Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080249518 | Ablation Devices with Sensor Structures - A cardiac ablation device, including a steerable catheter ( | 10-09-2008 |
20080249519 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING ENERGY TO BIOLOGICAL TISSUE INCLUDING THE USE OF TUMESCENT TISSUE COMPRESSION - An electrode catheter is introduced into a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. Tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the treatment site to produce tumescence of the surrounding tissue which then compresses the vein. The solution may include an anesthetic, and may further include a vasoconstrictive drug that shrinks blood vessels. The tumescent swelling in the surrounding tissue causes the hollow anatomical structure to become compressed, thereby exsanguinating the treatment site. Energy is applied by an electrode catheter in apposition with the vein wall to create a heating effect. The heating effect causes the hollow anatomical structure to become molded and durably assume the compressed dimensions caused by the tumescent technique. The electrode catheter can be moved within the structure so as to apply energy to a large section of the hollow anatomic structure. In a further aspect, the location of the electrodes is determined by impedance monitoring. Also, temperature sensors at the treatment site are averaged to determine the site temperature. | 10-09-2008 |
20080262487 | Clot capture coil and method of using same - A clot and foreign body removal device is described which comprises a catheter with at least one lumen. Located within the catheter is a clot capture coil that is connected to an insertion mandrel. In one embodiment, the clot capture coil is made out of a solid elastic or superelastic material which has shape memory, preferably nitinol. The elasticity or superelasticity of the coil allows it to be deformed within the catheter and to then reform its original coil configuration when the coil is moved outside of the catheter lumen. In another embodiment the coil is a biphasic coil which changes shape upon heating or passing an electric current. Once the coil configuration has been established, the coil can be used to ensnare and corkscrew a clot in a vessel. A clot is extracted from the vessel by moving the clot capture coil and catheter proximally until the clot can be removed or released into a different vessel that does not perfuse a critical organ. Foreign bodies are similarly captured by deploying the coil distal to the foreign body and moving the clot capture coil proximally until the foreign body is trapped within the coil. By removing the device from the body, the foreign material is also removed. | 10-23-2008 |
20080306476 | THERMALLY MEDIATED TISSUE MOLDING - A method and device to modify tissue in a manner such that it will take on a permanent new shape. Subdermal tissue is heated to approx 60° C. at which point it becomes pliable and moldable and will take on a permanent new shape if allowed to cool and heal in a new position. | 12-11-2008 |
20090005770 | CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE DURING RECHARGE FOR TREATMENT OF CONDITION - Methods include determining whether an infection is in proximity to an implanted rechargeable medical device. If an infection is determined to be present, the recharge process is allowed to sufficiently heat the device to facilitate clearing of the infection. Additional methods include monitoring temperature in proximity to an implantable rechargeable device in connection with recharging the device. If the monitored temperature falls outside a desired range, one or more parameters associated with recharge energy are modified to cause the temperature to reside within the desired range. The desired temperature range, may be a range that can facilitate treatment of a condition in proximity to the implanted device without causing undesired damage to the patient's tissue surrounding the implanted device. | 01-01-2009 |
20090012514 | Device for Positioning the Energy-Generating Means of an Assembly for the Heat Treatment of Biological Tissues - The invention relates to a device for positioning the energy-generating means of an assembly for the heat treatment of biological tissues, whereby the energy-generating means are adapted to emit energy in one aiming direction which is located in an aiming plane. The inventive device is characterized in that it comprises movement means which can alter the position of the energy-generating means and, consequently, the aiming direction in the aiming plane around a target zone within said aiming plane. | 01-08-2009 |
20090054886 | SURGICAL OPERATING APPARATUS - A surgical operating apparatus which includes a sheath with a distal end and a proximal end, an apparatus main body to be coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, a probe which is inserted through the sheath and which transmits ultrasonic waves, a probe distal end provided at the distal end of the probe, a jaw which is pivotally supported at the distal end of the sheath and which is geared with the distal end of the probe, a fixed handle provided in the apparatus main body, and a movable handle which is swingable with respect to the fixed handle and which operates the jaw in a direction to be in and out of contact with the distal end of the probe by a swing operation, the surgical operating apparatus includes a switch portion which is provided in the fixed handle and which controls a treatment of a living tissue, a switch holding portion which is provided in the fixed handle and which holds the switch, and a pressing member which fixes the switch portion in a state pressed against the switch holding portion. | 02-26-2009 |
20090069796 | THERMAL ABLATION SYSTEM WITH DISPENSABLE THERAPEUTIC AGENT - A cassette for a heated fluid ablation system, comprises a fluid supply lumen receiving an ablation fluid from an external fluid source and a fluid chamber containing a therapeutic agent in combination with an impeller pumping the ablation fluid out of the cassette via to a fluid delivery lumen when the cassette is in a first configuration and pumping the therapeutic agent out of the cassette via the fluid delivery lumen when the cassette is in a second configuration. | 03-12-2009 |
20090105700 | CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A catheter sheath | 04-23-2009 |
20090105701 | Biological Tissue Bonding Device and Biological Tissue Bonding Medical Instrument | 04-23-2009 |
20090105702 | METHOD FOR PERFORMING LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION - This invention relates to surgical instruments for applying energy to tissue. In one embodiment, an elongated introducer has a handle portion that includes an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid under pressure. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior chamber and ejects a flow of vapor media from the working end of the introducer. The flow of vapor is controlled by a computer controller to cause a selected pressure, a selected volume of vapor, and an optional aspiration of vapor condensate. Contemporaneous with tissue contact, the vapor undergoes a vapor-to-liquid phase transition which delivers large amount of energy to the targeted tissue. In one embodiment, the system is configured for volumetric removal of tissue by means of high velocity ejection of a vapor media from a first vapor port proximate to soft tissue wherein the vapor-to-liquid phase change of the media applies energy to the tissue. The system provides a second port coupled to a suction source that cooperates with the first vapor port to suction tissue debris from the targeted site. | 04-23-2009 |
20090105703 | METHOD FOR TREATING TISSUE - This invention relates to a novel surgical device scalable to small dimensions for thermally-mediated treatments or thermoplasties of targeted tissue volumes. An exemplary embodiment is adapted for fusing, sealing or welding tissue. The instruments and techniques utilize a thermal energy delivery means, for example an electrical energy source, to instantly elevate the temperature of a biocompatible fluid media within an electrically insulated instrument portion. The altered media which may then be a gas is characterized by a (i) a high heat content, and (ii) a high exit velocity from the working end, both of which characteristics are controlled to hydrate tissue and at the same time denature proteins to fuse, seal, weld or cause any other thermally-mediated treatment of an engaged tissue volume—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow the engaged tissue volume. The system can further utilize a piezoelectric material that carried fluid channels to apply compressive forces to the fluid eject the fluid from the working end of make it require less electrical energy to convert it to a gas. | 04-23-2009 |
20090105704 | COUNTERFORCE BRACE - A stabilization brace presents a compressive, sock-like body for a compressive fit about the ankle joint and forefoot. A pair of force straps extends from the metatarsal heads and is wound in a preferred manner along opposed regions of the foot and ankle to offer countervailing forces therealong. First and second closure systems secure the body to the foot and offer circumferential support thereto. The brace resists excessive supination and pronation of the foot, ankle joint and underlying structures. Three embodiments of the brace are shown wherein one end of the force straps are attached to a zone adjacent the metatarsals as well as bifurcated ends attached to the metatarsal zone and a second zone spaced therefrom. A third embodiment presents bifurcated ends attached at one zone adjacent the metatarsals and another zone of the rear of the Achilles which presents an enhanced heel locking mechanism. | 04-23-2009 |
20090118724 | Method and Apparatus for Positioning a Medical Instrument - Presented are methods and apparatus for delivering a surgical instrument to a treatment site within the body of a subject, enabling accurate placement of surgical tools in areas not directly visible to a surgeon during a surgical procedure, while reducing or eliminating need for real-time imaging modalities to guide placement of those surgical tools. A treatment tool is guided to a treatment site by placing a guiding element at a reference site within a body of a subject, the reference site having a known spatial relationship to the treatment site, and utilizing a positioning tool to guide a treatment tool to a locus so positioned with respect to that guiding element that the spatial relationship between that guiding element and that locus is substantially similar to the spatial relationship known to exist between the reference site and the treatment site, thereby positioning the treatment tool substantially at the treatment site. Methods and apparatus for focusing energy at a treatment site, methods and apparatus for treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, and methods and apparatus for performing a saturation biopsy of an organ are also presented. | 05-07-2009 |
