to contact the skin surface at a plurality of discrete locations. A controller applies a voltage to the electrode so as to simultaneously heat a plurality of skin volumes to a coagulation temperature when the applicator is applied to the skin surface.

Abstract: A catheter includes multiple primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes a resistive element located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the leads such that each lead can individually receive power. The catheter can include a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. Energy is applied until the diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced to the point where occlusion is achieved. In one embodiment, a balloon is inflated to place the resistive elements into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure before the application of energy. The inflated balloon impairs blood flow and facilitates the infusion of saline, or medication, to the hollow anatomical structure in order to reduce the occurrence of coagulation and to improve the heating of the structure by the catheter.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies and handpieces for energy-based treatment systems that utilize an impedance assembly to facilitate impedance matching between the system and a patient. The electrode assembly and/or handpiece may include one or more circuit elements configured to introduce at least one supplemental impedance into an electrical circuit coupling the electrode assembly and handpiece. The supplemental impedance, which is related to the impedance of the treatment system and patient, is introduced when the electrode assembly is coupled with the handpiece.

Abstract: A therapeutic method. The inventive method includes the steps of: applying a pad to a patient having a biometric sensor adapted to feedback a signal; coupling said feedback signal to an inline control system; coupling said inline control system to a console; and regulating energy applied to said pad by the inline control system based on the output of said sensor coupled to said inline control system and an output of said console. In the illustrative embodiment, the therapeutic method is thermostimulation and includes the steps of applying heat and stimulation via the pad, sensing temperature at the pad with an embedded temperature sensor and regulating the heat current at the pad via the inline control system in response to the output of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A pad including a heating element and a temperature sensor operationally coupled to sense thermal energy within the pad in close proximity to the heating element. The temperature sensor is a film type resistance thermal detector. The pad includes at least one contact, preferably two contacts, in a parallel relation with the heating element for providing electrical stimulation. The heating element, the first and second electrical contacts and the sensor are encapsulated in a single unitary multilayer injection molded construction. The invention enables new thermal and thermostimulation methods and protocols by which the electrical stimulation and/or the heating current supplied to a thermo and/or thermostimulation pad are adjusted based on the temperature sensed by the pad per se.

Abstract: Methods, computer programming and devices for transferring heat to and/or from a body portion of a mammal are provided. One approach includes directly determining a state of vasoconstriction or vasodilation in a portion of a body, and supplying heat to the portion of the body when vasoconstriction is determined, and removing heat from the portion of the body when vasodilation is determined. The body portion preferably includes specific heat exchange vasculature. In another approach, a transition of the body portion from a state of vasodilation to vasoconstriction is determined and the body portion is then actively kept in a state of vasodilation while removing heat therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides for correcting an imbalance between caloric intake and caloric expenditure in patients, as well as for treating co-morbidities often associated therewith, which is non-invasive or minimally invasive and which may be reversible. More specifically, the present invention provides systems which cause metabolic improvement in a patient by controlling the amount of bile available for food breakdown or by controlling the effective absorption time and area by delivering bile to selected locations in the intestinal tract. These methods and devices fall under three general categories: bile diversion systems, bile manipulation systems, and surgical methods.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a modified woman's undergarment that includes a peri-pubic light compression panel allowing for compression at the incision site and a treatment dressing means for exposing the wound to a medicament. The combination of light compression and treatment with applicable medicament functions to minimize the formation of scars following cesarean section incisions performed in the lower transverse uterine or peri-pubic area. Considering the long phase of wound healing, this design flexibility allows for the use of the garment under a variety of street clothes. Unlike a girdle or abdominal support device, the crux of the invention does not require heavy or high abdominal support, although for those applications requiring girdle-type support, the invention could also be fabricated in a style that allows abdominal support along with the focused incision peri-pubic compression and incision care.

Abstract: Implant apparatus and method for effecting a controlled heating of tissue within the region of dermis of skin. The heater implants are configured with a thermally insulative generally flat support functioning as a thermal barrier. One surface of this thermal barrier carries one or more polymerically encapsulated heater resistor segments with a lead assemblage exhibiting a 4-point topology. Each of the encapsulated heater segments may be thermally associated with a metal thermal spreader dimensioned in correspondence with and aligned with the heater segments. The implants are located within heating channels at the interface between skin dermis and the next adjacent subcutaneous tissue layer such that the heat spreaders are contactable with the lower region of dermis. During therapy a conformal heat sink is positioned against the skin above the implants and a slight tamponade is applied through the heat sink to assure a proper form of conduction heat transfer.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment with at least one convective apparatus supported on the inside of the garment. Slits are provided in the clinical garment which enables a patient to insert his or her hands inside the clinical garment to be warmed therein by operation of the convective apparatus.

