Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal contact sensor for use in aesthetic skin by heat treatment for altering the aesthetic appearance of a subject. The thermal contact sensor measures the difference in sensor temperature when in contact or absence of contact with the skin and automatically operates a source of optical radiation to heat the skin.

Abstract: An electronic patch, for stimulating tissue healing at a target site, is flexible enough to generally conform to a body surface adjacent to the target site, and includes: a battery or an arrangement of multiple batteries less than 5 mm thick; a capacitor connected directly with a coil in series; and pulse generating circuitry, powered by the battery or batteries. The circuitry repeatedly changes the voltage across the capacitor and coil, to produce pulses of current in the coil. The current produces a pulsed electromagnetic field at the target site for stimulating tissue healing, most of the electromagnetic field energy of each pulse being converted into electrostatic energy of the capacitor at the end of the pulse and back into electromagnetic field energy of the next pulse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical treatment of diseases and disorders, as well as the field of biomedical engineering. Embodiments of the invention relate to the delivery of Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) through the vasculature of organs to treat tumors embedded deep within the tissue or organ, or to decellularize organs to produce a scaffold from existing animal tissue with the existing vasculature intact. In particular, methods of administering non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) in vivo are provided for the treatment of tumors located in vascularized tissues and organs. Embodiments of the invention further provide scaffolds and tissues from natural sources created using IRE ex vivo to remove cellular debris, maximize recellularization potential, and minimize foreign body immune response. The engineered tissues can be used in methods of treating subjects, such as those in need of tissue replacement or augmentation.

Abstract: A portable system for managing the temperature of a patient during transport includes a heater/cooler configured to be in fluid communication with a heat transfer catheter or a heat transfer surface pad; a pump for circulating heat exchange fluid; an alternating current power supply; and a processor configured to indicate if the alternating current power supply connection to the source of alternating current is interrupted. A rechargeable battery may be configured to provide power to the system when the alternating power supply is not connected to a source of alternating current. If the system is powered on and the connection to the alternating current source is interrupted, the system may automatically switch to receiving power from the rechargeable battery. The processor may alert an operator of the interruption of the connection to the alternating current source and indicate to the operator the amount of energy remaining in the battery.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatuses are disclosed for providing tissue ablation through electrolysis, electroporation, or a combination thereof. A way to deliver the combination through a pulse that has an element of gradual decay and can thereby reduce both muscle contraction and electric breakdown discharge at the electrodes is disclosed. The apparatus disclosed may include an electrode, a power supply, and a controller. The controller may control a charge applied to the electrode to induce a direct current through a treatment site to produce electrolysis products and a voltage to produce electroporation. The duration and magnitude of the charge applied may determine the dose of the products and the degree of the permeabilization of cells in the treatment site.

Abstract: Tumors can be treated with an alternating electric field. The size of cells in the tumor is determined prior to the start of treatment by, for example, biopsy or by inverse electric impedance tomography. A treatment frequency is chosen based on the determined cell size. The cell size can be determined during the course of treatment and the treatment frequency is adjusted to reflect changes in the cell size. A suitable apparatus for this purpose includes a device for measuring the tumor impedance, an AC signal generator with a controllable output frequency, a processor for estimating the size of tumor cells and setting the frequency of the AC signal generator based thereon, and at least one pair of electrodes operatively connected to the AC signal generator such that an alternating electric field is applied to the tumor.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods herein relate to cooling a head of a patient. These systems and methods may comprise a cooling cap assembly comprising a heat exchanger configured to be wrapped around a head of a patient and a compression assembly releasably coupled to the heat exchanger. The compression assembly may comprise an enclosure and an inflatable member coupled to an internal surface of the enclosure. When coupled, the inflatable member may be positioned between the enclosure and the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be separate from and moveable relative to the inflatable member.

Abstract: Provided is a skin care device including a head part brought into contact with skin of a user, a battery configured to supply power for operation of the head part, a body part having a fastening portion provided at one end to which the head part is fastened and provided with the battery therein, and a cap assembly detachably attached to one end of the body part and forming an accommodation space configured to accommodate the head part, wherein the cap assembly includes a sterilization module disposed to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the head part when the cap assembly accommodates the head part.

