EINHEIT AUS BEHEIZTER SPITZE UND KATHETER

DEHNBARE KRYOCHIRURGISCHE SONDENHÜLLE

Energy delivery device for endovascular occlusion

An energy delivery guide wire 10 comprises a guide wire proximal portion 12, a guide wire distal portion 14 and an energy delivery tip 16 extending fromthe distal portion. The energy delivery tip has a proximal tip end 18 and a distal tip end 20. The guide wire distal portion 14 extends in a first direction in an unbiased condition and the energy delivery tip 16 extends in a second direction different from the first direction and is preferably curved. The distal tip end 20 is accordingly offset relative to the first direction bybetween 10 to 50% of the tip length. The energy delivery tip is preferably an electrode capable of heating tissue to cause ablation and thereby occlusion of blood vessels. The electrode may be formed with an electrically conductive core and an external conductive wire coil. The curvature of the guide wire is configured to contact a vessel wall 15 at a first contact point 26 at the proximal tip of the energy delivery tip and a second contact point 28 at the distal ...

Electronsurgical instrument

KRYOGENI DEVICE

COAGULATION INSTRUMENT

EQUIPMENT FOR ABLATION WITH BF

NICHTINVASIVE DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR SHRINKING FABRICS

FLEXIBLE KRYOCHIRURGI PROBE COVERING

MEDICAL PROBE WITH MECHANISM FOR OPTICAL OBSERVATION

DEVICES, PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE RATIONALISATION OF FABRIC

Electrothermal device for coagulating, sealing and cutting tissue during surgery

System and method for mitigtating rising impedance via a pump assembly during use of cooled radiofrequency probes

A method of treating tissue of a patient's body includes providing a power source coupled to at least one probe assembly. The probe assembly includes an elongate member with a distal region and a proximal region. The distal region has an electrically and thermally-conductive energy delivery device for delivering one of electrical and radiofrequency energy to the patient's body. The electrically and thermally-conductive energy delivery device has one or more internal lumens for circulating a cooling fluid therethrough and an electrically and thermally-conductive protrusion having a temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing element extends from a distal end of the energy delivery device. The method includes inserting the energy delivery device of the at least one probe assembly into the patient's body. Further, the method includes routing the energy delivery device of the at least one probe assembly to the tissue of the patient's body. The method also includes simultaneously circulating ...

Cryosurgical probe with disposable sheath

Medical probe device with optic viewing capability

Coated bipolar electrocautery

Intravascular arterial to venous anastomosis and tissue welding catheter

A catheter-based device tracks over a guidewire which has been placed from a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel. The distal tip of the catheter is advanced into the second vessel while a proximal member remains in the first vessel. Matching blunt tapered surfaces on each of the distal tip and the proximal member are clamped together, with adjacent walls of each vessel between them, after which a known, controlled pressure is applied between the two surfaces. Heat energy is then applied to the blunt surfaces for approximately 1-30 seconds to weld the wal ls of the two vessels together. After coaptation of the vessel walls, the heat is increased to then cut through the vessel walls to create a fistula of the desired size.

Cryosurgical probe with disposable sheath

THERMOELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED HEAT MEDICAL CATHETER

A system and method are disclosed for providing precisely controlled heating (and cooling in come cases) of a small region of body tissue to effectuate the removal of tumors and deposits, such as atheromatous plaque, without causing damage to healthy surrounding tissue, e.g. arterial walls. Such precisely controlled heating is produced through thermoelectric and resistive heating, and thermoelectric control of a heated probe tip. The system includes a probe tip with N-doped and P-doped legs of semiconductor material, a catheter to which the probe tip is attached for insertion into a patient's body, and a system control mechanism. The probe may be used for reduction and/or removal of atheromatous obstruction in arteries or veins. It may also be used for destruction of diseased tissue and/or tumors in various parts of the body, such as the brain or the bladder. The probe may be configured for either tip heating or for side heating.

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLED RF TREATMENTS AND RF GENERATOR SYSTEM

Electrosurgical systems and components thereof configured to deliver RF energy to a target site of a human or other animal patient with selectable RF energy delivery profiles, temperature sensors and controls, and/or electrodes configured to more uniformly or effectively delivery energy to target tissue.

APPARATUS FOR MAPPING AND COAGULATING SOFT TISSUE IN OR AROUND BODY ORIFICES

A probe that mays be used to create circumferential lesions in body tissue and, in some implementations, may also be used to perform mapping functions. The probe includes a collapsible/expandable structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

EXTENDED TREATMENT ZONE CATHETER

A catheter having an extended treatment zone for cooling tissue is provided. The catheter includes an elongate catheter body having a distal tip, and a fluid injection conduit disposed inside the catheter body defining a return lumen therein. The fluid injection conduit further defines two or more injection orifices including a first distal orifice near the distal tip, and a second orifice longitudinally offset along the fluid injection conduit to be less proximate the distal tip than the first orifice. Fluid cryogen flowing through the orifices creates an extended tissue cooling contour about the distal end portion of the catheter. At least one ECG ring electrode is provided about the catheter body near the second orifice. The catheter may thus provide for electrocardiographic mapping of tissue nodes lying transversely between the distal tip and the ECG ring electrode.

IMPROVED HEAT TRANSFER DURING ABLATION PROCEDURES

Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes an intrabody probe and an electrode coupled to a distal end of the intrabody probe. The electrode includes a flexible electrically-insulating substrate, comprising a substrate surface. The electrode further includes a layer of an electrically-conducting metal covering at least part of the substrate surface. The electrode further includes a metallic sheet, comprising an inner sheet surface, and an outer sheet surface shaped to define multiple depressions. The electrode further includes an adhesive, which fills the depressions and bonds the outer sheet surface to the layer of the electrically-conducting metal. Other embodiments are also described.

ELECTROTHERMAL DEVICE FOR SEALING AND JOINING OR CUTTING TISSUE

A device and method are provided for sealing and joining or cutting tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The device makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The device of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

THERMAL BARRIER FOR SUCTION COAGULATOR

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VARIABLE INJECTION FLOW

Systems and methods for controllably variable fluid flow are disclosed that provide the ability to modify the effective cross-sectional area of the fluid delivery conduit available for fluid flow. Accordingly, selective control of these configurations allows fluid flow to be regulated as desired while the fluid delivery pressure remains the same. Additional configurations provided herein allow for the selective manipulation of a footprint or therapeutic pattern achievable with the medical device during a single procedure, negating the need for the removal and insertion of multiple devices to achieve the same variations in treatment geometry or characteristics.

HOT TIP CATHETER ASSEMBLY

A hot tip catheter assembly (3) is disclosed which resolves atherosclerotic plaque buildup in vivo. The catheter has a heater (12), a cap (14), thermocouple, power leads (22a, 22b), thermocouple leads (20), and a central distal lumen (17) to position the catheter within the artery. The catheter tip has a thin, non-adhesive coating (25) of a hard, heat-conducting material. The thermocouple is used to continuously evaluate the temperature at the tip of the catheter, and the temperature is then regulated by a computer controlled feedback system. The catheter can completely melt the buildup without damage to the artery by direct contact with the plaque, without use of balloon catheter angioplasty. Until further notice, any designation of "DE" in any international application whose international filing date is prior to October 3, 1990, shall have effect in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany with the exception of the territory of the former German Democratic Republic.

TISSUE HEATING AND ABLATION SYSTEM

Systems and methods employ an energy emitting electrode (34) to heat tissue. The systems and methods derive a temperature prediction for a future time period. The systems and methods control the application of energy to the energy emitting electrode (34) based, at least in part, upon the temperature prediction.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ABLATING BODY TISSUE USING PREDICTED MAXIMUM TISSUE TEMPERATURE

This invention is systems and methods that ablate body tissue using an electrode (16) for contacting tissue at a tissue electrode interface to transmit ablation energy at a determinable power level. The systems and methods include an element (50) to remove heat from the electrode (16) at a determinable rate. The systems and methods employ a processing element (98) to derive a prediction of the maximum tissue temperature condition occurring beneath the tissue electrode interface. The processing element (98) controls the power level of ablation energy transmitted by the electrode (16), or the rate at which the electrode (16) is cooled, or both, based, at least in part, upon the maximum tissue temperature prediction.

UVULA, TONSIL, ADENOID AND SINUS TISSUE TREATMENT DEVICE AND METHOD

An apparatus for ablating at least a portion of a uvula includes an electrode means with a proximal end, and an electrode means distal end sharpened sufficiently to pierce an exterior of the uvula without a retainer device supporting the uvula. An advancement and retraction means coupled to the electrode means is configured to advance the electrode means distal end through an exterior surface of the uvula and into an interior region of the uvula. The advancement and retraction means is configured to retract the electrode means distal end from the interior of the uvula. Handle means is coupled to the electrode means proximal end. Cabling means is coupled to the electrode means. The treatment is made by the use of RF energy. Aspiration and infusion means are provided.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING BODY TEMPERATURE

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter (20) is inserted into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion (15) of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, the patient's body temperature may be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia or hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired. The method and system further provide for the cooling of initially hyperthermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been cooled below the desired target temperature.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEDICAL PROBE.

Device and method of medical probe

Medical probe device with optical viewing

La présente invention concerne un dispositif à sonde médicale comprenant un cathéter (2) ayant un logement de guidage de stylet avec au moins une lumière de stylet sur son côté et des moyens de guidage de stylet (6) pour diriger un stylet souple (8) vers l'extérieur au travers d'au moins une lumière de stylet et au travers du tissu intermédiaire vers les tissus cibles, un stylet positionné dans au moins un desdits moyens de guidage de stylet et un moyen de vision optique disposé dans le logement de guidage de stylet ayant un champ de vision qui s'étend au moins à l'extrémité du logement de guidage de stylet.

Ablation element with conductive liner

Hemostatic Surgical Blade, System and Method of Blade Manufacture and Method of Use

A hemostatic surgical blade is formed of five symmetrically layers. A martensitic stainless steel core with oppositely disposed faces is bonded to layers exhibiting a high thermal conductivity which, in turn, are supported by buttressing layers of austenitic stainless steel. A thin aluminum layer is deposited on one side of blade blanks to enable chemical reaction bonding to electrically insulative dielectric inks formulated for use with aluminum substrates. The blade is heated by a blade heating circuit that is manufactured by thick-film printing and firing an electrically resistive heating element layer and an electrically conductive leads on an electrically insulative dielectric layer with all layers subsequently covered by a thick-film printed electrically insulative dielectric overcoat. Tissue contacting portions of blade are coated with a very thin non-stick coating. The surgical blade operates at a temperature below the threshold for pyrolysis and/or thermal decomposition of human ...

Hypothermic linear surgical staplers and methods of use

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site. The present invention further relates to hypothermic linear stapling instruments configured to pre-cool the tissues being joined by staples.

Folding electrode structures

Improved folding electrode assemblies and associated methods employ a structure comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior. The structure is adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter. At least one folding region in the wall is adapted to fold upon itself along a predefined fold line as the structure geometry changes. The folding region is formed when a portion of the wall is coated with an electrically conductive material for the purpose of transmitting electrical ablating energy, while another portion of the wall is left free of the electrically conductive material. Alternatively, the folding region is formed by forming an array of apertures in the wall.

Ultrasound probe with thermal sensing

A medical probe apparatus comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with one or more stylet ports therein and stylet guides for directing one or more flexible stylets outward through respective stylet ports and through intervening tissue to target tissue. The active stylets emit radio frequency RF energy which establishes an RF current in the patient. The current, being densest at the stylet tips, causes heating of the surrounding tissue to initiate ablation of the target tissue. One aspect of the invention includes temperature sensing stylets at the location of the RF emitting stylets to monitor the temperature of the tissue being ablated. This allows the surgeon to have increased knowledge about the abating action under way in order to control the intensity of the applied RF current, or to adjust the amount of time the current is applied, or both. Further included herein is a plurality of temperature sensors mounted on an ultrasound probe to be used to monitor tissue temperature ...

THERMAL SURGICAL TOOL

An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Heat Transfer Through a Catheter Tip

Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes a flexible electrically-insulating substrate, including an inner surface and an outer surface, and shaped to define (i) multiple narrower channels passing between the inner surface and the outer surface, and (ii) one or more wider channels passing between the inner surface and the outer surface. The apparatus further includes an outer layer of an electrically-conducting metal covering at least part of the outer surface, an inner layer of the electrically-conducting metal covering at least part of the inner surface, a plating layer of the electrically-conducting metal that plates the wider channels such as to connect the outer layer to the inner layer, and respective columns of the electrically-conducting metal that fill the narrower channels such as to connect the outer layer to the inner layer. Other embodiments are also described.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A PATIENT'S BODY TEMPERATURE BY IN SITU BLOOD TEMPERATURE MODIFICATION

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired. The method and system further provide for the cooling of initially hypothermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been warmed above the desired target level and the warming of initially hyperthermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been cooled below the desired target temperature.

MEDICAL DEVICES UTILIZING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Medical devices utilizing shape memory alloys and associated methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a treatment element configured to be positioned within a body lumen and coupled to an energy source. At least a portion of the treatment element may be made of a shape memory alloy, and wherein application of thermal energy to the treatment element from the energy source transforms the treatment element from the martensitic state to the austenitic state in which the treatment element is configured to cut, ablate, resect, and/or cauterize tissue.

