Abstract: Treatment systems, methods, and apparatuses for improving the appearance of skin or other target regions are described as well as for providing for other treatments. Aspects of the technology are directed to improving the appearance of skin by tightening the skin, improving skin tone or texture, eliminating or reducing wrinkles, increasing skin smoothness, or improving the appearance of cellulite. Treatments can include cooling a surface of a patient's skin and detecting at least one freeze event in the cooled skin. The treatment system can continue cooling the patient's skin after the freeze event(s) are detected so to maintain at least a partially frozen state of the tissue for a period of time.

Abstract: Ablation catheters and systems include multiple inline chambers for containing and heating an ablative agent. The heating chamber includes one or more channels to increase the contact surface area of the ablative agent with the walls of the heating chamber to provide more efficient heating. Induction heating is used to heat a chamber and vaporize a fluid within by wrapping a coil about a ferromagnetic chamber and providing an alternating current to the coil. A magnetic field is created in the area surrounding the chamber which induces electric current flow in the chamber, heating the chamber and vaporizing the fluid inside. Positioning elements help maintain the device in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues.

Abstract: The present invention describes and claims pharmaceutical compositions in gel form for use in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration, in particular the forms of dehydration and emptying of the nucleus pulposus known as “black disc disease”. These compositions comprise a hyaluronic acid derivative which forms hydrogels with precise rheological characteristics that make it ideal for filling the nucleus pulposus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions of treating patients suffering from, or at risk for, DNA damage and to increase life span, i.e., prevent or slow the aging process in all species. The treatment includes administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition that includes carbon monoxide.

Abstract: An exercise mat is manufactured by a method including the steps of: mixing 15 wt % to 60 wt % of a plant fiber composite and 40 wt % to 85 wt % of a foamable material to form a mixture; adding an appropriate foaming agent; and foaming the mixture at a predetermined temperature to form a mat. The plant fiber composite includes a plant fiber raw material, a starch assistant and a biopolymer additive containing a plant hormone, an enzyme, a biological vinegar, and lactic acid ester. The foamable material is one selected from polyvinylchloride (PVC) and natural rubber (NR).

Abstract: Cosmetic method and apparatus are provided that can provide cooling and/or freezing of skin tissue proximal to the skin surface to generate an appearance of lightening or reduced pigmentation in the skin. The skin can be cooled to a temperature of less than about ?5 degrees Celsius for a duration of about one minute or less, using a cooled surface that is at least 3 cm in width. A cooling arrangement can be provided to provide controlled heat removal from the skin tissue being treated. A sensor can optionally be provided to detect freezing of tissue proximal to the cooled surface.

Abstract: A treatment system for cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich cells in a human subject includes an applicator and a control unit. The treatment system has a cooling mode for cooling tissue and a heating mode for warming tissue. The control unit includes a circulation circuit in fluid communication with the applicator, a chiller apparatus configured to chill fluid from the applicator circulation circuit, and a heater apparatus to warmed fluid from the applicator circulation circuit. The control unit mixes the chilled fluid and/or the warmed with fluid in the applicator circulation circuit control the temperature of the fluid circulated in the applicator.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device for treatment of neonates has a bordered lying surface (5) for receiving a neonate, a vertical support column (8) arranged adjacent to the head end of the lying surface (5) and radiant heaters (3, 4), supported by the column, directed at the lying surface (5). A control unit controls the heating output of each of the radiant heaters (3, 4). At least one first radiant heater (4) is directed at a head end half of the lying surface (5). At least one second radiant heater (3) is directed at the other half of the lying surface. The control unit (9) adjusts the heating output of the first radiant heater and the second radiant heater in such that, with the lying surface (5) arranged horizontally, the heating output of the second radiant heater (3) is greater by a predefined factor than that of the first radiant heater (4).

