Abstract: A method is described for decreasing activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating at least one blood vessel in the pulmonary vasculature of a patient to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension. In one embodiment, the method may involve advancing an intravascular treatment device to a target location in a target blood vessel within the pulmonary vasculature of the patient and using the treatment device to decrease activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating the target blood vessel at or near the target location to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure having a helical shape is used to produce useful electromagnetic effects for agricultural applications, including promoting growth of animals.

Abstract: An ophthalmic radiation device using a polymeric radiation-source implemented as either a polymer molecularly bonded with a radioisotope or a polymeric encasement of a radioisotope.

Abstract: A modular applicator for enabling a brachytherapy treatment comprising a central element and one or more of peripheral elements, wherein the central element is adapted with a fixation mechanism having a core for affixing the said peripheral elements thereto, wherein the fixation mechanism prevents a rotational displacement of the peripheral elements attached to the core of the fixation element with respect to the central element.

Abstract: A device for stuttering alleviation is disclosed, comprising a speech sensor, configured to output signals indicative of speech, a processing unit configured to detect stuttering, log stuttering and/or produce stimulation indication based on stimulation rules Said device may further comprise a remote server and a server user interface, configured to allow the speech therapist access to the processing unit. Further provided is a method for accelerating the learning procedure for obtaining a permanent fluent speech, comprising receiving and analyzing speech parameters, determining whether a negative reinforcement is required and executing the negative reinforcement.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having a hermetically-sealed biocompatible housing configured to be implanted in a recipient. The implantable medical device includes at least one trans-housing transformer configured to transfer electrical signals through the housing.

Abstract: An adjustable band or clamp or non-adjustable clamp is placed about the greater curvature of the stomach in a vertical orientation. The band or clamp completely compartmentalizes the stomach between a small vertical pouch and the fundus and body of the stomach. The fundus and body of the stomach are excluded from nutrients and are separated from a long narrow channel where the food travels. A small passage at the level of the antrum allows gastric juices to empty from the fundus and body of the stomach. The clamp may be applied during open surgery in laproscopic surgery or using a single port technique, or through any natural orifice in NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic surgery) or using a hybrid surgical technique.

Abstract: Methods for setting up, maintaining and operating a radiopharmaceutical infusion system, that includes a radioisotope generator, are facilitated by a computer of the system. The computer may include pre-programmed instructions and a computer interface, for interaction with a user of the system, for example, in order to track contained volumes of eluant and/or eluate, and/or to track time from completion of an elution performed by the system, and/or to calculate one or more system and/or injection parameters for quality control, and/or to perform purges of the system, and/or to facilitate diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: An apparatus including a tubular channel having a pathway extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the tubular channel. The proximal end is configured to connect directly or indirectly to an end tidal CO2 monitor. The distal end has an opening. The apparatus further includes a detection member including a chamber disposed in fluid communication with the pathway of the tubular channel such that gas entering the tubular channel via the opening on the distal end passes into the chamber. A detection element is disposed within the chamber and includes a component that is sensitive to one or more systemic biomarkers such that, upon exposure to a predetermined concentration level of the one or more systemic biomarkers contained in the gas, a state of the detection element experiences a permanent alteration and the detection member indicates that the predetermined concentration level of the one or more systemic biomarkers is present in the gas.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices, and methods provide improved radiosurgical techniques for treatment of anxiety disorders (such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Specific Phobia, and the like). Radiation can be directed from a radiation source outside the patient toward a target tissue deep within the patient's brain using a stereotactic radiosurgical platform, typically without having to impose the surgical trauma associated with accessing deep brain tissues. The target will often include at least a portion of the amygdala, with exemplary treatments being directed to targets that are limited to a sub-region of the amygdala. Rather than applying sufficient radiation to kill the neural tissue within the target, a cellularly sub-lethal dose of the radiation may be applied.

Abstract: A planning apparatus (70) determines irradiation parameter data (67) for a charged particle irradiation system (1), which radiates charged particles generated by an ion source (2) to a target (80) by accelerating the charged particles by means of a linear accelerator (4) and a synchrotron (5). The planning apparatus is provided with: a planning program (73), which determines the irradiation parameter data (67) with respect to one target (80) by combining charged particles of a plurality of kinds of ion species; and a CPU (71) for executing the planning program. Consequently, the irradiation planning apparatus capable of performing irradiation with desirable dose distribution with respect to the target, the irradiation planning program, an irradiation plan determining method, and the charged particle irradiation system are provided.