Surgical biopsy forceps apparatus

Apparatus 10 including a frame 12; a generally elongated endoscopic portion 14 connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom; a pair of jaw members 66 cooperating with a distal end of the endoscopic portion, the jaw members disposed in opposing relation and being relatively pivotal about a common point between at least an open position and a closed position, each of the jaw members including: a distal portion 84 including a first surface 90 adapted for engaging tissue, the first surface having a recessed portion formed therein and a second surface being of smooth continuous construction; a proximal portion 88 including pivot means adapted to cooperate with the inner rod member; and an intermediate portion 86 being recessed relative to the distal portion such that upon contact of the jaw members, the intermediate portions are spaced apart from each other. The apparatus may further comprise means 22 for rotating the endoscopic portion. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is ...

UVULA, TONSIL, ADENOID AND SINUS TISSUE TREATMENT DEVICE AND METHOD

An apparatus for ablating at least a portion of a uvula includes an electrode means with a proximal end, and an electrode means distal end sharpened sufficiently to pierce an exterior of the uvula without a retainer device supporting the uvula. An advancement and retraction means coupled to the electrode means is configured to advance the electrode means distal end through an exterior surface of the uvula and into an interior region of the uvula. The advancement and retraction means is configured to retract the electrode means distal end from the interior of the uvula. Handle means is coupled to the electrode means proximal end. Cabling means is coupled to the electrode means. The treatment is made by the use of RF energy. Aspiration and infusion means are provided.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THERMAL ABLATION OF HOLLOW BODY ORGANS

Hollow body organs, such as the gallbladder, may be ablated by introducing a substantially unheated thermally conductive medium to the interior of the organ. The thermally conductive medium is then heated to a temperature sufficient to necrose the endothelial lining or mucous membrane of the organ. After the lining or membrane has necrosed, the interior of the organ will fibrose over time and the organ will eventually be resorbed by the body. A catheter (10) useful in performing the ablation method comprises an elongate member (12) having a heating element (20) at its distal tip (16). The catheter will include at least one lumen (26) for delivering the thermally conductive medium to the interior of the hollow body organ, and the heating means (20) is used to raise the temperature of the thermally conductive medium after it has been delivered. Optionally, the catheter may include one or more inflatable balloons (34) which facilitate sealing of the hollow body organ to inhibit leakage of the thermally conductive medium during the treatment process.

ЭЛЕКТРОД ДЛЯ ЭЛЕКТРОХИРУРГИЧЕСКОГО ИНСТРУМЕНТА

Изобретение относится к медицинской технике, а именно к электроду для электрохирургического инструмента. Электрод для электрохирургического инструмента, предназначенного для плазменного воздействия на биологическую ткань, содержит основную часть, имеющую по меньшей мере одну плоскую сторону и дистально ориентированный кончик, от которого поперечное сечение электрода увеличивается в проксимальном направлении. Основная часть электрода снабжена теплоотводным приспособлением, выполненным в виде слоя, занимающего всю плоскую сторону основной части, а теплопроводность комбинации материалов основной части и теплоотводного приспособления электрода составляет более 20 Вт/(м*К). Использование изобретения позволяет обеспечить уменьшение выгорания электрода и продление срока его службы, повышение эффективности рассеяния теплоты. 11 з.п. ф-лы, 8 ил.

ТКАНЕВЫЕ НОЖНИЦЫ ДЛЯ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ТКАНИ

Изобретение относится к медицинской технике, а именно к тканевым ножницам для рассечения биологической ткани с одновременным уплотнением обработанных краев ткани посредством денатурации белков. Тканевые ножницы для рассечения биологической ткани содержат первую браншу, вторую браншу и шарнирное соединение. Первая бранша имеет первую поверхность скольжения, которая оканчивается у первого режущего края. На второй бранше расположен керметный элемент. Вторая бранша имеет вторую поверхность скольжения, оканчивающуюся у второго режущего края. Две бранши шарнирно соединены друг с другом, так что поверхности скольжения обращены друг к другу, и первый режущий край может перемещаться мимо второго режущего края. Первая поверхность скольжения имеет слой твердого материала. Вторая поверхность скольжения имеет керамический слой, отличающийся от слоя первой поверхности скольжения. Использование изобретения позволяет получать чистые, хорошо уплотненные края рассечения, которые являются достаточно плоскими ...

ПРОКАЛЫВАЮЩЕЕ УСТРОЙСТВО И КАРТРИДЖ ДЛЯ ПРОКАЛЫВАЮЩЕГО УСТРОЙСТВА

Controllable medical probe with mandrins

A medical probe device for the reduction of tissue mass in a selected part of the body comprises a catheter which can be exposed to a torque and has a control end and a probe end. The probe end comprises a mandrin guide device with a flexible tip and a tip guiding device which extends from the control end to the flexible tip for varying the alignment of the central axis of the mandrin guide device in order to guide a flexible mandrin outwards through the mandrin opening and through tissue lying in between into the tissue regions to be reached. A mandrin is positioned in the mandrin guide device. The mandrin can be an RF electrode, a microwave antenna, a biopsy device, a fluid supply device or a combination of these. The mandrin is preferably a non-conducting sheath with an electrode lumen and a second lumen therein, the electrode lumen terminating on a distal opening in the distal end of the non-conducting sheath, a radiofrequency electrode being positioned in said electrode lumen for longitudinal ...

Transurethrale Nadelablationsvorrichtung mit Cystoskop

ELEKTROTHERMISCHES GERÄT ZUM VERSCHWEISSEN UND ZUSAMMENFÜGEN ODER ZUM SCHNEIDEN VON GEWEBE

SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL OF FABRIC ABLATION WITH TEMPERATURE SENSORS

GERT TO CARTOGRAPHY AND COAGULATION OF SOFT FABRIC INTO AND AROUND BODY OPENINGS

ELECTRICALTHERMAL EQUIPMENT FOR WELDING AND JOINING OR FOR CUTTING FABRIC

SYSTEM FOR THE ERFÜHLEN OF UNDERCTHE SKIN TEMPERATURES IN BODY FABRICS DURING ABLATION

Heat Transfer Segment for a Cryoablation Catheter

Medical probe with stylets

Medical probe device and method

Deflectable tip catheter with guidewire tracking mechanism

Ablation applicator with a matrix filled with particles

An ablation applicator for an ablation device, the ablation applicator comprising a tubular body defining an inner lumen to which an ablation medium is conductable, wherein the tubular body comprises a matrix accommodating a plurality of particles.

CRYOGENIC APPARATUS

A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member. Such flexible members can be moved within the cryogenic catheter in order to vary the distance existing between the outer member and the flexible members.

IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR A CATHETER

Described embodiments include apparatus that includes a catheter and a tip electrode, at a distal end of the catheter, shaped to define a plurality of fluid apertures. A structure, within the tip electrode, is configured such that fluid passed distally through a lumen of the catheter flows in a longitudinal direction through a space between the structure and an inner surface of the tip electrode, prior to exiting through the fluid apertures. Other embodiments are also described.

MICROWAVE-SHIELDED TISSUE SENSOR PROBE

A tissue sensor probe and corresponding electromagnetic surgical ablation system are disclosed. The system includes an ablation probe operatively coupled to a generator, a controller operatively coupled to the generator, and a tissue sensor probe operatively coupled to the controller. The tissue sensor probe includes an electrically-conductive enclosure configured to shield a temperature sensor from electromagnetic radiation produced by the ablation probe. At least a portion of the electrically-conductive enclosure is made of a high thermal-conductivity material. A material of high thermal-conductivity is disposed in the electrically-conductive enclosure in thermal association with the thermally-conductive material of the electrically-conductive enclosure. The temperature sensor is disposed in the material of high thermal conductivity so as to electrically isolate the temperature sensor from the enclosure. The temperature sensor provides tissue temperature to the controller, which monitors ...

BALLOON WITH SURFACE ELECTRODES AND INTEGRAL COOLING FOR RENAL NERVE ABLATION

A catheter arrangement includes a flexible shaft and a balloon disposed at a distal end of the shaft and configurable for deployment within a target vessel of the body, such as a renal artery. Ablation electrodes, supported by a balloon wall, are arranged in a predefined pattern. The electrodes deliver electrical energy sufficient to ablate target tissue, such as perivascular renal nerves, proximate the target vessel wall when the balloon is in a deployed configuration. A cooling arrangement is encompassed at least in part by the balloon and provides cooling to at least the electrodes during ablation such that a location at which steady-state ablative heating begins is translated from an electrode-tissue interface at the target vessel wall to a location a predetermined distance away from the electrode-tissue interface.

HAND HELD, PORTABLE STEAM RAZOR

... 2142814 9404106 PCTABS00030 A hand-held, portable steam shaving device (10) for shaving the skin includes a housing (20), and a liquid reservoir (50) in the housing (20). A steam generator is provided in the housing for converting a liquid to a vapor and for supplying the steam or vapor to the skin surfaces to be shaved.

MEDICAL PROBE WITH STYLETS

A medical probe device of this invention comprising a catheter (2) having a control end and a probe end. The probe end includes a stylet guide housing (6) having at least one stylet port and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet (8) outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. A stylet (8) is positioned in at least one of said stylet guide means, the stylet comprising a nonconductive sleeve (30) having an RF electrode lumen (50) and an optional fluid supply lumen (60) and a temperature sensor lumen (58) therein. At least one portion of an opposed surface of the electrode lumen and the electrode (32) can be spaced apart to define a liquid supply passageway for delivery of medication liquid. The RF electrode enclosed within the nonconductive sleeve has a distal length optionally having at least one current focusing groove (70) means thereon and a distal tip shaped to focus current crowding on its terminal end.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOVAL OF HAIRS

Multiple hair removal system includes an adhesive layer (52), a structural layer (54) disposed adjacent the adhesive layer (52), and a conductive material (56). The conductive material (56) functions to provide power from a power source (70) to hairs to be treated that extend up through the adhesive layer (52) and contact the conductive material (56). A method of removing multiple hairs and inhibiting future hair growth includes the steps of applying a conductive solution to the hair, pressing on an adhesive layer (52), applying power for a period of time sufficient to destroy the matrix area of the hair, and allowing the treated hair to either be removed immediately or to stay in the skin for a period of time sufficient for the chemical reaction induced at the matrix area to continue long enough to destroy the matrix area and prevent re-growth of the hair.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ABLATING BODY TISSUE USING PREDICTED MAXIMUM TISSUE TEMPERATURE

ELECTROTHERMAL DEVICE FOR SEALING AND JOINING OR CUTTING TISSUE

A device and method are provided for sealing and joining or cutting tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The device makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The device of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD OF ABLATION VASCULAR WALL FROM INSIDE

MEDICAL PROBE DEVICE AND METHOD

본 발명은, 측벽에서 하나 이상의 스틸릿 구멍(140)을 갖고 목포조직에 대해 사전 선택된 조절 가능한 각으로 스틸릿 구멍을 통해 그리고 개입조직을 통해 외향으로 가요성 스틸릿(17)을 향하게 하기 위한 스틸릿 가이드(16)을 갖는 스틸릿 가이드 하우징(50)을 갖는 카테테르로 이루어진 의료용 탐침 장치에 관한 것이다. 전체 카테테르 조립체는 구멍으로부터 개입조직을 통해 목표 조직으로의 새로 운동을 위해 스틸릿 가이드 루멘내에 위치한 스틸릿 및 스틸릿 구멍과 연통하고 있는 스틸릿 가이드 루멘(61)을 포함한다. 스틸릿은 비-전도성 층(60)내서 포함된 전기 전도체일 수 있으며, 전기 전도체는 라디오주파 전극이다. The present invention has a steel for directing the flexible steellet 17 outward through the steellet hole and through the intervening tissue at one or more of the steellet holes 140 in the sidewall and at a preselected adjustable angle for the tissue. A medical probe device consisting of a catheter having a stillt guide housing 50 having a let guide 16. The entire catheter assembly includes a stiletto guide lumen 61 in communication with the stiletto and stiletto holes located within the stiletto guide lumen for fresh movement from the aperture into the target tissue through the intervening tissue. The stillt may be an electrical conductor contained within the non-conductive layer 60, which is a radiofrequency electrode.

Catheter with improved temperature response

THERMAL CAUTERY DEVICES WITH IMPROVED HEATING PROFILES AND METHOD OF TESTING THERMAL CAUTERY DEVICES

Thermal cautery and thermal ligating devices (1)improved by the addition of a thermally conductive plate proximate the resistive heating element (11) used in those devices.

Medical probe device with optic viewing capability

A medical probe device comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. The stylet guide housing has an optical viewing means positioned for viewing the stylet and adjacent structure which includes a fiber optic channel means for receiving a fiber optic viewing device. The fiber optic channel means can include a guide port means for directing longitudinal movement of a fiber optic device with respect to the stylet guide means in a viewing zone and a flushing liquid channel in the stylet guide housing having an exit port positioned to direct flushing liquid issuing therefrom across the end of a fiber optic device when positioned in the viewing zone. The optical viewing means can comprise a viewing window positioned in the stylet guide housing for viewing the stylet when it is directed outward ...

Technique for electrosurgical tips and method of manufacture and use

An electrosurgical tip for the application of electromagnetic energy in either a monopolar or a bipolar circuit through the tissue and the bodily fluids of an animal or human has a metallic electrically and thermally conductive electrode for connection to an electrosurgical generator proximally and for transmission of the electromagnetic electrosurgical energy to the tissue and the bodily fluids of the animal or human distally. A sheath of heat shrinkable fluorinated polymeric substance is an electrical and thermal insulator held about the electrode for preventing the flow of electromagnetic and thermal energy from the metallic electrically and thermally conductive electrode to the tissue and the bodily fluids. A smooth surface of the sheath contacts the tissue and the bodily fluids and has a low surface free energy. Openings through the sheath extend from the electrode to the surface for permitting the passage of energy. A wall of the sheath is of a thickness adequate to space the electrode ...