Abstract: A single-use patient positioning and warming pad configured to be placed between a patient and an operating table during a surgical procedure is provided. The pad includes a viscoelastic foam body having a top portion and a bottom portion; a heating element at least partially disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion of the foam body; and an electrical connector having a proximal end portion enclosed within the foam body connected to the heating element and a distal end portion extending from the foam body, configured to directly or indirectly connect to a power source and/or control unit for the heating element. Optionally, the foam body is formed from a foam material having sufficient viscosity and resiliency to maintain positioning of the patient relative to the operating table during surgical procedures in which the operating table is moved to an inclined position.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device, a system, and a method of using the device and system to deliver non-contact thermal stimulation to the skin of a person and, by detecting evoked potentials in that person's central nervous system, to determine a neurological condition of the person.

Abstract: A system comprises a storage device, a piece of medical equipment, a portable computing device, and a hub portal. The piece of medical equipment has at least one electrically powered feature and comprises either a medical examination table or a storage cabinet. The storage device is operable to store data and is remotely located relative to the first piece of medical equipment and relative to the portable computing device. The hub portal is operable to provide communication of one or both of data or commands between the storage device, the piece of medical equipment, and the portable computing device. A method includes enablement or activation of an electrically powered feature of medical equipment upon entry of a portable computing device into a medical examination room. The method also includes disablement or further activation of the electrically powered feature upon exit of the portable computing device from the medical examination room.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apoptotic bodies. The disclosure particularly relates to a composition comprising the apoptotic bodies. The disclosure further relates to preparation of apoptotic bodies from stem cells. The disclosure also relates to medical treatments comprising the use of the composition comprising the apoptotic bodies. The apoptotic bodies may comprise apoptotic stem cells. The apoptosis of a cell may be induced by a starvation method, an ultra-violet irradiation method, a thermal stress method, a staurosporine method, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A medical therapy arrangement, for applying electrical stimulation to a subject, includes a garment having electrodes at an inner surface. A control unit controls each electrode to work as one or more of anode, cathode or disconnected state, per a predetermined therapy stimulation program. Furthermore, the arrangement includes: at least one connection unit having a predetermined number of connection elements respectively electrically connected to the electrodes via separate connection lines being flexible and elastic and integrated into the garment; at least one connection board having a predetermined number of connection pads electrically connected to the control unit.

Abstract: An IV pole mountable, therapeutic infusate processing device is incorporated into a hypothermia system to receive therapeutic fluid(s), such as normal saline, peritioneal dialysis solution, or other crystalloid solution, to heat such therapeutic fluid(s) a few degrees centigrade above normal body temperature and to direct the resulting heated infusate to and through a selected anatomical portion of a patients body to raise the temperature of that body portion so as to affect any cancerous or other tumors that may be located therein. The processing device is provided with touch screen controls and visual indicators to facilitate its proper use; while the system further includes temperature and pressure sensors to monitor the hyperthermia processing to insure patient safety.

Abstract: Systems and methods for endometrial ablation. The systems include a handle and elongated introducer sleeve extending to an expandable working end having a fluid-tight interior chamber. A thin dielectric wall surrounds at least a portion of the interior chamber and has an external surface for contacting endometrial tissue. The thin dielectric wall surrounds a collapsible-expandable frame and receives an electrically non-conductive gas. First and second polarity electrodes are exposed to the interior and exterior of the chamber, respectively. A radiofrequency power source operatively connects to the electrode arrangement to apply a radiofrequency voltage across the first and second electrodes, wherein the voltage is sufficient to initiate ionization of the neutral gas into a conductive plasma within the interior chamber, and to capacitively couple the current in the plasma across the thin dielectric wall to ablate endometrial tissue engaged by the external surface of the dielectric structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing fluid enhanced ablation therapy are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for ablating tissue is provided that includes inserting an elongate body into a tissue volume, heating an imageable fluid within the elongate body to transform the imageable fluid into an imageable therapeutic fluid, delivering the imageable therapeutic fluid into the tissue volume to deliver a therapeutic dose of thermal energy to the tissue volume, and imaging the tissue volume to determine the extent of the tissue volume containing the imageable therapeutic fluid. The imageable therapeutic fluid can indicate the extent of the tissue volume that has received the therapeutic dose of thermal energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supply is isolated from the patient treated, such that in course of treatment no undesired current flows through the subject body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing skin rejuvenation of a region of a patient's skin. The system includes: a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) frequency generator that emits electromagnetic pulses to the region of the patient's skin; and a deep tissue diathermy device that applies heat to the region of the patient's skin up to temperature T. The system simultaneously applies the heat and the PEMF to the region of a patient's skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of cosmetology. The invention relates to cosmetic or aesthetic skin treatment using an appliance, in particular for dermatological care, which combines applying pulsed electrical currents to the skin for treating the skin by electroporation in a first step, constant currents for electrophoretically treating the skin in a second step, with the simultaneous exposure of the skin under treatment to chromotherapeutic light emissions in which the color changes from one step to the next. The color red is preferred for electroporation; orange is preferred during the electrophoretic treatment. The appliance is programmed for automatic is programmed for automatic operation. The method advantageously comprises a third chromotheraphy step under blue light combined with the application of an electrophoretic current.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing skin rejuvenation of a region of a patient's skin. The system includes: a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) frequency generator that emits electromagnetic pulses to the region of the patient's skin; and a deep tissue diathermy device that applies heat to the region of the patient's skin up to temperature T. The system simultaneously applies the heat and the PEMF to the region of a patient's skin.

