Abstract:
An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supplied to the treated skin segment varies in course of the RF energy application period as a function of treated skin segment condition.
Abstract:
A catheter apparatus comprises an elongated catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one fluid lumen extending longitudinally therein; and a plurality of flexible electrode segments on a distal portion of the catheter body adjacent the distal end, each pair of neighboring flexible electrode segments being spaced from each other longitudinally by a corresponding electrically nonconductive segment. Each flexible electrode segment comprises a sidewall provided with one or more elongated stiffness reductions extending through the sidewall, the one or more elongated stiffness reductions providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body. The electrically nonconductive segment is substantially smaller in length than each of the corresponding pair of neighboring flexible electrode segments.
Abstract:
A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.
Abstract:
An electrode coupling output system provides indication to the physician, via electrode guidance instrumentation, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The output can be provided to the physician via an output device incorporated into the handle set of the electrode catheter. For example, a visual, audio or mechanical output can be provided via the handle set. Additionally or alternatively, the output can be provided to the physician via a navigation system. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.
Abstract:
An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.
Abstract:
An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for ablating tissue is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a source of microwave radiation (1), a probe (5) for directing the microwave radiation into tissue, one or more detectors for detecting the power and phase of the microwave radiation and an impedance adjuster (50) for adjusting impedance so as to minimize the amount of microwave radiation which reflected back through the probe. The detector or detectors use a local oscillator (230) to derive the phase information. A modulator for modulating the microwave radiation to a cutting frequency is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an elongated member (18) having at least one lumen including an inflation lumen, a basket assembly (20) with first, and second arms (21). The basket assembly (20) is coupled to the elongated member (18), has deployed, and non-deployed configurations. An inflatable member (25) is coupled to the elongated member (18), and positioned in an interior of the basket assembly (20). The inflatable member (25) has deployed, non-deployed states, and is coupled to the inflation lumen. In the deployed state, the inflatable member (25) expands the basket assembly (20) to its deployed configuration. A first energy delivery device (22) is positioned in the first arm, and advanced therefrom. A second energy delivery device (22) is positioned in the second arm, and advanced therefrom.
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.