Abstract: A handheld appliance suitable for skin treatment and/or personal care operations comprises an applicator structure having a thermally conductive element supported so as to be exposable to controlled release of pressurized fluid within a gas-expansion chamber. The just-expanded gas causes an endothermic reaction in which heat is removed from the applicator. The applicator is usable to then draw heat energy from skin, etc. When applied to skin, a numbing effect is experienced which can ease pain associated with depilation, discomfort associated with exfoliation, be useful in treating wounds, etc.

Abstract: A cerebral and/or interface system has a housing mechanism configured to be at least partially spaced in a cavity formed in the subject's skull; an attaching mechanism for attaching the housing mechanism to the subject's skull; a sealing mechanism for providing a fluid-tight seal between the housing mechanism and the subject's skull; a control mechanism spaced within the housing mechanism; a communication mechanism with one or more sensors embedded in the subject's brain connecting the control mechanism to the subject's brain; and a power source spaced within the housing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for management of brain and body functions and sensory perception. For example, the present invention provides systems and methods of sensory substitution and sensory enhancement (augmentation) using tactile stimulators implanted under the skin.

Abstract: The therapy device enables the automatic application of customized and well controlled contrast therapy to localized areas of human and animal bodies. An electronic control circuit is used in conjunction with heat dissipating and heat absorbing surfaces to control the operation of a thermoelectric cooling module (TEC) to enable the administering of localized contrast therapy on human and animal bodies. The use of temperature sensors, timing circuits, and microprocessors in connection with the TEC and heat absorbing and dissipating surfaces allows precise control of the applied temperature and the time duration for cooling and heating cycles. The device is programmable and is capable of automatic cycling between desired heating and cooling temperatures for variable lengths of time.

Abstract: A critical care thermal therapy system incorporating a remote temperature sensor in association with a thermal module adapted for delivering a fluid to a patient in response to the sensed temperature thereof.

Abstract: A cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin is provided. The cooling device includes a support having a first portion and a second portion. A first cooling element having a first heat exchanging surface is located at the first portion of the support. A second cooling element having a second heat exchanging surface is located at the second portion of the support. At least one of the first and second cooling elements is movable along the support and is configured to rotate for adjusting an angle between the first and second heat exchanging surfaces.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is used for treating symptoms of Stress Urinary Incontinence by the collective reduction of six anatomical areas of the female external genitalia. The following six treatment areas are included in the procedure: the labia majora area, the labia minora area, the clitoral hood area, the periurethral area, the vaginal introitus area, and the perineal area. For each of the six anatomical areas treated in the method there is a standard procedure that is unique to that area.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for generating and applying an electric field according to a user configured arbitrary waveform pulsing train. A control module allows the user to input operation parameters and configure the arbitrary waveform pulsing train for the electroporation process. A micro-controller unit coupled to the control module controls an arbitrary waveform generator unit and a customized power module. During the electroporation process, the arbitrary waveform generator unit produces the arbitrary waveform pulsing train that is amplified by the customized power module. The customized power module is coupled to at least two electrodes, wherein the at least two electrodes will produce an electric field across a target media.

Abstract: A method of treating an annular fissure in an intervertebral disc includes providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, the distal end having an intradiscal section with at least one functional element, applying a force longitudinally to the proximal end of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient for the intradiscal section to puncture the annulus fibrosus, positioning the functional element at the selected location of the disc by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter, and using the functional element to treat the annular fissure.

Abstract: A therapeutic chamber controls the targeted application of infrared radiation according to programs tailored to conditions or areas of the body in need of treatment. Programs are provided and may also be determined or designed by a treatment administrator or subject. An embodiment utilizes groups of carbon fiber impregnated infrared generating sheet to provided targeted radiation in an energy efficient fashion.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers.

Abstract: A patient activated temperature-controlled surface is disclosed. The patient activated temperature controlled surface includes a floor, a temperature source capable of supplying heat, cold, or both to the floor, and an actuator element for turning on and off the temperature source. The actuator element is activated and deactivated by the presence or absence, respectively, of the weight of the patient either directly or indirectly upon the actuator element. An animal bed is also disclosed. A method for providing comfort to a patient employing the patient activated temperature-controlled surface of this invention is also provided.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide an apparatus for a body surface stimulation treatment capable of overcoming the uncertainty in the existing body surface stimulation therapy and exhibiting stable therapeutic effects. [Means for Solving Problems] An apparatus for a body surface stimulation treatment (10) which comprises a body surface stimulation unit (16) whereby the body surface of a patient is physically or chemically stimulated, a vital reaction quantitative evaluation unit (12) whereby the vital reaction of the patient is quantitatively evaluated, and a body surface stimulation regulation unit (14) whereby the stimulation properties imparted to the body surface tissues of the patient by the body surface stimulation unit (16) are regulated depending on the vital data obtained by the vital reaction quantitative evaluation unit (12).

