Abstract: Various embodiments of multielectrode radiofrequency (RF) ablation probes are described herein that disclose methods and apparatus for improved control and predictability of the size and shape of RF thermal electrocoagulations. The features of the invention include the ability to make irregularly shaped ablations in order to conform to irregularly shaped target tissue volumes, and to make very large ablations without the requirement for electrode cooling.

Abstract: A method for generating and updating a three-dimensional representation of a surgical site based on imaging data from an imaging system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating a first image of the surgical site based on structured electromagnetic radiation emitted from the imaging system, receiving a second image of the surgical site, aligning the first image and the second image, generating a three-dimensional representation of the surgical site based on the first image and the second image as aligned, displaying the three-dimensional representation on a display screen, receiving a user selection to manipulate the three-dimensional representation, and updating the three-dimensional representation as displayed on the display screen from a first state to a second state according to the received user selection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The methods include evaluating a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and determining the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (sympathetic or parasympathetic or none) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using said method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.

Abstract: A probe tip assembly includes an optical fiber for channeling light energy and a straightening tube circumscribing at least a portion of the optical fiber. The straightening tube is moveable between a first position and a second position. The tip assembly also includes a guiding member circumscribing the optical fiber and the straightening tube. The guiding member includes a curvable portion configurable between a pre-formed curved state and a straightened state, wherein, as the straightening tube is retracted from the first position to the second position, the guiding member transitions from its straightened state to its pre-formed curved state. An external surface of the straightening tube contacts an internal surface of the guiding member when the straightening tube is in the first position and the guiding member is in the straightened state.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for inductively heating a tissue to effect a biological response in the tissue or in a biomolecule comprising the same. The methods and devices comprise means for applying a high frequency alternating magnetic field via an inductive coil comprising an applicator to the tissue and means for monitoring feedback from the alternating magnetic field to control and/or adjust heat, for example, in the tissue, which further includes a means for cooling the tissue. Particularly, the device may be a hand held piece that incorporates or has at least an applicator, including a radiofrequency energy generator and output, an inductive coil, an impedance matching system, a cooling system, including a thermally conductive surface and a coolant housing containing a coolant that circulates through the thermally conductive surface, and a feedback monitor. Optionally, the device may comprise a tissue-shaper.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a tissue with an electric treatment by rotating a pattern of electrodes partway through a treatment is disclosed. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses to treat tissue, including treating skin disorders, by selectively de-nucleating epidermal cells without provoking a significant inflammatory response, e.g., without increasing the density of leukocytes in the treated skin, and without affecting the non-cellular components of the dermis.

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: An improved bi-directional steerable catheter is provided. The catheter generally comprises a catheter body, tip section and control handle. The catheter further comprises first and second puller wires extending from the control handle, through the catheter body and into the tip section. The control handle has deflection means for each puller wire that include a gear, and a carrier to which the proximal end of a puller wire is anchored. The gear is rotatably coupled to a lever controlled by an operator and the gear engages the carrier such that rotation of the gear by the lever results in longitudinal movement of the carrier, which results in deflection of the tip section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrode assembly, an in-ear headphone, an in-ear headphone pair, and an electrode pair assembly, each for non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. Each of the foregoing items includes a first electrode and a second electrode. An electrode assembly configured for insertion into an ear of a user includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a shim positioned therebetween. An in-ear headphone or headphone pair may include the electrode assembly with a housing and a waveform generator. An electrode pair assembly may include a first electrode configured for insertion into a first ear of a user, and a second electrode configured for insertion into a second ear of the user. Certain embodiments further include audio components positioned within a housing of at least one in-ear headphone to deliver audio stimulation through a central channel of a first electrode or second electrode, respectively.

Abstract: A high-frequency treatment device according to the present invention can comprise: a handpiece; a plurality of needles formed on one side of the handpiece so as to be able to come out and retract, and receiving a high-frequency current; and a pressing part disposed in the coming out and retracting direction of the plurality of needles, and tensing the skin by applying a predetermined pressure to the skin. The high-frequency treatment device according to the present invention has an effect of enabling pain occurring due to the insertion of a plurality of conventional needles to be alleviated by adjusting the tension of a patient's skin before inserting a plurality of needles such that the needles are smoothly inserted into the skin.

