Applicators

Applicators patent applications listed are from June 2005 to current and include Date, Patent Application Number, Patent Title, Patent Abstract summary and are linked to the corresponding patent application page.

12/14/06 - 20060282071 - Method for tissue ablation
Methods of ablating mucosal tissue in an alimentary canal are provided. The methods can include the steps of (i) providing an ablation device comprising a tissue ablation source; (ii) positioning at least a portion of the ablation device at a mucosal tissue surface of the alimentary canal; (iii) delivering a ...

12/07/06 - 20060276781 - Cannula cooling and positioning device
A cooling device comprises a thermally conductive material preferably having a large surface area, such as a plurality of fins. The cooling device clamps or slides onto an energy-introducing cannula and can exchange heat with the surrounding air, or with a coolant enclosed in a camber or shroud around the ...

11/30/06 - 20060271036 - Radio frequency ablation cooling shield
A medical assembly and method are provided to effectively treat abnormal tissue, such as, a tumor. The target tissue is thermally ablated using a suitable source, such as RF or laser energy. A cooling shield is placed in contact with non-target tissue adjacent the target tissue, and actively cooled to ...

11/30/06 - 20060271035 - Bipolar tissue dessication system and method
A first member of a clamping device is positioned at a first side of a portion of human tissue. The first member has a plurality of electrodes disposed thereupon. A second member of the clamping device is positioned at a second and opposite side of the human tissue. The second ...

11/30/06 - 20060271034 - Fluid injecting devices and methods and apparatus for maintaining contact between fluid injecting devices and tissue
Apparatus and methods for maintaining contact between tissue and a fluid injection device. ...

11/30/06 - 20060271033 - Tissue ablation with jet injection of conductive fluid
Ablation apparatus including an active electrode in electrical communication with an energy source, and a jet injector capable of propelling an electrically conducting fluid to a skin surface, the jet injector being positioned relative to the active electrode such that the electrically conducting fluid is in electrical communication with the ...

11/30/06 - 20060271032 - Ablation instruments and methods for performing abalation
Methods, devices and instruments provided for performing ablation transmurally across the wall of an organ. Devices may directly access tissue to be ablated through direct access openings formed in the patient and, optionally, an organ where the ablation is to be performed. Instruments facilitating making openings, dissecting, and delivery of ...

11/30/06 - 20060271031 - Surgical probe
The invention relates to a surgical probe comprising a handle and a shaft that is connected to the handle, and two axially interspaced electrodes, the electrode closer to the handle forming a proximal electrode and the other electrode further from the handle forming a distal electrode, said electrodes respectively forming ...

11/23/06 - 20060264926 - Cutaneous stabilization by vacuum for delivery of micro-needle array
A device permits effective engagement of micro-needles with a cutaneous layer thereby to permit for a substance to pass effectively to the cutaneous layer. A flexible or non-flexible material supports an array of micro-needles for receiving the surface of the cutaneous layer so that the proximal ends of the micro-needles ...

11/23/06 - 20060264925 - Catheter with multiple microfabricated temperature sensors
A catheter with temperature sensing has a catheter body and a tip section with integrated thermoresistive temperature sensors on its outer surface. The temperature sensor includes a microfabricated thin film assembly of which one layer is a sensor layer of thermoresistive material. In one embodiment, the tip section has a ...

11/23/06 - 20060264924 - Low profile radiofrequency electrode array
An electrosurgical device for tissue ablation includes a delivery cannula having a lumen and an open distal end in communication with the lumen, wherein an electrode array comprising a plurality of tines is deployable from, and retractable into, the cannula lumen through the open distal end. The electrode array tines ...

11/16/06 - 20060259031 - Electrosurgical ablation electrode with aspiration and method for using same
A high efficiency electrosurgical electrode with an advanced electrically conductive tip and aspiration port, and a method of conducting an electrosurgical procedure with such electrode. The electrosurgical electrode comprises an electrically conductive body portion of various geometries, an electrically conductive tip and a dielectric insulator adjacent the metallic body portion. ...

11/16/06 - 20060259030 - Method for vacuum-assisted tissue ablation
Methods of accessing and ablating abnormal epithelium tissue in an alimentary canal are provided. The methods can include steps of (i) inserting a vacuum source comprising one or more suction ports into an alimentary canal; (ii) inserting an operative element comprising a conduit for a tissue ablation source into the ...

11/16/06 - 20060259029 - Method for cryogenic tissue ablation
Methods of accessing and ablating abnormal epithelium tissue in an alimentary canal are provided. The methods can include steps of (i) inserting an operative element into an alimentary canal such that the proximate to a portion of the alimentary canal having tissue to be ablated; and (ii) using the operative ...

11/16/06 - 20060259028 - System for tissue ablation
Systems for treating a mucosal surface of an alimentary canal tissue region are provided. The systems can include an elongate support structure, an expandable member positionable at a distal portion of the support structure and one or more radio frequency (RF) ablation electrodes carried by the expandable member. The elongate ...

11/16/06 - 20060259027 - Cavity ablation apparatus and method
Ablation devices and associated methods are provided for use in ablating the margin of a cavity such as a surgical or body cavity. The ablation apparatus includes an integral or connected elongate probe and an elongate sleeve. Suction can be applied with a vacuum source operably connected to the proximal ...

11/16/06 - 20060259026 - Electrosurgical treatment method and device
A method and device are disclosed for performing an electrosurgical procedure on a bodily tissue. The device has insulated and conductive regions for creating lesions in bodily tissue. A method of using the device is also described, including specific methods of diagnosing and treating sacroiliac-related pain using the device. ...

11/16/06 - 20060259025 - Conductive fluid bridge electrosurgical apparatus
An electrosurgical apparatus for treating body tissue, comprising an active and a return electrode, a vacuum inlet located near the active electrode, and at least one pinhole defined on the apparatus near the return electrode that is adapted to provide a conductive fluid bridge between the active and return electrodes ...

11/09/06 - 20060253116 - Preshaped localization catheter, system, and method for graphically reconstructing pulmonary vein ostia
Catheters, systems, and methods are provided for performing medical procedures, such as tissue ablation, adjacent the ostia of anatomical vessels, such as pulmonary veins. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible catheter body, which includes a proximal shaft portion and a distal shaft portion, and a tracking element carried by the ...

11/09/06 - 20060253115 - Steerable catheter and method for performing medical procedure adjacent pulmonary vein ostia
Catheters, systems, and methods are provided for performing medical procedures, such as tissue ablation, adjacent the ostia of anatomical vessels, such as pulmonary veins. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible catheter body including a proximal shaft portion and a distal shaft portion, which has a proximal section pre-shaped to form ...

11/02/06 - 20060247620 - Articulating radio frequency probe handle
A medical probe assembly and method for ablating tissue using radio frequency energy. The medical probe assembly includes an elongated shaft, a needle electrode array, and a hinged handle. The handle has a collar, which when in the up position covers the hinge so that the device can be used ...

11/02/06 - 20060247619 - Medical device with procedure improvement features
This relates to methods and devices for achieving contact between the wall of a cavity or passageway and a medical device under conditions in which an access path and the subject anatomy are not aligned. ...

11/02/06 - 20060247618 - Medical device with procedure improvement features
This relates to methods and devices for achieving contact between the wall of a cavity or passageway and a medical device under conditions in which an access path and the subject anatomy are not aligned. ...

11/02/06 - 20060247617 - Energy delivery devices and methods
This relates to methods and devices for improving treatment to a wall, a cavity or passageway with a medical device when used in tortuous anatomy. ...

11/02/06 - 20060247616 - Ablation treatment apparatus
An RF treatment apparatus includes a catheter with a catheter lumen. A removable needle electrode is positioned in the catheter lumen in a fixed relationship to the catheter. The needle electrode includes a needle lumen and a needle electrode distal end. A removable introducer is slidably positioned in the needle ...

11/02/06 - 20060247615 - Multi-element bi-polar ablation electrode
An electrosurgical system includes an elongate device having a distal end portion carrying a plurality of electrically conductive elements, each element electrically insulated from the other elements. A generator is provided having first and second terminals for forming an electrical circuit. Control circuitry which may be located in the device, ...

11/02/06 - 20060247614 - Hemostasis device
A method and system for achieving hemostasis (the stoppage of bleeding) is described. RF (radio frequency) energy is used to ablate the surface of tissue to stop bleeding. The depth of destruction of the tissue can be controlled so as to desiccate and coagulate the tissue. In one implementation, an ...

11/02/06 - 20060247613 - Variable size apparatus for supporting diagnostic and/or therapeutic elements in contact with tissue
A probe that facilitates the creation of circumferential lesions in body structures that may vary in size. ...

10/26/06 - 20060241584 - Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to ...

10/26/06 - 20060241583 - Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to ...

10/26/06 - 20060241582 - Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to ...

10/26/06 - 20060241581 - Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to ...

10/26/06 - 20060241580 - Device and methods useable for treatment of glaucoma and other surgical procedures
A device and method for cutting or ablating tissue in a human or veterinary patient includes an elongate probe having a distal end, a tissue cutting or ablating apparatus located adjacent within the distal end, and a tissue protector extending from the distal end. The protector generally has a first ...