Abstract: Disclosed methods and devices treat lower back pain from degenerated or injured intervertebral discs. Electrodes connected to a pulse generator deliver electrical impulses to nerves located within the posterior longitudinal ligament and posterior annulus fibrosus of lumbar intervertebral discs. Percutaneous and paddle leads containing the electrodes are disclosed. The percutaneous lead, designed to prevent inappropriate stimulation of the thecal sac, is inserted in the anterior epidural space using a special cannula and lead blank. Paddle leads are configured individually for implantation in each patient. The electrical stimulation may reduce back pain reversibly, with or without the simultaneous use of non-thermal irreversible electroporation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an intraosseous nerve. The method includes positioning a hollow shaft through the cortical shell of a vertebral body and into a cancellous bone region of the vertebral body. The hollow shaft includes an annular wall having a longitudinal bore therein, a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a first window extending transversely through the annular wall. An electrosurgical probe is advanced within the longitudinal bore from the proximal portion toward the distal portion. The electrosurgical probe includes a first treatment element at a distal end of the probe, wherein the first treatment element being in electrical connection with a power supply. The first treatment element is slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore so that the first treatment element is advanced radially outward from the window and shaft to affect treatment of the intraosseous nerve within the cancellous bone region.

Abstract: A magnetically-guided catheter 100 includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal electrode assembly configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. A magnetically-guided mapping catheter 100 includes an electrically-conductive capsule in the form of a casing 146 that includes a distal ablation surface and isolates the positioning magnet from bio-fluids to prevent corrosion. An open irrigation ablation catheter includes an isolated manifold that isolates the positioning magnet from contact with irrigation fluid to prevent corrosion.

Abstract: A nerve tissue stimulator configured for contacting to or insertion in the body of a subject to stimulate a tissue therein, said probe comprising: (a) a support configured for contacting to or positioning adjacent a tissue of said subject; (b) at least one thermoelectric device (TED) on said support and positioned for thermally stimulating said nerve tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and related methods for electric fields delivery for preferential destruction of cancerous cells and tissue ablation.

Abstract: A technique for detecting and providing alerts or indications that can be used for controlling or altering the displacement speed of an applicator coupling skin heating energy across a treated skin. A temperature sensor monitors the rate of skin temperature change and provides feedback related to altering the applicator displacement speed according to the rate of skin temperature change. Disclosed is also an applicator for implementing this method.

