A stereoscopic endoscope system includes a stereoscopic endoscope and an identification information combining section. The stereoscopic endoscope is provided with an R image pickup section and an R output section which are provided on a right side of an endoscope body, an L image pickup section and an L output section which are provided on a left side of the endoscope body, and an R memory and an L memory which store correction information for either right or left and identification information. The right and left image pickup sections and the right and left memories are correctly or incorrectly combined and are connected to the right and left output sections. The identification information combining section performs image combination of an image and identification information inputted from the R output section or an image and identification information inputted from the L output section and outputs a combined image.

A device for cooling the skin tissue of a patient during a procedure using energy includes a mat-like structure, the mat-like structure having a bottom wall, a top wall and upstanding walls connecting the top wall and the bottom wall, the walls defining an enclosed volume; it also includes one or more electrodes positioned to protrude from the bottom wall and extend through the volume for connection to a source of energy; further, the volume defines a space for holding a cooling substance for cooling the one or more electrodes and the skin tissue during an energy-based procedure.

Apparatus and methods for treating back pain are provided, in which an implantable stimulator is configured to communicate with an external control system, the implantable stimulator providing a neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy designed to cause muscle contraction to rehabilitate the muscle, restore neural drive and restore spinal stability; the implantable stimulator further including one or more of a number of additional therapeutic modalities, including a module that provides analgesic stimulation; a module that monitors muscle performance and adjusts the muscle stimulation regime; and/or a module that provides longer term pain relief by selectively and repeatedly ablating nerve fibers. In an alternative embodiment, a standalone implantable RF ablation system is described.

Apparatus and methods for treating back pain are provided, in which an implantable stimulator is configured to communicate with an external control system, the implantable stimulator providing a neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy designed to cause muscle contraction to rehabilitate the muscle, restore neural drive and restore spinal stability; the implantable stimulator further including one or more of a number of additional therapeutic modalities, including a module that provides analgesic stimulation; a module that monitors muscle performance and adjusts the muscle stimulation regime; and/or a module that provides longer term pain relief by selectively and repeatedly ablating nerve fibers. In an alternative embodiment, a standalone implantable RF ablation system is described.

An oral cleaning unit, e.g. a head for an oral cleaning and/or treatment device, includes electrodes for generating an RF field for providing an oral cleaning and/or treatment function. The unit includes at least a first and second protruding structure, which protrude in a same general direction away from a base or support structure. Each comprises one or more electrodes. The protruding structures are arranged facing one another and separated by a space or gap which is configured so as to be able to receive a tooth pushed or inserted therein between the first and second protruding structures, and with the protruding structures extending on either side of the tooth, i.e. straddling the tooth. This allows the RF electrodes comprised by the protruding structures to reach to a location at least part way down side faces of the tooth, closer to interproximal spaces, enabling interproximal spaces to be better cleaned, and optionally also to be sensed using RF energy/fields interacting with dental features, when the electrodes are suitably driven by an RF signal.

A device for a soft tissue treatment of a patient. The device includes an applicator including at least one electrode, a fastening mechanism to fix the applicator to a body part of a patient, and a control unit including a microprocessor to control the at least one electrode. The at least one electrode may provide a radiofrequency energy and an electric current. The radiofrequency energy may cause a heating of a soft tissue. The electric current may cause a muscle contraction. The body part includes a face or a chin.

Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and methods for stimulating L cells in the intestinal tract to produce incretins for the treatment of conditions including diabetes and obesity. Many embodiments provide a method and apparatus for the treatment of diabetes by electrically stimulating L-cells to secrete incretins to stimulate or otherwise modulate the production of insulin. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal tract as the capsule moves through the tract. The capsule can include two or more electrodes for providing electrical stimulation to L-cells, a power source for powering one or more components of the capsule, a sensor for sensing the location of the capsule in the intestinal tract: a controller and a waveform generator for generating the electrical signals emitted by the electrodes to stimulate the L-cells to secrete incretins such as GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production for glucose regulation of diabetic conditions.

An electrode system for treating dry eye, including at least one electrode having a portion intended to be applied in contact with the eye, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them that respectively imitates the shape of the eye surface, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them or wherein the portion of the intended to be applied in contact with the eye, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them has a flexible and adaptable shape so that a form-fit is achievable between the portion of the electrode and the surface shape of the eye, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them. The portion of the electrode is fed with an electromagnetic wave of distorted sinusoidal current with a resonance frequency which includes the related harmonics.

An electrode system for treating dry eye, including at least one electrode having a portion intended to be applied in contact with the eye, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them that respectively imitates the shape of the eye surface, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them or wherein the portion of the intended to be applied in contact with the eye, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them has a flexible and adaptable shape so that a form-fit is achievable between the portion of the electrode and the surface shape of the eye, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them. The portion of the electrode is fed with an electromagnetic wave of distorted sinusoidal current with a resonance frequency which includes the related harmonics.

Provided is a device useful for facial beauty treatment by efficiently releasing ligaments, SMAS fascia, and the like, and having a compact structure with multiple functions and an ease for a user to use at home.

The present invention provides a device (1) that has a massage function by rolling of a roller (3), a suction function by a suction portion (4), and a stimulation function by outputting a stimulation signal by a conductive element (34) fixed to a bottom surface (23) or a roller (3), and can efficiently and reliably implement an effect such as releasing the ligaments such as a facial skin of a user. In addition, since a circumferential protrusion (61) is formed on the peripheral edge of an opening portion (24) for performing suction so as to surround the opening portion (24), it is possible to enhance confidentiality during suction by the suction portion (4), and the effect described above can be efficiently exhibited. And the device (1) has multiple functions and a compact structure, which is easy for the user to use even at home.