Abstract: Device for administering heat to a cavity, tissue or vessel, characterised in that it takes the form of an insulated copper wire over the length of which is crimped a tube having a resistivity of more than 20 ??·cm, the copper wire (1) is in contact with the said tube at its distal extremity, the tube is enclosed over part of its length by at least one movable cylinder having an electrical resistance of less than 20 ??·cm, and the movable cylinder and the copper wire have means for connection to a current generator.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

Abstract: A biostimulation apparatus of the present invention includes a laser oscillator for oscillating an ultra short pulsed laser beam and an optical system for focusing the ultra short pulsed laser beam, wherein the ultra short pulsed laser beam is focused by the optical system at a target portion of a living subject to cause the target portion to be irradiated with the laser beam to stimulate an acupuncture point, and wherein the target portion is either the acupuncture point or its periphery.

Abstract: A radio-frequency electrode that is specially configured to provide a reasonably uniform electric field distribution at the skin surface of a patient being treated to improve the skin appearance. Harmful burning is avoided by employing one of the following four features: pre-applying to the skin a thermal gel, a known thermally and electrically-conductive material, using low radio-frequency power at 3.8-4 MHz, relying on the natural cooling provided by a highly conductive electrode material, and continuously moving the electrode while in contact with the skin. Preferably, all four features are combined in carrying out the cosmetic procedure of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the highly conductive electrode material is an alloy comprised mainly of silver with a small percentage of ingredients added to strengthen the silver alloy electrode and preserve its luster and the active surface of the electrode is configured as a section of a sphere, or as dome shaped.

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

Abstract: A method and system for heating a skin area surface of an individual from an initial temperature to a treatment temperature in a treatment time period exceeding 0.5 sec, where the treatment temperature is in the range of 40°-60° C. An RF generator provides a continuous wave RF voltage energy or a quasi-continuous wave RF voltage across first and second electrode, where at least the first electrode is associated with an applicator that is displaced over the skin surface. The system further includes a skin temperature measuring device or an applicator displacement speed measuring device; and a CPU that monitors a skin temperature or an applicator displacement speed. The CPU turns off the RF energy when the skin temperature is above a predetermined temperature or the displacement speed of the applicator is below a predetermined speed, in order to prevent overheating of the skin.

Abstract: A catheter and catheter system may be used to treat disease tissue by gentle heating in combination with gentle or standard dilation. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable balloon having a plurality of electrodes engage tissue including diseased tissue when the structure expands.

Abstract: A device for cosmetic treatment of human skin, including: a needle for inserting into the skin; a DC power source electrically connected to the needle for providing negative current to the needle; an anode that is electrically connected to the DC power source to receive positive current, and that is adapted to be placed in contact with the skin of the person into which the needle is inserted to form a closed electrical circuit; at least one RF transmitter coupled to the needle for radiating the area around where the needle is inserted to provide heat while the needle is deployed.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

Abstract: A device for extracting an implanted elongated structure from biological tissue comprises a sheath having a plurality of lumens therein opening to the sheath distal end. First and second lumens are disposed along a wall of the sheath, and a third lumen is dimensioned to receive the elongated structure. The sheath wall having the first and second lumens disposed therein is alternately compressible and expandable responsive to a bend along a bending zone of the sheath. A first wire segment is positioned in the first lumen, and a second wire segment is positioned in the second lumen, wherein the respective proximal ends of the segments are affixed proximal to the bending zone. The respective wire segments extend distally in the respective first or second lumen a first distance beyond the distal end of the sheath when the bend compresses the wall surface generally adjacent the first and second lumens, and extend distally a second distance, less than the first distance, when the bend expands the wall surface.

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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating congestive heart failure, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such 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, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for bilateral renal neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such 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, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating end-stage renal disease, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such 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, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: A new non-invasive approach is proposed that contemplates a method and apparatus to utilize two- or three-dimensional treatment patterns with a reverse thermal gradient to non-invasively heat a subjacent soft tissue structure through an intact tissue surface or an intact surface epithelium for clinical applications. For most clinical applications, an electromagnetic energy source with surface cooling is employed to heat the treatment patterns. Without limitation, the clinical applications include but are not limited to the treatment of post partum vaginal laxity, female incontinence, cervical incompetence with preterm labor, gastro-esophageal reflux, reduction of gastric reservoir capacity (for weight management), sleep apnea, snoring, pain management and the treatment of orthopedic injuries such as joint laxity and tennis elbow.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such 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, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

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: The invention provides an applicator for skin treatment having one or more RF electrodes. An article is located between the electrodes, such as a roller or flexible belt containing one or more protruding pins electrically isolated from the RF electrodes. The invention also provides a system for skin treatment comprising the applicator of the invention and a control unit. The invention further provides a method of treating skin disorders in which a section of the skin is heated while, essentially simultaneously, piercing one or more holes in the heated section of the skin. The method of the invention may be used, for example, in collagen remodeling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating skin conditions that deliver high frequency energy to a patient's tissue. The apparatus has a treatment tip configured to be removably coupled with a handpiece and a conduit inside the handpiece. The treatment tip includes an electrode configured to deliver the high frequency energy to a region of the tissue, a channel for circulating heat transfer fluid proximate to the electrode, and an inlet passage to the channel. The conduit includes a tubular sidewall with a lumen used to transfer the heat transfer fluid from the handpiece to the inlet passage of the treatment tip. When the treatment tip is coupled to the handpiece, a septum covering the inlet passage is configured to be pierced by the conduit to define an opening for coupling the conduit with the inlet passage. When the treatment tip is removed from the handpiece, the septum substantially seals the opening.

