In a method for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, an insertion portion of an endoscope is inserted from a cardia into a stomach. A distal end portion can be bent to position a cardiac region and a cautery unit in a field of view of an observation mechanism. The cautery unit can be brought into contact with a first region of a stomach wall around the cardia to cauterize the first region without removing a mucosal layer thereof while the cautery unit and a proximal portion of the insertion portion proximal of the bend are separated from each other by a predetermined distance or more. A position of the cautery unit with respect to the stomach wall can be changed while the separation state is maintained to bring the cautery unit into contact with and cauterize a second region of the stomach wall without removing a mucosal layer thereof.

Methods for atraumatic tooth extraction are provided. The methods include inserting an instrument into a pulp canal of a tooth, wherein the instrument comprises a body electrically connected to a heat providing source; and a tip arranged at one end of the body configured for insertion into a pulp canal; heating the tip to provide a temperature sufficient to degenerate periodontal ligament; withdrawing the instrument from the pulp canal; and extracting the tooth.

A surgical instrument includes an outer shaft defining a passageway. An inner shaft is disposed within the passageway and defines a lumen. An expandable structure has a first end coupled to a second end of the outer shaft and a second end coupled to a second end of the inner shaft. The expandable member defines a chamber. A delivery shaft includes a first end positioned within the passageway and a second end positioned within the chamber. The delivery shaft defines a channel configured to deliver a coolant out of an opening in the second end of the delivery shaft and into the chamber to move the expandable structure from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. A variable exhaust valve is in communication with the passageway and is configured to regulate pressure within the chamber. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Cryogenic biopsy assemblies are described herein that comprise a tissue acquisition device and cryogenic probe. Also disclosed are systems containing such cryogenic biopsy assemblies and methods cryogenic biopsy that employ such cryogenic biopsy assemblies.

The present invention is directed to improved systems, devices, and methods for delivery of a cryogen to the skin of a patient for skin treatment. A cryospray device configured to deliver a cryogen to a patient's skin can include an applicator, a supply channel, and a nozzle assembly. The applicator can include a head portion, and the supply channel can extend through at least a portion of the head portion. The nozzle assembly can be coupled to the head portion and can be fluidly coupled to the supply channel. The nozzle assembly can include a linear array of orifices that are configured to direct a planar spray of the cryogen to cool an area of a skin tissue of the patient in a linear cooling treatment.

Disclosed is a thermal contact sensor for use in aesthetic skin by heat treatment for altering the aesthetic appearance of a subject. The thermal contact sensor measures the difference in sensor temperature when in contact or absence of contact with the skin and automatically operates a source of optical radiation to heat the skin.

Methods for stabilizing pressure within a cryogenic device include receiving a flow rate value corresponding to an expected average mass flow rate of a cryogen through a needle probe of the cryogenic device during a cryotherapy treatment cycle; determining, based on the flow rate value, a target heater power to be applied to a heater associated with the cryogenic device for a treatment cycle, wherein the heater is configured to heat the cryogen; receiving an input for the treatment cycle; causing the cryogen to flow for a period of time toward the needle probe in response to the input; and apply the target heater power to the heater during the treatment cycle so as to heat the cryogen and stabilize pressure within the cryogenic device.

A cryoablation device is provide herein which, in an embodiment, includes a catheter shaft and a cryogen return line disposed within the catheter shaft. A cryogen supply line is disposed within the cryogen return line, such that the cryogen supply line, the cryogen return line, and the catheter shaft are all substantially coaxial. A needle tip probe is disposed at a distal end of the cryogen return line and the cryogen supply line extends in a distal direction beyond a distal end of the cryogen return line and into the needle tip probe. An insulating tube is disposed circumferentially around the cryogen return line and within the catheter shaft. An insulating lumen is circumferentially disposed around the return line, between an inner diameter of the catheter shaft and an outer diameter of the insulating tube. A position of the insulating tube is fixed relative to the catheter shaft. A position of the needle tip probe and the cryogen return line is axially and rotationally movable with respect to the insulating tube and the catheter shaft.

A method for cryogenically treating tissue. A connection is detected between a probe having a disposable secure processor (DSP) to a handpiece having a master control unit (MCU) and a handpiece secure processor (HSP), the probe having at least one cryogenic treatment applicator. The probe is fluidly coupled to a closed coolant supply system within the handpiece via the connection. An authentication process is initiated between the DSP and the HSP using the MCU. As a result of the authentication process, one of at least two predetermined results is determined, the at least two predetermined results being that the probe is authorized and non-authorized.

Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.