Patent classifications
A61B2018/00321
Delivering Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) Using Implantable Transducer Arrays
Tumor treating fields (TTFields) can be delivered by implanting a plurality of sets of implantable electrode elements within a person’s body. Temperature sensors positioned to measure the temperature at the electrode elements are also implanted, along with a circuit that collects temperature measurements from the temperature sensors. In some embodiments, an AC voltage generator configured to apply an AC voltage across the plurality of sets of electrode elements is also implanted within the person’s body.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SURFACTANT ENHANCED LASER-INDUCED VAPOR BUBBLES FOR USE IN LASER LITHOTRIPSY
Methods and systems for surfactant enhanced laser-induced vapor bubbles for use in laser lithotripsy. Urinary tract stone disease is a common and costly disease that effects approximately 10% of the United States population. A preferred minimally invasive method for treatment of urinary tract stones is laser lithotripsy, which involves insertion of a flexible ureteroscope through the urinary tract to the stone's location, and then transmission of infrared (IR) laser energy through a flexible optical fiber, which is in turn placed through the single working channel of the ureteroscope. The IR laser energy is used for ablation of the urinary tract stone which is then removed. In order to have a more efficient ablation, the ureteroscope is fed with a surfactant composition which is flowed into the ureter and/or kidney of the subject. The laser causes larger bubbles to form in the surfactant composition, making a robust and longer lasting bubble.
CAPSULOTOMY DEVICE
A surgical device and procedure are provided for smoothly and easily accessing tissue to perform microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device includes a handpiece with a tip for insertion into an incision in the cornea of the eye. A sliding element is disposed within the handpiece and a suction cup is mounted to the sliding element. The sliding element can be translated to move the suction cup into and out of the handpiece. A compression mechanism associated with the suction cup and the handpiece compresses the suction cup for deployment through the tip of the handpiece. The suction cup can expand inside the anterior chamber into a cutting position on the lens capsule. A cutting element mounted to the suction cup is used to cut a portion of the lens capsule and to remove the portion from the eye. The cutting element may be mounted to a cutting element support structure in a way that prevents heating of the device.
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR UNATTENDED TREATMENT OF A PATIENT
An unattended approach can increase the reproducibility and safety of the treatment as the chance of over/under treating of a certain area is significantly decreased. On the other hand, unattended treatment of uneven or rugged areas can be challenging in terms of maintaining proper distance or contact with the treated tissue, mostly on areas which tend to differ from patient to patient (e.g. facial area). Delivering energy via a system of active elements embedded in a flexible pad adhesively attached to the skin offers a possible solution. The unattended approach may include delivering of multiple energies to enhance a visual appearance.
HYDRODISSECTION AND POSTERIOR CAPSULE OPACIFICATION PREVENTION DURING CAPSULOTOMY PROCEDURE
Embodiments of the invention provide hydrodissection and/or PCO prevention or reduction in a patient undergoing eye surgery. In one embodiment, the invention is a surgical device for cutting and excising a portion of tissue, for example in performing a lens capsulotomy. A capsulotomy tip is inserted into an eye through an incision in the surface of the eye. The capsulotomy tip includes a suction cup to provide suction to the lens capsule. Then suction is applied via the suction cup to secure the capsulotomy tip to the eye. In some embodiments, after the capsulotomy tip is secured to the lens capsule, a cutting element of the capsulotomy tip is used to cut a tissue of the eye. Fluid is pushed through the capsulotomy tip and the capsulotomy tip is removed from the eye. Moreover, disclosed is an intraocular lens (IOL) to be used in conjunction with the surgical device.
Treatment of headache
Headache treatment methods are described and include providing, an energy delivery device; locating a secondary or higher-order branch of a postganglionic nerve that provides innervation for a patient's head, by identifying a target region of the patient's head that includes the nerve branch; positioning, within the target region, a portion of the energy delivery device; and applying, from the positioned portion of the energy delivery device to the target region, an amount of energy effective to result in a stimulation activity of the nerve branch; and, after observing the stimulated nerve branch activity, delivering, from the energy delivery device to the nerve branch, energy in an amount effective to reduce a headache severity in the patient.
Therapeutic Tooth Bud Ablation
Ablation probe tips (108, 148, 320, 360) and physical and virtual stents (110) for use in tooth bud ablation procedures that result in tooth agenesis as well as tooth bud ablation methods are described herein.
MICROSURGICAL BIPOLAR FORCEPS
A microsurgical bipolar forceps may include an actuation structure, a hypodermic tube, a first electrical conductor, and a second electrical conductor. The actuation structure may include an actuation structure distal end, an actuation structure proximal end, and a plurality of actuation limbs. The hypodermic tube may be disposed in the actuation structure. The first electrical conductor may be disposed in the hypodermic tube and the actuation structure wherein the first electrical conductor is electrically connected to a bipolar cord. The second electrical conductor may be disposed in the hypodermic tube and the actuation structure wherein the second electrical conductor is electrically connected to the bipolar cord. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to decrease a distance between a first jaw of the first electrical conductor and a second jaw of the second electrical conductor.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF DRY EYE USING RADIO FREQUENCY HEATING
The present disclosure is related to a treatment probe and method for treating dry eye. The treatment probe may include a thin stainless steel tip, a spacer to ensure proper contact and protect the skin of a patient, a sensor to provide temperature feedback to the power supply providing RF energy to the treatment probe. The treatment focuses on a patient's temple and periorbital area.
Method for treating glaucoma
A method and delivery system are disclosed for creating an aqueous flow pathway in the trabecular meshwork, juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal of an eye for reducing elevated intraocular pressure. Pulsed laser radiation is delivered from the distal end of a fiber-optic probe sufficient to cause photoablation of selected portions of the trabecular meshwork, the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and an inner wall of Schlemm's canal in the target site. The fiber-optic probe may be advanced so as to create an aperture in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal in which fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye flows. The method and delivery system may further be used on any tissue types in the body.