211 results about "Tissue temperature" patented technology

A temperature monitoring device and / or method which control the tissue temperature at the end-effector of a therapeutic ultrasonic cutting and coagulating instrument as the tissue is being heated with ultrasonic vibrations from the end-effector. One or more temperature sensors are located at the end-effector, preferably on a clamping member. The temperature sensors measure the temperature of the tissue engaged by the end-effector either directly or indirectly. An alternate method and apparatus provides an electrical tissue impedance measure in combination with an ultrasonic cutting and coagulating instrument to provide active feedback control of an ultrasonic generator.

A method and system for the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the tissue, particularly, the prostate, to alleviate the symptoms of BPH is disclosed. The system incorporates a bipolar or multipolar electrode array to create an electric field where the heat created is confined solely to a specific volume of the prostate gland and therefore the heated tissue is defined only by the electrode geometry. The bipolar electrode array provides a variety of three dimensional, symmetric heating patterns within the prostatic tissue depending on the relative electrode lengths and angular separation. The system provides precision tissue temperature and impedance measurements thereby enabling the surgeon to accurately predict heating pattern performance and tissue response to RF heating.

Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for the generation and control of energy delivery in a dosage to elicit a therapeutic response in diseased tissue. A balloon catheter can have electrodes attached to a power generator and controller such that the balloon and electrodes contact tissue during energy treatment. Energy selectively may be applied to tissue based on measured impedance to achieve gentle heating. Calibration of the apparatus and identification of attached accessories by computing the circuit impedance prior to energy dosage facilitate regulation of power delivery about a set point. Energy delivery can be controlled to achieve substantially uniform bulk tissue temperature distribution. Energy delivery may beneficially affect nerve activity.

The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring tissue temperature during thermal treatment of a body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a thermal probe comprising a plurality of thermal sensors operable to measure tissue temperatures during thermal treatments such as cryosurgery. Embodiments of the invention enable simultaneous measurements, using a single probe, of temperatures at a plurality of positions within body tissues. A preferred embodiment enables movement of sensors with respect to tissues while the probe is immobilized by being embedded in frozen tissue.

A device is provided, in direct skin contact, surrounding an injured area for the treatment, reduction of joint inflammation, edema and excitation of neural and muscular stimulation associated with human and mammal tissues. This therapeutic light source includes a multiplicity of light emitting diodes (LED's) found in the ranges of 350 nm to 1000+ nm and fiber optic connections. A neoprene type material or other non-allergenic material is used to set the LED's and fiber optics in layers consisting of contact with the skin to few centimeters from the skin tissue. Distance will vary from contact or near contact with devices to several millimeters of separation. Each LED array is independently controlled allowing for optimal modulation of light frequencies and wavelengths. Technology is integrated allowing for biomedical feedback of tissue temperature and other statistical information. A low voltage, portable power supply, is integrated into the device as well as an analog / digital, input / output connection device. The design will be created for continuous wear, flexibility and comfort.

This invention relates to high-frequency ablation of tissue in the body using a cooled high-frequency electrode connected to a high frequency generator including a computer graphic control system and an automatic controller for control the signal output from the generator, and adapted to display on a real time graphic display a measured parameter related to the ablation process and visually monitor the variation of the parameter of the signal output that is controlled by the controller during the ablation process. In one example, one or more measured parameters are displayed simultaneously to visually interpret the relation of their variation and values. In one example, the displayed one or more parameters can be taken from the list of measured voltage, current, power, impedance, electrode temperature, and tissue temperature related to the ablation process. The graphic display gives the clinician an instantaneous and intuitive feeling for the dynamics and stability of the ablation process for safety and control. This invention relates to monitoring and controlling multiple ground pads to optimally carry return currents during high-frequency tissue ablation, and to prevent of ground-pad skin burns. This invention relates to the use of ultrasound imaging intraoperatively during a tissue ablation procedure. This invention relates to the use of nerve stimulation and blocking during a tissue ablation procedure.

An electrosurgical working end for instant and automatic modulation of active Rf density in a targeted tissue volume. The working end of the probe of the present invention defines a tissue-engagement plane that is adapted to contact the targeted tissue. The cross-section energy delivery apparatus comprises (i) a conductive surface engagement plane for tissue contact, (ii) a substrate comprising a medial conductive matrix of a temperature sensitive resistive material; and (iii) an inner or core conductive material (electrode) that is coupled to an Rf source and controller. Of particular interest, the medial conductive matrix comprises a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) that exhibits very large increases in resistivity as it increases beyond a selected temperature, which is described as a switching range. The PTC material is selected and fabricated to define a switching range that approximates a particular thermally-mediated therapy. In a method of use, it can be understood that the engagement plane will apply active Rf energy to the engaged the tissue temperature elevates the medial PTC conductive layer to its switching range. Thereafter, Rf current flow from the core conductive to the engagement surface will be instantly modulated to maintain tissue temperature at the switching range. Moreover, the conductive matrix effectively functions as a resistive electrode to thereafter passively conduct thermal energy to the engaged tissue above its switching range. Thus, the working end can modulate the energy application to tissue between active Rf heating and passive conductive heating of the targeted tissue to maintain a targeted temperature level.

