The present disclosure relates to mapping catheters, and in particular to mapping catheters having thin film electrodes used in sensing electrical activity within a patient. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a medical device having a hollow core, a balloon disposed over at least a portion of the hollow core, and a flexible framework having one or more thin film elements formed on at least a portion of the balloon. The one or more thin film elements comprise a plurality of mapping electrodes.

The present disclosure relates to mapping catheters, and in particular to mapping catheters having thin film electrodes used in sensing electrical activity within a patient. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a medical device having a hollow core, a balloon disposed over at least a portion of the hollow core, and a flexible framework having one or more thin film elements formed on at least a portion of the balloon. The one or more thin film elements comprise a plurality of mapping electrodes.

Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for monitoring a formation of an iceball at a cryoablation needle. An example method includes receiving an impedance from at least one electrode in an electrode arrangement that is disposed at a cryoablation needle distal portion. The electrode arrangement is configured to engage the iceball as the iceball is formed over the cryoablation needle distal portion so as to cause a change in the impedance. The example method includes determining one or more physical attributes of the iceball based on a rate of the change in the impedance.

Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for monitoring a formation of an iceball at a cryoablation needle. An example method includes receiving an impedance from at least one electrode in an electrode arrangement that is disposed at a cryoablation needle distal portion. The electrode arrangement is configured to engage the iceball as the iceball is formed over the cryoablation needle distal portion so as to cause a change in the impedance. The example method includes determining one or more physical attributes of the iceball based on a rate of the change in the impedance.

Cosmetic method and apparatus are provided that can provide cooling and/or freezing of skin tissue proximal to the skin surface to generate an appearance of lightening or reduced pigmentation in the skin. The skin can be cooled to a temperature of less than about −5 degrees Celsius for a duration of about one minute or less, using a cooled surface that is at least 3 cm in width. A cooling arrangement can be provided to provide controlled heat removal from the skin tissue being treated. A sensor can optionally be provided to detect freezing of tissue proximal to the cooled surface.

Cosmetic method and apparatus are provided that can provide cooling and/or freezing of skin tissue proximal to the skin surface to generate an appearance of lightening or reduced pigmentation in the skin. The skin can be cooled to a temperature of less than about −5 degrees Celsius for a duration of about one minute or less, using a cooled surface that is at least 3 cm in width. A cooling arrangement can be provided to provide controlled heat removal from the skin tissue being treated. A sensor can optionally be provided to detect freezing of tissue proximal to the cooled surface.

A system for controlling operation of a radiofrequency treatment device to apply radiofrequency energy to tissue to heat tissue to create lesions without ablating the tissue. The system includes a first treatment device having at least one electrode for applying radiofrequency energy to tissue, a controller including a connector to which a first treatment device is coupled for use, and a generator for applying radiofrequency energy to the electrodes. The controller controls application of energy so that the tissue is thermally treated to create lesions but preventing thermal treatment beyond a threshold which would ablate the tissue.

A system for controlling operation of a radiofrequency treatment device to apply radiofrequency energy to tissue to heat tissue to create lesions without ablating the tissue. The system includes a first treatment device having at least one electrode for applying radiofrequency energy to tissue, a controller including a connector to which a first treatment device is coupled for use, and a generator for applying radiofrequency energy to the electrodes. The controller controls application of energy so that the tissue is thermally treated to create lesions but preventing thermal treatment beyond a threshold which would ablate the tissue.

An exhaust collection bag for cryogenic treatment is described herein and may generally comprise a first layer and a second layer attached along a periphery and forming an enclosed volume. The periphery defines four radiused corners and an extension member. A tubing connector may be positioned along the first layer and extend through the first layer and may also be located along a centerline of the first layer and in proximity to a bottom edge of the first layer. A drain closure may also be positioned along the first layer and located away from the centerline and in proximity to the bottom edge.

An exhaust collection bag for cryogenic treatment is described herein and may generally comprise a first layer and a second layer attached along a periphery and forming an enclosed volume. The periphery defines four radiused corners and an extension member. A tubing connector may be positioned along the first layer and extend through the first layer and may also be located along a centerline of the first layer and in proximity to a bottom edge of the first layer. A drain closure may also be positioned along the first layer and located away from the centerline and in proximity to the bottom edge.