20090125009 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - One embodiment comprises an apparatus for applying energy to a hollow anatomical structure having an inner wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end; and a capacitive treatment element located near the distal end. The capacitive treatment element is sized for insertion into the hollow anatomical structure and placement near the inner wall. The capacitive treatment element is configured to create an electric field that extends at least partially into the inner wall. Other devices and methods for treatment of hollow anatomical structures are disclosed as well. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125010 | Uterine Therapy Device and Method - A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: inserting an access tool through a cervix and a cervical canal into the uterus; placing an expansion mechanism in contact with tissue within the uterus to move uterine tissue surfaces away from an opening in an access tool lumen; delivering vapor through the vapor delivery tool into the uterus; and condensing the vapor on tissue within the uterus. The system has an access tool adapted to be inserted through a human cervical canal to place an opening of an access tool lumen within a uterus when the access tool is inserted through the cervical canal; an expansion mechanism adapted to be advanced into the uterus to move uterine tissue surfaces away from the opening in the access tool lumen; and a vapor delivery mechanism adapted to deliver condensable vapor through the access tool to the uterus, the condensable vapor being adapted to condense within the uterus. | 05-14-2009 |
20090138001 | Determining Patient-Specific Vapor Treatment and Delivery Parameters - Methods and systems for determining patient specific treatment parameters for delivering vapor to the lung to treat lung tissue. In some embodiments vapor is delivered to the lung to cause coagulative necrosis, inducing fibrosis and thereby reducing the volume of at least one segment of the lung. The delivery parameters can be adjusted depending on the desired degree of injury to be induced in the lung tissue. | 05-28-2009 |
20090143777 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING TISSUE SUCH AS TUMOURS - A catheter ( | 06-04-2009 |
20090149846 | MEDICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - An instrument and method for applying thermal energy to targeted tissue. An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a vapor source comprising a pump configured for providing a flow of liquid media from a liquid media source into a vaporization chamber having a heating mechanism, actuating the pump to provide the liquid into the vaporization chamber, applying energy from the heating mechanism to convert a substantially water liquid media into a minimum water vapor level for causing an intended effect in tissue. For examples such levels can comprise at least 60% water vapor, at least 70% water vapor, at least 80% water vapor or at least 90% water vapor for causing an intended effect in tissue. | 06-11-2009 |
20090149847 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PUNCTURE CLOSURE - Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for closing a puncture in a vessel wall may have various combinations of an anchoring device, a gripping device and a heating element for sealing a puncture within a vessel wall. An anchoring device may be a balloon, floating anchor, an expansible cage and/or a wire operated T-anchor. A gripping device may hold and/or twist the vessel wall to secure the vessel wall in place during heating. A heating element may provide heat to target tissue held by the gripping device. | 06-11-2009 |
20090157066 | BALLOON CATHETER SYSTEM - There is provided a balloon catheter system, enabling only a target site to be efficiently ablated, ensuring a balloon to be able to be brought into close contact with the target site in conformity to a shape of the target site. A balloon includes a contact portion that is to contact a target site and a noncontact portion that is not to contact the target site. A membrane thickness of the contact portion is thinner than that of the noncontact portion. Then, the target site that is in contact with the thin contact portion is selectively ablated, while making heat leak from the thick noncontact portion less likely to occur. Hence, only the target portion can be efficiently ablated. | 06-18-2009 |
20090171336 | CATHETERS AND MANUFACTURING THEREOF - A catheter includes a longitudinally extending body having proximal and distal ends and defining at least one lumen that extends longitudinally from the proximal end through the body to the distal end and looping back to the proximal end. A liquid metal, e.g. an alloy of gallium and indium, such as galistan, is disposed in the lumen. In another aspect, a catheter includes a longitudinally extending body defining first and second lumens. An electrically driven device is coupled to a distal end of the body and is in electrical communication with the first and second lumens. A power source is in electrical communication with the first and second lumens and a liquid metal is disposed in the first and second lumens to provide an electrical conduit between the power source and electrically driven device. Each lumen may loop from a proximal end of the body to the distal end back to the proximal end. | 07-02-2009 |
20090216220 | MEDICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery. | 08-27-2009 |
20090270852 | TREATMENT SYSTEM, AND TREATMENT METHOD FOR LIVING TISSUE USING ENERGY - A treatment system that applies energy to a living tissue to treat the same, the treatment system includes
| 10-29-2009 |
20090270853 | SURGICAL OPERATING APPARATUS - A surgical operating apparatus includes a sheath provided with a distal end part and a proximal end part, an apparatus main body to be coupled to the proximal end part of the sheath, a probe which is provided with a distal end part and a proximal end part, is inserted into the sheath, and transmits ultrasonic vibration from the proximal end part side to the distal end part side, a jaw which is turnably supported at the distal end part of the sheath, and is operated to be opened or closed between a closed position at which the jaw is engaged with the distal end part of the probe, and an opened position at which the jaw is separated from the distal end part of the probe, a handle which is provided in the apparatus main body, and operates the opening/closing operation of the jaw, a slider section which is provided in the apparatus main body, and is advanced/retreated to be moved in a central axis direction of the probe between a first movement position corresponding to the opened position of the jaw and a second movement position corresponding to the closed position of the jaw in accordance with the operation of the handle, and a notification mechanism for notifying of a state where the slider section has moved by an amount equal to or larger than a predetermined amount on the way thereof from the first movement position to the second movement position. | 10-29-2009 |
20090270854 | SURGICAL OPERATING APPARATUS - A surgical operating apparatus includes a sheath provided with a distal end part and a proximal end part, an apparatus main body to be coupled to the proximal end part of the sheath, a probe which is inserted into the sheath, and transmits ultrasonic waves, a probe distal end section provided at a distal end part of the probe, and a jaw pivotally supported at the distal end part of the sheath, the jaw being supported so that the jaw can be operated to be opened or closed between a closed position at which the jaw is engaged with the probe distal end section, and an opened position at which the jaw is separated from the probe distal end section, wherein the apparatus main body includes a handle for operating the opening/closing operation of the jaw, a slider section which is moved to be advanced/retreated in an axial direction of a central axis line of the probe in accordance with the operation of the handle, a pin which is provided to the handle, is engaged with the slider section, and transmits the operation of the handle to the slider section, and a frictional force reduction section which is provided to the slider section and/or the pin at a surface at which the slider section and the pin are engaged with each other, and reduces the frictional force acting at the engagement surface at which the slider section and the pin are engaged with each other. | 10-29-2009 |
20090299359 | Device, System and Method for In-Vivo Cauterization - Devices, systems and methods for in-vivo cauterization. An autonomous in-vivo device may include a heating mechanism to cauterize in-vivo tissue. A system may include an autonomous in-vivo heating device having a heating mechanism to cauterize in-vivo tissue, and an in-vivo imaging device to acquire in-vivo images. | 12-03-2009 |
20090306640 | Vein Therapy Device and Method - A vapor delivery and insulation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can deliver vapor to the veins of a patient. The vapor can be generated within the device, in a handle of the device, or external to the device. Another feature of the device is that it can actively insulate the vapor to minimize heat transfer from a vapor delivery lumen of the device to an exterior surface of the device. The active insulation can be a vacuum or a flowing gas. Methods associated with use of the device are also covered. | 12-10-2009 |
20100042088 | Surgical Gas Plasma Ignition Apparatus and Method - Disclosed is an ignition system for initiating a plasma arc in an electrosurgical system. The system includes a source of high frequency electrical energy having a terminal of active potential and a terminal of return potential a base having a distal end from which a plasma arc emanates, an active electrode operatively coupled with the base and electrically in circuit with the terminal of active potential. The ignition system may have a piezoelectric device electrically coupled to the active electrode to create at least one high voltage spark when the system is initially activated. Alternately, the ignition system may include a heater or heating device of heating the active electrode and producing free electrons to assist in the initiation of the plasma arc. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042089 | SELECTIVE LUNG TISSUE ABLATION - Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue. | 02-18-2010 |
20100057068 | GOLD NANOSTRUCTURE AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A gold nanostructure, comprising a substrate, a dielectric material, one or more of gold nanoparticles is provided together with related devices and methods. | 03-04-2010 |
