One embodiment provides a tightly targeted minimally invasive therapy (TTMIT) parathyroid tissue ablating instrument. A substance that cytotoxically ablates parathyroidal tissue during application in the parathyroidal tissue of therapeutically sufficient units of an electromagnetic energy having a frequency only ranging from ultraviolet to visible to near infrared. A substance delivery device is configured to introduce the substance into the parathyroidal tissue. An electromagnetic energy treatment device is configured to apply the therapeutically sufficient units of the electromagnetic energy within a thermal range that is non-cytotoxic to the parathyroidal tissue to the substance after the substance has been introduced by the substance delivery device. A sensor is configured to monitor activation of the substance as the therapeutically sufficient units of the electromagnetic energy are applied. The electromagnetic energy treatment device is further configured to modulate applying the therapeutically sufficient units of the electromagnetic energy once the substance has been activated.

A cryosurgical instrument includes a feed line for conveying fluid into an expansion chamber. The feed line has a capillary line section that terminates in the expansion chamber and forms an aperture for the fluid to undergo the Joule-Thomson effect. The flow cross-section of the feed line decreases in at least one transition section of the feed line in the form of a funnel. Following each transition section there preferably follows a step section, in which latter section the flow cross-section is preferably largely constant. The last step section is preferably formed by the capillary line section. Due to the acceleration of the fluid in the transition sections and the abating of pressure fluctuations in the capillary tube section and, optionally in the additional step sections, the expansion range in the expansion chamber is increased, without impeding the backflow of the expanded gas out of the expansion chamber.

Example apparatuses and systems are disclosed for providing controlled delivery of electrolysis products to a site which may be used for treatment of infection and ablation of undesirable cells and tissue. A system disclosed may include a power supply, two electrodes, an aqueous matrix that may close the electric circuit between the electrodes at the treated site, and a controller. The controller may control the electrical circuit to induce a direct current through the electrodes and an aqueous matrix to produce electrolysis products. The duration and magnitude of the charge applied may determine the dose of the products applied to the treatment site. The composition of the electrodes and the aqueous matrix may be chosen to produce desired products. An apparatus is disclosed that may be in the form of a pad for applying to a wound. An apparatus is disclosed that may be used for treating internal tissue.

A method of surgically altering trabecular meshwork of an eye to create a throughput hole on the meshwork without an implant or a permanent stent comprising inserting an applicator into the meshwork, wherein the applicator has a meshwork-contacting element at its tip section to contact the meshwork and provide energy or mechanical force to the contacted trabecular meshwork.

A method in which a location is determined on the skin that is proximate to a sensory nerve that is associated with a painful condition. At least one needle of a cryogenic device is inserted into the location on the skin such that the needle is proximate to the sensory nerve. The device is activated such that the at least one needle creates a cooling zone about the sensory nerve, thereby eliminating or reducing severity of the painful condition.

In an embodiment, a method for effecting thermal therapy using an in vivo probe includes positioning the probe in a volume in a patient, identifying an irregularly shaped three-dimensional region of interest and automatically applying thermal therapy to the region using the probe. Applying thermal therapy may include identifying a first emission level at a first rotational angle based in part on a depth of a radial portion of the region in the direction of probe emission, activating emission of the probe, causing rotation of the probe to a next rotational angle, identifying a next emission level at the next rotational angle based in part on a depth of a radial portion of the region in the direction of probe emission, activating emission to deliver therapeutic energy, and repeating rotation and emission until therapeutic energy has been delivered to the volume.

Targeted ablation of parathyroidal tissue is provided through hyperthermia adjuvant therapy. An in situ localization of parathyroidal tissue is obtained. A temperature-sensitive adjuvant is instilled into the parathyroidal tissue. Hyperthermia is therapeutically induced within the parathyroidal tissue. Heat-inducing energy is targeted into the parathyroidal tissue, which selectively includes the temperature-sensitive adjuvant. Application of the heat-inducing energy to the parathyroidal tissue is continued over a therapeutic range. In a further embodiment, the targeted ablation of the parathyroidal tissue is provided through hypothermia adjuvant therapy with the targeted use of cold-inducing energy.

An apparatus and method for sending test signals to an instrument, and checking the resultant and subsequently arriving echo signals in order to detect specific properties and changes of properties on the line, the instrument, the tissue or also on a fluid body, e.g., plasma body, present on an electrode of the instrument, and to control the operation of the supply arrangement accordingly.

A cryosurgery system for application of medical-grade liquid nitrogen to a treatment area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The system includes a console, including a touch panel computer, a cryogen module, a suction module and an electronics module, and a disposable spray kit. Features include optional low cryogen flow setting to reduce the cryogen flow rate by 50%, improved cryogen flow consistency reducing pressure pulses and peaks, an integrated suction pump for improved consistency and self-checks, specified vent tube areas and corresponding maximum expected pressures during cryospray procedure; optional pressure sensing capability to monitor pressure during a treatment, and novel catheter designs of multilayer and flexible construction providing a variety of spray patterns.

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.