Abstract: A heating element has an exothermic composition that generates heat by contact with air. The exothermic composition is sealed in an air-permeable bag that has an outer face made of a fibrous sheet. The air-permeable bag is formed of a laminate obtained by layering a resin film on the fibrous sheet. The laminate is formed by discontinuously bonding the fibrous sheet and the resin film. The filing rate of the exothermic composition ranges from 4 to 95%.

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 15? cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article adapted to produce heat, the article including an outer surface having a skin-facing surface, the outer surface enclosing a heat generator; and a thermal grill disposed on the skin-facing surface. The present disclosure also provides an article for delivering a heating sensation, the article including a skin-facing surface; a plurality of warm portions disposed on the skin-facing surface; and a plurality of cool portions disposed on the skin-facing surface, wherein the warm portions and cool portions are disposed in an alternating pattern.

Abstract: A surgical barrier device includes an inflatable thermal blanket with an attached surgical drape. The inflatable thermal blanket is inflatable through an inlet by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the inflatable thermal blanket exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the inflatable thermal blanket. The surgical drape extends from the inflatable thermal blanket and is sized to substantially cover the entirety of the patient's body. Where patient access is required, that drape has an opening to provide access to a surgical site.

Abstract: A system (10) for heating a biological site in a patient's body includes a transformer (14) having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The secondary winding has a tap (24) to provide a ground reference and two sources of radio frequency (RF) energy. An active electrode (16) is connected to each source to apply energy from its associated source to the site, the energy applied by one electrode (16) being out of phase with the energy applied by the other electrode (16).

Abstract: A system and method for portably delivering a therapeutic dose of heat to the skin to relieve pain, reduce accommodation of thermal nerve receptors, promote healing, and deliver transcutaneous medications. The heating device is user programmable or pre-programmed to deliver according to a variety of cycles, patterns and algorithms. The cycles, patterns, and algorithms of the heat are programmable parameters, are under the user's control, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. The heating algorithms are designed to interact with an individual user's thermal nerve receptors and other tissue characteristics and to reduce the tendency of the receptors to accommodate to the external stimuli with back pain, muscular pain, dysmenorrhea, headaches, fibromyalgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve injuries and neuropathies, and sprains and strain.

Abstract: In an exemplary implementation of this invention, a user wears comfortable biosensors. These sensors gather physiological data from the user and transmit this data to another radio-enabled device. This other device may be a mobile phone. The data is further transmitted, via this other radio-enabled device, to one or more networks (such as wireless networks or the Internet). A processor analyzes this transmitted data, in real time, to recognize patterns in the data that indicate the need for therapeutic intervention. Upon recognition of such a pattern, the processor outputs instructions for a transducer to deliver therapeutic stimuli. These instructions are transmitted, over one or more wired or wireless networks, to a transducer which delivers the therapeutic stimuli to the user.

Abstract: A cosmetic method of regenerating the skin in the region of a stretch mark is disclosed. The method comprises operating a source of thermal energy with a low thermal time constant, and directing it at the surface of the skin adjacent to and within a stretch mark forming first and second adjacent regions of thermally-modified tissue. The first region is adjacent to, and overlies, the second region, and the first region is thermally modified to a greater extend than the second region such that, following treatment, the width of the stretch mark is reduced and the reticular architecture of the dermis in the stretch mark is at least partially restored.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus disposed to provide therapeutic warming of a patient's upper body during surgery. The warming device includes a clinical garment with an elongate convective apparatus supported on the inside of the garment, transversely to the garment, and running between its sleeves. The positioning of the convective apparatus in the clinical garment locates it against the chest of a patient wearing the garment and permits it to be deployed and used on the patient's upper body during and after surgery without removal of the clinical garment from the patient or removal of the convective apparatus from the clinical garment.

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: A cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin is provided. The cooling device includes a support having a first portion and a second portion. A first cooling element having a first heat exchanging surface is located at the first portion of the support. A second cooling element having a second heat exchanging surface is located at the second portion of the support. At least one of the first and second cooling elements is movable along the support and is configured to rotate for adjusting an angle between the first and second heat exchanging surfaces.