20100082021 | Fluid Recirculation Debris Handling System - A device for circulating fluid to a target site within a living body, comprises a longitudinal member including an inlet lumen supplying fluid to the target site and a return lumen withdrawing fluid from the target site, the return lumen surrounding the inlet lumen and a screen coupled to a distal end of the longitudinal member, the screen including a plurality of openings extending therethrough from a radially inner surface forming a radially outer wall of a distal portion of the return lumen to an outer surface thereof. | 04-01-2010 |
20100094268 | Indirect Fluid Flow Measurement - A method for ablating tissue comprising controlling a heating element using a variable phase angle control to heat an ablation fluid to a desired temperature and determining a heating percentage corresponding to a percentage of a maximum available heating power represented by a current level of power supplied to the heating element and, when the heating percentage remains below a threshold level for a predetermined period of time, indicating a flow obstruction condition of the fluid. | 04-15-2010 |
20100094269 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NAVIGATING AN INSTRUMENT THROUGH BONE - System and methods are shown having a tube-within-tube assembly with a deployable curved deflectable tube or cannula that deploys from a straight cannula or trocar. The curved cannula has pre-curved distal end to create an angular range of 0° to 180° when fully deployed from the straight trocar. The curve is configured such that the flexible element carrying a treatment device can navigate through the angular range of deployment of the curved cannula. The curved cannula allows the flexible element to navigate through a curve within bone without veering off towards an unintended direction. | 04-15-2010 |
20100094270 | Method and Apparatus for Tissue Ablation - The present invention is directed toward a device that performs ablation of tissue. The device has a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a first position and a second positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a second position. The shaft also has ports through which the ablative agent can be released. | 04-15-2010 |
20100114082 | Method and Apparatus for the Ablation of Endometrial Tissue - The present invention is directed toward a device that performs ablation of tissue. The device has a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a first position and a second positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a second position. The shaft also has ports through which the ablative agent can be released. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114083 | Method and Apparatus for the Ablation of Gastrointestinal Tissue - The present invention is directed toward a device that performs ablation of tissue. The device has a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a first position and a second positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a second position. The shaft also has ports through which the ablative agent can be released. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114084 | PERCUTANEOUS PRINGLE OCCLUSION METHOD AND DEVICE - Methods and devices for occluding a vessel during a percutaneous ablation procedure. An elongated access device having a lumen and a tissue piercing, open distal end in communication with the lumen is used to percutaneously access a vessel that supplied blood to the tissue to be treated. An elongated balloon deployment device is used to deliver a balloon into the interior of the vessel. The balloon is inflated, resulting in the occlusion of the vessel. The tissue to be treated is ablated. Because there is little or no blood to transfer the thermal energy away from the heated tissue, the ablation procedure is performed more efficiently. The balloon may be subsequently deflated allowing normal flow through the vessel to return. | 05-06-2010 |
20100125267 | Plasma Gun for Bio/Medical Treatment - There is disclosed a plasma gun for bio/medical treatment using atmospheric plasma. The disclosed plasma gun comprises a housing having an elongate chamber provided therein, the chamber having an end at which a nozzle for spraying plasma is positioned; a gas supply unit for supplying a reaction gas to the chamber; and a plasma discharge unit formed with an elongate cavity communicating with the nozzle, the plasma discharge unit including first and second electrodes and a dielectric or insulating barrier material for plasma ignition in the elongate cavity. | 05-20-2010 |
20100145325 | Systems and Methods for Treatment of Prostatic Tissue - A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered. | 06-10-2010 |
20100145326 | Systems and Methods for Treatment of BPH - A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe from the urethra. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered. | 06-10-2010 |
20100160905 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS AND TECHNIQUES FOR THERMALLY-MEDIATED THERAPIES - A surgical instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes and for causing thermal effects in polymer tissue-contacting members. In one embodiment, the instrument has a working end with an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior of the instrument. The vapor phase media then is ejected from the working surface of the instrument, and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. The vapor-to-liquid phase transitions, or internal energy releases, can be provided about thin-film flexible structures for engaging body lumens and cavities. An exemplary embodiment can be used for shrinking, sealing, welding or creating lesions in tissue—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow in the engaged tissue. | 06-24-2010 |
20100179528 | Systems and Methods for Treatment of Prostatic Tissue - A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it includes a cutter that can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered. | 07-15-2010 |
20100185189 | MEDICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A tissue evacuation device may be designed to provide a high-energy fluid (e.g., a heated vapor) to targeted tissue for breaking down the targeted tissue, such as the nucleus of an intervertebral disc. An inner tube positioned within an outer tube, having a nozzle coupled to distal ends of the tubes, having a heating element positioned between the inner and outer tubes, delivers a heated vapor through a port to the nozzle to break down tissue. After the nucleus or other targeted tissue is broken down, the tissue evacuation device may also remove some or all of the broken down tissue. | 07-22-2010 |
20100198208 | DIAGNOSTIC CATHETERS, GUIDE CATHETERS, VISUALIZATION DEVICES AND CHORD MANIPULATION DEVICES, AND RELATED KITS AND METHODS - Described herein are devices, methods and kits for assessing and/or enhancing the accessibility of a subvalvular space of a heart, accessing the subvalvular space of the heart (e.g., to provide access for one or more other devices), and/or positioning one or more devices in the subvalvular space of the heart. The devices described herein may, for example, comprise catheters that may be used to manipulate one or more chordae tendineae, diagnostic catheters having different sizes and/or shapes (e.g., different curvatures), guide catheters having different sizes and/or shapes (e.g., different curvatures), and visualization catheters. In some variations, the devices, methods, and/or kits may be used to visualize a target site, such as a subannular groove of a heart valve. In certain variations, the devices, methods, and/or kits may be used to manipulate chordae tendineae to provide additional space in a ventricle of a heart (e.g., enhancing the accessibility of the ventricle). | 08-05-2010 |
20100198209 | Hemorrhoid Therapy and Method - Methods and apparatus for treating hemorrhoids are provided. One feature of a vapor therapy apparatus is generating vapor with an electrode array in an elongate shaft. The apparatus may include a vapor delivery needle for delivering high temperature condensable vapor to a hemorrhoid. In some embodiments, the delivery needle is inserted into a hemorrhoid and a vapor of approximately 104-120 degrees Celsius is delivered into the hemorrhoid. The vapor can be delivered for approximately 1-5 seconds. | 08-05-2010 |
20100204688 | MEDICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204689 | METHOD FOR TREATING AN ASTHMA ATTACK - A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed. | 08-12-2010 |
20100228239 | ABLATION DEVICE WITH SUCTION CAPABILITY - An ablation device includes an inflatable member having a cavity, a layer surrounding at least part of the inflatable member, wherein the layer includes one or more ablation elements for providing ablation energy, and a plurality of channels located between the layer and the inflatable member, wherein the layer has a plurality of openings that are in fluid communication with the plurality of channels. An ablation device includes an inflatable member having a cavity, and a layer surrounding at least part of the inflatable member, wherein the layer includes one or more ablation elements for providing ablation energy, wherein the layer has a plurality of openings, and is spaced away from at least a portion of the inflatable member. | 09-09-2010 |
20100262133 | MEDICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ABLATING AND ABSORBING TISSUE - Methods, devices, and systems are described herein for applying energy to tissue for ablation of tissue while allowing the tissue to be resorbed within the body. Such methods, devices, and systems control application of energy to maintain a temperature of target tissue above an ablation temperature, being dependent upon the activation time, and below a transformation temperature, also being dependent upon the activation time, where the transformation prevents or hinders resorption of the treated tissue by the body. | 10-14-2010 |
20100268204 | Implant Delivery System - A system and method of delivering and detaching an implant within a body of a patient is described. A tether connects an implant with a delivery device. The delivery device includes a heater coil through which the tether passes. The inner diameter of the heater coil is about the same size or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tether, allowing the tether to more efficiently break the tether during delivery. | 10-21-2010 |
20100286679 | Systems and Methods for Prostate Treatment - An energy delivery probe is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the energy can be applied with a vapor media. The energy delivery probe can include a vapor delivery member configured to extend into a transition zone prostate tissue. A condensable vapor media can be delivered from the vapor delivery member into the transition zone tissue, wherein the condensable vapor media can propagate interstitially in the transition zone tissue and be confined in the transition zone tissue by boundary tissue adjacent to the transition zone tissue Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered. | 11-11-2010 |