10/19/06 - 20060235378 - Slider control for ablation handset
An electrosurgical ablation instrument connectable to an electrosurgical energy source is provided. The ablation instrument includes a handle; at least one elongate probe electrode extending from an end of the handle, each probe electrode including at least a conductive distal tip; and an intensity controller operatively supported on the handle. ...

10/19/06 - 20060235377 - Electrosurgical tool
An electrosurgical tool for cauterizing or ablating targeted tissue, which tool includes a conductive outer shaft which defines a return or reference electrode, and a conductive inner tube disposed within the outer shaft. The inner tube defines both a suction pathway for removing fluid and/or surgical debris from the surgical ...

10/12/06 - 20060229599 - Electrophysiology/ablation catheter having lariat configuration of variable radius
A remotely deflectable electrophysiology/ablation catheter of the type intended for placing into an interior passage of the heart is disclosed. The distal end of this elongated tubular catheter has a pair of tension/compression members each with a flattened end portion connected to the distal electrode and extending through the catheter ...

10/12/06 - 20060229598 - Supercavitating medical probe and method of use
An electrosurgical working end that utilizes supercavitation phenomenon for controlled application of electrosurgical energy to tissue. In one preferred method of the invention, the system utilizes an electrosurgical surface that is rotatable in a liquid substance at very high surface velocities capable of localized lowering of the pressure of the ...

10/12/06 - 20060229597 - Ultrasound medical device and related methods of use
An embodiment of the invention includes providing a medical device including an elongate portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a plurality of substantially flat crystals configured to emit energy to a common focal point. The medical device may be advanced into a body lumen, energy may be ...

10/05/06 - 20060224157 - Method for treating fecal incontinence
A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position ...

10/05/06 - 20060224156 - Electrosurgical cannulas, systems and methods
Electrosurgical cannulas for use with an electrosurgical generator to thermally treat tissue are disclosed. An electrosurgical cannula for use with an electrosurgical generator to treat tissue is provided. The electrosurgical cannula includes a cylindrical body portion defining a lumen therethrough. The body portion includes a non-coring pointed distal tip which ...

10/05/06 - 20060224155 - Percutaneous or surgical radiofrequency intravascular thrombectomy catheter system and method
The present disclosure relates to intravascular thrombectomy systems and methods for ablating a blockage and preventing the introduction of emboli into the blood stream during and after surgery performed to reduce or ablate the blockage in a blood vessel. The system includes a catheter sleeve having electrodes disposed proximate a ...

10/05/06 - 20060224154 - 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 ...

10/05/06 - 20060224153 - Catheter system for the treatment of atrial fibrillation
Disclosed are a means and method for rapidly and accurately positioning a toroidal balloon with its distal surface placed tightly against the endocardial surface of the left atrium at a location that is close to the ostium of a pulmonary vein. On the exterior surface of the toroidal balloon can ...

09/28/06 - 20060217705 - Electrosurgical device with discontinuous flow density
An electrosurgical device comprising a means for impeding flow for delivering energy to a region of tissue is described. In addition, a method of treating the sacroiliac region of a patient's body by delivering energy is also described. The method includes the steps of inserting a probe into a target ...

09/28/06 - 20060217704 - Electro-surgical needle apparatus
A needle assembly (N) for RF ablation of target tissue in e.g. the liver (L) of a patient comprises a radial array of electrodes (1) in the form of loops which can be expanded by feeding the proximal ends of the Y electrodes along the bore of the needle assembly. ...

09/28/06 - 20060217703 - Apparatus and method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
An apparatus and a method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia are disclosed. The apparatus includes an applicator piece carrying a set of electrodes shaped and positioned to create a substantial electric field in the volume of hyperplasia and a pulse generator adapted for delivery of electrical pulses above the ...

09/28/06 - 20060217702 - Ablation probe having a plurality of arrays of electrodes
An ablation device includes a cannula having a lumen, a first array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, and a second array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, wherein the first array of electrodes has a configuration that is different from a configuration of the second array of ...

09/28/06 - 20060217701 - Ablation probe with heat sink
An ablation device includes an electrode having an enclosed lumen, and a heat sink located within the lumen. An ablation device includes an elongated body, an electrode secured to the elongated body, and a heat sink connected to the electrode, wherein the heat sink is confined by the electrode and ...

09/21/06 - 20060212032 - Device and method for thermal ablation of biological tissue using spherical ablation patterns
A tissue ablation device and method for tissue ablation are described. The tissue ablation device comprises an energy source and an introducer coupled to the energy source, the introducer having a body, a proximal end, and a distal end. The introducer carries an electrode array that comprises a plurality of ...

09/14/06 - 20060206110 - Handpiece with rf electrode and non-volative memory
An apparatus for cooling a skin surface includes an RF device that has an RF electrode with dielectric and conductive portions. The RF device is configured to be coupled to an RF energy source. A cooling member is coupled to the RF device. A memory is coupled to the RF ...

09/14/06 - 20060206109 - Finger mountable lesion formation devices and methods
An apparatus including a lesion formation element and a carrier configured to mount the lesion formation element on a finger. ...

09/07/06 - 20060200122 - Portable argon system
A ionizable gas system is provided and includes a surgical accessory and a corona start patient connector. The surgical accessory is adapted to receive electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical energy source and is adapted to receive ionizable gas (e.g., argon gas) from a portable ionizable gas source. The corona start ...

09/07/06 - 20060200121 - Navigable, multi-positional and variable tissue ablation apparatus and methods
A spinal nerve tissue ablation apparatus includes a stylet needle with a distal end having a rounded blunt tip sufficiently sharp to penetrate tissue but sufficiently blunt to avoid impinging on bony surfaces of spinal vertebra. The apparatus includes an energy delivery device having at least a first electrode and ...

09/07/06 - 20060200120 - Apparatus for switching nominal and attenuated power between ablation probes
A tissue ablation system comprises an ablation source, such as an RF ablation source, configured for generating a common power signal, and a power multiplexor configured for splitting the power signal into first and second power signals, substantially attenuating the second power signal relative to the first power signal to ...

08/31/06 - 20060195083 - Electrosurgical hemostat
A hemostat-type device for ablative treatment of tissue, particularly for treatment of atrial fibrillation, is constructed with features that provide easy and effective treatment. A swiveling head assembly can allow the jaws to be adjusted in pitch and roll. Malleable jaws can permit curved lesion shapes. A locking detent can ...

08/31/06 - 20060195082 - Method and apparatus for tissue ablation
A method for ablation in which a portion of atrial tissue around the pulmonary veins of the heart is ablated by a first elongated ablation component and a second elongated ablation component movable relative to the first ablation component and having means for magnetically attracting the first and second components ...

08/31/06 - 20060195081 - Dual mode lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods
A dual mode lesion formation apparatus including a probe component and clamp component. ...

08/31/06 - 20060195080 - Clamp based lesion formation apparatus and methods configured to protect non-target tissue
Apparatus, systems and methods for forming lesions in target tissue and positioning an insulation element adjacent to non-target tissue. ...

08/31/06 - 20060195079 - Wrap based lesion formation apparatus and methods configured to protect non-target tissue
Apparatus, systems and methods for forming lesions in target tissue and positioning an insulation element adjacent to non-target tissue. ...

08/24/06 - 20060189976 - System and method for treating biological tissue with a plasma gas discharge
Devices and methods for treating biological tissue using a plasma gas-discharge are disclosed herein. An electrode for igniting a gas flow to form a plasma gas-discharge, wherein the electrode is configured within the device such that upon encountering a surface of the biological tissue by the electrode, a path of ...

08/24/06 - 20060189975 - Structures for supporting multiple electrode elements
A catheter assembly comprises a first branch body having a first axis, a second branch body extending in a non-parallel relationship with respect to the first axis, and at least one electrode carried by the second branch body. In use, the first branch body can be located within a pulmonary ...

08/17/06 - 20060184167 - Methods and devices for ablation
An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may ...

08/17/06 - 20060184166 - Method and apparatus to automatically insert a probe into a cornea
An apparatus that is used to perform a medical procedure on a cornea. The apparatus may include a ring that can be placed on a cornea and a probe that can deliver energy to denature corneal tissue. The probe can be moved about the ring and cornea by a first ...

08/17/06 - 20060184165 - Irrigated tip catheter and method for manufacturing therefor
An irrigated tip electrode design includes a shell generally surrounding a plug which jointly define a chamber that is fed with fluid by a lumen. The fluid is distributed to the outer surface of the tip electrode through fluid passages. The chamber is advantageously isolated from a region of the ...

08/10/06 - 20060178666 - Over-the-wire high frequency electrode
A device for ablation of target tissue in the living body such as a tumor comprises an elongate member that can be guided over a guide element into the target tissue. The elongated element has an electrode at its distal portion. The electrode is configured to be energized with high ...

08/10/06 - 20060178665 - Radio frequency ablation system with integrated ultrasound imaging
A tissue ablation system comprises a first electrode assembly adapted for insertion into a target tissue mass within a body, the first electrode assembly including a first electrode coupled to a source of RF energy in combination with an ultrasound imaging probe movably coupled to the first electrode assembly for ...