Abstract: Methods for treating a network of organs including generating a map of at least a portion of the network of organs using a rendering system; selecting at least one treatment location within the luminal passageway of the network of organs; and applying an energy therapy to the treatment location to treat the smooth muscle tissue, where the energy therapy applied to the respective treatment location is defined by a plurality of parameters that are associated with a map. Such a system allows for historical or ideal treatment parameters to be identified, visually or otherwise to actual treatment locations. Also, control systems and methods for delivery of energy that may include control algorithms that prevent energy delivery if a fault is detected and may provide energy delivery to produce a substantially constant temperature at a delivery site. In some embodiments, the control systems and methods may be used to control the delivery of energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to body tissue, such as lung tissue.

Abstract: A method for recharging a battery pack includes attaching a portable charger to a user, which portable charger includes or is attached to a self-contained power supply and wherein a first charging port of the portable charger is disposed, e.g., on a belt worn by the user, hanging the battery pack on the belt while the battery pack is physically engaged and in electrical communication with a power tool, and initiating a transfer of power from the charger to the battery pack when the first charging port is at least proximal to a second charging port that is in electrical communication with at least one battery cell of the battery pack. A portable charging system capable of performing this method, as well as an adapter for use in performing this method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices used to treat eyelids, meibomian glands, ducts, and surrounding tissue are described herein. In some embodiments, an eye treatment device is disclosed, which includes a scleral shield positionable proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the scleral shield being made of, or coated with, an energy-absorbing material activated by a light energy, and an energy transducer positionable outside of the eyelid, the energy transducer configured to provide light energy at one or more wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to heat the energy-absorbing material.

Abstract: A probe for resecting and coagulating tissue comprises an outer sleeve having a tissue cutting window and an inner sleeve having a tissue cutting distal end. And RF cutting region is formed at the distal end of the inner member and an RF coagulation region is formed on an exterior surface of the inner member immediately proximal to the cutting surface. A single power supply providing a single RF energy mode can be connected to both RF applicator regions to simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a device that performs ablation of tissue. The device has a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a first position and a second positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a second position. The shaft also has ports through which the ablative agent can be released.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus (100) are described for modifying unwanted tissue for cosmetic reasons. The methods provide a non-invasive manner to perform body contouring by destroying adipose tissue while simultaneously causing collagen contraction in a single procedure. Adipose tissue destroyed during the medical procedure may be removed from a treatment volume during the wound healing process, allowing the treatment volume to gradually shrink (22). The gradual shrinkage may promote better skin tone in the treatment area. The procedure may involve multiple treatments to the same treatment area or location.

Abstract: A therapy wrap for treatment of at least a portion of an animate body having improved kink resistance. The therapy wrap may be selectively reinforced for improved kink resistance in only a portion of the wrap. The reinforcement may decrease the kink radius. The wrap may include a kink reducer in all or only a selected kink-prone region. The kink reducer may be selectively configured attachment points or spot welds. The therapy wrap may include a reinforcement layer of one or more discrete reinforcement members. The wrap may be formed by pre-tensioning the material layers while forming the fluid bladder and/or gas pressure bladder. The therapy wrap may be adapted to compensate for conditions that normally cause kinking of the wrap or buckling of the fluidic channels. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the wrap and methods of administering a temperature-controlled treatment to an anatomical body part.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring, controlling and/or detecting events during the removal of heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich tissue is described. In some examples, the system detects an increase in temperature at a treatment device in contact with the skin of a subject, determines that the increase in temperature is related to a treatment event, and performs an action based on the determination. In some examples, the system shuts off the treatment device, alerts an operator, or reduces the cooling in response to a determined treatment event.

Abstract: An inflatable convective pad for warming a person during surgery has two ends, two sides, and at least two openings, each located in an area of the pad between the two ends and between a respective side and the center of the pad. The openings, which may be in the form of slits, allow the threading of a sheet or the person's arms through the pad to restrain the arms during surgery.

