Devices, systems, and methods for applying pulsed energy to effectuate a physiological response in a human subject. Systems and methods disclosed herein can include, for example, a stimulus device that applies pulsed energy, such as heat, into a volume of tissue. The stimulus device can include one or more electrodes and can be affixed to the skin or implanted at a target site within the body. The systems and method can further include a monitoring device that detects at least one physiological parameter of the human subject during application of the pulsed energy, such as blood flow, oxygen delivery, muscle tension, subcutaneous or muscle temperatures, or brain activity. A control device can use the detected physiological parameter to define treatment parameters of the stimulus device such that the pulsed energy synchronizes with the measured physiological parameter to effectuate a desired response, such as reducing pain, suppressing appetite, and/or activating a hedonic response.

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.

An electrosurgical apparatus for generating a plasma discharge beam is provided. In one aspect, the electrosurgical apparatus includes a first fluid flow housing, a second fluid flow housing, and an electrode. A first gas is provided to the distal end of the first fluid flow housing, where the electrode is energized to ionize the first gas and generate a plasma discharge beam. A second gas is provided to the distal end of the second fluid flow housing, where the distal end of the second fluid flow housing injects the second gas into the plasma discharge beam. In another aspect, the electrosurgical apparatus includes a single fluid flow housing having an external electrode and an internal electrode. In another aspect, the electrosurgical apparatus includes a transformer assembly having a plurality of serially-connected transformers.

A plasma probe comprises a hose with a conductor arranged therein that supports an electrode at least at its distal end. The electrode is either directly secured on the conductor or the conductor is provided with a plastic sheathing at least at its distal end by means of which the electrode is held. The electrode can be inserted between the conductor and the plastic sheathing and can be clamped in this manner. After first use the plastic sheathing can be fused to the electrode. The conductor is placed with clearance inside a channel or hollow space of electrode, however, whereby also in case of spot-like contact between the conductor and the electrode due to the gap provided between them apart therefrom the heat transmission from the electrode on the conductor is impeded and thereby the heat introduction in the plasma probe is limited.

A device for radio frequency (RF) skin treatment of skin of a user is provided. The device comprises an active electrode and a return electrode. The device further comprises an RF generator arranged to supply RF energy to the user's skin via the active electrode and the return electrode. The return electrode has a planar skin contact surface extending in a main plane. The active electrode has a skin contact surface with a maximum dimension in a range from 100 μm to 500 μm, and a surface area of the planar skin contact surface of the return electrode is at least 5 times larger than a surface area of the skin contact surface of the active electrode. The skin contact surface of the active electrode is arranged in a position at a distance from the main plane, seen in a direction perpendicular to the main plane. The device may be advantageously used, for example, to control the dimensions and shape of a thermal lesion in the user's skin generated by the RF energy.

A system and method for inductive heating applications includes positioning one or more inductive heating elements in a location, delivering electromagnetic radiation, by a radiation source, to heat at least a portion of the one or more inductive heating elements, and detecting, by a detector, the heat generated by the one or more inductive heating elements. The system and method also include controlling, by a processing unit, a condition based on the detected heat.

A system and method for inductive heating applications includes positioning one or more inductive heating elements in a location, delivering electromagnetic radiation, by a radiation source, to heat at least a portion of the one or more inductive heating elements, and detecting, by a detector, the heat generated by the one or more inductive heating elements. The system and method also include controlling, by a processing unit, a condition based on the detected heat.

An apparatus comprises an electrically power surgical instrument having a handle assembly. The apparatus also comprises a communication device positioned within the handle assembly. The communication device is operable to communicate with at least a portion of the electrically powered surgical instrument. The apparatus further comprises an external device in wireless communication with the communication device. The external device is operable to receive information from the communication device and the external device is operable to provide an output viewable to the user.

An apparatus comprises an electrically power surgical instrument having a handle assembly. The apparatus also comprises a communication device positioned within the handle assembly. The communication device is operable to communicate with at least a portion of the electrically powered surgical instrument. The apparatus further comprises an external device in wireless communication with the communication device. The external device is operable to receive information from the communication device and the external device is operable to provide an output viewable to the user.

The device comprises an outer conductor (7) and an inner conductor (9) arranged approximately coaxial with each other. The outer conductor surrounds the inner conductor. The outer conductor (7) and the inner conductor (9) are arranged and configured to generate an electromagnetic field with lines of force extending from a front surface (9A) of the inner conductor (9) to a front surface (7C) of the outer conductor (7). The device further comprises an energy delivery window (13) arranged in front of the outer conductor and the inner conductor.