Abstract: The system for treating a region of the epidermis, comprising: —at least one laser energy source; —a time control device to generate a laser beam; —a laser energy focusing system arranged and produced to direct a laser beam on said region of the epidermis. The control device generates a laser beam comprising a plurality of composite pulses, emitted at a base frequency, each composite pulse comprising a sequence of sub-pulses at a higher frequency than said base frequency.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a high-frequency power source, a heat generation power source, a grasping member having an electric conductor which applies high-frequency power energy to a living tissue and a heating element which applies thermal energy, a memory where a predetermined impedance value or a predetermined rate of increase in impedance that is a threshold value, at which application of the high-frequency power energy is ended, is stored in advance, a first control section which controls the high-frequency power source based on the threshold value to end application of the high-frequency power energy, and a second control section which performs constant temperature control on the heat generation power source such that the heating element reaches a setting temperature that is set to be higher than a temperature of the heating element calculated from a resistance value of the heating element when application of the high-frequency power energy ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for preventing or significantly reducing the risk of thrombus formation. More specifically, the devices and methods of the present invention provide energy to blood flowing within a chamber or vessel to prevent or reduce blood stasis and thereby prevent or significantly reduce the risk of thrombus formation. The present invention is ideally suited for prevention or reduction of risk of blood clot formation in the atria in patients with atrial fibrillation, in blood vessels of patients at risk of clot formation, in areas adjacent to, or on, artificial heart valves or other artificial cardiovascular devices, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for personal skin treatment includes an RF generator and an applicator with at least a pair of electrodes mounted on the distal end of the applicator. The electrodes are configured for applying an RF voltage to a subject skin. The RF voltage generator supplies the electrodes with the RF voltage. The applicator includes a source of illumination illuminating the treated skin segment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing skin rejuvenation of a region of a patient's skin. The system includes: a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) frequency generator that emits electromagnetic pulses to the region of the patient's skin; and a deep tissue diathermy device that applies heat to the region of the patient's skin up to temperature T. The system simultaneously applies the heat and the PEMF to the region of a patient's skin.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices and methods for making and using the devices and their intermediates are provided. Membrane-supported thermoelectric modules are fabricated by dispensing thermoelectric powder into select locations of a membrane to form electrically-isolated columns of thermoelectric material. The powder is then sintered or fused to form thermoelectric elements, which are then electrically connected and combined with thermal interface films to form the modules. The modules are the building blocks of electrical current generating, thermoelectric cooling and heat scavenging thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for heating a body tissue region adjacent a body lumen using selective accumulation of energy without knowledge of tissue topography. Methods include positioning an energy delivery portion of a catheter within the lumen adjacent the body tissue region, determining a pulse characteristic in response to a thermal property of a first tissue type and applying pulsed energy with the characteristic to treat a second tissue type within the region by drawing heat from the first tissue at a rate that inhibits thermal damage to the first tissue while building-up heat in the second tissue. Systems include a catheter body having an energy delivery portion processor configured to control a pulse characteristic of pulsed energy to therapeutically treat the second tissue by drawing heat from the first tissue at a rate that inhibits thermal damage to the first tissue while building-up heat in the second tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are disclosed, which include a device for delivering energy to a wall of an airway in a human lung. The device includes a flexible elongate body with a proximal portion, a distal portion, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The device also includes a deployment member having an electrically conducting wire extending from the proximal portion of the elongate body and extending through the lumen and terminating at a distal tip distal to the distal end of the elongate body. The device further includes an expandable basket having a plurality of curved electrode legs and a temperature sensing element coupled to the expandable basket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating a treatment region of a subject by providing a substantially constant voltage between electrodes extending across the treatment region is disclosed. The method includes positioning a treatment region of a subject between first and second electrodes connected to a generator operable to generate a signal that is substantially a sinusoid having a wavelength ? to thereby create an alternating electric field. The treatment region is positioned adjacent at least one point on the first electrode that is located a distance of ¼? or ¼? plus a multiple of ½? from the generator such that a substantially constant voltage is provided between the first and second electrodes. The method also includes activating the generator to apply the alternating electric field between the first and second electrodes and across the treatment region to thereby heat the treatment region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating a treatment region of a subject via the application of an alternating electric field is disclosed. The method includes positioning a treatment region of a subject between a first electrode and a second electrode sized to extend across the treatment region. The first and second electrodes are connected to a generator operable to apply an alternating electric field between the electrodes at a frequency in the range of 1 MHz to 100 MHz. The method also includes activating the generator to apply the alternating electric field between the first and second electrodes and across the treatment region. The alternating electric field causes movement of polar molecules in the treatment region whereby friction resulting from this molecular movement translates into heat throughout the treatment region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating a treatment region of a subject by providing a substantially constant current across the treatment region is disclosed. The method includes positioning the treatment region between first and second electrodes connected to a generator operable to apply an alternating electric field between the electrodes. The method also includes displacing any air located between the treatment region and the first and second electrodes with one or more flowable materials that allow a substantially constant current to pass between the first and second electrodes and through the treatment region. The method further includes activating the generator to apply the alternating electric field between the first and second electrodes and across the treatment region to thereby heat the treatment region.

Abstract: Devices and methods for shaping an ablation treatment volume formed in fluid enhanced ablation therapy are provided. The devices and methods disclosed herein utilize the interaction of fluids to create ablation treatment volumes having a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, a method for forming an ablation treatment volume having a desired shape includes delivering therapeutic energy to tissue to form an ablation treatment volume and simultaneously delivering a first fluid and a second fluid to the tissue. The first and second fluids can convect the therapeutic energy in a desired direction such that the ablation treatment volume has a desired shape.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel hygienic-therapeutic or personal care devices that are based upon intense far-infrared sources in which radiation is generated by novel conductive materials. The conductive materials are specially designed and made to radiate ten to thousands times more intense far-infrared radiation than typical conductive materials, and such strong far-infrared radiation is achieved with high, typically greater than 90%, conversion efficiency of energy to radiation. The radiation properties of the proposed conductive materials do not follow the Wien's law (“black body” law). The devices are intended to be used in therapy, medicine, cosmetic technology, hygiene technology, or household use.