20100305557 | HTA Sheath with Removable Scope - An ablation device comprises an elongated introducer sized for insertion into a hollow organ via a natural opening, the introducer extending to a distal end which, when in an operative position, is within the hollow organ, the introducer including and a delivery lumen extending from a proximal end connectable to a source of ablation fluid to a distal delivery opening at the distal end in combination with a working channel extending to a working channel distal opening at the distal end, the working channel being sized and shaped so that, when a flexible instrument to be inserted into the hollow organ is received therein, a space between an outer surface of the flexible instrument and an inner wall of the working channel forms a return lumen extending from the working channel distal opening to a proximal return port and a fluid supply unit coupled to the introducer supplying ablation fluid to the delivery lumen. | 12-02-2010 |
20110046617 | METHODS FOR TREATING A HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments. | 02-24-2011 |
20110054454 | Gas-Enhanced Surgical Instrument with Mechanism for Cylinder Puncture - A surgical instrument for providing an ionized gas to a surgical site includes a receptacle for a cylinder of pressurized surgical gas and a frame having a port near the distal end for emitting the surgical gas. A passageway extending between the receptacle and the port delivers the surgical gas to an electrode that is adapted for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy. A puncture assembly for rupturing a seal on the cylinder to release the surgical gas into the passageway includes a spring movable between a first state for storing mechanical energy and a relaxed state. An actuator is operable to move the spring to the relaxed state. A puncture pin is operatively coupled to the spring such that energy released by movement of the spring to the relaxed state is effective to move the puncture pin relative to the cylinder to rupture the seal. | 03-03-2011 |
20110077628 | MEDICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery. | 03-31-2011 |
20110087207 | LOCAL EMBOLIZATION USING THERMOSENSITIVE POLYMERS - Precision in thermotherapy is obtained by providing a reverse gelling polymer composition which gels when its temperature is raised towards body temperature. The composition is injected into the blood supply of the tissue being treated, at the beginning of thermotherapy. The temperature increase caused by the heating rapidly gels the composition, which temporarily blocks the flow of blood in the region being treated. This improves the predictability and stability of treatment. On cessation of heating, the composition gradually dissolves, removing the temporary embolization. The use of local heating can also expedite removal of tumors and the like from soft organs, even when the heating itself has no therapeutic effect. | 04-14-2011 |
20110118717 | TISSUE ABLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - This invention relates to medical instruments and systems for applying energy to tissue. Variations of the systems and methods described herein include ablating, sealing, and extracting tissue with high pressure flows of fluids that in part utilizes a vapor-to-liquid phase change of flow media to apply thermal energy to the tissue. | 05-19-2011 |
20110125143 | THERMAL ABLATION DEVICE, CATHETER AND METHOD TO IMPLEMENT A THERMAL ABLATION - A thermal ablation device for introduction of heat or cold into the body of a patient has a first heating or cooling device to heat or cool the tissue to be ablated, as well as at least one additional cooling or heating arrangement that serves to cool or heat tissue surrounding the tissue to be ablated, and that can be introduced into a natural or latent cavity of the patient. | 05-26-2011 |
20110144632 | Flooded Liquefaction Hand Piece Engine - In various embodiments, an ophthalmic handpiece may include a handpiece body with a pulse chamber and flooded engine compartment configured to receive fluid from a surgical console through a fluid inlet port. Heated pulses from the pulse chamber and cooler fluid from the flooded engine compartment may flow through a tip into the eye. In some embodiments, the tip may be a dual lumen tip that keeps the flows from the pulse chamber and flooded engine compartment separate until they exit the tip. In some embodiments, a tip, coupled to a merging chamber where the flows may merge prior to the tip, may be a single lumen tip that directs the heated pulses and irrigation fluid simultaneously to a lens to liquefy the lens for removal from the eye. | 06-16-2011 |
20110152852 | THERMOCHEMICAL ABLATION SYSTEM USING HEAT FROM DELIVERY OF ELECTROPHILES - Thermochemical ablation techniques may provide ablation of bodily tissue using chemical reaction energy. The chemical reaction energy is provided by chemical reactions including a highly reactive electrophilic reagent provided to a target tissue location. | 06-23-2011 |
20110160714 | DISPOSABLE PROBE FOR HYDROTHERMAL ABLATION WITH DIGITAL MINIATURE CAMERA AND ARTICULATING DISTAL SECTION - A device includes an elongated shaft configured for insertion through a body lumen to a desired position within an organ, the shaft defining a first shaft lumen extending therethrough. An articulating section is located at a distal end of the shaft and is movable out of longitudinal alignment with the shaft under user control, the articulating section comprising a first articulating section lumen extending therethrough from a proximal end open to the first shaft lumen to a distal opening in a distal face thereof. A data transmission wire extends through the shaft between a distal end connected to a camera mounted on a distal face of the articulating section and a proximal end remaining external to the body for attachment to an external image processing device. A light source at the distal face of the articulating section is aimed to illuminate an area within the camera's field of view. | 06-30-2011 |
20110172654 | Device and Method for Lung Treatment - This invention relates to the treatment of a patient's lung, for example, a lung exhibiting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in particular to methods and devices for affecting lung volume reduction, preferably for achieving acute or immediate lung volume reduction following treatment. The lung volume reduction is effected by delivering a condensable vapor at a temperature above body temperature to the desired regions of the patient's lung to damage tissue therein. Blood flow and air flow to the damaged tissue region is essentially terminated, rendering the target region non-functional. Alternative energy sources may be used to effect the thermal damage to the lung tissue. | 07-14-2011 |
20110190752 | METHODS OF SEALING VESSELS USING PLASMA - A method for sealing fluid-carrying vessels in a living organism using high temperature plasma is disclosed. A flow rate of 0.25-0.5 L/min of room-temperature plasma generating gas and the initial temperature of the discharged plasma of 12.5-15.5 kK ensure a laminar plasma flow and its ability to penetrate into the vessel. The plasma flow is directed into the vessel, where it keeps a portion of the vessel free of liquid. Heat is transferred to the vessel walls, and the denaturing of collagen in the vessel walls causes the walls to contract until complete occlusion occurs. The method may be used with devices adapted for tissue dissection and coagulation. | 08-04-2011 |
20110190753 | DEVICE AND METHOD TREATMENT OR EVACUATION OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISC - A method of positioning an arcuate device against the inner walls of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc. The arcuate device retains its predetermined arcuate shape when no pressure or force is applied to the catheter. In an embodiment, an arcuate cutter is used to remove tissue from the inner annulus of the disc. In another embodiment an arcuate device is used to progressively remove material from the interior of the mammalian intervertebral disc. In yet another embodiment, an arcuate device is used to remove the entire intervertebral disc and place supports to maintain a disc space. | 08-04-2011 |
20110196360 | Hand manipulative dermatological instrument for blowing air across wounds - A handheld cauter comprising a casing made from a durable material. The handheld cauter comprising a blowing device mounted inside the casing and a heating device also mounted firmly within the casing. The blowing device and the heating device being positioned such that the blowing device is capable of blowing air across the heating device. By having constricting internal walls, the casing of the cauter directs air out of the discharge end in conjunction with the air motion caused by the blowing device. The cauter is capable of being manipulated in such a way as to direct air onto a wound. | 08-11-2011 |
20110245824 | ALTERNATING CORE COMPOSITE WIRE - A wire having an outer shell and a core, the core including at least a first plurality of core segments that may be made of a first core material and a second plurality of core segments that may be made of a second core material different from the first core material. The first and second core segments are arranged in a periodic alternating arrangement along the length of the wire. The outer shell may be made of a metal, such as a biocompatible metal, and the core segments may be made of different materials to provide periodic material properties along the length of the wire. The wire is manufactured by inserting the core segments into the outer shell to form a wire construct, followed by subjecting the wire construct to one or more initial draws while applying a compressive force to the core segments on an upstream side of the die to maintain the core segments in contact with one another upon dense contact between the outer shell and core segments, following by closing of the outer shell onto the core segments, as the wire is pulled through a drawing die. The resulting wire may then be subjected to a plurality of finishing draws. Exemplary applications of the wire include medical devices, such as in vivo heating devices, thermally-actuated snares, in vivo positioning devices, stents, and tissue scaffolds. | 10-06-2011 |
20110282335 | Capsule Polishing Device and Method For Capsule Polishing - Various embodiments of a capsule polishing device include a resistive-heating element including an electrically resistive, superelastic wire forming a loop between first and second ends of the superelastic wire. The first and second ends of the loop may at least partially extend from a planar face defined by the loop, to an insulating portion. In some embodiments, the capsule polishing device may be configured to perform active capsule polishing through a combination of hyperthermia of LECs and mechanical abrasion of the capsule surface. In some embodiments, at least a side and end portion of the loop of the capsule polishing device may be shaped to follow a contour of the capsule bag. The loop may be heated to approximately 40 to 47 degrees Celsius to destroy LECs (other temperatures are also possible). In some embodiments, the loop may include a roughened surface to increase mechanical abrasion. | 11-17-2011 |