08/03/06 - 20060173449 - Catheter with microfabricated temperature sensing
A catheter with temperature sensing has a catheter body and a tip section with an integrated thermosistive temperature sensor on its outer surface. The temperature sensor includes a microfabricated thin film assembly of which one layer is a sensor layer of thermoresistive material. In one embodiment, the tip section has ...

07/27/06 - 20060167449 - Electrosurgical instrument
A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end. ...

07/27/06 - 20060167448 - Electrophysiology catheter with ablation electrode
In one embodiment, a shaft-mounted electrode for ablating tissue comprises an end portion and a middle portion. The end portion is configured differently than the middle portion such that, when the electrode is energized, the ratio of a first density of ablation energy that is emitted in a vicinity of ...

07/20/06 - 20060161151 - Surgical ablation and pacing device
A surgical device has an integral first tip having pair of electrodes configured to ablate tissue using electric energy. A second tip has a pair of electrodes configured to provide pacing signals to a heart and/or to sense electrical signals passing through heart tissue. The second tip is configured to ...

07/20/06 - 20060161150 - Electrosurgical electrode having a non-conductive porous ceramic coating
An electrosurgical electrode assembly and method utilizing the same are disclosed capable of controlling or limiting the current per arc in real-time during an electrosurgical procedure. The conductive electrosurgical electrode is configured for being connected to an electrosurgical generator system and has a non-conductive, porous ceramic coating that “pinches” or ...

07/20/06 - 20060161149 - Surgical ablation device
A surgical ablation device. A pair of electrodes, each electrode having a surface area for contacting tissue. A pair of heat sinks each in thermal communication with an electrode, the heat sinks having a volume such that the ratio of surface area of the electrode to volume of the heat ...

07/06/06 - 20060149226 - Co-access bipolar ablation probe
Medical probe kits and methods for treating tissue regions (e.g. tumors) are provided. The kit comprises a delivery cannula and an ablation probe. The delivery cannula comprises a shaft, a lumen extending through the shaft, and a plurality of windows formed through a wall of the shaft in communication with ...

06/29/06 - 20060142755 - Systems and methods for ablation of tissue
A system for treating tissue includes a probe assembly having a cannula, a shaft, and one or more needle electrodes. The shaft has a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends of the shaft, and is slidable within the lumen of the ...

06/29/06 - 20060142754 - Device for fragmenting substances
A device for fragmenting substances comprises a probe having an elongate probe shaft on the distal end of which a probe head is arranged, said probe head comprising an electro-hydraulic converter with which electrical energy, delivered via the probe shaft from the proximal direction, is converted in shock-like manner into ...

06/22/06 - 20060135957 - Method and apparatus to align a probe with a cornea
A system and method for denaturing corneal tissue of a cornea. The system may include an optical recognition system that-can recognize a feature of the corneal. The recognized feature is used to register a desired probe location relative to the cornea. The desired probe location is displayed by a monitor. ...

06/22/06 - 20060135956 - Method and system for transcervical tubal occlusion
A medical device and procedure is described for occluding a fallopian tube. A tubal occlusion device is inserted into a uterine cavity. The device includes an RF applicator head including an electrode carrier with one or more bipolar electrodes thereon. During insertion, the RF applicator head can be in a ...

06/15/06 - 20060129145 - Bipolar electrosurgical clamp for removing and modifying tissue
The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a target tissue or organ. The closed configuration is adapted for clamping and coagulating a target tissue while the apparatus is operating in the sub-ablation ...

06/15/06 - 20060129144 - Electrode device for high frequency thermotherapy
The object of the present invention is to provide an electrode device for high frequency thermotherapy, including a main casing, an electrode needle, a first engaging part, and a guide unit coupled to the engaging part to be longitudinally moved relative to the electrode needle. The guide unit has a ...

06/08/06 - 20060122594 - Intraoperative endocardial and epicardial ablation probe
An elongate, malleable ablation probe including an elongate malleable body and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart electrodes disposed at a distal end thereof. The electrodes are separated one from another by insulative material. In one embodiment, a malleable insert is provided for insertion into a flexible longitudinal sleeve, the ...

06/08/06 - 20060122593 - Electrode for radiofrequency tissue ablation
The present invention discloses an electrode for an electric operation device including a hollow electrode being formed in a hollow tube shape extended long from a closed tip, and having an insulation-coating on the outside surface except a predetermined length of the closed tip side, a refrigerant tube having a ...

06/01/06 - 20060116674 - Method of regenerating the recticular architecture of the dermis
A cosmetic method of regenerating the reticular architecture of tissue is disclosed. The method uses a source of thermal energy with a low thermal time constant, and comprises the step of operating the thermal energy source to form first and second adjacent regions of thermally-modified tissue in the region of ...

05/25/06 - 20060111708 - Ablation catheter assembly having a virtual electrode comprising portholes
An ablation catheter having a catheter shaft and a virtual electrode, the virtual electrode comprising portholes through an outer peripheral wall of the catheter shaft and a metal electrode, the catheter being used for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, for example, atrial fibrillation, by electrically isolating a vessel, such as a ...

05/25/06 - 20060111707 - Enhanced ablation and mapping catheter and method for treating atrial fibrillation
A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends. An electrode assembly is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The electrode assembly including a porous electrode arrangement that is generally transverse to the catheter body. The ...

05/25/06 - 20060111706 - Electrosurgical working end for controlled energy delivery
An electrosurgical working end for automatic modulation of active Rf density in a targeted tissue volume. The working end of the probe of the present invention defines a tissue-engagement surface of an elastomeric material with conductive elements that extend therethrough. In one embodiment, the expansion of the elastomeric material can ...

05/25/06 - 20060111705 - Device for destruction of tumor tissue
An instrument for electrochemical treatment of the human body or of an animal body is disclosed. The instrument is useful for the destruction of tumor tissues. One or several electrodes are furnished for insertion into the body to be treated. A direct current generator (1) generates a DC voltage. Connection ...

05/25/06 - 20060111704 - Devices, systems, and methods for energy assisted arterio-venous fistula creation
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula. Embodiments include catheter apparatus including an ablation element for creating and/or modifying the fistula. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive ...

05/25/06 - 20060111703 - Atrial ablation catheter and method of use
An atrial ablation catheter and methods for its use. The endocardial catheter includes an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a distally oriented electrode ...

05/25/06 - 20060111702 - Atrial ablation catheter adapted for treatment of septal wall arrhythmogenic foci and method of use
An atrial ablation catheter with an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a proximally oriented electrode array that can be pulled against the septal ...

05/25/06 - 20060111701 - Atrial ablation catheter adapted for treatment of septal wall arrhythmogenic foci and method of use
An atrial ablation catheter with an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a proximally oriented electrode array that can be pulled against the septal ...

05/25/06 - 20060111700 - Atrial ablation catheter and method of use
An atrial ablation catheter and methods for its use. The endocardial catheter includes an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a distally oriented electrode ...

05/18/06 - 20060106377 - Catheter with ablation needle and mapping assembly
The invention is directed to a catheter that creates enhanced lesions using a needle electrode and can simultaneously map electrical activity at a plurality of points using an enhanced mapping assembly. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A needle control handle ...

05/11/06 - 20060100618 - System and method for performing ablation and other medical procedures using an electrode array with flex circuit
An ablation catheter having distal and proximal ends for performing ablation on a human tissue region comprises at least one electrode. These elements are formed on a conductive sheet situated at the distal end of the catheter. A flex circuit assembly couples the at least one electrode to a measurement ...

05/11/06 - 20060100617 - Capsularhexis device
A flexible ring having a diameter suitable for an anterior chamber rhexis. Imbedded in the ring is a heating element or filament. Alternatively, the ring may contain a pair of adjacent, circular electrodes. The electrodes or heating filament are placed against the anterior capsule and electrical current is applied, causes ...

05/04/06 - 20060095033 - Manually advanceable radio frequency array with tactile feel
A system for ablating lesions in the interior regions of the human body including a RF catheter and a control system adapted to facilitate the automatic step deployment of an array-type energy delivery system positioned within the catheter. The RF catheter and control system further include an auto array deployment ...

05/04/06 - 20060095032 - Methods and systems for determining physiologic characteristics for treatment of the esophagus
A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density ...

05/04/06 - 20060095031 - Selectively controlled active electrodes for electrosurgical probe
Electrosurgical systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a target tissue of a patient. An aspect of the invention includes an active electrode assembly having two active electrodes which may be controllably selected to vary the ...

05/04/06 - 20060095030 - Preshaped ablation catheter for ablating pulmonary vein ostia within the heart
Catheters and methods are provided for performing medical procedures, such as tissue ablation, adjacent the ostia of anatomical vessels, such as pulmonary veins. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible integrated catheter body having proximal and distal shaft portions and at least one operative element carried by the distal shaft portion. ...

05/04/06 - 20060095029 - Ablation probe with flared electrodes
An ablation device includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and the distal ends, and a first array of electrodes at least partially disposed within the lumen, the first array of electrodes slidable relative to the cannula, each of the ...