The present invention provides systems and methods for applying RF energy to injured tissue, particularly the peritoneum, in order to prevent harmful post-surgical adhesions. One aspect of the invention is RF energy delivery systems employing trocars, which are designed for use in laparotomies and laparoscopies. Another aspect of the invention is an RF delivery system comprising a surgical sheet with one or more electrodes for delivering the RF energy to the injured tissue resulting from conventional surgical incisions into the abdominal wall. Additionally, another aspect of the invention provides methods for controlling the treatment dosage of RF heat to the injured tissue using parameters such as treatment time, change in tissue temperature, and change in tissue impedance.

A particular embodiment of the invention provides an electrosurgical working end for performing high strength welding of tissue comprising a body having a tissue contacting energy delivery surface. The body includes pixel portions and non-pixel portions distributed within the tissue contacting surface. The pixel portions comprise a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) material with at least one pixel portion configured to switch Rf current on and off in the at least one pixel portion responsive to tissue temperature adjacent the at least one pixel portion. The pixel portions can be configured to be coupled to an Rf current source such as an Rf generator. The pixelated energy delivery surfaces are capable of highly localized modulation of Rf energy application to the engaged tissue to create high strength tissue welds.

This invention relates to high-frequency ablation of tissue in the body using a cooled high-frequency electrode connected to a high frequency generator including a computer graphic control system and an automatic controller for control the signal output from the generator, and adapted to display on a real time graphic display a measured parameter related to the ablation process and visually monitor the variation of the parameter of the signal output that is controlled by the controller during the ablation process. In one example, one or more measured parameters are displayed simultaneously to visually interpret the relation of their variation and values. In one example, the displayed one or more parameters can be taken from the list of measured voltage, current, power, impedance, electrode temperature, and tissue temperature related to the ablation process. The graphic display gives the clinician an instantaneous and intuitive feeling for the dynamics and stability of the ablation process for safety and control. This invention relates to monitoring and controlling multiple ground pads to optimally carry return currents during high-frequency tissue ablation, and to prevent of ground-pad skin burns. This invention relates to the use of ultrasound imaging intraoperatively during a tissue ablation procedure. This invention relates to the use of nerve stimulation and blocking during a tissue ablation procedure.

The system of remotely controlling the medical laser generator unit through a portable computing device such as a smart phone or a tablet personal computer allows the user to control the properties of the medical laser with a downloadable software application. The portable computing device and the medical laser generator unit communicate with each other through a network connection, which can be either a hard-wired link or a wireless link. The properties of the medical laser that can be controlled by the software application include emission power, pulse structure, and treatment duration. The software application is also able to retrieve feedback data from the patient during a medical procedure. The feedback data includes tissue color, tissue temperature, and a laser plume signature. The software application also allows the user to access each individual patient's medical information so that the user can better perform the medical procedure.

The present invention provides systems and methods for applying RF energy to injured tissue, particularly the peritoneum, in order to prevent harmful post-surgical adhesions. One aspect of the invention is RF energy delivery systems employing trocars, which are designed for use in laparotomies and laparoscopies. Another aspect of the invention is an RF delivery system comprising a surgical sheet with one or more electrodes for delivering the RF energy to the injured tissue resulting from conventional surgical incisions into the abdominal wall. Additionally, another aspect of the invention provides methods for controlling the treatment dosage of RF heat to the injured tissue using parameters such as treatment time, change in tissue temperature, and change in tissue impedance.

A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to acquire magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue, and the power applied to the tissue during lesion formation. The ECU is configured to calculate a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power. The value is indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, or a predicted tissue temperature. The method includes acquiring magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue and the power applied during lesion formation. The method includes calculating a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power, the value being indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, and / or a predicted tissue temperature.

Medical catheter apparatus for minimally invasive applications includes a probe for radiating electromagnetic waves of a first frequency capable of heating tissue and detecting thermal emissions from that tissue of a second frequency indicative of tissue temperature. The probe has an inner conductor extending along the probe to a conductive probe tip and a concentric tubular outer conductor having a leading end spaced rearwardly from the probe tip and a closed trailing end shorted to the inner conductor. A dielectric sheath surrounds the outer conductor which sheath has a leading end spaced rearwardly from the leading end of the outer conductor. A diplexer integrated into the probe includes a filter circuit positioned inside the outer conductor and a coupling capacitor connected between a point on the inner conductor and the input of the filter circuit such that the conductors between that point and the shorted trailing end of the outer conductor constitute a quarter wave stub at the second frequency.

Systems and methods for estimating tissue parameters, including mass of tissue to be treated and a thermal resistance scale factor between the tissue and an electrode of an energy delivery device, are disclosed. The method includes sensing tissue temperatures, estimating a mass of the tissue and a thermal resistance scale factor between the tissue and an electrode, and controlling an electrosurgical generator based on the estimated mass and the estimated thermal resistance scale factor. The method may be performed iteratively and non-iteratively. The iterative method may employ a gradient descent algorithm that iteratively adds a derivative step to the estimates of the mass and thermal resistance scale factor until a condition is met. The non-iterative method includes selecting maximum and minimum temperature differences and estimating the mass and the thermal resistance scale factor based on a predetermined reduction point from the maximum temperature difference to the minimum temperature difference.