Abstract: A surface electrode for ablating tissue is provided. The surface electrode comprises a base, a plurality of tissue penetrating needle electrodes extending from the surface of the base an adjustable distance, and an electrical interface coupled to the plurality of needle electrodes. The adjustability of the needle electrodes allows the depth that the needle electrodes penetrate through tissue to be adjusted.

Abstract: A heating device for an article specially worn in the water activities includes a magnetic unit, a power source unit, an inductive unit, a control unit, a heating unit, and a display unit. In this device, the magnetic unit is to generate a magnetic output. The power source unit is to provide a power source needed by the device. The inductive unit, induced by the magnetic force of the magnetic unit, generates an inductive signal output. The control unit, electrically connected to the power source unit and the inductive unit, generates a control signal output by receiving an inductive signal output from the inductive unit. The heating unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is driven by the control signal output from the control unit to process a heating procedure.

Abstract: A trans-septal guide catheter for providing access through the septum separating a first heart chamber from a second heart chamber that includes an elongated guide catheter body extending between guide catheter proximal and distal ends. A distal segment of the guide catheter is adapted to be inserted through the septum to locate the distal segment of the guide catheter within one of the first heart chamber and the second heart chamber. The catheter body encloses a guide catheter lumen adapted to provide access into the one of the first heart chamber and the second heart chamber through a guide catheter lumen proximal end opening and a guide catheter lumen distal end opening. A retention mechanism engages the septum and maintains the distal segment of the guide catheter extending into the one of the first heart chamber and the second heart chamber.

Abstract: A percutaneous method treats degenerate disc disease characterized by a circumferential bulge. The method provides a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis, the distal end having an intradiscal section with at least one energy delivery device. The next step is applying a force longitudinally to the proximal end of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through a nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus, but which force is insufficient for the intradiscal section to puncture the annulus fibrosus. Next the energy delivery device is positioned at a selected location of the annulus by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter. The thermal energy delivery device is positioned adjacent the annulus and used to heat and stiffen the disc. Optionally, there is an additional step of adding a substance to reinforce the area.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for sealing tissue such as melding the two flaps of the foramen ovale together without the need for a permanent implant or closing openings in vessels.

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: Probes that are sensitive to electrode/tissue contact and that are configured to connect an electrode to a power supply and/or provide an indication when the desired level of electrode/tissue contact has been achieved.

Abstract: A radio frequency diathermy application device, including a flexible pad and a flexible coil structure coupled to and supported by the pad The flexible coil structure has a flexible spiral-like primary winding and a flexible spiral-like secondary winding coupled to the primary winding, the primary and secondary windings each substantially lying in separate substantially parallel planes when the pad is in an unflexed state.

Abstract: A probe system and method for treating an intervertebral disc of a patient are disclosed. A probe has a cannula having an open end defined at a distal end and adapted to couple to a power source. A stylet fits into the cannula so that a distal end of the stylet occludes the open end at the distal end of the cannula. The probe system also includes a pressure monitoring apparatus coupled to the stylet, with the stylet including a pressure sensor in proximity to the distal end of the stylet. The pressure sensor communicates with the pressure monitoring apparatus to measure the pressure of the intervertebral disc. The power source delivers power to the distal end of the cannula, causing heating of the disc when the distal end of the cannula is disposed within the disc, thereby relieving patient pain associated with the disc.

Abstract: A living-tissue normalization method and therapeutic device. The method includes intermittently flowing a slight direct current through a living body or living tissue at predetermined regular intervals to thereby activate a normalization mechanism of said living body or living tissue through the intermediary of protein. The therapeutic device includes a resistance provided between a pair of electrodes and current control arranged so that electrically conductive layers of a pair of pad elements are intermittently supplied with a slight direct current at predetermined regular intervals, and so that the pair of electrodes are supplied with a direct current.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used quickly and accurately by surgeons to provide uniform facial tissue planes that are tunnel-free and wall-free thus optimizing face lifting, tightening, and implant delivery. The device is comprised of a shaft with a substantially planar tip further comprised of relative protrusions and energized relative recession lysing segments. Forward motion of the device precisely divides and energizes various tissue planes causing contraction, especially via the fibrous tissues. Other forms of energy and matter can be delivered down the shaft to further enhance desirable tissue modification and contraction.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure.