04/27/06 - 20060089638 - Radio-frequency device for passivation of vascular plaque and method of using same
Disclosed herein is a minimally invasive, radio-frequency device and a method for local and regional vascular therapy, more particularly for passivation of atherosclerotic, inflammatory, and/or vulnerable plaque in blood vessels. Radio-frequency devices of the type described herein constitute an important, inexpensive, disposable, minimally invasive approach for passivation or removal of ...

04/27/06 - 20060089637 - Ablation catheter
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter which has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition. ...

04/27/06 - 20060089636 - Ultrasound visualization for transurethral needle ablation
A device and method for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH provides ultrasound visualization and/or measurement of the urethra, the prostrate, the ablation lesions and/or other pertinent structures. An ultrasound transducer is positioned at the distal tip of the transurethral needle ablation catheter. The ultrasound transducer ...

04/27/06 - 20060089635 - Methods and apparatus for focused bipolar tissue ablation using an insulated shaft
A tissue ablation probe is provided. The probe comprises a proximal electrode element, which includes a proximal electrode stem and a deployable proximal electrode array, and a distal electrode element, which includes a distal electrode stem and a deployable distal electrode array. The probe is configured, such that a majority ...

04/27/06 - 20060089634 - Ablation catheter
An ablation catheter (10) includes an elongate carrier (12). A first loop (14.1) is arranged at or adjacent a distal end of the carrier (12). At least one sensing electrode (40) is carried on the first loop (14.1) for sensing irregular activity in a patient's body. At least one further ...

04/20/06 - 20060084972 - Delivering ablation therapy in a heart chamber
A method of delivering ablation therapy in a heart chamber includes inserting a catheter in the heart chamber. Electrophysiological data in the heart chamber is acquired with the catheter. The position of the catheter is determined using an electromagnetic field source external to the heart chamber, and the location of ...

04/20/06 - 20060084971 - Mapping physiological data in a heart chamber
A method of acquiring and mapping physiological data in a heart chamber includes inserting a catheter into the heart chamber. Physiological data in the heart chamber is acquired with the catheter. The position of the catheter is determined, and the location of the acquired physiological data is determined using the ...

04/20/06 - 20060084970 - Mapping physiological data in a heart chamber
A method of acquiring and mapping physiological data in a heart chamber includes inserting a catheter having an electrode into the heart chamber. Physiological data in the heart chamber is acquired with the electrode. The position of the electrode is determined, and the location of the acquired physiological data is ...

04/20/06 - 20060084969 - Endovascular catheter and method of use
An electrosurgical medical device and method for treating cardiac arrhythmias. In one embodiment, an elongate catheter has a distal shaft end or balloon that carries an electrosurgical energy delivery surface comprising at least one electrode with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) surface and/or an electrode with a pressure ...

04/20/06 - 20060084968 - Electrosurgical instrument and method
An electrosurgical instrument and method for treating varicose veins. In one embodiment, an elongate catheter has a distal working end that carries an electrosurgical energy delivery surface comprising at least one electrode with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) surface and/or an electrode with a pressure sensitive variable resistance ...

04/20/06 - 20060084967 - Instrument for interrupting conduction paths within the heart
A probe for making transmural lesions in one or more walls of the atria of the heart in open-heart surgery. The lesion blocks electrical impulses in a direction crosswise to the lesion. The probe has a handle (1), a closed electrode (2) at an end of the probe, a relatively ...

04/20/06 - 20060084966 - Tissue ablation device assembly and method for electrically isolating a pulmonary vein ostium from an atrial wall
This invention is related to a tissue ablation system and method that treats atrial arrhythmia by ablating a circumferential region of tissue at a location where a pulmonary vein extends from an atrium. The system includes a circumferential ablation member with an ablation element and also includes a delivery assembly ...

04/20/06 - 20060084965 - Ablation probe with distal inverted electrode array
An ablation device includes a cannula having a distal end and a lumen, an array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, each of the electrodes having a first configuration when inside the lumen, and a second configuration when unconfined outside the lumen, the electrodes having respective distal ends that ...

04/20/06 - 20060084964 - Steerable catheter with hydraulic or pneumatic actuator
A hydraulically assisted actuator in a handle connects with a catheter having a deflectable distal ablation tip. The hydraulic actuator translates small mechanical movement by a clinician into large travel movements of connected steering cables and increased tension in the ablation tip for greater deflection. The hydraulic system further dampens ...

04/13/06 - 20060079888 - Device and method for ablating tissue
An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and comprises, in combination, co-operating device jaws including jaw portions for manipulating tissue, and a plurality of solution infusion openings defined and spaced along each of the jaw portions, for receiving electrolytic solution and infusing the solution onto and into tissue ...

04/13/06 - 20060079887 - Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes and method thereof
A system and method for heat ablation of tissue in which energy is sequentially applied to at least two electrodes inserted into tissue. The system is comprised of a radiofrequency (RF) source for supplying RF energy, at least two electrodes configured to apply RF energy to tissue, at least one ...

04/13/06 - 20060079886 - Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes and method thereof
A system for heat ablation of tissue in a patient comprises a plurality of electrodes operatively connected to a source of radiofrequency energy and configured to apply RF energy to tissue at a patient site, a plurality of RF current restricting circuits, each circuit coupled between one of the plurality ...

04/13/06 - 20060079885 - Cool-tip combined electrode introducer
The present disclosure relates to systems, devices and methods for positioning and placing multiple electrodes in a target surgical site. An introducer is provided for facilitating the insertion of a cluster of electrodes into the body of a patient for tissue for performing tissue ablation. The introducer includes a body ...

04/13/06 - 20060079884 - Robotic tool with wristed monopolar electrosurgical end effectors
A surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system is described. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An electrically live wrist member is disposed at the distal end of the shaft. An electrocautery end effector is mounted to the wrist member. ...

04/13/06 - 20060079883 - Transurethral needle ablation system
A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is ...

04/13/06 - 20060079882 - Transurethral needle ablation system with automatic needle retraction
A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is ...

04/13/06 - 20060079881 - Single-use transurethral needle ablation
A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is ...

04/13/06 - 20060079880 - Transurethral needle ablation system with flexible catheter tip
A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is ...

04/06/06 - 20060074413 - Method and apparatus for substantial and uniform ablation about a linear bipolar array of electrodes
The described invention relates to a medical device for substantially sized uniform ablation of animal or human tissue comprising of a bipolar generator for generating radio frequency at an electrode, a polarity alternator, a probe having a handle, and an elongated member, and a tip at the far end of ...

04/06/06 - 20060074412 - Rf ablation probe with unibody electrode element
An ablation probe and method of manufacturing the ablation probe are provided. The probe comprises a probe shaft and a unibody electrode element. The unibody electrode element comprises a common electrode base located at the distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of electrode tines distally extending from the ...

03/30/06 - 20060069386 - Electrical probe for microsurgery
In order to develop an electric probe for microsurgery, which is provided in particular in ophthalmology for intraocular treatments of the eye, in such a way that the probe is constructed in a simple manner, can be produced inexpensively, is easy and safe to handle, and at the same time ...

03/23/06 - 20060064084 - Electrode array for tissue ablation
An electrode array allows for rapid ablation of a strip of tissue in an organ providing a barrier to blood loss during resection operations. ...

03/23/06 - 20060064083 - Multi-tip probe used for an ocular procedure
An apparatus and method for denaturing corneal tissue. The apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are both inserted into a cornea. The electrodes are coupled to a power unit that delivers energy sufficient to denature corneal tissue. The dual electrode assembly allows for the creation of ...

03/16/06 - 20060058782 - Electrical discharge devices and techniques for medical procedures
A medical instrument coupled to first and second energy means and a computer controller for the controlled volumetric removal of thin tissue layers. The system provides a source for introducing a gas to controllably form and capture transient gas volumes in a microchannel structure at the working surface of the ...

03/16/06 - 20060058781 - Mucosal ablation device
A medical device for performing a therapeutic procedure on a patient. The device includes a body sized and shaped to engage a working end of an endoscope. The body has a recess therein. The device also includes an electrode positioned on the body and communicative with an energy source for ...

03/09/06 - 20060052773 - Ablation catheter having a virtual electrode comprising portholes and a porous conductor
An ablation catheter used for treatment of, for example, atrial fibrillation by electrically isolating a vessel, such as a pulmonary vein, from a chamber, such as the left atrium. The ablation catheter has a virtual electrode and a catheter shaft. The virtual electrode comprises a porous conductor. The catheter shaft ...

03/09/06 - 20060052772 - Gas-enhanced surgical instrument
A gas-enhanced electrosurgical instrument includes a hand-held applicator and a portable actuator assembly. The hand-held applicator has a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent a distal end of the applicator. The portable actuator assembly is capable of holding a ...

03/09/06 - 20060052771 - Gas-enhanced surgical instrument with pressure safety feature
A pressure safety system is provided for use with electrosurgical instruments providing pressurized ionized gas to a surgical site. The pressure safety system includes a series of three cascaded pressure change members to control the pressure of gas delivered to a patient. Pressure safety apparatus for use with electrosurgical instruments ...