Devices and methods for tissue vaporization

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention there is provided a device for vaporizing one or more holes in tissue, comprising an array of vaporizing elements and a heating element configured to heat the vaporizing elements, wherein a geometry of at least a portion of the vaporizing elements is configured to prevent excessive penetration of other vaporizing elements into the tissue. In some embodiments, the vaporizing elements are heated to a temperature ranging between 300-600 degrees Celsius.

High efficiency transparent organic light emitting devices

A highly transparent non-metallic cathode is disclosed that comprises a metal-doped organic electron injection layer that is in direct contact with a transparent non-metallic electron injecting cathode layer, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), wherein the metal-doped organic electron injection layer also functions as an exciton blocking or hole blocking layer. The metal-doped organic electron injection layer is created by diffusing an ultra-thin layer of about 5-10 Å of a highly electropositive metal such as Li throughout the layer. A representative embodiment of the highly transparent non-metallic cathode comprises a layer of ITO, a layer of 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP), which acts as an electron injection, exciton blocking, and hole blocking layer, and an ultra-thin layer of lithium, which degenerately dopes the layer of BCP, improving the electron injecting properties of the BCP layer. This cathode is demonstrated for use in an OLED having a transparency of about ...

Method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature in situ blood temperature modification

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired. The method and system further provide for the cooling of initially hypothermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been warmed above the desired target level and the warming of initially hyperthermic patients whose blood or body temperature has been cooled below the desired target temperature.

Dual channel RF delivery system

A method and an apparatus for delivering controlled heat independently on separate channels to perform ablation to treat benign prosthetic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (BPH). The dual channel power system provides independent control of radio frequency energy to each of two stylets protruding from a catheter into a human prostate through the urethra. The energy is independently transferred directly into the respective tissue around the stylets in such a manner as to provide respective tissue ablation without damage to surrounding tissues. Automatic shut-off of both channels occurs when any one of a number of surrounding areas to include the urethra or surrounding mass or the adjacent organs exceeds predetermined safe temperature limits. Automatic shut off of the individual channels occurs when the temperature of the tissue proximal to the respective stylet exceeds respective predetermined values. The dual channel system is microprocessor controlled and contains self-test startup and thermocouple autocalibration circuitry.

Medical probe device and method

A medical probe device comprises a catheter having a stylet guide housing with one or more stylet ports in a side wall thereof and a stylet guide for directing a flexible stylet outward through the stylet port and through intervening tissue at a preselected, adjustable angle to a target tissue. The total catheter assembly includes a stylet guide lumen communicating with the stylet port and a stylet positioned in said stylet guide lumen for longitudinal movement from the port through intervening tissue to a target tissue. The stylet can be an electrical conductor enclosed within a non-conductive layer, the electrical conductor being a radiofrequency electrode. Preferably, the non-conductive layer is a sleeve which is axially moveable on the electrical conductor to expose a selected portion of the electrical conductor surface in the target tissue. The stylet can also be a microwave antenna. The stylet can also be a hollow tube for delivering treatment fluid to the target tissue. It can also ...

Reciprocating cooling member for an energized surgical instrument

A surgical instrument comprises: an elongated sheath, an energy probe, an elongated energy conductor, and an elongated cooling member. The energy probe is connected to the distal end portion of the sheath. The elongated energy conductor is contained within the sheath and arranged to transmit distally to the energy probe energy from an energy source. The elongated cooling member is reciprocally movable within the sheath and thermally coupled at its proximal portion to a cooler. The cooling member is movable between a proximal, non-cooling position and a distal, cooling position. In the non-cooling position, a distal end of the cooling member is displaced proximally from the energy probe so as to impede thermal conduction therebetween; in the cooling position, the distal end of the cooling member thermally contacts the energy probe so as to facilitate thermal conduction therebetween.

Irrigation system for a catheter

Described embodiments include apparatus that includes a catheter and a tip electrode, at a distal end of the catheter, shaped to define a plurality of fluid apertures. A structure, within the tip electrode, is configured such that fluid passed distally through a lumen of the catheter flows in a longitudinal direction through a space between the structure and an inner surface of the tip electrode, prior to exiting through the fluid apertures. Other embodiments are also described.

THERMOELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED HEAT MEDICAL CATHETER

ТКАНЕВЫЕ НОЖНИЦЫ ДЛЯ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ТКАНИ

SYSTEM ZUR REGIONALEN UND GANZKÖRPERTEMPERATURVERÄNDERUNG

Medizinische Sonde mit Mandrins

IMPROVEMENTS IN SURGICAL APPARATUS

CATHETER WITH GUIDABLE POINT AND TRACE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM OF A GUIDANCE WIRE

CRYOGENIC EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT FOR LINEAR ABLATION

THERMAL BORDER FOR A SAUGKOAGULATOR

Medical probe with stylets

Steerable medical probe with stylets

CATHETER WITH IMPROVED TEMPERATURE RESPONSE

A medical probe, consisting of an insertion tube having a distal end configured for insertion into a body of a patient and containing a lumen having an electrical 5 conductor for conveying electrical energy. The probe also has a conductive cap attached to the distal end of the insertion tube and coupled electrically to the electrical conductor, the cap including a side wall having multiple longitudinal bores therein. There are a plurality of 10 thermocouples disposed in respective ones of the longitudinal bores, and an electrically conductive cement at least partially fills the longitudinal bores so as to secure the thermocouples in the bores while making electrically conductive contact between the thermocouples 15 and the conductive cap. o0 D) z CN' ...

Hypothermic linear surgical staplers and methods of use

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site. The present invention further relates to hypothermic linear stapling instruments configured to pre-cool the tissues being joined by staples.

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REGIONAL AND WHOLE BODY TEMPERATURE MODIFICATION

This invention is methods, and apparatus for temperature modification of selected body regions including an induced state of local hyperthermia of the brain region for neuro-protection. A heat exchange catheter (360) is provided with heat transfer fins (362) projecting or extending outward from the catheter which may be inserted into selected blood vessels or body regions to transfer heat with blood or fluid in the selected blood vessels or body regions. Another aspect of the invention further provides methods, and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter (360) lying within a blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel to increase or decrease whole body temperature or temperature of a target region. The catheter (360) may be used alone or in conjunction with other heat exchangers to cool one region of a patient's body while heating another.

CRYOABLATION ELEMENT WITH CONDUCTIVE LINER

An ablation apparatus for creating a lesion in target tissue, the ablation apparatus including a handle, an elongate shaft extending from the handle to a distal tip, where the shaft includes a first portion, an ablation portion distal to the first portion and having an outer sheath, and at least one ablation energy element disposed within the outer sheath, where a space is formed between the at least one ablation energy element and the outer sheath. The ablation apparatus further includes a thermally conductive liner disposed within the space.

Renal nerve ablation cooling device and technique

A catheter is disclosed including an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, where the catheter includes a thermal element at the distal end thereof. The thermal element may be used in an ablation procedure or other procedure to heat a tissue adjacent a vessel. The configuration of the distal end of the elongated shaft at or near the distal tip may encourage the cooling of or transferring of heat from the vessel wall. The configurations may include protrusions extending from and indentations extending into the shaft, which may manipulate the flow of fluid through a vessel in which the catheter has been inserted. Alternatively or additionally, a cap or thin insulative layer may be placed at or near the distal tip of the catheter shaft to cool the wall of the vessel.

Inductively heated multi-mode surgical tool

Thermal, Electrosurgical and Mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using incising waveforms.

CATHETER WITH MICRO-PELTIER COOLING COMPONENTS

A catheter has a cooling distal section for freezing tissue to sub-zero temperatures with one or more miniature reverse thermoelectric or Peltier elements, also referred to herein as micro-Peltier cooling (MPC) units or electrodes. The MPC units may be on outer surface of an inflatable or balloon member or a tip electrode shell wall that has a fluid-containing interior cavity acting as a heat sink. Each MPC unit has a hot junction and a cold junction whose temperatures are regulated by the heat sink, and a voltage/current applied to the MPC units. A temperature differential of about 70 degrees Celsius may be achieved between the hot and cold junctions for extreme cooling, especially where the MPC units include semiconductor materials with high Peltier co-efficients. An outer coating of thermally-conductive but electrically-insulative material seals the MPC units to prevent unintended current paths through the MPC units. 2. The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the current flows from a first N-type semiconductor to a last P-type semiconductor.3. The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the distal section includes an inflatable balloon member having a membrane defining the interior cavity claim 1 , at least a portion of the membrane forming the substrate.4. The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the distal section includes a distal tip shell having a shell wall defining the interior cavity claim 1 , at least a portion of the shell wall forming the substrate.5. The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the cold junction includes an electrically-conductive material claim 1 , preceded by an N-type semiconductor material claim 1 , and followed by a P-type semiconductor material claim 1 , connected in series.6. The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the hot junction includes an electrically-conductive material claim 1 , preceded by P-type semiconductor material claim 1 , and followed by an N-type semiconductor material claim 1 , connected in series.7. The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the P-type ...

CERAMIC APPLICATOR FOR TRANSCUTANEOUS DELIVERY OF ENERGY

Energy delivery devices and methods of treating tissue with high-frequency energy. The energy delivery device may include an applicator having an electrode and a substrate. The substrate may be composed of a ceramic material and may have a surface characterized by a variable thickness, such as a concave surface. 1. An energy delivery device comprising:an applicator including an electrode and a substrate comprised of a ceramic material, the substrate having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and one or more outer edges between the first surface and the second surface, and the substrate having a thickness between the first surface and the second surface that varies as a function of position relative to the plurality of outer edges.2. The energy delivery device of wherein the first surface of the substrate has a concave shape with a radius of curvature.3. The energy delivery device of wherein the second surface of the substrate is planar.4. The energy delivery device of wherein the electrode is arranged on the second surface of the substrate.5. The energy delivery device of wherein the electrode is arranged on the first surface of the substrate.6. The energy delivery device of wherein the substrate has a centerline claim 1 , and the thickness of the substrate increases with increasing distance from the centerline.7. The energy delivery device of wherein the substrate has a centerline claim 1 , and the thickness of the substrate is rotationally symmetric about the centerline.8. The energy delivery device of wherein the substrate has a centerline claim 1 , and the electrode is centered about the centerline of the substrate.9. The energy delivery device of further comprising:a treatment tip having a housing,wherein the applicator is arranged inside the housing.10. The energy delivery device of further comprising:a handpiece,wherein the treatment tip is configured to be releasably attached to the handpiece.11. The energy delivery device of ...

THERAPEUTIC ENERGY APPLYING STRUCTURE AND MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE

A therapeutic energy applying structure includes: an electric resistance pattern configured to generate heat by applying current; a heat transfer plate configured to transfer the heat from the electric resistance pattern to a body tissue; an adhesive layer having heat conductivity and provided between the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate to adhesively fix the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate; and a heat diffusion layer provided between the electric resistance pattern and the adhesive layer and configured to diffuse the heat from the electric resistance pattern and transfer the diffused heat to the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is configured to adhesively fix the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate via the heat diffusion layer. 1. A therapeutic energy applying structure , comprising:an electric resistance pattern configured to generate heat by applying current;a heat transfer plate configured to transfer the heat from the electric resistance pattern to a body tissue;an adhesive layer having heat conductivity and provided between the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate to adhesively fix the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate; anda heat diffusion layer provided between the electric resistance pattern and the adhesive layer and configured to diffuse the heat from the electric resistance pattern and transfer the diffused heat to the adhesive layer, whereinthe adhesive layer is configured to adhesively fix the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate via the heat diffusion layer.2. The therapeutic energy applying structure according to claim 1 , whereinthe heat diffusion layer is a layer that is formed on a surface of the electric resistance pattern by applying energy to materials in a particulate state, a molecular state, or an atomic state.3. The therapeutic energy applying structure according to claim 1 , whereinthermal conductivity of the heat ...

Intravascular arterial to venous anastomosis and tissue welding catheter

A method of creating an AV fistula between adjacent first and second vessels includes inserting a guidewire from the first vessel into the second vessel. Inserting a catheter including a proximal member and a distal member over the guidewire such that a distal tip of the distal member comes into contact with a selected anastomosis site. Moving the distal member and the proximal member together to clamp tissue surrounding the aperture between the distal face of the proximal member and a proximal face on the distal member. Applying energy to an active heating member on the proximal member to cut and form the aperture, and to weld the edges thereof in order to create a desired fistula between the two vessels. Using a passive heating member disposed on the distal member to create a heating gradient across a tissue contacting surface of the distal member.

Irrigated ablation electrode assembly and method for control of temperature

Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface. The distal member includes an electrode. The external surface of the proximal member and the external surface of the distal member meet at an intersection. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet toward a region adjacent the intersection.

Mask, device, and method for whitening skin

The present disclosure relates to a mask, a device and a method for whitening skin. In an embodiment, the mask includes a contact layer having a lower portion configured to contact a face surface of a user, and at least one thermoelectric module including a first major surface disposed in contact with an upper portion of the contact layer and a second major surface positioned opposite to the first major surface. The mask also includes a heat dissipation layer being disposed in contact with the second major surface of the thermoelectric module. The mask further includes a controller configured to control the thermoelectric module to: cool the first major surface at a cooling temperature such that the skin of the user reaches a target temperature at which a pigmentation by melanocytes on the user's skin is suppressed, and maintain the cooling of the first major surface for a cooling interval.