20120029497 | Method and System for Monitoring Ablation of Tissues - A method of monitoring heat damage to a tissue during a heat ablation procedure is disclosed. The method comprising: providing images of the tissue, extracting at least one parameter being indicative of a biological response to heat, and using the parameter(s) for determining the heat damage to the tissue. | 02-02-2012 |
20120035603 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMIZING THERMAL TRAUMA TO AN ORGAN DURING TISSUE ABLATION OF A DIFFERENT ORGAN - A method of minimizing thermal trauma during tissue ablation includes the steps of placing an ablation catheter at an ablation site on a first organ in a patient's body, providing energy to the ablation catheter to heat first organ tissue at the ablation site, providing microwave radiometry apparatus including a probe containing a microwave antenna and a radiometer responsive to the antenna output for producing a temperature signal corresponding to the thermal radiation picked up by the antenna and positioning the probe in a body passage of a second organ in the patient's body having a wall portion adjacent to the ablation site so that the microwave antenna is located at a measurement site opposite the ablation site. Using the radiometry apparatus, the temperature at depth in the second organ tissue at the measurement site is measured to provide a corresponding temperature signal, and the ablation catheter is controlled in response to the temperature signal to maintain the temperature of the second organ tissue below a predetermined value that does not result in thermal trauma to the second organ tissue. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. | 02-09-2012 |
20120065632 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE - This invention relates to surgical instruments for applying energy to tissue using a vapor-to-liquid phase transition which delivers large amount of energy to the targeted tissue. In one embodiment, the system is configured for volumetric removal of tissue by means of high velocity ejection of a vapor media from a first vapor port proximate to soft tissue wherein the vapor-to-liquid phase change of the media applies energy to the tissue. The system provides a second port coupled to a suction source that cooperates with the first vapor port to suction tissue debris from the targeted site. | 03-15-2012 |
20120116376 | Systems and Methods for Prostate Treatment - A vapor delivery needle is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the needle can ablate a continuous lobe region in the prostate parallel to the urethral wall. Another feature of the vapor delivery needle is that it can introduce a cooling fluid into the urethra during treatment. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered. | 05-10-2012 |
20120157983 | Thermal Ablation System - A thermal ablation system comprises a fluid handling unit receiving fluid from a fluid source at a first pressure, the fluid handling unit including a heater heating the fluid to a desired temperature and a pump and an introducer including a sheath which, when in an operative position, is received within a hollow organ, the sheath including a delivery lumen introducing fluid heated by the heater to the hollow organ and a return lumen withdrawing fluid from the hollow organ and returning the withdrawn fluid to the console via a return lumen, wherein the pump increases a pressure of the fluid between the fluid source and the delivery lumen of the introducer. | 06-21-2012 |
20120165804 | FLUID SEALANT COMPOSITIONS AND VARIOUS MEDICAL APPLICATIONS PERTAINING TO THE SAME - The present description relates to fluid sealant compositions that increase in viscosity upon administration to a subject, to medical procedures employing such compositions, to methods for administering such compositions, and to products containing such compositions including medical devices, medical device components and kits, among other aspects. | 06-28-2012 |
20120215212 | TREATMENT FOR PULMONARY DISORDERS - A thermochemical ablation system can be used to ablate a portion of a bodily structure, such as a human airway. In some examples, the thermochemical ablation system includes a first ablation reagent, a second ablation reagent, and an expandable balloon positioned adjacent the distal end of a catheter. The expandable balloon can be inserted into the bodily structure and the two ablation reagents combined to cause an exothermic reaction that generates heat. The heat may create a substantially uniform temperature distribution across the surface of the expandable balloon, providing substantially uniform ablation of tissue adjacent the balloon. | 08-23-2012 |
20120259323 | Impedance Matching Circuit - An impedance matching circuit may be used to adjust for manufacturing and design tolerances in a surgical instrument. The matching circuit may match the load of a thermal element with the impedance of a power source used to deliver electrical energy to the surgical instrument. The matching circuit may include capacitors, inductors, coaxial cables, varactors, transformers, resistors, and/or combinations thereof. The matching circuit may also comprise a circuit board or flex board layers which may be modified to adjust the impedance of the load. | 10-11-2012 |
20120283717 | Uterine Therapy Device and Method - A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus. The system has an access tool with a lumen, the access tool being adapted to be inserted through a human cervical canal to place an opening of the lumen within a uterus when the access tool is inserted through the cervical canal; a seal disposed at a distal region of the access tool and adapted to seal the access tool against an interior cervical os; a sealing indicator adapted to provide a user with an indication that the seal has sealed the access tool with the interior cervical os; and a vapor delivery mechanism adapted to deliver condensable vapor through the access tool to the uterus, the condensable vapor being adapted to condense within the uterus. | 11-08-2012 |
20120296325 | MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE, MEDICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM, AND OPERATION METHOD OF MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE - A medical treatment device to treat and join body tissues, includes at least a pair of holding members which is configured to hold the body tissues to be treated, an energy output portion provided in at least one of the pair of holding members and configured to form a joined portion by supplying energy to the body tissues held by the pair of holding members to join the body tissues, and a support portion configured to apply a substance to an outer surface of the body tissues to provide support so that a joined state of the joined portion is sustained, wherein the substance is configured to prevent infiltration of the fluid to the joined portion of the body tissues. | 11-22-2012 |
20130006231 | Method and Apparatus for Tissue Ablation - The present application discloses devices that ablate human tissue. The device comprises a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a liquid reservoir and a heating component, which may comprise a length of coiled tubing contained within a heating element, wherein activation of said heating element causes said coiled tubing to increase from a first temperature to a second temperature and wherein the increase causes a conversion of liquid within the coiled tubing to vapor, a reusable cord connecting the outlet of the reservoir to the inlet of the heating component, and a single use cord connecting a pressure-resistant inlet port of a vapor based ablation device to the outlet of the heating component. | 01-03-2013 |
20130041359 | CUTTING DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A device and related methods of use are provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes a sheath, a cutting device, an elongate member, and a retrieval assembly connected to the elongate member and retractable within and extendable from a lumen extending through the sheath and cutting device. | 02-14-2013 |
20130060243 | TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION DETERMINING APPARATUS - The invention relates to a temperature distribution determining apparatus for determining a temperature distribution within an object caused by applying energy to the object. A temperature distribution measuring unit ( | 03-07-2013 |
20130116677 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDERS - An endoscopic procedure for the parasympathetic and sympathetic denervation of the nerves of the ovaries and uterus for management of endocrine dysphoric disorders. The tissues of selected inferior mesenteric and pelvic nerves are heated via introduction of radiofrequency energy at sufficient power and time to induce complete or partial nerve blockade while leaving the supporting tissue structurally intact. In some embodiments, the suspensory ligament of the ovary, the ovarian ligament, and/or the uterosacral ligament are heated to a range of 45° C. to 65° C. for a period of about 5 seconds to about 60 seconds. | 05-09-2013 |
20130131659 | THERMOCHEMICAL ABLATION OF BODILY TISSUE - Thermochemical ablation techniques may provide ablation of bodily tissue using chemical reaction energy. | 05-23-2013 |
20130158534 | Systems and Methods for Treatment of BPH - A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe from the urethra. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered. | 06-20-2013 |
20130172867 | Systems and Methods for Treatment of Prostatic Tissue - A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it includes a cutter that can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered. | 07-04-2013 |
20130211393 | Determining Patient-Specific Vapor Treatment and Delivery Parameters - Methods and systems for determining patient specific treatment parameters for delivering vapor to the lung to treat lung tissue. In some embodiments vapor is delivered to the lung to cause coagulative necrosis, inducing fibrosis and thereby reducing the volume of at least one segment of the lung. The delivery parameters can be adjusted depending on the desired degree of injury to be induced in the lung tissue. | 08-15-2013 |