03/09/06 - 20060052770 - Helical needle apparatus for creating a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle ...

03/09/06 - 20060052769 - Ablation device
A medical device for performing a therapeutic procedure on a patient. The medical device comprises a probe having an applicator end and at least two injection needles connected to the probe adjacent the applicator end of the probe. Each injection needle is communicative with a fluid source for delivering fluid ...

03/02/06 - 20060047278 - Ablation device with jaws
System, device and method for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient through an incision. An ablation device can include a hinge including a cam assembly, a moving arm, a floating jaw, and a lower jaw. Fingers can engage the floating jaw to hold the floating jaw in ...

03/02/06 - 20060047277 - Hybrid lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods
A hybrid lesion formation apparatus including a surgical probe component and clamp component that share a common electrical connector. ...

03/02/06 - 20060047276 - Composite material braided insulator
An ablation probe, comprises a distal substantially tubular electrode, a proximal substantially tubular electrode and a substantially tubular dielectric element. A proximal end of the dielectric element is bonded to a distal end of the proximal electrode and a distal end of the dielectric element is bonded to a proximal ...

02/23/06 - 20060041256 - Gerd treatment apparatus and method
A method of forming a composite lesion pattern in a tissue region at or near a sphincter comprising providing a catheter having a plurality of energy delivery devices coupled to the catheter. The catheter is introduced at least partially into the sphincter. Energy is delivered from the energy delivery devices ...

02/23/06 - 20060041255 - Methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment between spaced apart electrodes
As electrosurgical prove comprises a shaft having an electrode array (12) at its distal end and a connector at its proximal end. The array (12) includes a plurality of isolated electrode terminals, and an electrosurgical power supply (28) is provided with a multiplicity of independently limited or controlled current sources ...

02/23/06 - 20060041254 - Electrosurgical hemostat
A hemostat-type device for ablative treatment of tissue, particularly for treatment of atrial fibrillation, is constructed with features that provide easy and effective treatment. The device may include a swiveling head assembly that allows the jaws to be adjusted in pitch and/or roll. The device may include a malleable or ...

02/16/06 - 20060036238 - Method for indirectly ablating tissue using implanted electrode device
Methods are provided for ablating tissue by implanting a plurality of electrode devices within the tissue to be treated and exposing the implanted electrode devices with RF energy conveyed from a separate electrode device. In this manner, a greater region of tissue is ablated than what would normally be ablated ...

02/16/06 - 20060036237 - Devices and methods for selective orientation of electrosurgical devices
Devices and methods for the selective orientation of electrodes for effecting the controlled ablation, coagulation, or other modification of a target tissue in vivo with no or minimal collateral tissue damage. The subject devices are electrosurgical wands configured to only bend in a single plane. The subject methods involve use ...

02/16/06 - 20060036236 - Compound bipolar ablation device and method
Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. The ablation device can include a lower jaw assembly including a proximal jaw having a proximal electrode and a distal jaw having a distal electrode, and an upper jaw assembly including an upper jaw having an upper ...

02/16/06 - 20060036235 - Tuna device with integrated saline resevoir
Methods and apparatus for ablating a target tissue are discussed. Such methods and apparatus include those that simplify tissue ablation. For example, a tissue ablation device having an actuator, such as a trigger mechanism, coupled to a power source and an electrode is discussed. A single step of engaging the ...

02/09/06 - 20060030845 - Electrosurgical treatment in conjunction with monitoring
An electrosurgical apparatus comprising an energy source operable to concurrently provide a first signal and a second signal, said first and second signals having different frequencies; and a signal processor operable to receive a third signal from a patient's body, to process said third signal, and to produce an output ...

02/09/06 - 20060030844 - Transparent electrode for the radiofrequency ablation of tissue
A novel transparent electrode that uses a conductive coating to allow delivery of current to the heart as well as outward imaging through the electrode is described. The embodiments disclose a catheter incorporating an endoscope, whose imaging tip is coated with a conductive coating that is transparent in the endoscopic ...

02/02/06 - 20060025764 - Systems and methods for performing simultaneous ablation
A system for treating tissue includes first and second ablation devices each including a plurality of wire electrodes and coupled to a generator in parallel. In one embodiment, the generator includes first and second terminals coupled in parallel to one another, and the first and second ablation devices are connected ...

02/02/06 - 20060025763 - Ablation catheter with cooled linear electrode
The ablation catheter is comprised of a guiding catheter and an inner catheter. The guiding catheter is comprised of a shaft section which is attached to an articulating section at its distal end and a first handle at its proximal end. The inner catheter is comprised of an elongated central ...

02/02/06 - 20060025762 - Ablation probe with stabilizing member
A surgical ablation probe assembly particularly suitable for ablating tissue on a surface of a patient's heart having an ablation member and a stabilizing member for guiding the probe assembly to an intracorporeal location such as a surface of the patient's heart. The elongated ablation member generally has at least ...

02/02/06 - 20060025761 - Linear-array radio frequency resections
An apparatus and method for ablation of a resection plane in an organ of the body, is disclosed. A linear-array probe with a plurality of tines penetrates a cross-section of the organ. A radio frequency generator is connected to the linear-array probe via wire conductors. The radio frequency generator generates ...

01/26/06 - 20060020264 - Large area thermal ablation
A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a ...

01/26/06 - 20060020263 - Clamping ablation tool and method
Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. A clamping ablation tool can include an upper arm having an upper neck, a link assembly, and an upper actuator. The link assembly can include a distal electrode and a proximal electrode. The clamping ablation tool can ...

01/19/06 - 20060015098 - Apparatus and methods for assisting ablation of tissue using magnetic beads
A system for treating tissue includes a source of conductive and/or magnetic beads, a first member, e.g., a catheter or cannula, coupled to the source of magnetic beads, and a second member, e.g., a catheter or cannula, carrying a magnet on its distal end. The system is used for ablating ...

01/19/06 - 20060015097 - Helical needle apparatus for creating a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle ...

01/19/06 - 20060015096 - Radio frequency ablation servo catheter and method
A system that interfaces with a workstation endocardial mapping system allows for the rapid and successful ablation of cardiac tissue. The system allows a physician to see a representation of the physical location of a catheter in a representation of an anatomic model of the patient's heart. The workstation is ...

01/19/06 - 20060015095 - Device for electrosurgically destroying body tissue
The application apparatus according to the invention for applying a high frequency current for thermal sclerosis of body tissue, includes an electrode array (7) with at least three active electrodes (1-6) which are electrically conductingly connected to the body tissue, a high frequency generator (17) which can be individually electrically ...

01/12/06 - 20060009760 - Method and apparatus for creating a bi-polar virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end. ...

01/12/06 - 20060009759 - Loop ablation apparatus and method
Embodiments of the invention provide an ablation apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. The ablation apparatus can include a tube capable of being advanced around the pulmonary veins to form a loop. The tube can receive or include electrodes to ablate target tissue. Some embodiments ...

01/12/06 - 20060009758 - Gerd treatment apparatus and method
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 ...

01/12/06 - 20060009757 - Ablation device with clear probe
A medical device for performing a therapeutic procedure on a patient. The medical device includes an elongate probe extending to an applicator end and a visually transparent tip positioned adjacent the applicator end. The device also includes an electrode positioned on the tip so that the electrode may be viewed ...

01/05/06 - 20060004353 - Flexible electrode device and surgical apparatus equipped with same
An electrode device adapted for use in medical devices, such as tissue ablation apparatus, includes a sheet of flexible fabric including at least one surface electrode formed as part of the fabric. More particularly, the sheet is made from a plurality of filaments. At least some of the filaments are ...

12/29/05 - 20050288667 - Ablation systems including insulated energy transmitting elements
Ablation systems comprise a support body, an energy transmitting element supported by the support body and an insulating member covering a portion of the support body and energy transmitting member. Ablation energy is transmitted from an uncovered, exposed portion of the energy transmitting element. The insulating member may be a ...

12/29/05 - 20050288666 - Cardiac ablation devices and methods
Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in ...

12/29/05 - 20050288665 - Electrosurgical device having planar vertical electrode and related methods
Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for the controlled ablation of tissue from a target site of a patient. The instrument includes a shaft having proximal and distal end portion and a planar active electrode on the distal end portion; a return electrode arranged on the shaft spaced from the active electrode; ...

12/29/05 - 20050288664 - Systems and methods for treating tissue regions of the body
Systems and methods deploy an electrode from a catheter assembly. The systems and methods provide a catheter handle having a trigger lever adapted to carry an actuator rod. The actuator rod is adapted to cause movement of the electrode between a retracted position and an extended position. A pinion is ...

12/29/05 - 20050288663 - Method and apparatus for substantial uniform ablation about a bipolar array of electrodes
The described invention relates to a medical device for a substantially uniform ablation of animal or human tissue comprising of a bipolar generator for generating radio frequency at an electrode, a probe having a handle, and an elongated member. The elongated member has a proximal and distal end with an ...