Abstract: A method of performing an ablation procedure includes the steps of inserting an antenna assembly into tissue and supplying energy thereto for application to tissue. The method also includes the step of causing contact between a first material and at least one other material disposed within the antenna assembly to thermally regulate the antenna assembly. According to another embodiment, an ablation system includes an energy delivery assembly. A first chamber is defined within the energy delivery assembly and is configured to hold a first chemical. Another chamber is defined within the energy delivery assembly and is configured to hold at least one other chemical. The first chamber and the other chamber are configured to selectively and fluidly communicate with each other to cause contact between the first chemical and the at least one other chemical to cause an endothermic reaction and/or an exothermic reaction.

Abstract: Methods and devices for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via carotid body ablation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for improving psychophysiological function for performance of a subject under stress includes, after a plurality of sensors that monitor stress-indicating physiological parameters have been coupled to the subject, exposing the subject, using computer processes, to at least one training segment during which is determined a degree to which the subject has achieved a targeted level of least one stress-indicating physiological parameter as to be indicative of coherence in the subject. Additionally, the method includes providing, to the subject, feedback indicative of the degree to which the subject has achieved the targeted level of the at least one parameter as to be indicative of coherence in the subject.

Abstract: A method for controlling dosage application during irradiation of a moveable target volume in a body with an energy beam by scanning the target volume includes, before irradiating an i-th grid position, determining a dosage during the irradiation process using the movement data, wherein the dosage already contains the i-th grid position during irradiation of the previous grid positions (1<=k<i). Depending on the determined dosage that already contains the i-th grid position during the irradiation of the previous grid positions (1<=k<i), a compensation value for the i-th grid position is calculated, and depending on the compensation value and on the nominal particle fluence for the i-th grid position, a compensated particle fluence (Fikomp) is calculated for the i-th grid position in order to irradiate the i-th grid position with the compensated particle fluence (Fikomp).

Abstract: A method of improving the resistance of collagenous tissue to mechanical degradation in accordance with the present invention comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of a collagenous tissue with an effective amount of a crosslinking reagent. The crosslinking reagent includes a crosslinking agent such as genipin and/or proanthrocyanidin. Further, the crosslinking reagent may include a crosslinking agent in a carrier medium. The collagenous tissue to be contacted with the crosslinking reagent is preferably a portion of an intervertebral disc or articular cartilage. The contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by injections directly into the select tissue using a needle. Alternatively, contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by placement of a time-release delivery system such as a gel or ointment, or a treated membrane or patch directly into or onto the target tissue. Contact may also be effected by, for instance, soaking.

Abstract: A multi-zone electric heating blanket. The blanket may be shaped to cover the outstretched arms or other body parts of a patient. The blanket includes first and second body part portions and a connecting bridge. The interconnection via the bridge leaves an open gap between the first and second body part portions for unblocked access to the patient. A power controller may supply power to heating elements in both body part portions based on a temperature sensor in one of the body part portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the combination of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol with therapeutic hypothermia for use in the treatment of neuroprotection or astroprotection.

Abstract: A medical device used in a medical robotic system has a conduit and an orientable tip. An optical fiber coupled to a laser source and/or a catheter coupled to one or more biomaterial sources extends through the conduit and tip so that the tip of the medical device may be robotically directed towards a target tissue for laser and/or biomaterial application as part of a medical procedure performed at a surgical site within a patient. A protective sheath covers the fiber as it extends through the conduit and tip. A first coupler adjustably secures at least the sheath to the medical device and a second coupler adjustably secures the fiber to at least the sheath. A similar dual coupler mechanism may be used to secure the sheathed catheter to the medical device.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of skin including a treatment surface having numerous small energy emitting points for fractional skin treatment as well as negative pressure outlets. During a treatment, negative pressure from the outlets may exert a pulling force on an opposing tissue surface to bring the tissue into contact with the energy points.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a method for decreasing resistance to airflow within a bronchial tree of a subject. The method may include the step of moving an intraluminal device along a lumen of an airway of a bronchial tree, where the intraluminal device includes an expandable member and an energy emitter. The method also may include damaging nerves along the airway using the intraluminal device without destroying an inner surface of an airway wall disposed radially between the intraluminal device and the nerves.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating a neurological disorder or deficit, such as tinnitus and phantom limb pain.