HYBRID LASER CUTTER

A tool has a handle and an elongate shaft that extends distally from the handle. A distal portion of the shaft is inserted into a subject during a surgical procedure. An optical fiber delivers laser energy to a tip at the distal portion of the shaft. The tip includes a mechanical cutting mechanism including a moving part that absorbs the laser energy, thermally conducts the absorbed energy to tissue that is disposed between the moving part and another part, and moves with respect to the other part in order to cut tissue that is disposed between the parts using a mechanical force that is lower than a mechanical force that would be required to cut the tissue in the absence of the laser energy. Other embodiments are also described. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a laser configured to generate the laser energy.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the distal portion of the elongate shaft comprises a shape-changing region that is configured to change shape during the surgical procedure.4. (canceled)5. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein a widest part of the shape-changing region has a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shape-changing region claim 3 , the cross-section having a width of less than 3 mm.6. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the shape-changing region is configured to change shape under active control by the handle.7. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the shape-changing region is configured to change shape more in a first plane than in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.8. The apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising an actuator that extends distally to the shape-changing region claim 7 , wherein: 'having a relaxed state and a deflected state, and', 'the shape-changing region comprises a side-plate, the side-platethe actuator is operatively coupled to the side-plate such that actuation of the side-plate by the actuator causes the side-plate to ...

TREATMENT TOOL

The disclosed technology is directed to a treatment tool having a blade configured to engage with a treatment target. A heater is configured to be spaced apart from the blade. A first thermally conductive member is sandwiched between the blade and the heater so as to transmit heat to the blade. The first thermally conductive member includes respective first and second portions each of which is disposed on respective distal-end and proximal-end sides in longitudinal directions of the blade for thermally conducting a different prescribed quantity of heat per unit time from each of the respective first and second portions to the blade via the heater. The first thermally conductive member includes a first thermal conductivity anisotropy that is higher in longitudinal directions of the blade and is lower in widthwise directions transverse to the longitudinal directions. 1. A treatment tool comprising:a blade configured to engage with a treatment target;a heater configured to be spaced apart from the blade; anda first thermally conductive member sandwiched between the blade and the heater so as to transmit heat to the blade wherein the first thermally conductive member includes a first thermal conductivity anisotropy that being higher in longitudinal directions of the blade and being lower in widthwise directions transverse to the longitudinal directions.2. The treatment tool of claim 1 , whereinthe first thermal conductivity anisotropy is higher in plane directions of a plane transverse to the widthwise directions and is lower in the widthwise directions.3. The treatment tool of claim 2 , whereinthe first thermally conductive member is defined by a plurality of first stacked sheets extending in the plane directions of the plane transverse to the widthwise directions.4. The treatment tool of claim 3 , whereineach of the plurality of sheets is substantially made of either carbon or graphite or combination thereof.5. The treatment tool of claim 4 , whereineach of the sheets ...

MULTIPLE LUMEN HEAT EXCHANGE CATHETERS

Catheter devices and methods for intravascular heating and/or cooling of human or veterinary patients. The catheter devices generally comprise catheters having inflow and outflow lumens and at least one curvilinear balloon connected to the inflow and outflow lumens such that heat exchange fluid may be circulated through the balloon(s). The catheter is inserted into the vasculature and heated or cooled fluid is circulated through the balloon(s) to heat or cool blood flowing in heat-exchange proximity to the balloon(s), thereby effecting heating or cooling of all or a portion of the patient's body. 1. A method for controlling the temperature of at least a portion of the body of a human or animal subject , said method comprising the steps of: the heat exchange catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter having an inflow lumen and an outflow lumen and at least one heat exchanger having first and second ends, the inflow lumen of the catheter being connected to the first end of the heat exchanger and the outflow lumen being connected to second end of the heat exchanger such that heat exchange fluid may be circulated into the first end of the heat exchanger, through the heat exchanger and out of the second end of the heat exchanger; and', 'the controller receives i) a target temperature input and ii) a sensed subject body temperature input and causes heated or cooled fluid to circulate into the first end of the heat exchanger, through the heat exchanger and out of the second end of the heat exchanger, to warm or cool the sensed subject body temperature as needed to cause the sensed subject body temperature to be approximately the same as the target temperature;, 'A) obtaining a heat exchange catheter system that comprises a heat exchange catheter and a controller, whereinB) inserting the heat exchange catheter into the vasculature of the patent and positioning the heat exchanger within a blood vessel through which blood is flowing such that the heated or cooled fluid ...

Wireless ablation catheter assembly

A wireless ablation catheter assembly including an ablation catheter having a catheter body extending between a proximal end and a distal end with a magnetically-susceptible area defined along the catheter body between the proximal and distal ends. A magnetic field generator is configured to provide a magnetic field to the magnetically-susceptible area such that the magnetically-susceptible area dissipates heat. A method of ablation is also provided.

Medical device

A medical device that includes a support member, a heat insulator provided on at least a portion of a first surface of the support member, an energy output member configured to output energy, the energy output member provided on at least a portion of a first surface of the heat insulator, the output energy configured to treat biological tissue and a heat conductor provided on at least a portion of the first surface of the support member and contacting a second surface of the heat insulator, the second surface of the heat insulator opposite the first surface of the heat insulator, wherein a portion of the support member is located proximal than the energy output, and the energy output member is configured to transfer heat to the heat insulator, and wherein the heat conductor is configured to conduct the heat from the heat insulator to the support member.

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR CRYOABLATION

Device, systems, and methods for cryoablation are described herein. In some implementations, the devices and systems are used to for cryoneurolysis or cryoablation of nerves. An example cryoablation probe includes a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The tubular member has a probe tip arranged at the distal end. The probe also includes one or more energy elements arranged along an axial direction of the tubular member, and one or more sensor elements arranged along the axial direction of the tubular member.

Systems and methods for variable injection flow

A medical device having a catheter and a fluid delivery conduit entirely disclosed within a portion of the catheter. The catheter may have a thermally transmissive region in fluid communication with the fluid delivery conduit and a rod disposed within at least a portion of the fluid delivery conduit. The medical device may control variable fluid flow with the ability to modify the effective cross-sectional area of the fluid delivery conduit available for fluid flow. Additional configurations provided herein may allow for the selective manipulation of a footprint or therapeutic pattern achievable with the medical device during a single procedure, negating the need for the removal and insertion of multiple devices to achieve the same variations in treatment geometry or characteristics.

Cryocatheter with single phase coolant fluid cooled thermoelectric module and cerebral medical procedures employing local ice ball

Cryocatheter including an elongated flexible catheter member having a short rigid catheter tip for introduction into a therapy site and a heat exchange arrangement for freezing the catheter tip to a cryo-temperature from between about −15° C. to about −30° C. for freezing human tissue at the therapy site. Cerebral medical procedures include inter alia employing a local ice ball for sealing a bleeding rupture in an arterial wall in the case of a stroke hemorrhage, employing a local ice ball for mapping electrical disorder foci in a brain, for example, epileptic foci, and the like.

ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND PASSIVELY COOLED JAW MEMBERS THEREOF

An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated first shaft fabricated from thermally-conductive plastic material, an elongated second shaft, and opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end portion coupled to a distal end portion of the respective first and second shafts. One or both of the jaw members has a jaw frame and an electrically-conductive tissue sealing structure disposed over the jaw frame. The first shaft has a heat sink disposed therein configured to dissipate heat from the tissue sealing structure toward the thermally-conductive plastic material. 1. An electrosurgical instrument , comprising:an elongated first shaft fabricated from a thermally-conductive plastic material and having a heat sink disposed therein;an elongated second shaft; and a jaw frame; and', 'an electrically-conductive tissue sealing structure coupled to the jaw frame, wherein the heat sink is configured to dissipate heat from the electrically-conductive tissue sealing structure toward the first shaft., 'opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end portion coupled to a distal end portion of the respective first and second shafts, at least one of the first or second members is movable relative to the other from a first position in which the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another in which the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, the first jaw member including2. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 , wherein the heat sink includes a mesh of interwoven metal fibers.3. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 2 , wherein the mesh of interwoven metal fibers is fabricated from at least one of aluminum or copper.4. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 2 , wherein the mesh of interwoven metal fibers is received in a cavity defined in the first shaft.5. The electrosurgical instrument according to claim 2 , wherein the ...

TREATMENT TOOL

A treatment tool includes: a pair of openable/closable jaws; a substrate provided on at least one of the jaws; a wiring pattern provided on one surface of the substrate in a state of being electrically insulated from the substrate, the wiring pattern including an electric resistance pattern configured to generate heat when a current is carried to the electric resistance pattern, and a connecting section configured to be electrically continuous to the electric resistance pattern; and a heat transfer plate disposed facing the one surface and configured to transfer, to a living tissue, the heat in contact with the living tissue; and a lead wire configured to be a current-carrying path to the wiring pattern, the lead wire being positioned on a side separated from the heat transfer plate with respect to the wiring pattern and being electrically connected to the connecting section from the separated side. 1. A treatment tool comprising:a pair of openable/closable jaws;a substrate provided on at least one of the pair of jaws; an electric resistance pattern configured to generate heat when a current is carried to the electric resistance pattern, and', 'a connecting section configured to be electrically continuous to the electric resistance pattern; and, 'a wiring pattern provided on one surface of the substrate in a state of being electrically insulated from the substrate, the wiring pattern including'}a heat transfer plate disposed facing the one surface and configured to transfer, to a living tissue, the heat from the electric resistance pattern in contact with the living tissue; anda lead wire configured to be a current-carrying path to the wiring pattern, the lead wire being positioned on a side separated from the heat transfer plate with respect to the wiring pattern and being electrically connected to the connecting section from the separated side.2. The treatment tool according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat-transferring adhesive sheet that is interposed ...

Hypothermic linear surgical staplers and methods of use

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site. The present invention further relates to hypothermic linear stapling instruments configured to pre-cool the tissues being joined by staples.

Steam ablation device for treatment of menorrhagia

Disclosed herein is a vapor therapy device for producing intra-uterine tissue effects. The device can include a shaft, including a proximal portion and a distal portion, a fluid-expandable medium, near the distal portion of the shaft, a fluid-delivery conduit, extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the shaft, the fluid-delivery conduit comprising an outlet, near the distal portion of the shaft, for delivery of the fluid toward the medium, and an in vivo heat generator, near the distal portion of the shaft, to heat the fluid. A method of treating a patient for menorrhagia with the device can include introducing a medium, in a contracted state, into a patient, delivering a fluid toward the medium to expand the medium in vivo; generating heat in vivo on or near the medium to vaporize the fluid, and exposing a treatment site to the vaporized fluid.

INTRAVASCULAR ARTERIAL TO VENOUS ANASTOMOSIS AND TISSUE WELDING CATHETER

A catheter-based device tracks over a guidewire which has been placed from a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel. The distal tip of the catheter is advanced into the second vessel while a proximal member remains in the first vessel. Matching blunt tapered surfaces on each of the distal tip and the proximal member are clamped together, with adjacent walls of each vessel between them, after which a known, controlled pressure is applied between the two surfaces. Heat energy is then applied to the blunt surfaces for approximately 1-30 seconds to weld the walls of the two vessels together. After coaptation of the vessel walls, the heat is increased to then cut through the vessel walls to create a fistula of the desired size. 121-. (canceled)22. A method of creating an AV fistula between adjacent first and second vessels , comprising:inserting a guidewire from the first vessel into the second vessel;inserting a catheter comprising a proximal elongate member and a distal member over the guidewire, so that a tapered distal tip of the distal member comes into contact with a selected anastomosis site;advancing the distal member into the second vessel, until a blunt tapered distal face of the elongate member contacts a tissue wall of the first vessel, so that the elongate member remains in the first vessel, thereby enlarging an aperture between the two vessels;moving the distal member and the elongate member together to clamp tissue surrounding the aperture between the blunt tapered distal face of the elongate member and a corresponding blunt tapered proximal face on the distal member; andapplying energy to a heating member on one on the distal member and the elongate member to cut and faun the aperture, and to weld the edges thereof in order to create a desired fistula between the two vessels.23. The method as recited in claim 22 , and further comprising maintaining a temperature of 150-300° C. at the location where the aperture is being cut claim 22 , during the ...

PULMONARY ANTRUM RADIAL-LINEAR ABLATION DEVICES

Devices and methods for creating radial-linear lesions in pulmonary vein antral tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a device includes an elongate shaft structure with a distal tip ablation region including a spline and an ablation element slidably coupled to the spline. The ablation element includes at least one of an ultrasound emitter, a high frequency ultrasound emitter, a laser, a radiofrequency electrode, a virtual radiofrequency electrode, or a cryogenic source. A backing balloon may be configured to push or pull the spline and the ablation element toward or against the pulmonary vein antral tissue. In an embodiment, the distal tip ablation region includes a splineless cryoballoon with at least one thermally conductive region. 1. A pulmonary vein antrum radial-linear (PAR) ablation catheter comprising:an elongate shaft structure comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a distal tip ablation region comprising:a spline; andan ablation element slidably coupled to the spline;wherein the ablation element is configured to form radial-linear lesions in or near pulmonary vein antral tissue.2. The PAR ablation catheter of claim 1 , further comprising a backing balloon configured to push or pull the spline and the ablation element toward or against the pulmonary vein antral tissue.3. The PAR ablation catheter of claim 2 , wherein the backing balloon is further configured to provide blood flow obstruction or to be filled with a fluid.4. The PAR ablation catheter of claim 1 , wherein the ablation element comprises at least one of the following: an ultrasound emitter claim 1 , a high frequency ultrasound emitter claim 1 , a laser claim 1 , a radiofrequency electrode claim 1 , a virtual radiofrequency electrode claim 1 , or a cryogenic source.5. The PAR ablation catheter of claim 1 , wherein the ablation element is configured to slide in at least one direction along the spline via a push or pull wire.6. The PAR ablation catheter of claim 1 , ...