12/15/05 - 20050277918 - Electrosurgical cannula
This invention discloses a cannula comprising an elongate shaft comprising a distal region and a proximal region and defining a lumen therebetween, and further comprising a wall defining at least one lateral aperture therethrough and a distal end defining at least one distal aperture. The distal region comprises an electrically ...

12/15/05 - 20050277917 - Disposable electrosurgical handpiece for treating tissue
A disposable or reusable bipolar or unipolar electrosurgical handpiece having an extendable and retractable active electrode end and housed in a relatively inexpensive body comprising an actuating handle for use in various electrosurgical procedures. The housing comprises slidable body sections with one of the sections having an internal structure configured ...

12/15/05 - 20050277916 - Electrosurgical device with adhesive-free insulating piece and method of making same
An electrosurgical device having an electrode and an insulating piece such as a ceramic insulator is disclosed. The electrode includes an active surface for ablating and/or coagulating tissue in an electrosurgical procedure. The insulating piece surrounds the active surface and provides a barrier for the intense heat created during ablation. ...

12/15/05 - 20050277915 - Electrosurgical ablator with integrated aspirator lumen and method of making same
Electrosurgical devices for ablating tissue and methods of making the same are disclosed. The electrosurgical devices include an electrode with a lumen for aspirating gasses and debris produced during surgery. The electrode also includes a plurality of upper active edges for ablating tissue in an electrosurgical procedure. The upper active ...

12/08/05 - 20050273096 - Anchoring introducer sheath with distal slots for catheter delivery and translation
An introducer sheath has multiple distal slots allowing for translation of a catheter within a cardiac cavity. A pair of longitudinal slots are provided on opposite sides of the sheath near the distal end. A portion of the catheter may deploy from one of the slots while the ablation tip ...

12/08/05 - 20050273095 - Ablation catheters having anchoring capability and methods of using same
A catheter includes a shaft having a distal end, an expandable member secured to the distal end, and an anchoring device positioned distal to the expandable member. The anchoring device having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. By way of one example, the anchoring device may comprise a shaped ...

12/08/05 - 20050273094 - Tubal sterilization device having sesquipolar electrodes and method for performing sterilization using the same
A tubal sterilization device having sesquipolar electrodes includes a hollow catheter defining an interior passageway, the catheter including a first end for insertion transcervically into a patient, and a second end opposite the first end for grasping and manipulation by a physician. The device further includes an electrode tip situated ...

12/08/05 - 20050273093 - Method of treating herniated intervertebral discs using cooled ablation
A method of treating an intervertebral disc is provided. The method comprises introducing a probe with an electrode into contact with the nucleus pulposus of the disc, and conveying radio frequency ablation energy from the electrode into the nucleus pulposus of the disc. For example, if the disc has a ...

12/08/05 - 20050273092 - Method and apparatus for shrinking tissue
An apparatus and method for treating superficial skin conditions with radio frequency energy. The apparatus includes a probe that is coupled to a radio frequency console. The probe has at least one tip that can be inserted into skin tissue. Radio frequency energy can be delivered to the skin tissue ...

12/08/05 - 20050273091 - System for, and method of, heating a biological site in a patient's body
A system (10) for heating a biological site in a patient's body includes a transformer (14) having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The secondary winding has a tap (24) to provide a ground reference and two sources of radio frequency (RF) energy. An active electrode (16) is connected ...

12/01/05 - 20050267468 - Moisture transport system for contact electrocoagulation
An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. The array includes conductive regions separated by insulated regions ...

12/01/05 - 20050267467 - Bipolar conforming electrode catheter and methods for ablation
A bipolar conforming electrode catheter has a plurality of flexible filaments or bristles forming a brush electrode for applying therapeutic energy (e.g., RF energy) to target tissue to form spot or continuous linear lesions. Interstitial spaces are defined among the filaments of the brush electrode. The interstitial spaces are adapted ...

12/01/05 - 20050267466 - Thermocouple electrode
The invention provides an electrode assembly for a system for performing an electrosurgical procedure using electrical energy. The electrode assembly includes an electrode defining a blind aperture for receiving a thermocouple and formed from nitinol. The nitinol electrode is super-elastic, resistant to corrosion, and bio-compatible. In the exemplary embodiment of ...

12/01/05 - 20050267465 - Multifunctional electrosurgical apparatus
An electrosurgical apparatus having improved placement accuracy is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen therethrough, a stylet positioned within a lumen, a conductive tip at the distal end for delivery of energy to the tissue, an ...

12/01/05 - 20050267464 - Electrosurgical instrument and method of use
An embodiment of a method of the invention provides a method for welding tissue comprising providing a tissue welding device having first and second tissue engaging surfaces with at least one surface including an electrode surface that defines a plurality of surface portions having different resistances to electrical current flow ...

12/01/05 - 20050267463 - Catheter with bifurcated, collapsible tip for sensing and ablating
A sensing and ablation electrode includes bifurcated sensing limbs separated by an ablation web. The electrode is disposed on the distal end of a catheter. The sensing limbs each support an array of sensors that are individually wired for mapping and post ablation efficacy testing. The web includes a pair ...

12/01/05 - 20050267462 - Anchoring introducer sheath with distal slots for catheter delivery and translation
An introducer sheath has multiple distal slots allowing for translation of a catheter within a cardiac cavity. A pair of longitudinal slots are provided on opposite sides of the sheath near the distal end. A portion of the catheter may deploy from one of the slots while the ablation tip ...

12/01/05 - 20050267461 - Catheter electrode and rail system for cardiac ablation
The instant invention is directed toward an ablation catheter and sheath incorporating wire rail system. The catheter may have a combination of rigid and flexible components to orient an ablation electrode at the distal tip toward the target tissue. The wire rail acts to guide an ablation tip along the ...

12/01/05 - 20050267460 - Ablation catheter with suspension system incorporating rigid and flexible components
A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly ...

12/01/05 - 20050267459 - Curved ablation catheter
A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly ...

12/01/05 - 20050267458 - Side-port sheath for catheter placement and translation
Side-port sheaths for catheter placement and translation are disclosed. The sheaths include a side-port opening through which a gliding catheter may be deployed during diagnosis or treatment of tissue. The side-port sheath may include a suspension ribbon used to deploy, or that aids in the deployment of, the embedded gliding ...

11/24/05 - 20050261673 - Methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing an area of the heart
A tubular suction tool for accessing an anatomic surface or anatomic space and particularly the pericardium to access pericardial space and the epicardial surface of the heart to implant cardiac leads in a minimally invasive manner are disclosed. The suction tool incorporates a suction pad concave wall defining a suction ...

11/24/05 - 20050261672 - Systems and methods for selective denervation of heart dysrhythmias
Methods and apparatus are provided for selective denervation of conduction pathways in the heart for the treatment of dysrhythmias, including one or more ablation or electroporation catheters having electrodes for stimulating, targeting, and ablating fat pad tissue and other cardiac tissue to selectively denervate heart tissue. ...

11/17/05 - 20050256524 - Rf ablation device and method of use
An ablation device is provided. Electrodes are supported on counter rotating rollers. The rollers can be rotated to provide a desired spacing between the two electrodes. The rollers and electrodes can be associated with a side opening in a housing supported at a distal end of a flexible, elongated overtube ...

11/17/05 - 20050256523 - Disposable surgical devices
A disposable surgical device is constructed to include a shell, a smart block mounted in one end of the shell, the smart block electronic having components mounted to a circuit embedded therein, front contact pins for insertion into respective contact holes in the connector of an industry standard connector interface, ...

11/17/05 - 20050256522 - Device and method for determining tissue thickness and creating cardiac ablation lesions
A tissue ablation device has a handle and an ablation head coupled to the handle. The ablation head has a first jaw, a second jaw, and an ablative element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaws. A thickness measurement device may be coupled to the ablation ...

11/17/05 - 20050256521 - Method and apparatus for control of ablation energy and electrogram acquisition through multiple common electrodes in an electrophysiology catheter
Method and apparatus for control of ablation energy and electrogram acquisition through multiple common electrodes in an electrophysiology catheter. A device that routes ablation energy to and that routes mapping signals received from an electrophysiology catheter having a plurality of conductive filaments including circuitry that provides, for each conductive filament ...

11/10/05 - 20050251133 - Suction stabilized epicardial ablation devices
A suction assisted ablation device having a support surface, suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one electrode and at least one suction conduit is provided. The device may further include fluid openings, which allow fluid to irrigate target tissue and aid in ablation. A method for ablating ...

11/10/05 - 20050251132 - Ablation catheters
The present invention relates generally to multifunctional catheters for performing ablation procedures, and more particularly to ablation catheters utilized in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac disorders. The present invention eliminates many of the problems associated with previous ablation catheters by providing an ablation treatment not dependent upon ...

11/10/05 - 20050251131 - Circumferential ablation device assembly
This invention is a circumferential ablation device assembly which is adapted to forming a circumferential conduction block in a pulmonary vein. The assembly includes a circumferential ablation element which is adapted to ablate a circumferential region of tissue along a pulmonary vein wall which circumscribes the pulmonary vein lumen, thereby ...

