Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating the lower back and abdominal muscles in a patient comprising applying a first electrode A1/A2 substantially centrally to the lower lumbar region of the patient's body, and applying second and third electrodes B, C respectively to opposite side flanks of the patient's body. The electrodes are energized to apply a first group of muscular stimulation current pulses which flow between the second and third electrodes and a second group of muscular stimulation current pulses which flow between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes alternately.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating the lower back and abdominal muscles in a patient comprising applying a first electrode A1/A2 substantially centrally to the lower lumbar region of the patient's body, and applying second and third electrodes B, C respectively to opposite side flanks of the patient's body. The electrodes are energised to apply a first group of muscular stimulation current pulses which flow between the second and third electrodes and a second group of muscular stimulation current pulses which flow between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes alternately.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject, comprising an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element provided on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. Application of at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes stimulates the abdominal muscles of the subject.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject. The device comprises an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode in a general direction towards a corresponding one of the right and left mid-axillary lines of the torso intermediate the rib cage and corresponding right and left iliac crests. By applying at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes, abdominal muscles of the subject are stimulated.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject. The device comprises an attachment mechanism that further comprises a main locating element for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes, and two secondary locating elements disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. A receiver is also provided for receiving a signal generated by a signal generator for generating at least one pulsed signal. A selector is also provided for selecting one or more of the electrodes through which a pulsed signal is to be applied.

Abstract: A method for stimulating abdominal muscles of a subject, comprising the steps of providing at least three electrodes, one of the at least three electrodes being a central electrode and the other two of the at least three electrodes being side electrodes located on the subject spaced apart from the central electrode on respective sides thereof, and passing at least one pulsed signal subcutaneously through the subject between selected electrodes of the at least three electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the electrotrophic stimulation of muscle, that is, stimulation using pulses trains onto which information which will cause long-term functional and/or structural changes in the muscle tissue. This information is coded onto the interval between successive pulses of the series. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for acquiring trophic data from motor unit action potential series.

Abstract: A subcutaneous guide assembly for use by surgeons during an operation where surgical elements must be passed through an elongated path internal to a human body. The guide assembly includes an elongated rod of predetermined contour and length which is secured on opposing ends to a handle member and to one of a variety of surgical elements which may be releasably secured to the rod through threaded engagement. Additionally, a plurality of rod members of differing lengths and contours may be easily secured to the handle section of the subcutaneous guide assembly. The handle section includes an internal chamber where various surgical elements may be contained for use in particular portions or phases of an operation. The handle further includes a mechanism whereby the contained surgical elements within the handle internal chamber may be easily sterilized.

Abstract: An improved cerebrospinal fluid anti-syphoning device for insertion into the human body to provide control and regulation of fluid being transported from the lateral ventricles to another portion of the body. The improved fluid anti-syphoning device includes a fluid housing member which is adapted to contain a pair of check valves which control fluid flow through the housing member and prevents back flow from a downstream area to an upstream area. A central chamber within the fluid housing member encloses a combination fluid egress conduit and flexible diaphragm which in cooperative relation provide for a substantial termination of fluid flow when the down stream pressure becomes too low with respect to the upstream pressure.Specific construction of the fluid egress conduit and the flexible diaphragm provides for negation of possible terminal closure of the flow path through the anti-syphoning device under a wide range of conditions.