In some aspects, the present disclosure pertains to hydrogel-securing structures that comprise anchoring element that is configured to anchor the structure to bodily tissue and a hydrogel-retaining element that is configured to retain a hydrogel mass. Other aspects of the present disclosure include kits that contain such hydrogel-securing structures. Other aspects of the present disclosure pertain to methods that comprise (a) delivering a structure that comprises a hydrogel-retaining element in a body of a subject comprising first and second tissues, such that the hydrogel-retaining element may be disposed between the first tissue of tissue and the second tissue and (b) delivering a hydrogel to the structure, such that the hydrogel is loaded onto and/or into the hydrogel-retaining element and retained in place by the hydrogel-retaining element, and such that the hydrogel is disposed between the first and second tissues thereby separating the first tissue from the second tissue.

A bronchoscopic sheath adapted to be fit over the outside surface of the proximal portion of a bronchoscope to assist with measuring or spacing of treatment. The measurement or spacing sheath is preferably made of braided polymer filament and is configured to collapse under tension and open/expand when the ends of the sheath are pushed towards one-another. Markings are provided on the sheath at regular intervals to reflect distance. The markings may be woven into the braid, or printed on the exterior of the braid. The proximal end of the sheath may be flared and the distal end may be tapered. Each end may be provided with a cuff that may be part of the braid, or a separate elastomeric material, or a thermally sealed edge with atraumatic tip.

Method and apparatus are disclosed for esophageal heat transfer devices and methods for cardiac tissue ablation procedures. An exemplary method includes collecting esophageal data via one or more sensing elements of an esophageal heat transfer device positioned within an esophagus of the patient. The exemplary method includes determining, based on the esophageal data and/or operator selected power setting, a temperature setting and/or a flow rate setting for fluid flowing through the esophageal heat transfer device to maintain a target temperature of esophageal tissue adjacent to the ablation site via a heat transfer region. The exemplary method includes adjusting, via the controller, a fluid source to provide the fluid to the esophageal heat transfer device at the temperature setting and/or a flow rate setting.

Treatment systems, methods, and apparatuses for improving the appearance of skin or other target regions are described as well as for providing for other treatments. Aspects of the technology are directed to improving the appearance of skin by tightening the skin, improving skin tone or texture, eliminating or reducing wrinkles, increasing skin smoothness, or improving the appearance of cellulite. Treatments can include cooling a surface of a patient's skin and detecting at least one freeze event in the cooled skin. The treatment system can continue cooling the patient's skin after the freeze event(s) are detected so to maintain at least a partially frozen state of the tissue for a period of time.

Compositions and formulations for use with devices and systems that enable tissue cooling, such as cryotherapy applications, for alteration and reduction of adipose tissue are described. Aspects of the technology are further directed to methods, compositions and devices that provide protection of non-targeted cells (e.g., non-lipid-rich cells) from freeze damage during dermatological and related aesthetic procedures that require sustained exposure to cold temperatures. Further aspects of the technology include systems for enhancing sustained and/or replenishing release of cryoprotectant to a treatment site prior to and during cooling applications.

An instrument for producing a tissue effect at or near a uterine wall includes a distal portion configured for receiving a thermal transfer medium. The distal portion being configured to be in fluid communication with at least a portion of a target treatment site, the target treatment site being at or near the uterine wall. The distal portion delivers the thermal transfer medium toward the target treatment site, and thereby produce the tissue effect at or near the uterine wall.

Treatment systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating acne, hyperhidrosis, and other skin conditions are described. Aspects of the technology can include cooling a surface of a patient's skin and detecting changes in the tissue. The tissue can be cooled a sufficient length of time and to a temperature low enough to affect glands or other targeted structures in the skin.

Provided is a neuroprotection apparatus including a scalp temperature measurement acquisition device for acquiring scalp temperature measurements at a plurality of locations on a patient's scalp during an induced hypothermia and a neuroprotection processor for processing the scalp temperature measurements for determining real time patient temperature information for display on a human head image on a display device during the induced hypothermia.

It comprises at least one first layer (1), at least one second layer (2) on said first layer (1) and joined to it (1), defining inner surfaces (3) between both layers which form at least one housing (111), with both layers (1, 2) being porous and absorbent, and at least one cold conducting anti-freezing gel (4), spread in housing (111), all over inner surfaces (3), with a freezing point below 12 C., and with a viscosity of between 2000 and 90000 cPs at 21 C., which is enough to pass through the pores in layers (1, 2) and come out of housing (111), characterized in that it comprises a reinforcement (100) in at least one of its layers (1, 2) such as a stiffening structure.

Application systems, disposable interface assemblies and methods for cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich tissue. One embodiment of an application system includes a cooling unit, a cryoprotectant vessel, a contact member and an array of selectively addressable heating elements. The cryoprotectant vessel is configured to contain a fluidic cryoprotectant such that at least a portion of the cryoprotectant is cooled by the cooling unit to a desired base temperature. The contact member is attached to the cryoprotectant vessel and includes a backside in contact with the cryoprotectant and a front side opposite the backside. The contact member is configured to allow the cryoprotectant to flow from the backside to the front side. The array of selectively addressable heating elements is carried by the contact member.