11/03/05 - 20050245926 - Sphincter treatment apparatus
A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an energy delivery device introduction member including a proximal end with a first radius of curvature and a distal end with a second radius of curvature. The introduction member is configured to be introduced into the sphincter in a non-deployed state and to be expanded ...

11/03/05 - 20050245925 - Cartilage treatment probe
An electrosurgical instrument includes a shaft, a flexible portion, and a head coupled to the shaft through the flexible portion and pivotably coupled to the flexible portion. The head includes a non-conductive surface and an electrically conductive surface. The flexible portion is configured to bias the non-conductive surface and the ...

11/03/05 - 20050245924 - Ion eluting tuna device
Delivery elements, including needle electrodes and sheaths of tissue ablation devices, containing a conductivity-enhancing agent are discussed. The delivery elements contain a body member and optionally one or more coating layers. The conductivity-enhancing agent is disposed on or in the body member and/or at least one of the one or ...

11/03/05 - 20050245923 - Biopolar virtual electrode for transurethral needle ablation
A device and method for transurethral needle ablation of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH uses bipolar ablation needles and a virtual electrode. To create the virtual electrode, a conductive fluid is delivered to the target site within the prostate tissue. Ablation energy is then delivered to the target tissue and ...

10/27/05 - 20050240176 - Ablation catheters
The present invention relates generally to multifunctional catheters for performing ablation procedures, and more particularly to ablation catheters utilized in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac disorders. The present invention eliminates many of the problems associated with previous ablation catheters by providing an ablation treatment not dependent upon ...

10/27/05 - 20050240175 - Cardiac treatment devices and methods
Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in ...

10/27/05 - 20050240174 - Invasive ablation probe with non-coring distal tip
An invasive medical device for delivery radio frequency energy to a target tissue region includes an elongate delivery cannula having a lumen in communication with a distal opening. A deployment member is positioned and longitudinally movable in the lumen. An array of electrode elements are secured to a distal end ...

10/20/05 - 20050234446 - Electrosurgical device with floating-potential electrode and methods of using same
Disclosed herein are improved, efficient electrosurgical probes suitable for tissue vaporization and cutting of tissue structures, more particularly for performing electrosurgical cutting, ablation (volumetric tissue vaporization), coagulating and/or modification within a body tissue, cavity or vessel or on the surface of a patient. The system and method of the present ...

10/20/05 - 20050234445 - Method of treating biological tissue
A treatment method is disclosed for treating a bodily tissue utilizing one or more steps of removal of material as well as one or more steps of energy delivery in order to effectively treat the bodily tissue. These mechanisms of treatment may beneficially be used to induce separate treatment effects, ...

10/20/05 - 20050234444 - Electrode and bipolar ablation method using same
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating transmural ablations in heart tissue which, for example, may include two or more electrodes adapted to be connected to opposite poles of a bipolar RF generator so as to energize the electrodes to ablate cardiac tissue between the electrodes. ...

10/20/05 - 20050234443 - Co-access bipolar ablation probe
A medical probe kit and method of treating abnormal tissue within a patient is provided. The kit comprises a cannula having a shaft, a lumen extending through the cannula shaft, and a first ablation electrode disposed on the distal end of the cannula shaft. The cannula may have a handle ...

10/13/05 - 20050228373 - Surface electrode multiple mode operation
A surface electrode for ablating tissue is provided. The surface electrode comprises a base, a plurality of tissue penetrating needle electrodes extending from the surface of the base an adjustable distance, and an electrical interface coupled to the plurality of needle electrodes. The adjustability of the needle electrodes allows the ...

10/13/05 - 20050228372 - Voltage threshold ablation apparatus
The present invention relates to the field of electrosurgery, and more particularly to systems and methods for ablating, cauterizing and/or coagulating body tissue using radio frequency energy. More in particular, the systems utilize voltage threshold means for controlling the voltage applied to tissue in a cycle-to-cycle manner. ...

10/13/05 - 20050228371 - Systems and methods for treating dysfunctions in the intestines and rectum that adapt to the anatomic form and structure of different individuals
An assembly for treating tissue in the anal canal uses a barrel structure having a dimension that can be selectively altered to be conducive for insertion into an anal canal according to an anatomic condition assessed within the anal canal. An electrode is carried by the barrel structure that can ...

10/06/05 - 20050222566 - Electromagnetic field surgical device and method
An electromagnetic field surgical device for cutting and vaporizing tissue, and coagulating fluids. The device may include a surgical tool or probe having an electrode forming a tip. An electromagnetic field may be radiated from the tip of the surgical tool. The surgical tool may be placed in close proximity ...

10/06/05 - 20050222565 - Method and apparatus for dermatological treatment and tissue reshaping
The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment and tissue remodeling. The apparatus includes an array of needles that penetrate the skin and serve as electrodes to deliver radio frequency current or other electrical or optical energy into the tissue being treated, causing thermal damage in controlled ...

10/06/05 - 20050222564 - Irrigated catheter having a porous tip electrode
A porous tip electrode catheter is provided. The porous tip electrode comprises a porous material through which fluid can pass. The porous tip electrode is covered with a thin coating of conductive metal having openings through which fluids can pass. ...

10/06/05 - 20050222563 - Catheter for circumferential ablation at or near a pulmonary vein
A catheter has a three-dimensional, hollow ablation assembly that carries at least one ribbon electrode for circumferential ablation. In one embodiment, the assembly has a free-form framework that is constructed of multiple tensile members or wires that are interwoven such that the length of the framework increases while the circumference ...

09/29/05 - 20050215993 - Apparatus for converting a clamp into an electrophysiology device
An apparatus for use with a clamp including a base member configured to be secured to the clamp and at least one energy transmission device carried by the base member. An apparatus for use with a clamp and a probe that carries at least one energy transmission device including a ...

09/29/05 - 20050215992 - Steerable loop structures for supporting diagnostic and therapeutic elements in contact with body tissue
A probe that includes a elongate body and a steerable loop structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue. ...

09/29/05 - 20050215991 - Cardiac drug delivery system and method of use
A system is disclosed, for administering a therapeutic agent locally and to a depth within cardiac tissue. An elongate, flexible catheter contains a flexible electric conductor and supports at its distal end an implantable electrode incorporating a penetrating element, typically a fixation helix or a linear needle that penetrates cardiac ...

09/15/05 - 20050203506 - Protective device for electrosurgical probes
The invention is directed to a protective device for electrosurgical probes which are provided particularly in ophthalmology for intraocular treatment of the eye and comprise two electrodes that are arranged coaxial to one another, an insulator being arranged therebetween, and the two electrodes make contact with a connection of a ...

09/15/05 - 20050203505 - Ablation probe with peltier effect thermal control
A tissue ablation probe, system, and method are provided. The ablation probe comprises an elongated member, an ablative element mounted on the distal end of the elongated member, and at least one thermoelectric device mounted to the member in thermal communication with the ablative element. The system may include the ...

09/08/05 - 20050197657 - Thermokeratoplasty system with a regulated power generator
An apparatus that provides energy to a probe in contact with a cornea to perform a medical procedure. The apparatus includes a circuit that supplies energy to the probe and a regulator that regulates the delivery of energy during the medical procedure. The apparatus may include a sensing circuit that ...

09/01/05 - 20050192567 - Nervous tissue stimulation device and method
A method using a precisely controlled, computer programmable stimulus for neuroselective tissue stimulation that does not leave a sufficient voltage or electrical artifact on the tissue being stimulated that would interfere or prevent a monitoring system from recording the physiological response is utilized to evaluate the physiological conduction of the ...

08/25/05 - 20050187546 - Systems and methods for treating tissue regions of the body
Systems and methods deploy a therapeutic or diagnostic element into contact with a body tissue region. The systems and methods can sense position of the therapeutic or diagnostic element relative to a targeted tissue region without direct or indirect visualization, by sensing fluid pressure in a fluid path having an ...

08/25/05 - 20050187545 - Magnetic catheter ablation device and method
A method and apparatus for ablation of a layer of tissue is achieved by providing first and second bodies on opposed sides of the tissue. The first body includes a first ablation member and a source of magnetic force adjacent one side of the tissue. The second body includes a ...

08/25/05 - 20050187544 - Cooled probes and apparatus for maintaining contact between cooled probes and tissue
Apparatus and methods for maintaining contact between tissue and cooled probes. ...

08/11/05 - 20050177151 - Irrigation sheath
A medical system for performing a tissue ablation procedure comprises a guide sheath and an ablation catheter disposed within an internal lumen of the catheter. The guide sheath has a distal end that includes irrigation exit ports that are configured to perfuse irrigation fluid in a distal direction over the ...

08/04/05 - 20050171530 - Transmural ablation device
A method and apparatus for transmural ablation using an instrument containing two electrodes or cryogenic probes. A clamping force is exerted on the two electrodes or probes such that the tissue of the hollow organ is clamped therebetween. Bipolar RF energy is then applied between the two electrodes, or the ...

08/04/05 - 20050171529 - Accurate cutting about and into tissue volumes with electrosurgically deployed electrodes
Method, system and apparatus for carrying out accurate electrosurgical cutting. A thin resilient electrode is utilized at the forward end region of an instrument which is deployable from a longitudinally disposed slot positioned rearwardly of the tip of the instrument. Lateral sides of the slot extend between a forward location ...