A radiometric heating / sensing probe for radiating electromagnetic waves of a first frequency capable of heating tissue and detecting electromagnetic waves of a second frequency emitted by the tissue indicating tissue temperature. The probe includes a dual frequency antenna, a signal transmitting path to the antenna and a signal receiving path from the antenna to a radiometer. A diplexer connected between those paths inside the probe includes a quarter wave stub in the form of a shorted slab line-type transmission line in the signal transmitting path. The entire probe package is only about 0.4 in. long and 0.08 in. in diameter so that it can be used in many minimally invasive applications.

A microwave applicator for applying microwave radiation to body tissue includes a temperature sensor positioned along the applicator to measure the temperature of body tissue at a margin of the tissue to be treated. By monitoring the temperature of the tissue at the margin of the tissue to be treated, the heating of the tissue can be better controlled to ensure that the tissue to be treated is heated to the required temperature while damage to surrounding normal tissue is minimized. Treatment can include positioning one or more applicators into body tissue and applying microwave radiation to the applicators. Phase and amplitude control of the microwave radiation can be used to produce a desired heating pattern. Optimization of the number and location of microwave applicators and the phase and amplitude of microwave energy applied thereto can be determined through pretreatment simulation.

A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to acquire magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue, and the power applied to the tissue during lesion formation. The ECU is configured to calculate a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power. The value is indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, or a predicted tissue temperature. The method includes acquiring magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue and the power applied during lesion formation. The method includes calculating a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power, the value being indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, and / or a predicted tissue temperature.

An electromagnetic surgical ablation system having a generator adapted to selectively provide surgical ablation energy to an ablation probe, and methods of operating same, are disclosed. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to the generator, and a tissue sensor probe operatively coupled to the controller. The tissue sensor provides a tissue temperature and at least one tissue dielectric property to the controller. During an electromagnetic tissue ablation procedure, the controller monitors tissue temperature and the at least one tissue dielectric property to determine tissue status, and to activate and deactivate the generator in accordance therewith.

The present invention includes an apparatus, method and system for monitoring and controlling radiation therapy, the system including a radiative source that emits energy that enters a tissue and is absorbed at or a near a target site in the tissue to heat the tissue; an ultrasound transmitter directed at the target site, wherein the ultrasound transmitter emits ultrasound signals to the tissue that has been heated by the radiative source; an ultrasound receiver directed at the target site, wherein the ultrasound receiver receives ultrasound signals emitted from the ultrasound transmitter and reflected from the tissue that has been heated by the radiative source; and a signal processor that processes the received ultrasound signal to calculate a tissue composition scan or tissue temperature scan.

Method, system and apparatus for monitoring target tissue temperatures wherein temperature sensors are configured as passive resonant circuits each, with a unique resonating signature at monitoring temperatures extending below a select temperature setpoint. The resonant circuits are configured with an inductor component formed of windings about a ferrite core having a Curie temperature characteristic corresponding with a desired temperature setpoint. By selecting inductor winding turns and capacitance values, unique resonant center frequencies are detectable. Temperature monitoring can be carried out with implants at lower threshold and upper limit temperature responses. Additionally, the lower threshold sensors may be combined with auto-regulated heater implants having Curie transitions at upper temperature limits.

Apparatus, consisting of a probe, configured to be inserted into a body cavity, and an electrode having an outer surface and an inner surface connected to the probe. The apparatus also includes a temperature sensor, protruding from the outer surface of the electrode, which is configured to measure a temperature of the body cavity.

The apparatus and method of the invention is equipped with an applicator for heating a target are of body tissue by a heating unit, a temperature sensor for measuring the body tissue's temperature, a target temperature calculating unit for calculating target temperatures based on temperature change pattern set up from an operating unit, and a control unit for controlling the laser power from the heating unit so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor follow the calculated temperature change pattern.

This invention relates to high-frequency ablation of tissue in the body using a cooled high-frequency electrode connected to a high frequency generator including a computer graphic control system and an automatic controller for control the signal output from the generator, and adapted to display on a real time graphic display a measured parameter related to the ablation process and visually monitor the variation of the parameter of the signal output that is controlled by the controller during the ablation process. In one example, one or more measured parameters are displayed simultaneously to visually interpret the relation of their variation and values. In one example, the displayed one or more parameters can be taken from the list of measured voltage, current, power, impedance, electrode temperature, and tissue temperature related to the ablation process. The graphic display gives the clinician an instantaneous and intuitive feeling for the dynamics and stability of the ablation process for safety and control. This invention relates to monitoring and controlling multiple ground pads to optimally carry return currents during high-frequency tissue ablation, and to prevent of ground-pad skin burns. This invention relates to the use of ultrasound imaging intraoperatively during a tissue ablation procedure. This invention relates to the use of nerve stimulation and blocking during a tissue ablation procedure.