20130237978 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE - An instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes or for volumetric removal of tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument has an interior chamber that includes a diffuser structure for diffusing a biocompatible conductive fluid that is introduced under high pressure. The interior chamber further includes surfaces of opposing polarity electrodes for vaporizing the small cross-section diffused fluid flows created within a diffuser structure. In one embodiment, the diffuser structure includes a negative temperature coefficient of resistance material between the opposing polarity surfaces. The NTCR structure can self-adjust the lengths of current paths between the opposing polarities to insure complete vaporization of the volume of flow of conductive fluid. The non-ionized vapor phase media is ejected from a working surface of the instrument and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase chance in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. In another embodiment, the instrument provides voltage means for converting the non-ionized vapor phase media into an ionized media or plasma for applying energy to body structure. | 09-12-2013 |
20130267939 | Methods and Apparatus for Ablating Lung Nodules with Vapor - Devices and systems are described for lung nodules with heated condensable vapor. The device can have an elongated shaft coupled to a vapor generator. High temperature vapor can be directed through the shaft into the lung to treat the lung nodule. In some embodiments, the device comprises a needle configured to deliver the vapor to the lung nodules. An expandable member, such as a balloon, can be provided on a distal portion of the shaft to prevent proximal flow of the high temperature vapor upon discharge from the device. Methods of use are also provided. | 10-10-2013 |
20130310822 | 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. | 11-21-2013 |
20130338656 | TREATMENT SYSTEM AND ACTUATION METHOD FOR TREATMENT SYSTEM - A treatment system includes a high-frequency power source, a heat generation power source, a grasping member having an electric conductor which applies high-frequency power energy to a living tissue and a heating element which applies thermal energy, a memory where a predetermined impedance value or a predetermined rate of increase in impedance that is a threshold value, at which application of the high-frequency power energy is ended, is stored in advance, a first control section which controls the high-frequency power source based on the threshold value to end application of the high-frequency power energy, and a second control section which performs constant temperature control on the heat generation power source such that the heating element reaches a setting temperature that is set to be higher than a temperature of the heating element calculated from a resistance value of the heating element when application of the high-frequency power energy ends. | 12-19-2013 |
20140031805 | METHOD FOR TREATING TISSUE - This invention relates to a novel surgical device scalable to small dimensions for thermally-mediated treatments or thermoplastics of targeted tissue volumes. An exemplary embodiment is adapted for fusing, sealing or welding tissue. The instruments and techniques utilize a thermal energy delivery means, for example an electrical energy source, to instantly elevate the temperature of a biocompatible fluid media within an electrically insulated instrument portion. The altered media which may then be a gas is characterized by a (i) a high heat content, and (ii) a high exit velocity from the working end, both of which characteristics are controlled to hydrate tissue and at the same time denature proteins to fuse, seal, weld or cause any other thermally-mediated treatment of an engaged tissue volume—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow the engaged tissue volume. The system can further utilize a piezoelectric material that carried fluid channels to apply compressive forces to the fluid eject the fluid from the working end of make it require less electrical energy to convert it to a gas. | 01-30-2014 |
20140031806 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COOLING AND MOVING ABLATION ELEMENTS - A medical device comprising a cell including an ablation element and a carrier configured to receive at least a portion of said ablation element is disclosed. The medical device further comprises a tube enclosing the cell. At least a portion of the tube includes a membrane and the tube includes at least one hole proximate the ablation element for facilitating fluid flow. The medical device further comprises a fluid inlet for providing fluid to the interior of the tube. A method of using the medical device is also disclosed. | 01-30-2014 |
20140039477 | ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER - There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound transducer for intrabody medical therapy comprising; an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element; and a gas bubble containment area adapted to retain the gas bubble when in blood. | 02-06-2014 |
20140058371 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ACCESSING A PERICARDIAL SPACE AND PREVENTING STROKES ARISING FROM THE LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE - The invention presents methods and systems for accessing a pericardial space and preventing strokes arising from a left atrial appendage (“LAA”) by achieving a complete occlusion of the LAA using an epicardial approach without creating a puckering of the LAA ostium. A complete occlusion of the LAA is desired because bleeding arising from the LAA often leads to embolic strokes. Due to the peculiar anatomy of the LAA ostium, traditional LAA ligation techniques using sutures can lead to puckering, thus compromising the occlusion of the LAA. The invention achieves a complete occlusion and a more effective hemostatic seal with the use of inflatable balloons having electromagnetic coils internally, as well as hydrogels, sponges, and caliber tubes attached to the respective balloon's exterior, anchoring balloons, a closure device having a suture looped through two semi-rigid hollow tube that can be coated with hydrogel or silicone, and locking mechanisms. | 02-27-2014 |
20140081254 | COOLED MICROWAVE DENERVATION - A device and method is disclosed for creating a lesion in adventitia tissue of a renal artery and/or a region of tissue surrounding the adventitia tissue while protecting intima and media tissue of the renal artery from injury. A catheter carrying a microwave antenna is positioned within the renal artery. Cooling fluid is circulated around the microwave antenna in thermal contact with the intima of the renal artery. Power is supplied to the microwave antenna to cause microwave energy to be emitted omnidirectionally from the microwave antenna. The power supplied to the microwave antenna and the cooling fluid circulated around the microwave antenna are controlled to cause the adventitia tissue and/or the region of tissue surrounding the adventitia tissue to be heated to a temperature sufficient to cause thermal damage while the intima and media tissue are maintained at a temperature where thermal damage does not occur. | 03-20-2014 |
20140107637 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROSTATE TREATMENT - A vapor delivery needle is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the needle can ablate a continuous lobe region in the prostate parallel to the urethral wall. Another feature of the vapor delivery needle is that it can introduce a cooling fluid into the urethra during treatment. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered. | 04-17-2014 |
20140128858 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION - A system for transmitting electrosurgical energy from a generator to an electrosurgical instrument for electro-thermal ablation is disclosed. The generator includes one or more active output terminals which supply energy to tissue and are operatively connected to one or more supply lines. The generator also includes one or more return output terminals which return energy from the tissue and are operatively connected to one or more return lines. The system also includes an electrosurgical cable housing a portion of the one or more supply lines and one or more return lines. The electrosurgical instrument includes a helical electro-thermal element operatively connected to the one or more supply lines and the one or more return lines. The one or more supply lines and one or more return lines are wound in a double helix arrangement such that the electrical field along the cable and helical electro-thermal element is mitigated along the lengths thereof. | 05-08-2014 |
20140163540 | APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING RENAL DENERVATION USING ULTRASOUND - An ultrasound apparatus is provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a vessel, such to provide denervation of a renal blood vessel. The apparatus may be positioned within a vessel to deliver broad unfocused or focused ultrasonic energy at first and second lengthwise and angular positions to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at each of the first and second positions. Superimposition of treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. | 06-12-2014 |
20140171930 | TISSUE REINFORCING COMPOSITIONS, DEVICES, AND METHODS OF USE - Methods for manipulating and/or reinforcing tissues are provided. The method includes applying a tissue reinforcement material to at least a portion of tissue to be manipulated and applying energy to one or both of the tissue reinforcement material and the tissue. | 06-19-2014 |
20140180266 | ACTIVE COOLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE OF A FLUID USED DURING TREATMENT OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUE - A system for controlling temperature of a fluid used during treatment of biological tissue includes a fluid temperature control apparatus. The apparatus includes at least one heat transfer device and a solution bag and/or a heat transfer membrane. The solution bag and/or the heat transfer membrane reside in thermal communication with the heat transfer device. When the solution bag and/or the heat transfer membrane is fluidically coupled to an electrosurgical device, fluid is supplied to the electrosurgical device at a controlled temperature during a surgical procedure utilizing the electrosurgical device to enable more efficient treatment of the biological tissue. A corresponding method includes fluidically coupling the fluid temperature control apparatus to the electrosurgical device and supplying fluid at a controlled temperature during a surgical procedure utilizing the electrosurgical device to enable more efficient treatment of the biological tissue. | 06-26-2014 |
20140188098 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCTION OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to ablation catheter systems configured, for example, to ablate tissue adjacent an ostium of the pulmonary vein in a left atria of a heart. In one embodiment, an ablation catheter system includes a handle and a catheter coupled to the handle defining a lumen extending through a length of the catheter, the catheter including a distal end thereof. The ablation catheter system may also include an electrode coupled to the handle with lines extending through the lumen of the catheter, the electrode being configured to be constrained adjacent the distal end of the catheter and configured to be deployed from the distal end of the catheter to an expanded configuration. | 07-03-2014 |