Abstract: A medical device of the present invention includes one or more anchors and an elongated member. Advantageously, the elongated member may be coupled to the anchors. The elongated member and anchors are configured to generate a force on a mesentery. The force is sufficient to retract a bowel of the patient into an upper portion of an abdominal cavity of the patient. When the patient is in a slightly angled position, the weight of the medical device pulls the mesentery into the upper abdomen. Since the bowel is connected to the mesentery, the device also indirectly pulls up the bowel. In some implementations of the device, a slight angle may be unnecessary. In others, the device may also inversely retract the mesentery and attached organs into the lower abdomen to facilitate surgical access to the upper abdomen. In some implementations of the device, a slight angle may be unnecessary.

Abstract: An afterloading device for effectuating a brachytherapy treatment, comprising a first elongated flexible transport element, arranged to maneuver a radiation source between a storage position inside the afterloading device and a treatment position outside the afterloading device, the afterloading device further comprising a second elongated flexible transport element, having at least one transducer, the second transport element being arranged to move the at least one transducer between a first transducer position and a second transducer position.

Abstract: An apparatus, including an external component of a medical device including an electromagnetic actuator configured such that static magnetic flux of the electromagnetic actuator removably retains the external component to a recipient thereof.

Abstract: A method for modifying the eating behavior of a patient equipped with a gastric restriction apparatus includes the steps of: a. providing an adjustable gastric band (AGB); b. providing a pressure sensor to measure pressure within the AGB; c. providing a processing unit containing instructions to collect a set of pressure measurement and to analyze the set pressure measurement; d. providing a data base comprising data concerning pressure exerted within the AGB by a bolus of liquid food, a bolus of semiliquid food, and a bolus of solid food; e. recording the sets of pressure measurements; f. recording the results; g. communicating the results; h. placing the AGB in position; i. measuring the pressure within the AGB; j. using the distinction of the current eating pattern to modify the eating behavior of the patient.

Abstract: In the treatment of a tumor with radiation therapy is enhanced by a weak magnetic field, the field strength time sequence of exposure and shape and contour of the magnetic field are varied to achieve desired results. In one separate aspect, exposure to a magnetic field is continued after exposure to a free radical-creating therapy is ceased or diminished, thereby increasing the lifetimes of free radicals which have already been created. In another preferred embodiment a magnetic field is strategically placed to avoid extending the lives of free radicals in tissue through which a free radical-creating beam must pass, to reach a tumor. This application discloses quantitative parameters for field strength and exposure time to create concentrations and reactivity of free radicals, including long-lived free radicals and discloses the use of shaped, contoured, and designed electromagnetic fields. A treatment planning station is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable microphone for use in hearing systems includes a housing having a sidewall, a first membrane coupled to a top portion of the housing and configured to move in response to movement from an auditory ossicle, and a second membrane coupled to the sidewall such that an interior volume of the housing is divided into a first volume and a second volume. The first volume has an opening that permits fluid to flow out from the first volume. The implantable microphone also includes a vibration sensor coupled to the second membrane and configured to measure the movement of the second membrane and to convert the measurement into an electrical signal. The vibration sensor may include a piezoelectric sensor and/or a MEMS sensor.

Abstract: Braces to reduce bending of a brachytherapy needle during insertion into a patient, as well as methods of using the needle braces and kits useful therefor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to an extended use systems and devices for management of bladder function for people with urinary dysfunction. The system includes a prosthesis which can include a retaining portion to prevent migration and a valve that can control fluid flow. The catheter can be placed inside the bladder using devices that facilitate insertion and extraction. The placement of the catheter can be done by a trained individual such as a patient, as well as a clinician, a nurse, or a caretaker. Once placed inside the bladder, the catheter can be fully-internal, meaning no portion of the catheter is visible from outside of the patient's body.

Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a method of osteointegration of an implant into surrounding jaw-bone, the method comprising: applying a magnetic field around an implant, the magnetic field produced around the implant to a jaw-bone depth of up to at least about 7 mm, the magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of about 0.05-0.5 mT at up to at least about 2 mm from a surface of the implant, the magnetic field produced by a coil within the implant. A device adapted for insertion into a jawbone implant and for producing the magnetic field for bone enhancement of surrounding jawbone is also described.