08/04/05 - 20050171528 - Self contained, gas-enhanced surgical instrument
An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue includes an elongated housing and an electrode located adjacent the distal end of the housing. The electrode can be connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. At least one actuator is included which electrosurgically energizes the electrode. The apparatus also includes a relatively small ...

08/04/05 - 20050171527 - Circumferential ablation device assembly with an expandable member
The present invention involves a surgical device and method of use, particularly an assembly and method incorporating a peanut or barbell shaped expandable member along the distal region of an ablation device to facilitate ablation of a circumferential region of tissue engaged by the expandable member. The ablation device assembly ...

08/04/05 - 20050171526 - Ablation probe for delivering fluid through porous structure
Ablation probes are provided for perfusing the tissue, while the tissue is ablated. The ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft and an ablative element, such as a needle electrode. The ablation probe further comprises a lumen that extends through the probe shaft, which will be used to deliver an fluid ...

08/04/05 - 20050171525 - System and method for performing ablation using a balloon
An apparatus comprises a catheter, a conductive element and a balloon. The catheter has a lumen. The conductive element is disposed along the catheter. The balloon has an interior in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter. The balloon is formed of a conductive material conductively coupled to the ...

08/04/05 - 20050171524 - Devices and methods for treatment of luminal tissue
Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is ...

07/28/05 - 20050165393 - Microporation of tissue for delivery of bioactive agents
A method of enhancing the permeability of a biological membrane, including the skin or mucosa of an animal or the outer layer of a plant to a permeant is described utilizing microporation of selected depth and optionally one or more of sonic, electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal energy and a chemical ...

07/28/05 - 20050165392 - System and method of performing an electrosurgical procedure
A system and method of making a lesion on living tissue including providing an electrosurgical system, determining a desired lesion depth, selecting a power setting, and applying electrical energy to the living tissue. The system includes an instrument having an electrode at a distal portion thereof, and a power source ...

07/28/05 - 20050165391 - Tissue ablation device assembly and method for electrically isolating a pulmonary vein ostium from an atrial wall
This invention is related to a tissue ablation system and method that treats atrial arrhythmia by ablating a circumferential region of tissue at a location where a pulmonary vein extends from an atrium. The system includes a circumferential ablation member with an ablation element and also includes a delivery assembly ...

07/28/05 - 20050165390 - Apparatus for electrosurgery
Apparatus for electrosurgery (1) of a type apt to the treatment of neoplastic tissues by thermoablation, comprising at least two pairs of electrodes (4,5,6,7;41,51,61,71) and a generator of electrosurgical current (2,3,) to make a thermoablation current flow between the electrodes according to a bipolar thermoablation mode. ...

07/21/05 - 20050159743 - Method for treating a sphincter
A method for treating a sphincter provides a polymer material having a liquid state. The method also provides a catheter having a distal end, a tissue piercing device carried by the distal end, and an energy delivery device coupled to the tissue piercing device. The tissue piercing device has a ...

07/21/05 - 20050159742 - Tissue ablation device and method of use
A tissue ablation device creates long linear lesions along a body space wall of an animal, and primarily between adjacent pulmonary vein ostia in a left atrial wall. An ablation element includes first and second ends that are bordered by first and second anchors. The anchors are adapted to secure ...

07/21/05 - 20050159741 - conforming-electrode catheter and method for ablation
A brush electrode catheter and a method for using the brush electrode catheter for tissue ablation are disclosed. The brush electrode catheter comprises a plurality of flexible filaments or bristles for applying ablative energy (e.g., RF energy) to target tissue during the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. Interstitial ...

07/21/05 - 20050159740 - Surgical device with brush electrode and methods for electrosurgical treatment
A surgical device incorporates a brush electrode for tissue ablation and other forms of electrosurgical treatment. A plurality of flexible filaments compose the brush electrode, through which therapeutic energy (e.g., RF energy) is applied to target tissue for the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions, cauterization, incision, and desiccation. ...

07/21/05 - 20050159739 - Brush electrode and method for ablation
A brush electrode and a method for using the brush electrode for tissue ablation are disclosed. The brush electrode comprises a plurality of flexible filaments or bristles for applying ablative energy (e.g., RF energy) to target tissue during the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. Interstitial spaces are defined ...

07/14/05 - 20050154386 - Devices, systems and methods for treating tissue regions of the body
Improved devices, systems and methods for treating a tissue region provide straightforward, yet reliable ways for installing diverse functional components within the confined space of a catheter-based instrument. ...

07/14/05 - 20050154385 - Electrosurgical instrument
An improved means for insulating electrosurgical instruments and its use for electrosurgical instruments for reducing smoke generation at a surgical site is disclosed. An insulating layer is employed that may include a ceramic material that is substantially sealed with a coating comprising substantially of a material based on polydiorganosiloxanes or ...

07/07/05 - 20050149014 - Cardiac valve leaflet attachment device and methods thereof
A medical device system comprising a guide catheter and a leaflet fastening applicator, the guide catheter having suitable dimensions for deployment and insertion percutaneously into a human heart in a vicinity of a heart valve, the leaflet fastening applicator having a size allowing insertion through the guide catheter and being ...

07/07/05 - 20050149013 - Gynecological ablation procedure and system
A method for treating tumors, such as uterine leiomyomata, includes inserting an ablation apparatus into a pelvic region and positioning the ablation apparatus into a pelvic tumor. The method further includes using a laparoscope and an imaging device, such as an ultrasound machine, to confirm the location of the pelvic ...

07/07/05 - 20050149012 - Tissue resurfacing
A method for skin treatment comprises the steps of delivering at least one pulse of radio frequency power to at least one electrode in order to create an electric field; passing gas through the electric field in order to form plasma from the gas; and applying the plasma to the ...

07/07/05 - 20050149011 - Catheter for delivery of energy to a surgical site
A catheter for delivering energy to a surgical site is disclosed. The catheter includes at a proximal end a handle and at a distal end a probe. The catheter includes at least one energy delivery device and an activation element. The at least one energy delivery device is located at ...

06/30/05 - 20050143729 - Method of irrigated ablation
A device for ablating tissue is provided. The device comprises a conductive element with a channel for irrigating fluid formed therein, which is in contact with a non-conductive microporous interface. All or a portion of the interface may be removable. When the interface is removed, a portion of the conductive ...

06/30/05 - 20050143728 - System and method for detecting perforations in a body cavity
A system and method for detecting perforations in a body cavity. In accordance with the method of the invention, a fluid (liquid or gas) is delivered into a body cavity to slightly pressurize the cavity. A pressure sensing system monitors the pressure within the cavity for a predetermined test period. ...

06/30/05 - 20050143727 - Surgical probe for supporting inflatable therapeutic devices in contact with tissue in or around body orifices and within tumors
A probe that facilitates the creation of lesions in bodily tissue. The probe includes a relatively short shaft and an inflatable therapeutic element. ...

06/30/05 - 20050143726 - Electrosurgical device
An electrosurgical device includes a high dielectric material and at least one conductor arranged relative to the high dielectric material such that, in use, the high dielectric material is disposed between the conductor and target tissue. A second conductor is arranged relative to the high dielectric material such that, in ...

06/16/05 - 20050131402 - Electrosurgical probe with movable return electrode and methods related thereto
The present invention provides systems, apparatus, and methods for dissecting, resecting, severing, cutting, contracting, coagulating, or otherwise modifying a tissue or organ of a patient. An apparatus of the invention includes an electrosurgical probe configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the probe including an active electrode terminal, ...

06/02/05 - 20050119651 - Atrial ablation catheter and method for treating atrial fibrillation
A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A non-retractable ablation assembly is attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The ablation assembly comprises proximal and distal non-conductive tubings, ...

06/02/05 - 20050119650 - Electrosurgical method and apparatus for removing tissue within a bone body
A method for treating a bone body comprises inserting a probe having at least one active electrode into the target tissue and applying a voltage difference between an active electrode and return electrode to ablate the tissue. The method is particularly directed to removing tumors in a bone body and ...

06/02/05 - 20050119649 - Self-anchoring surgical methods and apparatus for stimulating tissue
Surgical systems, devices and methods including one or more tissue stimulation elements that, in some instances, may also be used for sensing purposes. Some of the surgical devices also include a tissue coagulation element. ...

06/02/05 - 20050119648 - Surgical methods and apparatus for stimulating tissue
Surgical systems, devices and methods including one or more tissue stimulation elements that, in some instances, may also be used for sensing purposes. Some of the surgical devices also include a tissue coagulation element. ...

06/02/05 - 20050119647 - Method and apparatus for altering conduction properties in the heart and in adjacent vessels
Method and apparatus for treating conductive irregularities in the heart, particularly atrial fibrillation and accessory path arrythmias. An ablative catheter is positioned relative to an inter-atria electrical pathway, or a vicinity of accessory paths such as the coronary sinus or fossa ovalis, and actuated to form a lesion that partially ...

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