Abstract: Skin tissue is subjected to thermal energy that creates heating of the area being treated causing pores and follicle ducts to open so that excess oil, sebum, fatty deposits, or other unwanted deposits can be removed. A vacuum device is used to direct suction to the treated skin area helping to remove the unwanted deposits. Patterned thermal modification of tissue is used to expedite healing and minimize pain. The heating is controlled so that no skin tissue is damaged while still providing enough heat to the skin to alter the flow of sebum and destroy bacteria in the treated area.

Abstract: A method for ablation in which a portion of atrial tissue around the pulmonary veins of the heart is ablated by a first elongated ablation component and a second elongated ablation component movable relative to the first ablation component and having means for magnetically attracting the first and second components toward one another. The magnetic means draw the first and second components toward one another to compress the atrial tissue therebetween, along the length of the first and second components and thereby position the device for ablation of the tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: A lighting device for use as a visual indicator in a medical probe is provided. The lighting device includes one or more light emitting elements that are used as a visual status indicator for the medical probe, and a driver circuit that receives current from a power source and drives the light emitting elements. The driver circuit includes a current sensor to sense a current flowing through the light emitting elements, and a shut off switch. The shut off switch shuts off the power source current from the light emitting elements based on the sensed current from the current sensor.

Abstract: A treatment pad for applying heat, cooling or an antiseptic fluid to a subject's body surface incorporates a heat transfer member or a wound treatment member that is adapted to be held in place by application of a vacuum pressure. The heat transfer member may comprise an electrical resistance wire arranged in a serpentine pattern within a housing or, alternatively, may comprise interconnected heat transmissive tubing through which either a heated or a cooled fluid may be made to pass. Alternatively, the pad may contain a gel that can be cooled in a refrigerator or heated in a microwave oven and held in place on the subject's body by application of a vacuum to the assembly. The wound treatment member may comprise a gaseous antiseptic delivery pad held in place on the patient's body by use of a vacuum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating tissue adjacent to a bodily conduit using thermotherapy, while preventing obstructions of the bodily conduit due to edema employs the circulation of warmed fluid to maintain the temperature of the bodily conduit walls and compresses the tissue to be treated to increase the effectiveness of the irradiated heat. An energy-emitting source containing catheter is inserted in a bodily conduit and is positioned in a region of the tissue to be treated so that the energy-emitting source radiates energy to the tissue to be treated. Fluid warmed to over 30° C. is circulated into and through the catheter to warm walls of the bodily conduit adjacent the catheter. The circulated fluid inflates a balloon to a pressure to compress the tissue to be treated. The combination of warmed fluid over 30° C.

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: A thermal therapy device includes a substrate and at least one heating unit arranged on the substrate. The at least one heating unit includes a heating element, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The heating element includes a carbon nanotube film structure and a polymer matrix. The carbon nanotube film structure is substantially parallel to and offset from a central plane of the polymer matrix. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to the carbon nanotube film structure, and control the amount of heat and deformation produced by the carbon nanotube film structure.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing a multielectrode that may be used to record a bioelectrical potential difference at a detection site. The manufacturing process may comprise manufacturing a carrier from multiple thin layers of an insulating material. The manufacturing process may further comprise providing at least one recording electrode of a set of electrode pairs on at least one of the layers of the carrier. Each recording pair may include one active electrode surface and a different reference electrode surface. Also, the manufacturing process may further comprise folding, fastening, and gluing the layers of the insulating material to one another.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the treatment of skin lesions resulting from bacterial, fungal or viral infections or from exposure to irritants are disclosed. The invention relates methods and devices for delivering a controlled dose of thermal energy to the infected or irritated tissue and thereby speed the recovery process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating current lost through a patient during a treatment of a patient using an electromagnetic energy delivery system is disclosed. The system generates electromagnetic energy, contacts a skin surface of the patient, transfers the electromagnetic energy to tissue beneath the surface of the skin, detects a value of at least one characteristic of the electromagnetic energy utilizing synchronous undersampling, and calculates the current lost through the patient. The characteristic measured may be a value of current of the electromagnet energy. An adjustable matching network may be utilized to maximize power to the tissue of the patient. Values of the impedance of the matching network may be utilized to determine the electromagnetic energy delivered to the tissue of the patient. A current correction factor is determined from the impedance of the matching network and utilized to calculate the current lost through the patient.