A method and apparatus for treating tissue are disclosed, including intra-operative mapping of a probe ablation zone. The method uses a system that maps the proximal and distal margins of the probe ablation zone using tools that access the ablation target. In some embodiments, the tools comprise a bone drill, and an introducer assembly, including a cannula and a stylet. The tools have features or markings that cooperate to indicate which probe to use to achieve the desired ablation. The method further facilitates planning probe placement for delivering energy to treat (ablate) a desired ablation volume of a target tissue by using a system that maps both the target tissue and possible probe ablation zones.

Pulmonary vein isolation catheters and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a pulmonary vein isolation catheter includes a tip section having an expandable portion and a deployment member. The expandable portion includes a plurality of mesh electrode panels that are electrically insulated from one another. The expandable portion is mechanically coupled to (i) the deployment member at a distalmost portion of the tip section and (ii) a distal end portion of a catheter shaft. The expandable portion is expandable and compressible via proximal and distal movement, respectively, of the deployment member. In some embodiments, the expandable portion in a deployed state is pear- or onion-shaped and includes a nose portion and/or an active body portion. The nose portion can be insulated and/or configured to fit within a pulmonary vein and position the active body portion against tissue about the ostium of the pulmonary vein.

Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers. Activation requests for a set of transducers can be denied if it is determined that a transducer in the set of transducers is unacceptable for activation.

An electrosurgical instrument comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable to transition the end effector from an open configuration to a closed configuration to grasp tissue therebetween. The second jaw comprises linear portions cooperating to form an angular profile and a treatment surface comprising segments extending along the angular profile. The segments comprise different geometries and different conductivities. The segments are configured to produce variable energy densities along the treatment surface.

Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.

The present invention is directed to an endoscopic implant cutting and/or fragmenting apparatus of the bipolar type, operating on direct current, comprising an endoscope instrument having at least two opposing electrodes at its distal instrument head forming a cutting gap inbetween for receiving an electrically conductive implant or implant section to generate punctiform physical contact with the implant, and a DC-impulse generator having or connected to a control device adapted to generate a direct current in a pulsed way being controlled by the control device such that in a first phase of physical contact, the current pulse is adjusted preferably by controlling the current value at the electrodes to induce electric energy into the implant material being sufficient to melt the implant material exclusively in the area of the contact portion and in a second phase of physical noncontact, the current pulse is adjusted preferably by controlling the voltage value at the electrodes to generate an electric arc between at least one electrode and the melted implant material being sufficient to cut the melted implant material.

The present invention is related to a radiofrequency treatment probe and method delivering radiofrequency for controlled heating of tissue within the vagina for the treatment of vaginal laxity. The treatment probe may include a curved, rounded disposable treatment tip that may be designed to accommodate vaginal anatomy. An electrode assembly may be coupled to the treatment tip, wherein the electrode coupled to the treatment tip may be configured to transfer radiofrequency energy through vaginal skin surface to the tissue. A temperature measuring feature may include or be coupled to the electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly may be configured to regulate and maintain a pre-determined skin temperature. A radiofrequency handle may be configured to connect to a disposable treatment tip. A connector may be configured to connect to the radiofrequency handle to a radiofrequency generator. A protective apparatus may be configured to protect the radiofrequency handle.

Systems and methods utilizing RF energy to treat a patient's skin (e.g., dermis and hypodermis) or other target tissue including at a depth below a tissue surface (e.g., skin surface, mucosal surfaces of the vagina or esophagus) are provided herein. In various aspects, the methods and systems described herein can provide a RF-based treatment in which the deposition of RF energy can be selectively controlled to help ensure heating uniformity during one or more of body sculpting treatment (lipolysis), skin tightening treatment (laxity improvement), cellulite treatment, vaginal laxity or rejuvenation treatment, urinary incontinence treatment, fecal incontinence treatment, all by way of non-limiting examples. In various aspects, the systems can comprise one or more sources of RF energy (e.g., a RF generator), a treatment applicator comprising one or more electrode arrays configured to be disposed in contact with a tissue surface, and a return electrode (e.g., a neutral pad) to the tissue surface.

Bipolar belt ablation systems and methods for treating patient tissue involve the use of an ablation an ablation apparatus with a plurality of ablation elements carried by a flexible tube structure, a radiofrequency generator capable of delivering a plurality of differing radio frequency power signals to the ablation elements of the ablation device, wires transmitting the radiofrequency power signals from the radiofrequency generator to the ablation elements, and a control mechanism to enable temperature-based power control to each of the powered ablation elements.

Systems and methods for forming a lesion on an endocardial tissue of a patients heart involve placing an ablation assembly inside of the heart and adjacent to the endocardial tissue, and placing a guiding assembly outside of the heart. An ablation assembly includes an ablation element and a first attraction element, and a guiding assembly includes a second attraction element. First and second attraction elements can be attracted via magnetism. Techniques involve forming an ablation on the cardiac tissue of a patient's heart with an ablation element of the ablation assembly. Optionally, techniques may include moving the second attraction element of the guiding assembly relative to the patient's heart, so as to effect a corresponding movement of the ablation element of the ablation assembly.