System and Method for Mitigating Rising Impedance Via a Pump Assembly During Use of Cooled Radiofrequency Probes

A method of treating tissue of a patient's body includes providing a power source coupled to at least one probe assembly. The probe assembly includes an elongate member with a distal region and a proximal region. The distal region has an electrically and thermally-conductive energy delivery device for delivering one of electrical and radiofrequency energy to the patient's body. The electrically and thermally-conductive energy delivery device has one or more internal lumens for circulating a cooling fluid therethrough and an electrically and thermally-conductive protrusion having a temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing element extends from a distal end of the energy delivery device. The method includes inserting the energy delivery device of the at least one probe assembly into the patient's body. Further, the method includes routing the energy delivery device of the at least one probe assembly to the tissue of the patient's body. The method also includes simultaneously circulating the cooling fluid through the one or more internal lumens via at least one pump assembly and delivering energy from the power source to the tissue through the energy delivery device. Further, the method includes monitoring one or more procedure parameters while delivering the energy from the power source to the tissue through the energy delivery device. Moreover, the method includes determining, in real-time, whether a rising impedance event is likely to occur in a predetermined time period based on the one or more procedure parameters and determining a command for the pump assembly based on whether the rising impedance event is likely to occur in the predetermined time period.

MEDICAL HEATER, TREATMENT TOOL, AND TREATMENT TOOL MANUFACTURING METHOD

A medical heater includes: a substrate having a first plate surface and a second plate surface; and a conductive portion provided on the first plate surface. The substrate is folded back in a state where the first plate surface forms an outer surface in a longitudinal direction of the substrate, the conductive portion includes: a pair of connecting portions to which wiring members are electrically connected; a heat generating portion; and an electric path portion that is connected from the connecting portions to the heat generating portion, and the heat generating portion has a configuration in which a resistance value of the heat generating portion is higher than resistance values of other parts in the conductive portion, and a thickness measurement of at least a part of the heat generating portion is smaller than thickness measurements of other parts in the conductive portion. 1. A medical heater comprising: a first plate surface forming a front surface of the substrate; and', 'a second plate surface forming a back surface of the substrate, the substrate being electrically insulating and flexible; and, 'a substrate includinga conductive portion provided on the first plate surface,wherein the substrate is folded such that the first plate surface forms an outer surface in a longitudinal direction of the substrate, a first connecting portion electrically connected to a first wiring member;', 'a second connecting portion electrically connected to a wiring member, the first connecting portion being provided a first end of the substrate in the longitudinal direction and the second connecting portion being provided at a second end of the substrate in the longitudinal direction;', 'a heat generating portion configured to generate heat when energized; and', 'an electric path portion configured to energize the heat generating portion by being connected to the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion and the heat generating portion; and, 'the conductive ...

Implant device and system for ablation of a vessel's wall from the inside

The current invention concerns systems, devices and methods for the ablation of a ablation of the wall of one or more pulmonary veins (PV) from the inside, preferably transmural ablation and preferably at the level of the antrum. Hereby, one or more implant devices can be implanted in the vessels and can subsequently be heated by external energy-providing means.

COMPACT DELIVERY PULMONARY TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING PULMONARY FUNCTION

A pulmonary treatment system includes a compact configuration for delivery to a first airway of a patient. An energy delivery system of the pulmonary treatment system delivers energy to target tissue in or along an airway wall of the first airway to reduce airway resistance in a second airway distal to the first airway. The pulmonary treatment system protects tissue in the airway wall of the first airway located between the target tissue and the energy delivery system by at least one of thermodynamically cooling, circulating a liquid coolant through the pulmonary treatment system, and shielding a portion of the energy delivery system. 1 [{'sup': '2', 'an energy delivery portion configured to generate heat energy at a power density ranging from 0.1 to 2 W/mmin an airway wall of the airway; and'}, {'sup': '2', 'a cooling portion configured to remove heat energy at a power density ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.4 W/mmfrom the airway wall while heat energy is generated in the airway wall by the energy delivery portion.'}], 'a nerve modification assembly configured to assume a reduced profile for passage through a lumen of an elongate device and positioning in an airway of a patient, the lumen having a diameter less than about 6.0 millimeters, the nerve modification assembly including'}. A pulmonary treatment system, comprising: This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/894,920 filed May 15, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/786,203 filed Mar. 14, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/649,154 filed May 18, 2012, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.The present invention generally relates to the field of treatment of the pulmonary diseases.Pulmonary diseases may cause a wide range of problems that adversely affect performance of the lungs. Pulmonary diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (“COPD”), may lead to increased airflow resistance in the lungs. ...

SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ABLATION OF A VESSEL'S WALL FROM THE INSIDE

The current invention concerns systems, devices and methods for the ablation of a vessel's wall from the inside, more specifically to implant devices and to the ablation of the wall of one or more pulmonary veins (PV) from the inside, preferably transmural ablation and preferably at the level of the antrum. Hereby, one or more implant devices can be implanted in the vessels and can subsequently be heated by external energy-providing means.

Thermally adjustable surgical system and method

A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Minimally Invasive Diagnostic and Therapeutic Excision of Tissue

The recovery of an intact volume of tissue proceeds with a delivery cannula distal end positioned in confronting adjacency with the volume of tissue to be recovered. A tissue cutting and capture assembly formed of a plurality of metal leafs is deployed from the distal end of the delivery cannula. The tips of these leafs carry a pursing cable assembly, which is electrically excited to electrosurgically cut around and circumscribe the tissue volume. These pursing cables are tensioned to complete the envelopment of the tissue volumes by drawing the leaf tips together. An essential attribute of the disclosed apparatus is the confinement of the path of electrical conduction of constant current required to achieve tissue cutting to only those portions of the deploying and retracting resistively heated portion of the electrically conductive cutting and pursing cable that are in direct contact with tissue.

NERVE AND SOFT TISSUE ABLATION DEVICE HAVING RELEASE INSTRUMENT

Ablation devices useful tor destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe comprising an ulterior surface, that defines an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. A release instrument is provided comprising a sheath that comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface configured for engagement with the probe. The probe tip is configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue by forming an ice ball, and the release instrument is configured to release the probe tip from the ice ball. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided. 1. An ablation device comprising:a probe comprising an interior surface defining one or more internal passages and an exterior surface comprising a tip, wherein the one or more internal passages has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature, wherein the one or more internal passages is configured to recirculate the pressurized material through the probe; anda release instrument comprising a sheath, wherein the sheath comprises an exterior surface, and an interior surface configured for engagement with the probe, wherein the probe tip is configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue by forming an ice ball.2. An ablation device of claim 1 , (i) wherein the nerve and/or soft tissue comprises a facet or sacroiliac joint or (ii) the release instrument releases the ice ball from the probe and/or the release instrument releases the probe tip from the ice ball.3. An ablation device of claim 1 , wherein the material comprises a liquid or ...

MULTI-MODE SURGICAL TOOL

Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms. 156.-. (canceled)57. A multi-mode surgical tool comprising:a first modality for treating tissue; anda thermal element comprised of a ferromagnetic layer covering at least a portion of an electrical conductor.58. The multi-mode surgical tool of claim 57 , wherein the first modality comprises an electrosurgical electrode.59. The multi-mode surgical tool of claim 57 , wherein the first modality comprises an oscillating body.60. The multi-mode surgical tool of claim 57 , wherein the thermal element is separate from the first modality.61. The multi-mode surgical tool of claim 57 , wherein the thermal element is disposed adjacent to the first modality.62. The multi-mode surgical tool of claim 57 , further comprising a power supply for providing a signal to the first modality and the thermal element.63. The multi-mode surgical tool of claim 62 , wherein the signal provided to the first modality and the thermal element comprises oscillating electrical energy claim 62 , and wherein the first modality directs oscillating electrical energy into tissue and the thermal element converts oscillating electrical energy into thermal energy.64. The multi-mode surgical tool of claim 62 , wherein the signal provided to the first modality and the thermal element comprises oscillating electrical energy claim 62 , and wherein the first modality directs oscillating mechanical energy into tissue and the thermal element converts oscillating electrical energy into thermal energy.65. The multi-mode surgical tool of claim 62 , wherein one of the first modality and thermal ...

Therapeutic treatment device

A living tissue to be treated is brought into contact with a first high-frequency electrode having high thermal conductivity. A substrate on which an electric resistance pattern is formed is longer than the first electrode. The substrate includes an end portion projected from the first high-frequency electrode. A first lead connection portion electrically connected to the electric resistance pattern is formed on the projected end portion. The substrate is pasted to the first electrode by use of a high-thermal-conductivity heat-resistant adhesive sheet. A lead line for applying power to the electric resistance pattern is arranged in the first lead connection portion where it extends in the longitudinal direction of the first electrode and on the side close to the first electrode.

Energy-based medical devices

A medical device includes an energy-generating unit configured to produce energy for conduction through tissue to treat tissue. Waste heat produced by the energy-generating unit during energy production is conducted to tissue to facilitate treating tissue.

Surgical instrument with fiber bragg grating

A surgical instrument includes an end effector including first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue. In the second position, the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a first signal, and a second optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a second signal. A controller is coupled to the first and second fibers and is configured to determine the temperature and the strain of the first jaw member as a function of the first and second signals, respectively.

FOCAL ABLATION ASSEMBLY

A focal ablation assembly, used with an endoscope comprising an endoscopic tube, comprises a cryogenic catheter, a balloon and a reinforcing element. The cryogenic catheter is placeable within the endoscopic tube channel and has a distal end placeable at the distal end of the endoscopic tube. The balloon is mountable to the catheter distal end and extends distally of both of the distal ends. The reinforcing element at least partially defines the shape of the balloon in the expanded state. The balloon defines a balloon volume when expanded and has a thermally conductive therapeutic region which provides effectively no thermal insulation. In some examples the focal ablation assembly comprises a delivery catheter extending along the channel with a distal portion fluidly coupled to the balloon interior, whereby refrigerant can be introduced into the balloon interior and towards the therapeutic region by the delivery catheter. 1. A focal ablation assembly , adapted for use with an endoscope within a hollow body structure , the hollow body structure having a target site at an inner surface thereof and a target site cross-sectional area at the target site , the endoscope comprising an endoscopic tube having proximal and distal ends and defining a channel extending between the proximal and distal ends , the focal ablation assembly comprising:a cryogenic catheter placeable within the channel, the cryogenic catheter defining a catheter lumen and having a distal end placeable at the distal end of the endoscopic tube;a balloon mountable to the distal end of the cryogenic catheter, the balloon extending distally of both of the distal ends of the endoscopic tube and the cryogenic catheter;the balloon placeable in collapsed and expanded states, the balloon having a balloon interior and a balloon sidewall, the sidewall having a thermally conductive therapeutic region providing effectively no thermal insulation;a balloon-shape-affecting reinforcing element located within the balloon ...

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH FIBER BRAGG GRATING

A surgical instrument includes an end effector including first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue. In the second position, the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a first signal, and a second optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a second signal. A controller is coupled to the first and second fibers and is configured to determine the temperature and the strain of the first jaw member as a function of the first and second signals, respectively. 1. (canceled)2. A surgical instrument , comprising:an end effector;a first component configured to move the end effector;a first optical fiber disposed within the end effector and configured to provide a first signal;a second optical fiber disposed within the end effector and configured to provide a second signal;a third optical fiber is coupled to the component and configured to provide a third signal; anda controller coupled to the first, second, and third fibers and configured to determine temperature and strain of the end effector based on the first and second signals, respectively, and at least one of strain or position of the component based on the third signal.3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2 , wherein the surgical instrument further includes a second component.4. The surgical instrument according to claim 3 , wherein the third optical fiber includes a first Bragg grating and a second Bragg grating.5. The surgical instrument according to claim 4 , wherein the first Bragg grating is disposed within the first component and the second Bragg grating is disposed within the second component.6. The surgical instrument according to claim 2 , wherein each of the first and second optical fibers includes a Bragg grating.7. The surgical instrument according to claim 2 , ...

TREATMENT APPARATUS

A treatment apparatus having an electrothermal conversion element, a heat transfer plate and a restricting structure arranged to be spaced apart from the heat transfer plate, wherein the restricting structure is configured to restrict a movement of a first part of a substrate of the electrothermal conversion element in a direction away from the heat transfer plate.

Surgical Forceps with Spring Member Having an Adjustable Position

Surgical forceps, for example electrosurgical forceps, are disclosed which comprise a pair of arms, each extending from a connecting hinge or member at a rearward end of the forceps to a tip at the forward end of the forceps. A spring or pivot member is disposed between the forward and rearward ends of the forceps and engages the arms. The axial position of the spring or pivot member is adjustable.