20140200568 | Method and Apparatus for Tissue Ablation - Devices and methods for tissue ablation include injecting a conductive medium into a target tissue and then delivering an ablative agent to the conductive medium to ablate the target tissue. Optionally, the contents of the target tissue are removed using the ablation device prior to injection of the conductive medium. Positioning elements help maintain the device in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues. Ablation catheters also include multiple inline chambers for the containing and heating of an ablative agent. The heating chambers include multiple channels to increase the contact surface area of the ablative agent with the walls of the heating chamber to provide more efficient heating. Induction heating is used to heat a chamber and vaporize a fluid within by wrapping a coil about a ferromagnetic chamber and providing an alternating current to the coil. A magnetic field is created in the area surrounding the chamber which induces electric current flow in the chamber, heating the chamber and vaporizing the fluid inside. | 07-17-2014 |
20140276713 | MEDICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - Methods, systems and devices for applying energy to tissue, and more particularly relates to a system for ablating or modifying structures in a body with systems and methods that generate a flow of vapor at a controlled flow rate for applying energy to the body structure | 09-18-2014 |
20140288543 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROSTATE TREATMENT - A vapor delivery needle is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the vapor delivery needle can be advanced a pre-determined distance into the prostate by an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism can comprise, for example, a spring, or at least one magnet. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered. | 09-25-2014 |
20140309629 | Fluid Recirculation Debris Handling System - A device for circulating fluid to a target site within a living body, comprises a longitudinal member including an inlet lumen supplying fluid to the target site and a return lumen withdrawing fluid from the target site, the return lumen surrounding the inlet lumen and a screen coupled to a distal end of the longitudinal member, the screen including a plurality of openings extending therethrough from a radially inner surface forming a radially outer wall of a distal portion of the return lumen to an outer surface thereof. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309630 | Thermal Ablation System - A thermal ablation system comprises a fluid handling unit receiving fluid from a fluid source at a first pressure, the fluid handling unit including a heater heating the fluid to a desired temperature and a pump and an introducer including a sheath which, when in an operative position, is received within a hollow organ, the sheath including a delivery lumen introducing fluid heated by the heater to the hollow organ and a return lumen withdrawing fluid from the hollow organ and returning the withdrawn fluid to the console via a return lumen, wherein the pump increases a pressure of the fluid between the fluid source and the delivery lumen of the introducer. | 10-16-2014 |
20140324037 | METHODS FOR DELIVERING ENERGY INTO A TARGET TISSUE OF A BODY - An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery. | 10-30-2014 |
20140371734 | POLYMER COMPOSITES FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS AND METHODS OF MAKING - A biomedical polymer composite that exhibits ultra-low thermal conductivity properties. In a preferred embodiment, the biomedical polymer composite comprises a base polymer component with a dispersed thermally non-conductive filler component consisting of glass or ceramic nanospheres or microspheres that have a thermal conductivity of less than 5 W/m-K, and preferably less than 2 W/m-K. In one embodiment, the polymer composite has an electrically conductive filler and can be used in a filament for treating arteriovascular malformations. In another embodiment, the polymeric composite can be used as an energy-coupling means to apply energy to tissue. | 12-18-2014 |
20150011987 | BLOOD VESSEL INSERTION-TYPE TREATMENT DEVICE - A blood vessel insertion-type treatment device has a first ultrasonic transmitter and an insertion body. The first ultrasonic generator has a first ultrasonic transducer and a first actuator. The first ultrasonic transducer radiates cauterizing ultrasonic waves converging on a converging position. The first actuator | 01-08-2015 |
20150018812 | FINE SPATIOTEMPORAL CONTROL OF THERMOLYSIS AND LIPOLYSIS USING NIR LIGHT - A system and method are provided for minimally-invasive lipolysis in a target area by injecting the area with a solution of photo-absorbing nanoparticles and irradiating the injected area with a beam of near infrared (NIR) light. The NIR emission wavelength is adapted to excite the nanoparticles to melt fat within the target area so that the liquefied fat can be aspirated from the target area. The nanoparticles may be gold nanorods having aspect ratios selected to produce surface plasmon resonance when irradiated with NIR light around 800 nm. | 01-15-2015 |
20150025515 | INDUCTION COIL VAPOR GENERATOR - An induction coil vapor generator is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vapor generator is that it can inductively generate high quality condensable vapor. The vapor generator can comprise an outer assembly that supports a coil wire, and an inner assembly disposed in the outer assembly. The inner assembly can house a plurality of micro-tubes configured to be inductively heated by the coil wire to convert a fluid to condensable vapor. The generator can be disposed in a medical device to treat tissue with vapor. One feature of the medical device is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. Methods associated with use of the vapor generator are also covered. | 01-22-2015 |
20150025516 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF BPH - A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe from the urethra. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered. | 01-22-2015 |
20150051596 | LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION METHOD - A treatment method is provided which exhibits a reliable therapeutic effect on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the treatment method, lung volume is reduced by restraining expansion and contraction of lung parenchyma present in the vicinity of a verge of a lung having an emphysema-suffering part, at least in one site of the verge. | 02-19-2015 |
20150057650 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INDUCING BLOOD COAGULATION AND REDUCING INFECTION WITH STERILIZED HEATED AIR AND LOCALLY DIRECTED LIGHT OR OTHER ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION - The device for inducing rapid blood coagulation comprises an enclosure, a fan within the enclosure, a heater within the enclosure, and a light source within the enclosure. The fan draws air into the enclosure past the heater and past the light source. The light source sterilizes the airstream while the heater heats the airstream to a temperature suitable for inducing blood coagulation. | 02-26-2015 |
20150080872 | RENAL NEUROMODULATION FOR TREATMENT OF PATIENTS - A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based. | 03-19-2015 |
20150094703 | ELECTROSURGICAL MEDICAL DEVICE WITH POWER MODULATION - An electrosurgical ablation device provides pulse width modulated DC power to a heating segment in a catheter for use in providing treatment. In some embodiments the DC power to be modulated is sourced from an AC/DC power converter coupled to a source of AC power. In some embodiments the DC power to be modulated is sourced from a battery. In some embodiments the device switchably selects for modulation DC power sourced from either the AC/DC power converter or the battery, for example based on availability of power from the AC/DC power converter. | 04-02-2015 |
20150119869 | Method and Apparatus for Tissue Ablation - The present invention is directed toward a device that performs ablation of tissue. The device has a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a first position and a second positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a second position. The shaft also has ports through which the ablative agent can be released. | 04-30-2015 |
20150305797 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - An improved surgical apparatus for use in endoscopic surgery having a user interface operatively coupled to an articulating tool assembly via an elongate tubular member. Movement at the articulating tool directly translates movement at the user interface thereby providing intuitive operation of the surgical apparatus. The apparatus is configured such that the range of motion of the articulating tool assembly emulates the range of motion of the human wrist. The improved apparatus is configured to provide precise and controlled movements such as to not endanger the life of the subject and minimizes any errant or unexpected movements or locking experienced in other surgical instruments. | 10-29-2015 |
20150335919 | PHASED ARRAY ENERGY AIMING AND TRACKING FOR ABLATION TREATMENT - A method for transmitting an energy beam from a group of elements of an external phased array energy projector for a medical ablation treatment. The method comprises transmitting first energy pulses from a subset of elements of the group, measuring signal parameters of first energy signals from reception of first energy pulses by energy sensors, and calculating for the group energy transmission parameters. The method further comprises transmitting second energy pulses by other elements, measuring signal parameters of second energy signals based on a reception the pulses by energy sensors, and calculating for the group a second set of energy transmission parameters. The method further comprises calculating transmission instructions for transmitting a phased array energy beam from the group by combining first and second energy transmission parameters. The method transmits an energy beam based on the transmission instructions. | 11-26-2015 |
20150352379 | IMAGE GUIDED PLAQUE ABLATION - A method and system for reducing vascular plaque non-invasively including imaging at least a portion of a mammalian body to produce an image; determining the location of at least one vascular plaque in said image; ascertaining the location of the base of said vascular plaque, said location of base being the target location; precisely determining the relative position of said target location with respect to the cardiac rhythm in the body; delivering a beam of ultrasound energy waves from a source to the relative position to elevate temperature of said target location in a pre-determined manner; monitoring the temperature of the target location; and discontinuing delivery of ultrasound energy waves when said target location achieves a predetermined set temperature. | 12-10-2015 |