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: This relates to methods and devices for achieving contact between the wall of a cavity or passageway and a medical device under conditions in which an access path and the subject anatomy are not aligned.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the blood perfusion in skin by elevating the temperature, and for providing superior heat sinking to the skin of thermally dissipative devices is disclosed. The increased perfusion gives rise to improved thermal transport properties near the site of elevated temperature which is advantageously used by thermally connecting the dissipative devices to the skin. The heat generated by the thermally dissipative devices can supplement or replace separate heating elements to elevate the skin temperature. Alternatively, thermal isolation of the heated area of the skin from the heat sinks of the dissipative devices can minimize the temperature of the skin in contact with the heat sinks.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detection, forewarning, and rapid therapeutic treatment of a patient's ischemic and arrhythmic heart condition, congestive heart failure, respiratory failure, etc. The system comprises a chest casing of a form fitting material. The inner surface of the chest casing comprises electrocardiogram sensor electrodes, auscultation sensors, impedance sensor electrodes, etc. The electrocardiogram sensor electrodes detect abnormal electrocardiogram signals. The auscultation sensors record internal sounds at predefined cardiac and respiratory auscultation sensor points. The impedance sensor electrodes measure thoracic impedance across two or more points on the chest wall. A control unit is connected to the sensors for collecting and processing patient information. The control unit transmits the processed patient information to an external monitoring station.

Abstract: A treatment system for occluding a hollow anatomical structure comprises a treatment device sized for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure. The treatment device comprises a therapeutic element configured to treat the hollow anatomical structure. The system comprises a sensor configured to sense a first treatment parameter. A controller is in communication with the treatment device and with the sensor. The controller is configured to determine a second treatment parameter based on the first treatment parameter and output the second treatment parameter.

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: 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: Apparatus and a system for thermally comforting a patient include pneumatic, convective providing thermal treatment for persons or animals, which is adapted for use in combination with a clinical garment such as a hospital gown, robe, bib, and other equivalents. The pneumatic convective device provides convective warming focused or directly primarily on the thorax or body core. The pneumatic convective device includes at least one inlet for being accessed through a clinical garment, a region in distribution with the inlet for distributing a stream of pressurized, thermally treated air, and a permeable member for emitting pressurized, thermally treated air from the distribution region.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively controllable shunt configured to, for example, monitor, treat, or prevent an infection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (100) of treating tissue adjacent a bodily conduit using thermotherapy, while preventing obstructions of the bodily conduit due to edema, includes injection of a drug-encapsulated within a heat-sensitive carrier, such as a liposome, within a region of tissue to be treated. The heat produced by the energy-emitting source (110) heats a portion of the tissue surrounding the bodily conduit to a temperature of approximately 43° C. for a time sufficient to destroy the heated portion of the tissue. In addition, the heat produced by the energy-emitting source (110) activates the heat-sensitive carrier to activate the release of the encapsulated drug and the drug targets the tissue to be heated. The focused energy of the energy-emitting source together with the compression acting on the target area can assist in delivering drugs to the target area so that a natural stent has a long term efficacy.

Abstract: The thermal therapy device comprises an inverter circuit connected to the primary side of a transformer, a series resonance circuit connected to the secondary side of the transformer and including a magnetic field generation coil and a resonance controller, and a controller for determining the resonance frequency based on the secondary current. The controller has a measurement mode and an operation mode which are alternately repeated. During the measurement mode the resonance frequency of the series resonance circuit is measured, while during the operation mode a drive signal of said measured resonance frequency is supplied from the controller to the inverter circuit.

Abstract: A temperature controlled fluid therapy system includes a reservoir for containing hot or cold fluid, a pump with a submersible motor disposed within the reservoir, a watertight blanket for containing the hot or cold fluid, and output and intake conduits for circulating the fluid between the reservoir and the blanket. The system includes a first temperature sensor disposed within the reservoir for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir, and a second temperature sensor disposed adjacent the blanket for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the blanket. A power supply provides power to the pump motor. A controller controls the power provided to the motor based upon the first and second temperature signals, thereby controlling the fluid flow rate through the blanket and hence the temperature of the fluid in the blanket. When the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir is within a hot temperature range, such as 90° F. to 120° F.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment and tissue remodeling. The apparatus includes an array of needles that penetrate the skin and serve as electrodes to deliver radio frequency current or other electrical or optical energy into the tissue being treated, causing thermal damage in controlled patterns. The damaged regions promote beneficial results such as uniform skin tightening by stimulation of wound healing and collagen growth.

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: An apparatus and method for the dissociation of soft proteinaceous tissue using pulsed rapid variable direction energy field flow fractionization is disclosed. The pulsed rapid disruptive energy field is created by the use of a probe which surrounds the soft proteinaceous tissue to be removed. Once the adhesive mechanism between tissue constituents has been compromised, fluidic techniques are used to remove the dissociated tissue.