Hyperthermic Cancerous Tissue Ablation

A system and method for hyperthermic ablation of cancerous tissue of a human patient is disclosed. A system and method include a vessel that is sized and adapted for receiving the human patient, and a circulation device outside of the vessel for circulating a thermally conductive liquid to and from the vessel, such that the portion of the human patient enclosed in the containment suit is at least partially submerged in the thermally conductive liquid when the human patient is in the vessel. The system and method further include a set of electromagnetic transmission coils at least partially around the vessel for inducing an alternating electromagnetic field around the human patient, the alternating electromagnetic field being directed, via the thermally conductive liquid, to the cancerous tissue that has been provided a conductive nanoparticle, to provide hyperthermic ablation of the cancerous tissue. 1. A system for hyperthermic ablation of cancerous tissue of a human patient , the cancerous tissue being provided a conductive nanoparticle , the system comprising:a vessel that is sized and adapted for receiving the human patient;at least one inlet pipe to the vessel;at least one outlet pipe from the vessel;a circulation device outside of the vessel and connected between the at least one inlet pipe and the at least one outlet pipe, the circulation device for circulating a thermally conductive liquid to and from the vessel, such that the human patient is at least partially submerged in the thermally conductive liquid when the human patient is in the vessel; anda set of electromagnetic transmission coils at least partially around the vessel for inducing an alternating electromagnetic field around the human patient, the alternating electromagnetic field being directed to the cancerous tissue that has been provided the conductive nanoparticle via the thermally conductive liquid.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the circulation device includes a pump for ...

MEDICAL DEVICES FOR THERMALLY TREATING TISSUE

A medical device for treating tissue includes a tissue-contacting surface and a solid state heating element that is thermally coupled to the tissue-contacting surface. The solid state heating element is configured to generate heat to thermally treat tissue. 120-. (canceled)21. A medical device for treating tissue , comprising:an end effector assembly including a housing defining a tissue-contacting surface; and at least one transistor configured to generate heat to thermally treat tissue; and', 'a battery configured to supply energy to the at least one transistor such that the at least one transistor generates heat to heat the tissue-contacting surface for thermally treat tissue., 'an integrated circuit package disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the tissue-contacting surface, the integrated circuit package including22. The medical device according to claim 21 , wherein the integrated circuit package further includes a solid state heating element claim 21 , the solid state heating element including the at least one transistor.23. The medical device according to claim 21 , wherein the integrated circuit package further includes control circuitry configured to regulate the supply of energy from the battery to the at least one transistor to thereby regulate heat generation produced by the at least one transistor.24. The medical device according to claim 23 , further comprising at least one temperature-sensing element disposed on the housing.25. The medical device according to claim 24 , wherein the control circuitry is coupled to the at least one temperature-sensing element for feedback-based control of the supply of energy from the battery to the at least one transistor.26. The medical device according to claim 21 , wherein the end effector assembly further includes a second housing defining a second tissue-contacting surface claim 21 , and wherein at least one of the housing and the second housing is movable relative to the other from a spaced-apart ...

Treatment-Energy Applying Structure and Medical Treatment Device

A treatment-energy applying structure includes a flexible substrate having a wiring pattern having a heat-generation region and a connection region. A heat transfer plate faces a surface of the flexible substrate, and transfers heat to a body tissue. An adhesive sheet, having heat conductivity, is disposed between the flexible substrate and the heat transfer plate to cover the entirety of the heat-generation region and the heat transfer plate. A region of the adhesive sheet protrudes from the heat transfer plate to cover a region of the connection region. A pair of lead wires connects to the connection region outside of the covered region. The adhesive sheet is longer than the heat transfer plate and shorter than the flexible substrate. A gap between an end of the heat transfer plate and the lead wires is longer than a diameter of the lead wires or a thickness of the heat transfer plate. 1. A treatment-energy applying structure , comprising: a heat-generation region configured to generate heat when electricity is applied to the heat-generation region; and', 'a connection region that has electrical continuity with the heat-generation region;, 'a flexible substrate having one surface including a wiring pattern thereon, the wiring pattern comprisinga heat transfer plate disposed so as to face the one surface of the flexible substrate, the heat transfer plate configured to contact a body tissue and transfer heat from the heat-generation region to the body tissue;an adhesive sheet disposed between the flexible substrate and the heat transfer plate so as to cover the entirety of the heat-generation region and the entirety of the heat transfer plate to adhere the flexible substrate to the heat transfer plate, the adhesive sheet having a protrusion region that protrudes from the heat transfer plate to cover a covered region of the connection region, the adhesive sheet having heat conductivity; anda pair of lead wires connected to the connection region outside of the covered ...

ELECTROSURGICAL DISSECTOR WITH THERMAL MANAGEMENT

An electrosurgical dissection apparatus is disclosed, and includes a thermally insulating body, a thermally conductive insert, at least one active electrode, and at least one return electrode. The at least one active electrode is disposed on the thermally conductive insert, and the at least one return electrode is spaced from the at least one active electrode by a portion of the thermally insulating body. The thermally conductive insert is configured to cauterize tissue dissected by radiofrequency energy passing from the at least one active electrode to the at least one return electrode. 16-. (canceled)7. An electrosurgical dissection apparatus comprising:a thermally insulating body;a thermally conductive insert;at least one active electrode disposed on the thermally conductive insert;at least one return electrode, the at least one return electrode spaced from the at least one active electrode by a portion of the thermally insulating body;at least a pair of approximatable jaw members, each jaw member including a sealing plate;wherein the thermally conductive insert is configured to cauterize tissue dissected by radiofrequency energy passing from the at least one active electrode to the at least one return electrode.8. The electrosurgical dissection apparatus of claim 7 , wherein each of the at least one active electrode and the at least one return electrode are disposed on the respective opposing sealing plates.916-. (canceled) The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/658,523, filed on Jun. 12, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical dissection system and method for performing electrosurgical dissection procedures. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for transmitting radio frequency energy from an electrosurgical generator to a treatment site through a dissector formed of materials ...

ENERGY TREATMENT TOOL

An energy treatment tool includes: a heat transfer plate including a treatment surface for treating body tissue; an energy generating unit configured to generate thermal energy and transmit the thermal energy to the heat transfer plate; and a wiring unit connected to the energy generating unit and serving as an electrical conduction path to the energy generating unit. The wiring unit includes: a low thermal resistance unit; and a high thermal resistance unit that has higher thermal resistance than the low thermal resistance unit and connects the low thermal resistance unit and the energy generating unit. 1. An energy treatment tool comprising:a heat transfer plate including a treatment surface for treating body tissue;an energy generating unit configured to generate thermal energy and transmit the thermal energy to the heat transfer plate; and a low thermal resistance unit; and', 'a high thermal resistance unit that has higher thermal resistance than the low thermal resistance unit and connects the low thermal resistance unit and the energy generating unit., 'a wiring unit connected to the energy generating unit and serving as an electrical conduction path to the energy generating unit, the wiring unit including2. The energy treatment tool according to claim 1 , wherein the high thermal resistance unit includes a region with a smaller cross-sectional area than the low thermal resistance unit.3. The energy treatment tool according to claim 1 , wherein the high thermal resistance unit is made of a material with lower thermal conductivity than the low thermal resistance unit.4. The energy treatment tool according to claim 1 , wherein the high thermal resistance unit includes a plurality of wires that are connected to each other in a non-contact manner by capacitive coupling.5. The energy treatment tool according to claim 1 , wherein a ceramic substrate, one plate surface of which is bonded to the heat transfer plate; and', 'a heating element provided on another plate ...

Treatment Energy Application Structure and Medical Treatment Device

A treatment energy application structure includes a flexible substrate having an electric resistance pattern and a lead wire connection portion. A heat transfer plate faces the flexible substrate and transfers heat to the body tissue. An insulating adhesive sheet is interposed between the flexible substrate and the heat transfer plate. The insulating adhesive sheet comprises a first area to cover an entire surface of the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate and a second area protruding from the heat transfer plate to cover a part of the lead wire connection portion. The heat transfer plate has a chamfered corner facing the insulating adhesive sheet. An adhesive may adhere the second area to at least one of the heat transfer plate and the substrate. The insulating adhesive sheet may adhere the substrate to both the heat transfer plate and the bridge portion of a cover. 1. A treatment energy application structure comprising:a flexible substrate having, on one surface thereof, an electric resistance pattern and a lead wire connection portion, the electric resistance pattern being configured to generate heat by power supply, and the lead wire connection portion being configured to be electrically connected to the electric resistance pattern and connected to a lead wire;a heat transfer plate facing the one surface of the flexible substrate and configured to contact a body tissue to transfer the heat from the electric resistance pattern to the body tissue; andan insulating adhesive sheet interposed between the flexible substrate and the heat transfer plate to allow the flexible substrate and the heat transfer plate to adhere to each other, a first area to cover at least an entire surface of the electric resistance pattern and the heat transfer plate; and', 'a second area protruding from the heat transfer plate to cover a part of the lead wire connection portion, and, 'wherein the insulating adhesive sheet compriseswherein the heat transfer plate has a ...

MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE, METHOD FOR OPERATING MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE, AND TREATMENT METHOD

A medical treatment device includes: a pair of holding members configured to grasp a target part to be connected in a body tissue; an energy application portion provided on at least one holding member of the pair of holding members, the energy application portion being configured to contact the target part when the target part is grasped by the pair of holding members to apply energy to the target part; and a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to cause the energy application portion to: apply high-frequency energy to the target part for a first period; apply ultrasound energy to the target part for a second period subsequent to the first period; and apply heat energy to the target part for a third period subsequent to the second period. 1. A medical treatment device comprising:a pair of holding members configured to grasp a target part to be connected in a body tissue;an energy application portion provided on at least one holding member of the pair of holding members, the energy application portion being configured to contact the target part when the target part is grasped by the pair of holding members to apply energy to the target part; and apply high-frequency energy to the target part for a first period;', 'apply ultrasound energy to the target part for a second period subsequent to the first period; and', 'apply heat energy to the target part for a third period subsequent to the second period., 'a processor comprising hardware, wherein the processor is configured to cause the energy application portion to2. The medical treatment device according to claim 1 , whereinthe processor is configured to calculate impedance of the target part when the high-frequency energy is applied to the target part, whereinafter the impedance of the target part reaches a lowest value, the processor is configured to start the second period and cause the energy application portion to apply the ultrasound energy to the target part.3. The medical treatment device ...

Heat transfer through a catheter tip

Described embodiments include a catheter tip that includes an outer layer of a thermally-conducting metal; an inner layer of a thermally-conducting metal; a polymer layer between the inner and outer layer; and a plurality of thermal bridges selectively positioned between the inner and outer layers and through the polymer layer thereby significantly increasing the heat transfer of the catheter tip through the polymer layer. Other embodiments are also described.

TREATMENT INSTRUMENT

A treatment instrument includes a heat conductor which includes a treatment surface and an installation surface, a heat generator which generates heat, a substrate which includes a substrate front surface on which the heat generator is formed and a substrate side surface facing one side in a width direction, the substrate being attached to the installation surface, an adhesive layer which is provided between the installation surface of the heat conductor and the substrate, the adhesive layer being formed of a material having a thermal conductivity and being in close contact with the installation surface, and an insulating portion which is formed of a material having electrical insulation, the insulating portion being in close contact with the heat generator, the substrate front surface, and the substrate side surface. 1. A treatment instrument comprising:a heat conductor that includes a treatment surface and an installation surface on a side opposite to the treatment surface;a heat generator that generates heat when electrical energy is supplied to the heat generator; 'a substrate front surface, the heat generator being formed on the substrate front surface,', 'a substrate that includesthe substrate front surface being configured to face the heat conductor; an adhesive layer that is provided between the installation surface of the heat conductor and the substrate, the adhesive layer being formed of a material having a thermal conductivity and contacting the installation surface of the heat conductor; andan insulating portion formed of a material having electrical insulation, the insulating portion contacting the heat generator and the substrate.2. The treatment instrument according to claim 1 , the substrate further comprising a first substrate side surface on a side of the substrate and a second substrate side surface on an opposite side of the substrate claim 1 , wherein: the insulating portion contacts the first substrate side surface and the second substrate ...

CRYOSYSTEM COMPRISING NANOPARTICLES FOR TREATING A BODY PART OF AN INDIVIDUAL BY CRYOTHERAPY

A cryo-system for treating a body part of an individual by cryotherapy, which includes two parts. The first part is either i) a cryo-probe suitable for internal cooling, which includes a penetrating segment in communication with a cryogen source and is at least smaller than 1/10th of the body part's biggest volume and/or at least one dimension smaller than 1 cm or ii) a cryo-probe suitable for external cooling, which includes a non-penetrating segment in communication with a cryogen source. The second part is either i) an assembly of at least two nanoparticles bound to each other or associated with each other via binding or associating material or ii) at least one nanoparticle, which includes iron and at least one other metal than iron. The assembly of at least two nanoparticles or the at least one nanoparticle may be cooled by the cryo-probe or by switching on the cryo-probe. 1. A method for treating a body part of an individual by cryotherapy comprising a step of cooling with a cryo-system the body part of the individual from an initial temperature of the body part to a cooling temperature of the body part , which is lower than the initial temperature , wherein the cryo-system comprises two parts a) and b): [{'sup': 'th', 'i) the cryo-probe is suitable for cooling down the body part internally or cooling down the body part from the inside of the body part, and the cryo-probe comprises a penetrating segment for penetrating the body part, wherein the penetrating segment has at least one property selected in the group consisting of: 1) the penetrating segment is in communication with a cryogen source, 2) the penetrating segment is smaller than at least 1/10of the largest dimension of said body part or lighter or heavier than a weight of said body part, 3) the penetrating segment directly cools from the cryo-probe to the body part, and 4) the penetrating segment has at least one dimension smaller than 1 cm, and'}, 'ii) the cryo-probe is suitable for cooling down the ...