Abstract: An electrode assembly (1) for an active implantable medical device comprising: an elongated, biocompatible, electrically non-conductive body (3) having a first portion (7) and a second portion (9); one or more biocompatible, electrically conductive filaments (5) inside the elongated non-conductive body (3) between the first portion (7) and the second portion (9); and one or more fluid passages (11) along the elongated electrically non-conductive body (3) between the first portion (7) and second portion (9), wherein the one or more fluid passages (11) allow a surrounding fluid (13) of a patient to be in electrical contact with the one or more conductive filaments (5). There is also disclosed a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly.

Abstract: Described here are methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may also be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.

Abstract: A skin treatment device used for cellulite treatment, skin tightening or body contouring which combines negative pressure treatment and RF treatment, where the RF treatment uses variable frequencies during a treatment cycle.

Abstract: Medical devices for sympathetic nerve modulation are disclosed. An example medical device for sympathetic nerve modulation may include a catheter shaft having a distal region. An expandable member may be coupled to the distal region. A flexible circuit assembly may be attached to the expandable member. The flexible circuit assembly may include a first electrode strip, a second electrode strip, and a sensor strip disposed between the first electrode strip and the second electrode strip. The first electrode strip may include a first electrode. The second electrode strip may include a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may define a pair of bipolar electrodes.

Abstract: A vapor delivery needle and method is provided that is adapted for treating prostate cancer. The energy delivery probe can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a peripheral zone tissue in a human prostate. In one method, a needle is introduced into peripheral zone tissue of a human prostate, and vapor media is delivered through the needle to ablate peripheral zone tissue without ablating non-peripheral zone tissue. Systems for treating prostate cancer with vapor therapy are also provided.

Abstract: An interstitial laser therapy control system is disclosed. The control system includes a thermistor controller apparatus, a microprocessor, a storage device, at least one input device, a display, an electro-mechanical shutter switch, an electro-mechanical emergency shutoff switch, and an electro-mechanical master power switch. The microprocessor is configured to monitor temperatures detected by one or more thermistors connected to the thermistor controller. Based on the temperatures, the microprocessor determines when treatment has been successful and when application of laser energy needs to be halted. The control system also enables an operator to pause and resume treatment using the input device. The electro-mechanical shutter switch sends a signal to a laser source to close a shutter on the laser. The electro-mechanical emergency stop button causes power to be cut off to the laser source.

Abstract: Application systems, disposable interface assemblies and methods for cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich tissue. One embodiment of an application system includes a cooling unit, a cryoprotectant vessel, a contact member and an array of selectively addressable heating elements. The cryoprotectant vessel is configured to contain a fluidic cryoprotectant such that at least a portion of the cryoprotectant is cooled by the cooling unit to a desired base temperature. The contact member is attached to the cryoprotectant vessel and includes a backside in contact with the cryoprotectant and a front side opposite the backside. The contact member is configured to allow the cryoprotectant to flow from the backside to the front side. The array of selectively addressable heating elements is carried by the contact member.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more thermal waveforms to the vestibular system and/or the nervous system of a patient. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a vestibular stimulation device configured both to generate a prescription for delivering one or more thermal waveforms and to deliver the prescribed thermal waveforms.

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

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a needle configured as a first electrode and a coil extending through the needle and configured as a second electrode. The coil is movable relative to the needle, and as the coil is deployed it attains a coiled configuration and a twisted configuration. After the needle and the coil are inserted into tissue and energized with an electrical energy source, the needle and the coil apply current to the tissue to coagulate the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical knife has been developed. The knife includes a blade with an edge that contacts tissue of a patient and a differential amplifier circuit that provides a signal of voltage and current to the blade at a certain frequency and waveform. The device also includes an output monitor feedback circuit that monitors frequency and amplitude data from the differential amplifier circuit and a return monitor feedback circuit that monitors that monitors frequency and amplitude data from the tissue of the patient. The device has a microprocessor that receives the frequency and amplitude data from the output monitor and the return monitor and adjust the voltage, frequency and waveform provided by the differential amplifier.

Abstract: A system for monitoring biosignals of a user includes a first end region, positionable proximate a first ear of a user and including a first sensor array; a second end region, positionable proximate a second ear of the user and including a second sensor array; an intermediate region, positionable on a neck region of the user; a coupling element configured to couple the first and second end regions to the intermediate region; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element. The first attachment element couples the first end region to a head-mounted accessory and the second attachment element couples the second end region to the head-mounted accessory. The first end region includes a first electrode and the second end region includes a second electrode, such that there is a fixed distance between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Methods for treating dyspnea with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated system and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods that block, reduce, and/or inhibit renal sympathetic nerve activity to achieve a reduction in central sympathetic tone. Renal sympathetic nerve activity may be altered or modulated along the afferent and/or efferent pathway. The achieved reduction in central sympathetic tone may carry therapeutic benefits for patients with dyspnea.

