A method includes generating an ablation programming language, which defines commands for (i) setting ablation protocol parameters and respective values, (ii) setting a configuration of an ablation system, (iii) applying automatic logic that relates the ablation protocol parameters and the values to the configuration of the ablation system, and (iv) generating one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) showing one or more of the parameters of the ablation protocol and the system configuration. The ablation programming language is provided for subsequent use with the ablation system.

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.

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.

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.

A device for applying radiofrequency energy for sphincter treatment comprising a flexible outer tube, an expandable basket having a plurality of arms movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position, and a plurality of electrodes movable with respect to the arms from a retracted position to an extended position. An advancer is slidably disposed within the outer tube to move the plurality of electrodes to the extended position. An actuator moves the advancer from a first position to a second position to advance the plurality of electrodes. An aspiration tube extends within the outer tube. An assembly includes an aspiration disabler having a first position to enable aspiration from a distal portion of the aspiration tube to a proximal portion and a second position to disable aspiration.

Embodiments described herein include apparatus that includes an electrical interface and a processor. The processor is configured to receive, via the electrical interface, a first signal that indicates a time-varying force that was applied to a portion of tissue, and one or more second signals that are derived from ultrasound reflections received from the portion of tissue. The processor is further configured to learn, from the first signal and the second signals, a dependency of a thickness of the portion of tissue on the force applied to the portion of tissue. Other embodiments are also described.

A method includes, using a probe, applying irreversible electroporation (IRE) pulses to tissue over a time period to form a lesion in the tissue. A contact force applied to the tissue by the probe is measured over the time period. An IRE index is calculated based on the measured contact force and on a power level of the IRE pulses. Application of the IRE pulses to the tissue is ceased in response to the calculated IRE index reaching a prespecified target IRE index value.

A method of treating a patient with a therapeutic laser pulse includes applying a cooling mechanism to a first skin area, cooling a target skin area within the first the skin area from a first surface temperature to a second temperature through application of the cooling mechanism prior to application of the therapeutic laser pulse, initiating application of the therapeutic laser pulse at a first timepoint, while continuing to apply the cooling mechanism, determining a surface temperature of the target skin area a plurality of times during application of the therapeutic laser pulse at a refresh rate of 25 Hz to 400 Hz, and terminating the application of the therapeutic laser pulse at a second timepoint, based on the surface temperature determinations. Each of the plurality of surface temperature determinations occurs during a single therapeutic laser pulse duration from the first time point to the second timepoint.

Pursuant to embodiments of the present invention, a method of performing electronically controlled electrotherapy may include modifying or killing target cells and simultaneously modifying a secondary outcome by delivering electrical pulses and dynamically adjusting an energy delivery profile of the electrical pulses in response to a measurement. The secondary outcome may be a physical outcome, a biological outcome, and/or a systemic outcome.

The present invention relates to systems for use for radio frequency ablation. The systems can include one or more of an ablation tool, power source for use with the ablation tool and a backstop for use in conjunction with the ablation tool during surgical procedures. Preferred ablation tools comprise a series of three or more blade-shaped electrodes disposed in a linear, curved, curvilinear or circular array. The backstops are useful for reducing direct physical and thermal heat transfer injuries to the patient or surgeon during procedures using radiofrequency (RF) ablation devices.