20150360058 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FAST ULTRASOUND TREATMENT - This disclosure provides systems and methods for fast ultrasound treatment. The systems and methods can involve a treatment device including a housing, a transducer module, and a control module. Energy emitted from an energy source of the treatment device can pass through an acoustic window having a non-zero radius of curvature. The treatment device can be moved along a target surface while retaining contact between the acoustic window and the target surface. Coupling between the energy source and a region of interest can be retained upon a change in an angle of incidence of the energy relative to the target surface. | 12-17-2015 |
20160000499 | ENDOVASCULAR CATHETERS FOR CAROTID BODY ABLATION UTILIZING AN IONIC LIQUID STREAM - Methods and endovascular catheters for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via transmural carotid body modulation using a catheter with an ionic liquid stream electrode. | 01-07-2016 |
20160015417 | REAL TIME THREE-DIMENSIONAL HEAT-INDUCED ECHO-STRAIN IMAGING FOR MONITORING HIGH-INTENSITY ACOUSTIC ABLATION PRODUCED BY CONFORMAL INTERSTITIAL AND EXTERNAL DIRECTIONAL ULTRASOUND THERAPY APPLICATORS - A system for thermal treatment or ablation of tissue includes an ultrasonic thermal ablation probe, an ultrasonic three-dimensional imaging probe that captures an image from radio frequency image data obtained before the radio frequency image data is processed, a control system for multi-axis control of the imaging probe's position, and an ultrasonic feedback mechanism that measures ultrasound echo strain to estimate heat-induced structural changes of an area surrounding the ultrasonic thermal ablation probe, from the image. The ultrasonic thermal ablation probe is either an interstitial ablator inserted into tissue, a natural cavity or a vessel to emit high intensity ultrasound energy to deposit thermal dose, or an external applicator that emits a directional high intensity ultrasound energy to deposit thermal dose via surface contact with tissue. The control system adjusts power levels of the ultrasonic thermal ablation probe based on the estimated heat-induced structural changes. | 01-21-2016 |
20160023021 | ELECTROSURGICAL ULTRASONIC VESSEL SEALING AND DISSECTING SYSTEM - An ultrasonic motion generator includes a non-resonant inverter, an ultrasonic transducer, and a comparator. The non-resonant inverter inverts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) having a first frequency. The ultrasonic transducer is electrically coupled with the non-resonant inverter and generates an ultrasonic motion based on the inverted AC. The comparator automatically detects a deviation of the first frequency from a resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer based on motion current passing through the ultrasonic transducer and generates an output signal based on the deviation to drive the non-resonant inverter. | 01-28-2016 |
20160037146 | IMAGE AND WAVE FIELD PROJECTION THROUGH DIFFUSIVE MEDIA - Methods and systems for projecting wave fields use a diffusing medium, a wavefront shaper, an illumination source, and a control system. A system for projecting an object wave field into a projection volume includes a wave scatterer, a wave field projector configured to project a wave field onto the wave scatterer, and a controller coupled to the wave field projector. The controller is configured to cause the wave field projector to project a wave field that, upon interacting with the wave scatterer, is redirected to form an object wave field that forms a predetermined pattern in the projection volume. | 02-04-2016 |
20160038772 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANATOMICAL MAPPING OF TISSUE AND PLANNING ABLATION PATHS THEREIN - Methods for ablating tissue in a patient having atrial fibrillation comprise advancing an elongate flexible shaft through a patient's vasculature into a chamber of a heart. The elongate flexible shaft has an energy source and a sensor. Tissue in the heart is scanned with the sensor and data about the tissue is captured. The captured data is grouped into one of a plurality of tissue classifications and an anatomical map of the tissue showing the grouped data is displayed. At least a portion of the tissue is ablated so as to form a conduction block that blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the heart. The ablated tissue is grouped into one or more predefined tissue classifications during or prior to the ablation. | 02-11-2016 |
20160045771 | ENERGY DEPOSITION ZONE DETERMINATION FOR A CATHETER WITH AN ULTRASOUND ARRAY - The invention provides for a medical apparatus ( | 02-18-2016 |
20160066991 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ACCESSING A PERICARDIAL SPACE AND PREVENTING STROKES ARISING FROM THE LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE - The invention presents methods and systems for accessing a pericardial space and preventing strokes arising from a left atrial appendage (“LAA”) by achieving a complete occlusion of the LAA using an epicardial approach without creating a puckering of the LAA ostium. A complete occlusion of the LAA is desired because bleeding arising from the LAA often leads to embolic strokes. Due to the peculiar anatomy of the LAA ostium, traditional LAA ligation techniques using sutures can lead to puckering, thus compromising the occlusion of the LAA. The invention achieves a complete occlusion and a more effective hemostatic seal with the use of inflatable balloons having electromagnetic coils internally, as well as hydrogels, sponges, and caliber tubes attached to the respective balloon's exterior, anchoring balloons, a closure device having a suture looped through two semi-rigid hollow tube that can be coated with hydrogel or silicone, and locking mechanisms. | 03-10-2016 |
20160107003 | REFLECTANCE-FACILITATED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT AND MONITORING - Apparatus comprising an ultrasound ablation system, which comprises a reflection-facilitation element, configured to be placed at an extramyocardial site of a subject, and to provide an extramyocardial reflective region; and an ultrasound tool, which comprises at least one ultrasound transducer configured to be positioned within a heart chamber of the subject. The ultrasound transducer is configured to ablate myocardial tissue by applying ultrasound energy to the myocardial tissue such that at least a portion of the transmitted energy is reflected by the reflective region onto the myocardial tissue. Other embodiments are also described. | 04-21-2016 |
20160113699 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR RENAL DENERVATION AND ASSESSMENT THEREOF - The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a devices and methods for intravascular denervation and assessment thereof and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to devices and methods for renal denervation. Some embodiments of the invention relate to an intravascular catheter configured for ultrasonic ablation of the tissue, comprising a plurality of piezoelectric transceivers. In some embodiments, an intravascular distancing device is provided, the device adapted for obtaining at least a minimal distance between an ultrasound emitting element and a tissue, such as the blood vessel wall. Some embodiments of the invention relate to assessment of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) treatment effectiveness. Some embodiments of the invention relate to processing echo of signals, such as processing of signals to characterize physical and/or mechanical properties of the blood vessel. | 04-28-2016 |
20160120564 | Integration of control software with a medical device and system - A medical device for diagnosis or treatment of tissue is disclosed. The device includes an electronically-controlled tool configured for diagnosis or treatment, an electrical connector, and a computer readable memory. The electrical connector is configured for connection with an electronic control unit and configured to receive control signals, including signals concerning the operation of the tool, from the electronic control unit. The computer readable memory is accessible through the connector. The memory can include a set of programming instructions for control of the tool, and the programming instructions can be configured to be downloadable from the memory upon connection of the electrical connector with the electronic control unit. A system is also disclosed in which the electronic control unit is configured to transmit a data log from memory in the electronic control unit to the memory in the medical device upon the occurrence or detection of a predetermined event. | 05-05-2016 |
20160184002 | DEVICE FOR ENHANCING INDUCED MAGNETIC FIELD CONSEQUENT FOR THERMAL ABLATION THERAPY - A device for enhancing induced magnetic field consequent for thermal ablation therapy includes a magnetic field generating unit, an annular support and a magnetic ring. The annular support is non-magnetic and non-electrically-conductive, and has two annular end faces and annular outer and inner walls. The magnetic field generating unit is fixed around and contacts the annular outer wall. The magnetic ring is magnetic, has a ring body confining a ring opening, fixed to one of the annular inner wall and the annular end faces, and extending around a common axial line that extends through the annular inner wall. The ring opening is smaller than the annular inner wall in dimension on a plane perpendicular to the common axial line. | 06-30-2016 |
20160374743 | NEUROMODULATION CATHETERS AND RELATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A neuromodulation catheter in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an elongate shaft and a neuromodulation element operably connected to the shaft. The shaft includes a proximal hypotube segment at its proximal end portion and a jacket disposed around at least a portion of an outer surface of the hypotube segment. The jacket may be made at least partially of a polymer blend including polyether block amide and polysiloxane. The neuromodulation element includes a distal hypotube segment and a tubular jacket disposed around at least a portion of an outer surface of the distal hypotube segment. The jacket has reduced-diameter segments spaced apart along its longitudinal axis. The neuromodulation element further includes band electrodes respectively seated in the reduced-diameter segments and respectively forming closed loops extending circumferentially around the jacket. | 12-29-2016 |
20160374744 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND COATING MATERIAL - A coating material and a medical device. The medical device having an end effector and a coating to cover the end effector. The coating having one or more of: a plurality of hollow particles; and projections and depressions. | 12-29-2016 |