Abstract: A dental light having an array of light emitting diode (LED) assemblies, at least one first LED assembly having at least one first LED element configured to emit light according to a first spectral distribution, a conversion phosphor configured to convert at least a portion of the first spectral distribution. At least one filter is fixed within said converted light, the filter configured to block at least a portion thereof. The array includes at least one second LED element configured to emit light according to a second spectral distribution, wherein light having the filtered spectral distribution is selectively emitted from said array in a first mode and from both the filtered and second spectral distributions in a second mode.

Abstract: A stereotactic system with customizable and interoperable components for implantation of intracranial implants is provided. The stereotactic system can include a NeuroHat stereotactic device that attaches directly to the skull of an animal subject to protect chronic intracranial implants without interfering with the normal activities of the animal subject. The stereotactic system can also include a drill guide for accurate placement of burr holes and implant shuttles designed to be interoperable with other components of the NeuroHat stereotactic device for accurate placement and secureability.

Abstract: Embodiments of medical treatment including skin treatment using electrical energy, especially with the primary purpose for skin treatment for aesthetics are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for contactless skin treatment use feedback power control for non-invasive treatment of skin and human tissue. Electromagnetic energy heats skin or tissue. A feedback system measures an output physical quantity before the output of electromagnetic waves from the device into the patient. Alternatively the feedback system scans values of a physical quantity on or near the patient. The devices and methods allow for delivering the optimum amount of energy to the patient while reducing the thermal load of the device.

Abstract: Devices, components, apparatus, and/or methods for using and making a combination spinal disk herniation repositioning and radiofrequency apparatus (RFA) or device that uses one or more repositioning probes and one or more needles/electrodes, wherein the device's probe repositions, and the electrode or needle treats or ablates, an injured, torn, herniated, or displaced vertebral disc propulus and/or nucleus, and wherein one or more side probes or needles are used to reposition or treat the spinal disk herniation, optionally followed by medicine/ozone therapy of the disc being treated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to neuromuscular stimulation and sensing cuffs. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff has at least two fingers and a plurality of electrodes disposed on each finger. More generally, the neuromuscular stimulation cuff includes an outer, reusable component and an inner, disposable component. One or more electrodes are housed within the reusable component. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff may be produced by providing an insulating substrate layer, forming a conductive circuit on the substrate layer to form a conductive circuit layer, adhering a cover layer onto the conductive circuit layer to form a flexible circuit, and cutting at least one flexible finger from the flexible circuit. The neuromuscular stimulation cuff employs a flexible multi-electrode design which allows for reanimation of complex muscle movements in a patient, including individual finger movement.

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: A system and method for providing additional power to a hand-held surgical device from a supplemental DC power supply. The hand-held surgical device includes a generator and an internal power supply. The internal power supply is a battery or a capacitor either which can withstand a high-temperature and/or a low-temperature sterilization procedure while within the hand-held surgical device. The supplemental DC power supply can provide alone or in combination with the internal power supply sufficient power to the generator to perform an electrosurgical procedure. The supplemental DC power supply is connected through a detachable cord to the hand-held surgical device. The DC power supply may be outside a sterile surgical environment.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating a volume of material by concurrently conveying acoustic energy and depositing thermal energy using a unipolar RF (radio-frequency) field. Also disclosed are devices suitable for concurrently conveying acoustic energy and depositing thermal energy using a unipolar RF (radio-frequency) field into the same volume of material. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods and devices are implemented for the treatment of subcutaneous fat.

Abstract: A system and method for determining location of a fluid leak at a drape of a reduced pressure delivery system being used on a tissue site of a patient may include applying a reduced pressure to the tissue site of the patient. The drape may be imaged to generate image data, and a determination of a location of a fluid leak of the drape may be made from the image data. As a result of the determination of the location of the fluid leak, the drape may be corrected. The imaging may be made in a non-visible spectrum. The non-visible spectrum may be in an IR spectrum or UV spectrum. In one embodiment, a fluid, such as compressed air, may be applied to the dressing via the interface between the drape and tissue of the patient to improve imaging in the non-visible spectrum.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes a housing and a handle for gripping by a user, an end effector coupled to the handle and having at least one electrical contact, a battery, and a radio frequency (RF) generation circuit coupled to and operated by the battery. The RF generation circuit is operable to generate an RF drive signal and to provide the RF drive signal to the at least one electrical contact, wherein the RF generation circuit is supported by the housing. The RF generation circuit includes a resonant circuit that includes at least one inductive element constructed of litz wire.

