Abstract:
A method of treating a sphincter provides a treatment apparatus that includes an expandable device coupled to an introducer distal portion and an energy delivery device. The expandable device includes a first arm and a second arm each with proximal and distal section. The expandable member has a non-deployed configuration and a deployed configuration when the first and second arm distend away from each other. The expandable device is at least partially introduced in the sphincter. At least a portion of the energy delivery device is advanced from the expandable device into an interior of the sphincter. Sufficient energy is delivered from the energy delivery device to create a desired tissue effect in the sphincter. The expandable device is then removed from the sphincter.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly having a sheath, which includes a side wall enclosing an interior bore, and a distal region. The assembly also has a bendable catheter tube, which is carried for sliding movement in the interior bore. A pull wire also runs through the interior bore of the sheath, preferably within a lumen. The catheter tube has a distal portion with a coupling which joins the distal portion of the catheter tube and the distal portion of the pull wire. Relative movement of the pull wire and the sheath causes bending of the catheter tube outwardly through the opening, in response to sliding movement of the catheter tube within the interior bore toward the distal region of the sheath.
Abstract:
An ablation device for treating atherosclerotic tissues of a patient, the ablation device comprising a catheter shaft and an inner catheter, the inner catheter having a deployable electrode means, wherein the deployable electrode means comprises a plurality of preshaped expandable metallic basket members at the distal end of the inner catheter adapted to contact the atherosclerotic tissues and to apply RF current to the tissues for therapeutic purposes. Alternately, a plurality of expandable metallic basket members are wrapped onto and around a balloon of an ablation device system.
Abstract:
An apparatus to treat an uterus includes an expandable member configured to be positioned in a uterine cavity in a non-deployed, state, receive an expansion media and extend to a deployed state. At least a portion of the expansion media is released through an expandable member exterior surface. Upon removal of at least a portion of the expansion from the expandable member, the expandable member contracts to a non-deployed state. An energy delivery device is coupled to the expandable member. A frame member is positionable in the interior of the expandable member. The frame member includes a first arm coupled to a second arm. The frame member has a non-deployed state and a deployed state where the first and second arms distend away from each other. Each of the expandable member and the frame member have a non-deployed size to be introduced into the uterine cavity. A first thermal sensor member is coupled to the first arm and configured to be advanced from the first arm in the frame member expanded state into an interior of the uterus.
Abstract:
A method of treating a sphincter that provides an expandable basket structure with a first energy delivery device. The basket structure is introduced in a sphincter. The first energy delivery device is advanced from the basket structure into an interior of the sphincter. Sufficient energy is delivered from the first energy delivery device to create a desired tissue effect in the sphincter. Thereafter, the basket structure is removed from the sphincter.
Abstract:
A method for positioning an electrode catheter system having safety means at its distal section within a heart chamber comprises percutaneously introducing the distal end of a catheter through an artery or vein to the heart chamber. Once the catheter tip is at the desired location, the connector of the handle at the proximal end is connected to an EKG monitor. And the electrical signal from the electrodes on the distal section can be transmitted to the exterior EKG monitor for cardiac mapping. Alternately, the radio frequency current can be supplied to one or more of the electrodes on the distal section once an intimate contact with a tissue is achieved using the catheter of this invention.
Abstract:
This invention provides a pad for clothes, such as a shoulder pad, and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein the precise positioning of a shape memory material is maintained, while the safety of a pad is improved. A shape memory material is contained in a pouch-like body, and the pouch-like body is positioned in the pad materials. In the pouch-like body, the precise positioning of the shape memory material is achieved by forming an opening and by providing a positioning part. The shape memory material is inserted into the opening and is positioned adjacent to the positioning part.
Abstract:
An electrode catheter system suitable for electrophysiology mapping and/or radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue comprises a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal handle, and at least a lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal section of the shaft is either a fixed curve or deflectable; and safety restricting means at the very distal end of the catheter shaft being provided to maintain the integrity of the catheter by holding the tip electrode in place from thermal cycling effect.
Abstract:
A one-piece wrap-around wrist guard is provided that includes a plurality of flexible plastic supports or stays positioned above and below the wrist. The wrap-around support structure helps absorb and distribute forces from a fall rather than transmitting them to the wrist, arm, elbow and shoulder.
Abstract:
A method of obtaining a leakproof connection between a metallic tube having a leak and a metallic sleeve extending over the leak, includes expanding the sleeve being formed of a material having given strength values against an inner wall surface of the tube being formed of a material having strength values greater than the given values. In order to bridge a gap due to spring-back without the aid of an additional component of a shape memory alloy, a sleeve material having strength values lower than those of the material of the tube is used. A leakproof connection is obtained as the result of the greater spring-back of the tube.