Skin moisturizing and buffing device

A compact hand-held skin treatment device has a porous, slowly movable surface mounted on its housing that applies steam vapor condensate to the skin, thereby providing a light cleansing buffing action. Steam vapor is generated within a narrow vertical boiling chamber by a small compact electric heating assembly within the housing and located close to the movable porous surface. It provides a sufficient amount of vapor to coat the rotating surface with a layer of condensate to be applied to the skin. The housing also contains a small liquid reservoir, a battery operated power supply and a small motor to provide a self-contained readily operated device.

LIGHT APPLICATOR

A light applicator () for examining and/or treating an organic body includes a minimal-invasive, rigid, semi-flexible or flexible insertion section () which extends along a longitudinal direction (L) and at its distal end includes an LED (). The light applicator () includes a first electrical lead () for the supply of electricity to the LED (). The lead extends in the insertion section () in the longitudinal direction (L) and there has a cross-sectional area of at least 70% of the cross-sectional area of the light applicator (). The light applicator () in the insertion section () is thermally insulated in the radial direction in a manner such that the radial thermal insulation reduces proximally. 1. A light applicator for examining and/or treating an organic body , the light applicator comprising:a minimal-invasive, rigid, semi-flexible or flexible insertion section which extends along a longitudinal direction and at a distal end thereof comprises an LED;a first electrical lead for the supply of electricity to the LED, said lead extending in the insertion section in the longitudinal direction and there having a cross-sectional area of at least 70% of the cross-sectional area of the light applicator; andradial thermal insulation, wherein the light applicator in the insertion section is thermally insulated in the radial direction by the radial thermal insulation such that the radial thermal insulation reduces proximally.2. A light applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the radial thermal insulation in the insertion section decreases in a stepwise and/or continuously proximally.3. A light applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the radial thermal insulation in the insertion section comprises at least one radial thermal insulation layer claim 1 , wherein a total thickness of the at least one thermal insulation layer reduces proximally.4. A light applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the radial thermal insulation in the insertion section comprises a plurality of ...

Method and device for delivering pulsed RF energy during catheter ablation

一种极间冷冻消融导管

本发明涉及冷冻消融领域，特别是一种极间冷冻消融导管，其包括：柔性插入管，柔性插入管具有用于插入到患者体腔内的远端；电极，电极数量为两个以上，相互间隔且相互绝缘地安装在所述远端，电极具有用于接触患者心脏组织的外表面，同时两个以上的电极配置成相互配合对心脏组织标测或电刺激；循环冷冻腔体，循环冷冻腔体设置在柔性插入管内且从柔性插入管的远端伸入到电极的间隔中，且间隔中的腔体和心脏组织隔开，腔体中设置有循环流动的冷冻介质，本发明的发明目的在于提供一种保证心脏组织消融效果的情况下提高安全性、减小患者并发症的可能性、同时具备标测和刺激功能、减小手术难度和患者的痛楚以及费用的极间冷冻消融导管。

Medical probe with stylets

本发明的医疗探测装置包括一个具有一个控制端和一个探测端的导管(2)。探测端包括一个至少有一个通管针出口的通管针导向槽(6)，以及通过至少一个通管针出口及通过介入的组织，用于把一个软通管针(8)引出到目标组织的通管针导向装置。一个通管针(8)安置在至少一个所述通管针导向装置中，该通管针包括一个不导电套管(30)，其中有一个RF电极腔(50)，以及一个可选择的流体供应腔(60)，以及一个温度传感器腔(58)。至少一部分电极腔的一个相对的表面与电极(32)能隔开，以限定一个液体供应通路，用于输送药物液体。密封在不导电套管之内的RF电极有一个末端段，其上可选择地至少有一个电流聚焦坡口(70)装置，以及一个末尖端，成型为聚焦在它的终端上积聚的电流。

Surgical tool with inductively heated regions

An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Catheter for ice mapping and ablation

The invention provides a catheter for ice mapping and ablation and a method of ablation using the catheter. The catheter includes at least two lumens for circulating a refrigerating fluid adjacent an ablation device located at the end of a catheter. The refrigerated ablation device is used to chill a localized region of myocardial tissue, thereby permitting the resulting change in electrical activity to be determined. In response to the test results, the ablation device may be used to make a lesion in the myocardial tissue to correct a cardiac arrhythmia. In one embodiment, the ablation device is an electrode which uses radio frequency energy to ablate the myocardial tissue. Alternatively, the ablation device is an electrode adapted for direct current ablation. In another embodiment, the electrode is replaced with an optical fiber in communication with a laser which uses the laser's light energy to ablate tissue. The embodiments may include provisions for steering the catheter and for stabilizing the ablation device at the proposed lesion site.

Self-contained power sypply and monitoring station for RF tissue ablation

A method and an apparatus is disclosed for delivering controlled heat to perform ablation to treat the benign prosthetic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (BPH). According to the method and the apparatus, the energy is transferred directly into the tissue mass which is to be treated in such a manner as to provide tissue ablation without damage to surrounding tissues. Automatic shut-off occurs when any one of a number of surrounding areas to include the urethra or surrounding mass or the adjacent organs exceed predetermined safe temperature limits. The constant application of the radio frequency energy over a maintained determined time provides a safe procedure which avoids electrosurgical and other invasive operations while providing fast relief to BPH with a short recovery time. The procedure may be accomplished in a doctor's office without the need for hospitalization or surgery.

Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using self-heated electrodes

Systems and methods using an electrode able to transmit heating or ablation energy into tissue include first and second sensing elements associated with the electrode for measuring first and second temperatures. The electrode also includes a heating element in thermal conductive contact with the electrode for heating the electrode. The systems and methods sequentially activate the heating element and sense temperatures without transmitting tissue heating or ablation energy, and then transmit heating or ablation energy and sense temperatures without activating the heating element, to derive from the sensed temperatures a prediction of maximum tissue temperature.

Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using predicted temperature for monitoring and control

Systems and methods employ an energy emitting electrode to heat tissue. The systems and methods derive a temperature prediction for a future time period. The systems and methods control the application of energy to the energy emitting electrode based, at least in part, upon the temperature prediction.

Medical probe apparatus with enhanced RF, resistance heating, and microwave ablation capabilities

A medical probe device comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissue. The stylet comprises an electrical central conductor which is enclosed within an insulating or dielectric sleeve surrounded by a conductive layer terminated by an antenna to selectively deliver microwave or radio frequency energy to target tissue. One embodiment includes the electrical conductor being enclosed within a non-conductive sleeve which itself is enclosed within a conductive sleeve in a coaxial cable arrangement to form a microwave transmission line terminated by an antenna. Another embodiment includes a resistive element near the distal end of the stylet which couples the center electrode to an outer conductor to generate joulian heat as electromagnetic energy is applied, such as an RF signal.

Dual-channel RF power delivery system

A dual-channel RF power delivery system for applying RF energy to dual electrodes of an RF ablation device with independent control of the power level, frequency, phase, and time duration of the RF energy applied to each electrode to more accurately control the ablation of a target tissue. The power delivery system supplies a first controlled RF signal having a first power level, frequency, phase, and time duration to the electrode of a first flexible stylet and a second controlled RF signal having a second power level frequency, phase, and time duration to the electrode of a second flexible stylet. The difference between the first and second power levels and the temperature of the tissue between the first and second stylers are monitored to control the ablation of the target tissue. The supply of the first RF signal is terminated when the monitored temperature of the first stylet exceeds a first predetermined value and the supply of the second RF signal is terminated when the monitored temperature of the second stylet exceeds a second predetermined value. By adjusting the frequency and/or phase of the first and second RF signals, the relative amounts of bipolar and monopolar ablation can be adjusted for accurate control of the lesion volume. The lesion volume can also be controlled by varying the deployment length of the electrodes.

Systems and methods for sensing sub-surface temperatures in body tissue

Systems and methods supply ablation energy to an electrode in contact with tissue to form a tissue-electrode interface. The system and methods sense, simultaneously with ablation, at least two tissue temperature conditions using at least two tissue temperature sensing elements which are held within a carrier that is substantially isolated from thermal conductive contact with the electrode. The carrier holds the tissue temperature sensing elements in a spaced apart relationship in thermal conductive contact with tissue at different depths beneath the tissue-electrode interface. The systems and methods control the supply of ablation energy to the electrode based, at least in part, upon temperatures sensed by the tissue temperature sensing elements.

Systems and apparatus for sensing temperature in body tissue

An apparatus for ablating body tissue has an electrode for contacting tissue to transmit ablation energy. A tissue temperature sensing element is held in a thermally conducting carrier on the electrode. The carrier holds the tissue temperature sensing element in thermal conductive contact with tissue, while keeping the temperature sensing element in isolation from thermal conductive contact with the electrode. The carrier has prescribed thermal conductive characteristics that significantly improve the sensitivity of the temperature sensing element to tissue temperature and not the temperature of the electrode.

Systems and methods for sensing temperature within the body

Systems and methods well suited for use in catheter based tissue ablation systems employ thermocouples (80) for temperature sensing at an energy emitter site (30). The sensed temperature is used to control the energy output from the energy source to maintain tissue temperature within desired parameters. The systems combine accuracy with compact, low profile construction.

Systems and methods for ablating body tissue using predicted maximum tissue temperature

Systems and methods ablate body tissue using an electrode for contacting tissue at a tissue-electrode interface to transmit ablation energy at a determinable power level. The systems and methods include an element to remove heat from the electrode at a determinable rate. The systems and methods employ a processing element to derive a prediction of the maximum tissue temperature condition occurring beneath the tissue-electrode interface. The processing element controls the power level of ablation energy transmitted by the electrode, or the rate at which the electrode is cooled, or both, based, at least in part, upon the maximum tissue temperature prediction.

System for controlling tissue ablation using temperature sensors

This invention is a system and associated method to ablate body tissue using multiple emitters (30) of ablating energy. The system and method convey ablating energy individually to each emitter (30) in a sequence of power pulses. The system and method periodically sense the temperature of each emitter (30) and compare the sensed temperatures to a desired temperature established for all emitters (30) to generate a signal individually for each emitter (30) based upon the comparison. The system and method individually vary the power pulse to each emitter (30) based upon the signal for that emitter to maintain the temperatures of all emitters essentially at the desired temperature during tissue ablation.

Systems and methods for obtaining desired lesion characteristics while ablating body tissue

This invention is systems and methods for ablating body tissue use, and electrode (16) for contacting tissue. The electrode (16) is coupled to a source of ablation energy (12) for transmitting ablation energy at a prescribed ablation power level into tissue to form, over a prescribed time period, a therapeutic result. The systems and methods include an element (50) to cool the electrode (16). An input element (100) inputs a desired result, and a processing element (98) retains a function correlating an observed relationship among lesion boundary depth, ablation power level, ablation time and temperature. The processing element (98) compares the desired result to the function and selects an operating condition based upon the comparison to achieve the desired result.

Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods which predict maximum tissue temperature

Systems and methods heat or ablate body tissue by positioning an electrode to transmit heat or ablation energy to a tissue region. The systems and methods measure a first temperature using a temperature sensing element associated with the electrode. The systems and methods also measure a second temperature using a temperature sensing element associated with the electrode. The systems and methods process at least one of the first and second temperatures to derive a prediction of maximum temperature of the tissue region. The systems and methods generate an output that controls the transmission of the heating or ablation energy based, at least in part, upon the maximum tissue temperature prediction.

Electrothermal instrument for sealing and joining or cutting tissue

An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Noninvasive devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of tissues

The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenated tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy heats fascia and other collagenated support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy can be applied intermittently, often between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces, the electrodes optionally being supported by a clamp structure. Such cooled plate electrodes are capable of directing electrical energy through an intermediate tissue and into fascia while the cooled electrode surface prevents injury to the intermediate tissue, particularly where the electrode surfaces are cooled before, during, and after an intermittent heating cycle. Ideally, the plate electrode comprises an electrode array including discrete electrode surface segments so that the current flux can be varied to selectively target the fascia. Alternatively, chilled 'liquid electrodes' may direct current through a selected portion of the bladder while also cooling the bladder wall, an insulating gas can prevent heating of an alternative bladder portion and the adjacent tissues, and/or ultrasound transducers direct energy through an intermediate tissue and into fascia with little or no injury to the intermediate tissue.

Electrophysiological treatment methods and apparatus employing high voltage pulse to render tissue temporarily unresponsive

Systems and methods for diagnosing and treating tissue transmit an electrical energy pulse that temporarily stuns a zone of tissue, temporarily rendering it electrically unresponsive. The systems and methods sense an electrophysiological effect due to the transmitted pulse. The systems and methods alter an electrophysiological property of tissue in or near the zone based, at least in part, upon the sensed electrophysiological effect. The alteration of the electrophysiological property can be accomplished, for example, by tissue ablation or by the administration of medication. In a preferred implementation, radio frequency energy is used to both temporarily stun tissue and to ablate tissue through a common electrode.

Electrosurgical cartridge for use in thin profile surgical cutting and stapling instrument

The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument that includes an end effector configured to slideably receive a cutting member. The end effector includes a first and second jaw that is movable relative to the first jaw, a hot zone in a center portion of the end effector, and cool zones in both side portions of the end effector. The first and second jaws define an elongate slot therebetween, to slideably receive the cutting member within the elongate slot to cut tissue located between the first and second jaws. The first jaw includes a first insulative layer and a second insulative layer in the hot zone, a first electrode layer on the first insulative layer, a second electrode layer on the second insulative layer, and heat sink layers in the cool zones. The heat sink layers are configured to cool the tissue in the cool zones to minimize lateral thermal spread.