Abstract: A cutting device includes an elongated shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A lower portion extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft and includes an outer surface and an inner surface spaced apart from the outer surface which together form a blunt end configured as a stop so as to protect adjacent tissue. An upper portion extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft and including an inner surface. The upper portion is configured so as to be disposed opposite the lower portion. A cutting element is disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion and is configured for retractable extension beyond the distal end of the elongated shaft so as to contact tissue.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment of a thoracic region of a patient's body. Embodiments of the method comprise positioning an energy delivery portion of an electrosurgical device to face a segment of a thoracic vertebra at a distance from the segment; and cooling the energy delivery portion and delivering energy through the energy delivery portion.

Abstract: NMES systems and methods for stimulating muscle tissue, and in some embodiments deep muscle tissue. The impedance near the surface of the skin is controllably increased to increase the percentage of energy delivered to a subject that stimulates muscle tissue.

Abstract: A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the application of energy to tissue using measurements of impedance are described. The impedance, correlated to the temperature, may be set at a desired level, such as a percentage of initial impedance. The set impedance may be a function of the initial impedance, the size and spacing of the electrodes, the size of a targeted passageway, and so on. The set impedance may then be entered into a PID algorithm or other control loop algorithm in order to extract a power to be applied to a treatment device.

Abstract: A circuit (51) for applying heat and electrical stimulation comprises a substrate (500). The substrate (500) comprises an electrode (514) for applying electrical stimulation and a heating element (502). At least one of the electrode (514) and the heating element (502) comprises an electrically conducting region patterned on a surface of the substrate (500). The substrate (500) can be flexible.

Abstract: A method of treating a skin tissue relief feature (3) in mammalian, in particular human, skin tissue (1) is provided. The method comprises the steps of: determining a perimeter (4) of the relief feature and inducing contraction of skin tissue areas (5) present on opposite sides of the relief feature in positions adjacent to respective portions of the perimeter in a direction of contraction substantially parallel to a skin surface and substantially normal to the respective portions of the perimeter. A system is also provided comprising a radio-frequency source (9) and an applicator with a roller.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

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: An electrosurgical ablation system includes an energy source adapted to supply energy to an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device includes a handle assembly configured to couple a pair of antennas extending from a distal end thereof to the energy source for application of energy to tissue. A power splitting device is operatively associated with the handle assembly and has an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a pair of output channels operably coupled to the respective pair of antennas. A phase shifter is operatively associated with the handle assembly and is operably coupled to the pair of output channels. The phase shifter is configured to selectively shift a phase relationship between the pair of output channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating masses, such as prostate or breast cancer, or any other soft tissue cancerous or benign mass, employs a unique, three-dimensional software-controlled electronic amplifier array using arbitrary waveforms that dynamically and proportionally steer electrical currents by using two or more current vector paths, sequentially or simultaneously, through a mass containing electrically-conductive ionic solutions so as to obtain 100% thermal beating or hyperthermia through the mass, and destroying it with a minimally-invasive treatment which requires no radiation or chemotherapy which could be harmful to the patient.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for multi-vessel neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the multi-vessel neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation optionally may be performed bilaterally.

Abstract: Approaches for percutaneous blepharoplasty are provided. An electrosurgical device includes: a hand-piece; a tip connected to the hand-piece; and two needles extending from a distal end of the tip. The hand-piece is structured and arranged to connect to an electrical energy source, and to convey electrical energy from the electrical energy source to the needles in a percutaneous blepharoplasty procedure.

Abstract: Hypertension is treated in a patient by implanting an ablation stent in a renal artery of the patient. Energy is transmitted to the ablation stent to induce heating of the ablation stent, which causes ablation of a renal sympathetic nerve present on the outside of the portion of the renal artery comprising the ablation stent. A preferred ablation stent is in the form of an N-turn coil of an electrically conductive wire forming a meander structure. The respective ends of the wire are electrically connected to each other.

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