Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus for thermally-induced treatment of a urinary system, comprising: an ultrasonic emitting element positioned along a distal end of a catheter; and a balloon secured to the catheter and positioned so as to surround the ultrasonic emitting element, said balloon configured to contact a wall of a blood vessel in which the catheter is positioned and to position the ultrasonic emitting element in relationship to said wall of the blood vessel; wherein, when in use, ultrasonic energy emitted by the ultrasonic emitting element radiates away from said ultrasonic emitting element to heat surrounding tissue; and wherein, when in use, the ultrasonic emitting element is cooled at both its front and rear surfaces by a liquid passing over or through the ultrasonic emitting element in order to transfer heat away from the emitting element.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle (1) capable of making turns with tight turning radii, which comprises a frame (2) with a pair of traction wheels (5), at least one orientable wheel (21), and one or more driver's posts (3). The vehicle (1) has a single motor (4) that is kinematically connected to a driving shaft (6) and means (10) for functional connection between the driving shaft (6) and each one of the two traction wheels (5). Each one of the two traction wheels (5) can therefore be actuated independently of the other thanks to the presence of steering means suitable to act on the connection means (10).

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for ablating tissue surrounding a tubular anatomical structure such as the wall of a blood vessel or prostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic emitter (720) such as a cylindrical emitter and an inflatable annular balloon (717) surrounding the ultrasonic emitter. The balloon is inflated with a liquid having acoustic velocity different than that of the surrounding medium, so as to form an annular refracting surface. The acoustic energy from the emitter is focused into an annular focal region (737).

Abstract: An ultrasonic emitter apparatus for thermal treatment with focussed energy application comprises a resonant unit including a tubular cylindrical active element having an exterior surface facing in a radially outward direction and an interior surface facing in a radially inward direction, said active element being operative to generate ultrasonic vibrations in response to an applied signal, said resonant unit including a liquid disposed within the Interior of said active element, said resonant unit being resonant at an ultrasonic frequency and adapted to emit ultrasonic vibrations at said ultrasonic frequency principally in said radially outward direction.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for ablating tissue surrounding a tubular anatomical structure such as the wall of a blood vessel or prostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic emitter (720) such as a cylindrical emitter and an inflatable annular balloon (717) surrounding the ultrasonic emitter. The balloon is inflated with a liquid having acoustic velocity different than that of the surrounding medium, so as to form an annular refracting surface. The acoustic energy from the emitter is focused into an annular focal region (737).

Abstract: Apparatus for heating tissue surrounding a blood vessel. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic emitter positioned along a distal end of a catheter and balloon surrounding the ultrasonic emitter. The heat generated by the emitter is transferred away by a liquid passing over or through it.