Abstract: A portable device for thermal stimulation of tissue of a patient comprising a heat control element having a proximal side and a distal side wherein a temperature difference can be generated between the proximal side and the distal side, and wherein the proximal side is capable of contacting the tissue. A fan capable of exchanging heat with surrounding air and a heat sink coupled to the distal side are provided. At least one resilient element connected between the heat sink and the fan is also provided, for supporting the fan so as to prevent direct contact between the heat sink and the fan. Furthermore at least one temperature sensor and circuitry are provided, wherein the circuitry activates the heat control element using the at least one temperature sensor, so as to achieve a desired temperature stimulation of the tissue at a rate of substantially 1 degree Celsius per second.

Abstract: A method of determining hypoxia in fetal scalp blood sampled during labor including the determination of total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in plasma obtained from the sample. The method can include the additional determination of K, Mg, Ca, AST, ALT, lactate in the plasma and/or blood. Increased values of one or more of LDH, Mg, Ca, AST, ALT, lactate are indicative of hypoxia in the fetus. Also disclosed is the use of a plasma separation apparatus in the method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat therapy kit for malignant tumor treatment that comprises a pharmaceutical agent containing anti-regulatory T cell antibody and a pharmaceutical agent containing magnetic fine particles, and a heat therapy method that uses that kit.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) with cooling. Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss and/or improved metabolic function. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by cooling tissue having a high density of cold sensitive thermoreceptors and/or by cooling BAT depots directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss and/or improved metabolic function through energy expenditure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.

Abstract: A method detects a biological condition and detects a change in the biological condition of a mammal. The device determines if the change in the biological condition exceeds a predetermined threshold and sends a signal based at least in part on the determination.

Abstract: A medical device for monitoring biological parameters through an Abreu Brain Thermal Tunnel (ABTT) is provided. By monitoring and analyzing the temperature of the ABTT, it is possible to diagnosis changes in a patient or subject under a variety of conditions, including predicting the course of medical conditions. Furthermore, since the ABTT is predictive, analysis of the ABTT may be used to control mechanisms for safety when an impending medical condition makes such operation hazardous.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrostimulation has a whole-body support and electrodes disposed in the support. The electrodes are disposed in pairs, relative to a center longitudinal axis of the apparatus, and are configured so that they can be controlled one after the other or simultaneously. A method for controlling multiple electrodes in an apparatus for electrostimulation disposes the electrodes in or on the apparatus for electrostimulation, which has a support for part of the body or for the whole body. The electrodes are configured so that they can be controlled one after the other or simultaneously. The electrodes are controlled individually or in pairs, with regard to a duration and/or an intensity of the stimulation.

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 preprogrammed 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: A method and composition for hyperthermally treating tumor cells in a patient under conditions that affect tumor stem cells and tumor cells.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for supporting a medical or veterinary patient with therapeutically significant normothermia and other practical advantages.

Abstract: Methods and devices treating an autonomic nervous system associated disease condition in a subject are provided. Aspects of the invention include inducing one or more physiological response selected from the group consisting of sweating, gastric emptying, enhanced heart rate variability and enhanced quantitative sensory test responsiveness in a manner sufficient to modify the autonomic nervous system so as to treat the subject for the disease condition. The methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, e.g. in the treatment of subjects suffering from conditions arising from disorders of the autonomic nervous system.