Abstract: A procedure employing non-ablative radio-frequency energy for improving the appearance of eyelids or the performance of eyelid blepharoplasty, and the monopolar electrode used in the procedure. The electrode is specially configured to provide a reasonably uniform electric field distribution at the skin surface when applied transconjunctivally on the inner surfaces of the upper or lower lids being treated. Preferably, the active end of the electrode forms a generally rectangular upward-facing platform. While RF electrosurgical currents are applied to the electrode, the platform surface is moved back and forth across and in contact with the tissue.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating an aneurysm or vascular defect by cooling a target tissue region of the aneurysm or vascular defect to a temperature below body temperature for a preselected time period. The method entails thickening, strengthening, or increasing the density of a blood vessel wall by cooling the blood vessel wall with a cryogenically cooled device. The method also includes irradiating the inner wall of a blood vessel around an aneurysm or vascular defect with various forms of energy to delay or halt aneurysm or vascular defect formation. An energy-emitting element is disposed on the distal end portion of a catheter device to be disposed proximate the aneurysm. Various forms of energy, including visible light energy, laser light energy, ultrasound, microwave and radiofrequency sources may be used to irradiate and treat the aneurysm.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and a system for thermally-assisted pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for treatment of osteoarthritis are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a multi-coil applicator adapted for positioning near or around of the treated joint, a pulse generator functionally coupled to the applicator, a power supply, and a feedback loop for stabilizing the temperature of the joint. The feedback loop includes a heating element, a temperature sensor and an electronic controller for maintaining the temperature of the joint in the range of 38 to 42 degree C. At elevated temperatures the healing effect of PEMF stimulation on the cartilage is maximized and overall efficiency of the treatment is improved. To produce a high electric field, the coils of the applicator are made with a low number of turns, for example less than 5 turns, and are spatially arranged to cover the whole joint without “dead” zones.

Abstract: A catheter includes a first plurality of expandable leads and a second plurality of expandable leads separate and longitudinally spaced-apart from the first plurality to deliver energy to a hollow anatomical structure, such as vein, fallopian tube, hemorrhoid, esophageal varix, to effectively ligate that structure. Each of the leads includes an electrode located at the distal end of the respective electrode lead. Polarizations of the leads may be selected to achieve the power distribution desired. Each electrode lead includes an outward bend such that when a movable sheath is moved out of contact with the leads, they expand outwardly into apposition with an inner wall of the structure to be ligated. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating device for low voltage thermal therapy in which a heating layer is provided on the protector body and a lead wire is extended from the heating layer, a terminal being provided on the lead wire which is connected with the terminal of a thermostat. With this structure, low voltage direct current is supplied to the heating layer for generating heat required and temperature is regulated by the thermostat such that restoration effect on the injury condition of affected part is further enhanced.

Abstract: A cardiac catheter for minimally invasive diagnostic and/or ablation procedures includes an elongated cylindrical, electrically non-conductive exterior tube with surface electrodes disposed on its distal portion and a handle on its proximal end. The distal portion can be curved into a curvature retained by a single action on a manual actuator. An electromechanical drive system may be incorporated into the handle. An electrical heating element may be incorporated within the distal electrode for ablation procedures. A removable, disposable blood contacting segment may be provided. The non-blood contacting actuator is thus reusable. The catheter includes two tension/compression members, which are wires with circular cross-sections that are integrally formed into ribbon-like configurations at their distal portions, for curvature formation.

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

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

Abstract: A breathable electrical heater element for a topical application device such as a wound dressing or a therapeutic heating pad is disclosed. The heater element is formed by photochemically etching a track pattern onto a porous metallised fabric (e.g. nickel coated woven polyester). The heater element has a skin or wound contact layer laminated to the front face of the heater element. An adhesive layer is laminated to the back face of the heater element. The adhesive layer forms an overhang to provide an adhesive border around the wound contact layer to adhere the device to the skin of a patient. Therapeutically active drugs (optionally microencapsulated) may be incorporated into the skin or wound contact layer. Operation of the heater element causes the skin or wound contact layer to release the active drugs to the skin or wound of the patient. Appropriate control of the temperature of the heater element allows control of the release of the active drugs.

Abstract: A novel femtosecond laser nano-ablation technique called Plasmonic Laser Nano-Ablation (PLN). The technique takes advantage of surface-enhanced plasmonic scattering of ultrashort laser pulses by nanoparticles to vaporize sub-cellular structures in attoliter volumes. The use of nanoparticles may overcome problems associated with current FLMS techniques and does not rely on heating for nanodisruption. In PLN, the particle acts as a “nano-lens,” restricting laser light to the near-field of the particle, and only photodisrupting structures that are nanometers away. This eliminates the need for a tightly focused beam, while still achieving nanoscale ablation resolution. Moreover, the enhanced scattering around the particles reduces the amount of required laser fluence.

Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for treating tissue at a target site of a patient. An electrosurgical instrument includes a shaft, having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end, and an electrode assembly disposed at the shaft distal end. The electrode assembly includes at least one active electrode disposed on an electrode support. The instrument is adapted for coupling to a high frequency power supply or electrosurgical generator. Each active electrode is adapted for removing tissue from a target site and/or for localized coagulation of the target tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument is adapted for laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.

Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.