Abstract:
An apparatus includes an expandable member. The expandable member is sized to be positionable in a sphincter. An energy delivery device is positioned on a surface of the expandable member. The energy delivery device has a configuration that provides sufficient energy delivery to create lesions in the interior of the sphincter. When the expandable member is removed from the sphincter, the sphincter returns to its closed or contracted configuration.
Abstract:
Systems and method ablate motor nerve tissue by inserting an operative element connectable to an ablation energy generator into a defined percutaneous tissue region. The systems and methods apply stimulant energy in the defined percutaneous tissue region to stimulate targeted motor nerve tissue prior to ablation by the operative element. Application of the nerve ablation energy can permanently eliminate the function of a targeted motor nerve branch, to thereby inactivate a selected muscle. The muscle inactivation may, e.g., treat dystonias and other hyperfunction neuromuscular dysfunctions in the face and neck, such as torticollis, blepharospasm, and uncontrolled grimacing. The muscle inactivation may also provide cosmetic results, to eliminate or prevent aesthetically displeasing skin furrows, frowning wrinkles, or neck bands, which can arise from normal muscle contraction or prolonged exposure of the face to the sun.
Abstract:
An obesity treatment system has a first treatment region sized and configured for deployment in a duodenum and a second treatment region sized and configured for deployment in a stomach. The first and second treatment regions are spaced apart a distance sized and configured to permit simultaneous deployment of the first treatment region in the duodenum and deployment of the second treatment region in the stomach. The first and second treatment regions each carry at least one electrode, which can deliver energy to ablate tissue in and the duodenum.
Abstract:
A fluidic media introduction apparatus for closing an opening in a vessel wall includes an elongated member with a fluidic media introduction port and a guide wire lumen. The guide wire lumen extends from a proximal portion to a distal portion of the elongated member. A fluidic media mixing chamber is positioned in the elongated member and coupled to a fluidic media introduction port. A fluidic media delivery lumen is coupled to the mixing chamber. A fluidic media advancement port is positioned at the distal portion of the elongated member. An inflatable member is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated member.
Abstract:
An apparatus that reduces a volume of a selected site in an interior of the tongue includes a handpiece means and an electrode means at least partially positioned in the interior of the handpiece means. The electrode means includes an electrode means electromagnetic energy delivery surface and is advance able from the interior of the handpiece means into the interior of the tongue. An electrode means advancement member is coupled to the electrode means and configured to advance the electrode means an advancement distance in the interior of the tongue. The advancement distance is sufficient for the electrode means electromagnetic energy delivery surface to deliver electromagnetic energy to the selected tissue site and reduce a volume of the selected site without damaging a hypoglossal nerve. Means are provided to provide a controlled delivery of energy to the electrode means. A cable means is coupled to the electrode means.