High efficiency transparent organic light emitting devices

A highly transparent non-metallic cathode is disclosed that comprises a metal-doped organic electron injection layer that is in direct contact with a transparent non-metallic electron injecting cathode layer, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), wherein the metal-doped organic electron injection layer also functions as an exciton blocking or hole blocking layer. The metal-doped organic electron injection layer is created by diffusing an ultra-thin layer of about 5-10 Å of a highly electropositive metal such as Li throughout the layer. A representative embodiment of the highly transparent non-metallic cathode comprises a layer of ITO, a layer of 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP), which acts as an electron injection, exciton blocking, and hole blocking layer, and an ultra-thin layer of lithium, which degenerately dopes the layer of BCP, improving the electron injecting properties of the BCP layer. This cathode is demonstrated for use in an OLED having a transparency of about 90% or higher combined with a device external quantum efficiency of about 1% or higher.

The conduit of machinery heating

提供用于机械加热导管末端的系统和方法。上述系统例如包括：导管本体（110），其具有轴向管腔（121）；导管末端（170），其中末端中的至少一些由高摩擦导热材料形成；摩擦产生插塞（130），其设置在导管末端的轴向管腔内，并至少部分地由高摩擦材料形成；驱动线（140），其延伸穿过导管本体的轴向管腔，在近端部连接到动力源（180）并且在远端部连接到摩擦产生插塞。上述方法包括使用驱动线在导管末端内部转动或沿轴向平移摩擦产生插塞。通过摩擦产生插塞与导管末端内壁之间的运动所产生的摩擦产生热，该热可由导热材料向外传导。

Method and device for thermal ablation of hollow body organs

Hollow body organs, such as the gallbladder, may be ablated by introducing a substantially unheated thermally conductive medium to the interior of the organ. The thermally conductive medium is then heated to a temperature sufficient to necrose the endothelial lining or mucous membrane of the organ. After the lining or membrane has necrosed, the interior of the organ will fibrose over time and the organ will eventually be resorbed by the body. A catheter useful in performing the ablation method comprises an elongate member having a heating element at its distal tip. The catheter will include at least oen lumen for delivering the thermally conductive medium to the interior of the hollow body organ, and the heating means is used to raise the temperature of the thermally conductive medium after it has been delivered. Optionally, the catheter may include one or more inflatable balloons which facilitate sealing of the hollow body organ to inhibit leakage of the thermally conductive medium during the treatment process.

Bph ablation method and apparatus

본 발명은 양성 전립선 증식증 또는 비대증(BPH)을 치료를 위한 절제술을 수행하기 위하여 제어된 열을 전달하는 방법 및 장치(14)에 관한 것이다. 본 방법 및 장치(14)에 따르면, 에너지는 둘러싸인 조직에 손상을 입히지 않고 조직이 절제되도록 하는 상기 방식으로 치료된 조직 매스(6)안으로 직접 이동된다. 요도(2) 또는 주위 매스 또는 인접한 기관(6)을 포함한 많은 주위 영역중의 어떠한 하나라도 소정의 안정한 온도 한계를 초과할 때 자동정지된다. 결정된 시간동안 유지된 라디오파 에너지의 일정한 적용은 짧은 회복 시간에 BPH의 고통을 빠르게 덜어주면서 전기-외과적 및 다른 외과적 수술을 피하는 안정한 절차를 제공한다. 이러한 절차는 입원 또는 외과수술을 요하지 않고 진찰실에서만으로도 성취될 수 있다. The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus 14 for delivering controlled heat to perform resection for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy (BPH). According to the method and apparatus 14, energy is transferred directly into the treated tissue mass 6 in this manner, allowing the tissue to be excised without damaging the surrounding tissue. Any one of the many surrounding areas, including the urethra 2 or the surrounding mass or adjacent trachea 6, is automatically stopped when a certain stable temperature limit is exceeded. The constant application of radiowave energy maintained for a determined time provides a stable procedure that avoids electro-surgical and other surgical operations while quickly relieving the pain of BPH in a short recovery time. This procedure can be accomplished only in the examination room without requiring hospitalization or surgery.

Medical probe device and method

A medical probe device comprises a catheter (48) having a stylet guide housing (50) with one or more stylet ports (140) in a side wall thereof and a stylet guide (16) for directing a flexible stylet (17) outward through the stylet port and through intervening tissue at a preselected adjustable angle to a target tissue. The total cather assembly includes a stylet guide lumen (61) communicating with the stylet port and a stylet positioned in said stylet guide lumen for longitudinal movement from the port through intervening tissue to a target tissue. The stylet can be an electrical conductor enclosed within a non-conductive layer (60), the electrical conductor being a radiofrequency electrode.

Intravascular arterial to venous anastomosis and tissue welding catheter

A catheter-based device tracks over a guidewire which has been placed from a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel. The distal tip of the catheter is advanced into the second vessel while a proximal member remains in the first vessel. Matching blunt tapered surfaces on each of the distal tip and the proximal member are clamped together, with adjacent walls of each vessel between them, after which a known, controlled pressure is applied between the two surfaces. Heat energy is then applied to the blunt surfaces for approximately 1-30 seconds to weld the wal ls of the two vessels together. After coaptation of the vessel walls, the heat is increased to then cut through the vessel walls to create a fistula of the desired size.

Steerable medical probe with stylets

A medical probe device for reducing tissue mass in a selected portion of the body comprises a torquable catheter having a control end and a probe end. The probe end includes a stylet guide means with a flexible tip and a tip directing means extending from the control end to the flexible tip for changing the orientation of the central axis of the stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through the stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. A stylet is positioned in the said stylet guide means. The stylet can be an RF electrode, microwave antenna, biopsy means, fluid supply means or combination thereof. Preferably, the stylet is a non-conductive sleeve having an electrode lumen and a second lumen therein, the electrode lumen terminating at a distal port in the distal end of the non-conductive sleeve, a radiofrequency electrode being positioned in said electrode lumen for longitudinal movement therein through the distal port. The medical probe device is particularly useful for removing tissue mass from the prostate and can be used for treating BPH or benign or cancerous tumors of the prostate. The device of this invention can be used in combination with a viewing scope such as a cystoscope, endoscope, laproscope and the like, being sized to extend therethrough or it can include a viewing scope. In one construction, the flexible tip comprises a metal tube with parallel spaced-apart slots extending through the tube to a continuous longitudinal section and enclosed within a flexible sleeve, whereby the tip will preferentially bend in a plane through the axis of the tube and the continuous longitudinal section.

Devices, methods, and systems for shrinking tissues

Devices, systems, and method for treating urinary incontinence generally rely on energy delivered to a patient's own pelvic support tissue to selectively contract or shrink at least a portion of that pelvic support tissue so as to reposition the bladder. The energy will preferably be applied to the endopelvic fascia and/or an arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. The invention provides a variety of devices and methods for applying gentle resistive heating of these and other tissues to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. Alternatively, heat-applying probes are configured to heat tissue structures which comprise or support a patient's urethra. By applying sufficient energy over a predetermined time, the tissue can be raised to a temperature which results in contraction without significant necrosis or other tissue damage. By selectively contracting the support tissues, the bladder neck, sphincter, and other components of the urinary tract responsible for the control of urinary flow can be reconfigured or supported in a manner which reduces urinary leakage.

Ringed forceps

A surgical instrument comprises two oppositely-positioned working numbers each having proximal and distal ends and each having a working surface. The instrument also comprises at least one ring member affixed to a least one of the working members to encompass one or more of a user's fingers. In one embodiment at least one working surface has a heating element to cut or seal and cut tissue.

Heat pipe for cautery surgical Instrument

A heat pipe for a cautery surgical instrument such as a surgical forceps including a pair of elongate arms joined at an end so as to provide for resilient compressible movement of the arms between a normally open position and a squeezed closed position. The heat pipe provides for conduction of heat away from an electrode tip, and comprises an evaporator portion having a first diameter and a condenser portion spaced away from the evaporator end, and that transitions from the first diameter to at least one smaller diameter section. A socket is disposed within each arm of the forceps, and includes a longitudinal blind hole that is sized so as to releasably receive the smaller diameter section of the condenser portion, and a catch for engaging a portion of the arm.

Ultrasonic surgical instruments

An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided. The ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and has at least one jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw member(s) is movable between open and clamping configurations. A probe extends through the shaft and operably couples to the housing. The probe includes a cutting blade at a distal end thereof adjacent the jaw member(s) to treat tissue of interest. The jaw member(s) and cutting blade are configured such that heat damage to tissue adjacent tissue of interest that has been treated by the cutting blade is reduced and/or eliminated.

Electrode arrangement and electronic gripping instrument

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Elektrodenanordnung für ein elektrochirurgisches Greifinstrument mit einer Elektrode, einem Heizelement und einem zwischen der Elektrode und dem Heizelement angeordneten, diese voneinander isolierenden Isolator, welcher biegeweich ist. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein elektrochirurgisches Greifinstrument mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Elektrodenanordnung The invention relates to an electrode assembly for an electrosurgical gripping instrument comprising an electrode, a heating element and an insulator arranged between the electrode and the heating element and insulating them from one another, which is bendable. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrosurgical gripping instrument with an electrode arrangement according to the invention

Energy-based medical devices

A medical device includes an energy-generating unit configured to produce energy for conduction through tissue to treat tissue. Waste heat produced by the energy-generating unit during energy production is conducted to tissue to facilitate treating tissue.

Electrosurgical cartridge for use in low profile surgical cutting and stapling instruments

Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures

An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry.

Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures

An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry.

Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures

An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry.

Method and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures

An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry.

Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures

An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry.

Noninvasive devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of tissues

The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy heats fascia and other collagenous support tissues, causing them to contract. Pre-cooling and/or pre-heating may induce a temperature difference between the target tissue and the intermediate tissue prior to initiating RF heating. This allows the dimensions of tissue reaching the treatment temperature to be controlled and/or minimized, the dimensions of protected intermediate tissue to be maximized, and the like.

Expandable-collapsible electrode structures for capacitive coupling to tissue

Electrode assemblies and associated systems employ a nonporous wall having an exterior for contacting tissue. The exterior peripherally surrounds an interior area. The wall is essentially free of electrically conductive material. The wall is adapted to assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter. The assemblies and systems include a lumen that conveys a medium containing ions into the interior area. An element free of physical contact with the wall couples the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium to the wall for capacitive coupling to tissue contacting the exterior of the wall.

BPH ablation method and apparatus

A method and an apparatus is disclosed for delivering controlled heat to perform ablation to treat the benign prosthetic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (BPH). According to the method and the apparatus, the energy is transferred directly into the tissue mass which is to be treated in such a manner as to provide tissue ablation without damage to surrounding tissues. Automatic shut-off occurs when any one of a number of surrounding areas to include the urethra or surrounding mass or the adjacent organs exceed predetermined safe temperature limits. The constant application of the radio frequency energy over a maintained determined time provides a safe procedure which avoids electrosurgical and other invasive operations while providing fast relief to BPH with a short recovery time. The procedure may be accomplished in a doctor's office without the need for hospitalization or surgery.

Medical probe device

A medical probe device of this invention comprising a catheter having a control end and a probe end. The probe end includes a stylet guide housing having at least one stylet port and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. A stylet is positioned in at least one of said stylet guide means, the stylet comprising a non-conductive sleeve having a RF electrode lumen and an optional a fluid supply lumen and a temperature sensor lumen therein. At least one portion of an opposed surface of the electrode lumen and the electrode can be spaced apart to define a liquid supply passageway for delivery of medicament liquid. The RF electrode enclosed within the non-conductive sleeve has a distal length optionally having at least one current focusing groove means thereon and a distal tip shaped to focus current crowding on its terminal end, whereby Rf current passing therefrom into surrounding tissue forms a lesion extending outward from the groove and tip. The focusing groove means can be a plurality of annular focusing grooves or a spiral focusing groove thereon.

Medical probe device and method

A medical ablation device comprising a flexible RF electrode wire or tube, the terminal portion thereof extending through an insulating sleeve axially moveable thereon. The electrode and surrounding sleeve extend through a portion of a rigid tube having a distal end adapted to be inserted into the body of a patient. Tabs are attached to the proximal end of the sleeve and electrode for advancing them together from the terminal end of the tube, for retracting the sleeve from the distal end of the electrode to expose a predetermined area of electrode surface, and for retracting them together into the terminal end of the tube. The electrode can also be a hollow tube, the proximal end thereof being adapted to be connected to a suction source for aspiration of tissue adjacent its distal end or it can optionally contain a fiber optic, the end thereof being enclosed within the tube and closely adjacent its distal end. In one embodiment, the electrode is a hollow electrode tube of highly flexible memory metal, preformed to have a curved memory configuration. The portion of the electrode tube and its surrounding sleeve extending beyond the distal end of the outer tube adopts the curved memory configuration, causing it to follow a curved path when extended through intervening tissue to reach a target tissue to be ablated.

Method for the ablation treatment of the uvula

A method of medical ablation of tissue accessible thorough the mouth or nose is disclosed having the steps of: a) inserting a probe through the mouth into the oral cavity, wherein said probe has a disposable electrode enclosed within an insulating sleeve bendable therewith; b) steering said probe through the oral cavity into close proximity to the tissue; c) extending the disposable electrode and the insulating sleeve out of the probe and penetrating the tissue; and d) applying RF energy to the tissue surrounding the electrode to effect ablation of said tissue.