Abstract: A multi-zone electric heating blanket. The blanket may be shaped to cover the outstretched arms or other body parts of a patient. The blanket includes first and second body part portions and a connecting bridge. The interconnection via the bridge leaves an open gap between the first and second body part portions for unblocked access to the patient. A power controller may supply power to heating elements in both body part portions based on a temperature sensor in one of the body part portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator for use with a device for treating subcutaneous lipid-rich cells by cold treatment, wherein the applicator (1) comprises a contact surface (2) that is formed as a surface (3) of a solid treatment plate (4) made of aluminum or another material having good heat conductivity. The invention further relates to a device for treating subcutaneous, lipid-rich cells by cold treatment comprising a heat transfer circuit and an applicator (1) through which a heat transfer medium (6) flows for treating a live body. The device consists of a refrigeration device (30) for providing the heat transfer medium (6) having a specific temperature and connecting supply lines (29) to the applicator as well as a compensator (31) that compensates the weight of the applicator.

Abstract: A method (100) of moulding an article comprises: forming (104) a first portion (2) of the article by injecting a first material (50) into a first mould (61), the first mould being shaped so as to define a flange (8) on the first portion of the article; placing (106) the first portion of the article into a second mould (91), the second mould having a first plate (90) and a second plate (92); compressing (108) the flange between the first and second plates of the second mould; and forming (110) a second portion (4) of the article by injecting a second material (55) into the second mould whilst the flange is compressed between the first and second plates of the second mould.

Abstract: Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment stores various electrical components, such as the power connection. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The insert is a shell with a cable grip that secures the cable from pump and a recessed area for securing the pump. The edges of the insert are sealed to the inside surface of the box. A carrying strap is secured to the sidewalls of the box in a manner that prevents protrusions and aid in minimizing storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost, low-power therapeutic hypothermia device for use in developing nations. The device includes a first and second receptacle separated by a space filled with a porous material such as sand. A cooling chemical can also be added to the porous material in order to speed cooling. Water is added to the porous material and a neonate is placed into the device for therapeutic hypothermia treatment. The neonate is monitored carefully using temperature sensors and a feedback system integrated into the device. Cooling can be modulated and/or warming commenced by adding Styrofoam blocks to raise the neonate off the surface of the device.

Abstract: Endovascular catheters and control wires for operating the catheters and associated systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed include a catheter apparatus having an elongated shaft, a therapeutic assembly at a distal portion of the shaft, and a handle at a proximal portion of the shaft. An actuator is located at the handle and operably coupled to the therapeutic assembly via a tuned control member extending through the shaft. The tuned control member includes a control wire and a tuning component attached to one another within the shaft. The tuned control member is configured to achieve a desired tuned force-displacement response by modifying the stress-strain response that a non-tuned control wire would ordinarily provide without the intervening tuning component.

Abstract: Infant warming systems are described herein generally comprising a temperature regulation assembly which encloses a phase change material (PCM). The temperature regulation assembly may be initially heated (or re-heated) by water contained within a heating assembly and then placed within a retaining pouch of an infant bedding. The PCM may then provide constant heat over a period of time to the infant. A control/indicator interface coupled to the regulation assembly may constantly monitor the temperature of the PCM as well as the ambient temperature to provide one or more indications or alerts to the user with respect to one of several states of the warming assembly.

Abstract: A medical apparatus (300, 400, 500, 600, 700) comprises a heating system (304) for heating a target zone (324) of a subject (320), wherein the energy density in a predefined volume is modeled (338) using a thermal model and a processor (330) for controlling (340) the heating system (304).

Abstract: A switched resonant power amplifier system for ultrasonic transducers is disclosed. The system includes an amplifier that receives and processes a driver output signal for generating a drive signal that is provided to an ultrasonic device for controlling output of the ultrasonic device. An output control circuit receives and processes a signal related to a feedback signal generated by the ultrasonic device and a divider reference signal, and generates a compensated clock signal that is adjusted for at least one of phase and frequency differences between the received feedback signal and the divider reference signal. A compensated drive circuit receives and processes the compensated clock signal for generating the divider reference signal, and for generating the driver output signal.