Abstract: A semi-flexible rod may have a rounded tip having exposed metal conductor elements that produce an adaptive electrical field or an adaptive magnetic field. The adaptive electrical field or the adaptive magnetic field may be adjusted in order to capture a stray x-ray photon near an in-vivo target area of cancer cells.
Abstract: In a general aspect, a medical device can include an external arm having a receiving mechanism, and an internal arm coupled to the external arm such that the receiving mechanism of the external arm is movable with respect to the internal arm. The medical device can also include a sliding component including a needle configured to be coupled to a portion of an implant and configured to slidably move the needle toward the receiving mechanism of the external arm.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 9, 2012
Date of Patent:
September 19, 2017
Assignee:
Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
Inventors:
Isaac Ostrovsky, Jozef Slanda, Brent Palmisano
Abstract: A magnetic field applicator for the magnetic stimulation of body tissues comprising a core carrier (1) in which a plurality of magnetically conductive flow guide pieces comprised of layered iron sheets is disposed, upon which at least one live coil (3) is disposed that generates an upward-emitted magnetic field having a plurality of field line bundles (8), wherein the magnetic field applicator comprises a polygonal coil (3) that is wound as a pancake coil in one or more planes in such a way that the direction of the individual coil conductors (27) is selected such that the coil conductors (27) run in pieces in a predominantly straight line and perpendicular to the plane of the flow guide pieces that are made of layered sector iron cores (5-8).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 3, 2014
Date of Patent:
September 12, 2017
Assignee:
QRS INTERNATIONAL AG
Inventors:
Karl Dobler, Erwin Fritsch, Gerhard-Emiel Fischer
Abstract: In the treatment of a tumor (126) with radiation therapy (122) is enhanced by a weak magnetic field (130), 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 (130) is continued after exposure to a free radical-creating therapy is ceased or diminished, thereby increasing the lifetimes of free radicals that have already been created. In another preferred embodiment a magnetic field (13) 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 (200) is also disclosed.
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 18, 2017
Date of Patent:
September 5, 2017
Assignee:
Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
Inventors:
Stephen E. Hidem, Aaron M. Fontaine, Janet L. Gelbach, Patrick M. McDonald, Kathryn M. Hunter, Rolf E. Swenson, Julius P. Zodda
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 22, 2016
Date of Patent:
September 5, 2017
Assignee:
Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
Inventors:
Stephen E. Hidem, Aaron M. Fontaine, Janet L. Gelbach, Patrick M. McDonald, Kathryn M. Hunter, Rolf E. Swenson, Julius P. Zodda
Abstract: An implantable medical device and surgical instrument for use during a procedure for treatment of vaginal vault prolapse. The invention also includes an instrument which allows the pieces of the suspension material to be attached to each other and enables the appropriate suspension of the vaginal apex from the anterior part of the sacrum. The device and method permit the performance of a sacrocolpopexy by accessing the sacrum and vaginal tissues via the vaginal orifice, thus avoiding the abdominal cavity completely.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 4, 2016
Date of Patent:
August 29, 2017
Assignee:
The General Hospital Corporation
Inventors:
Samantha J. Pulliam, Milena M. Weinstein
Abstract: A method of actuating a surgical device is described. A surgical tool is inserted into a body cavity of a patient through a natural orifice. A distal end of an actuation tool is inserted through a surgical access port in the body of the patient. The distal end of the actuation tool is positioned proximal to an external wall of the body cavity opposite the surgical tool. A magnetic coupling is established between the distal end of the actuation tool and the surgical tool. When the magnetic coupling is established, distal end of the actuation tool is located at the external wall of the body cavity and the surgical tool is located at the internal wall of the body cavity. The surgical tool is manipulated using the actuation tool through the magnetic coupling.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 14, 2013
Date of Patent:
August 22, 2017
Assignee:
Vanderbilt University
Inventors:
Pietro Valdastri, Alan J. Herline, Christian Di Natali
Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for adjustable bone conduction hearing aids where a patient or health care provided can select different positions of a magnetic spacer on a patient's skull after a magnetic implant has been implanted beneath the patient's skin and affixed to the patient's skull.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 11, 2012
Date of Patent:
August 15, 2017
Assignee:
Sophono, Inc.
Inventors:
James F. Kasic, Nicholas F. Pergola, Markus C. Haller
Abstract: A method for determining an irradiation plan includes specifying a target volume to be irradiated and a condition to be fulfilled, and implementing a first optimization. Implementing the first optimization includes providing a first data record, in which the target volume is mapped, and determining a first parameter set for the irradiation planning by implementing a first optimization algorithm. The first parameter set is optimized with respect to the condition to be fulfilled by using the first data record. The method also includes implementing a second optimization that includes providing a second data record that has a higher resolution than the first data record, determining a second parameter set by implementing a second optimization algorithm. The second parameter set is optimized with respect to the condition to be fulfilled by using the second data record and using the first parameter set. The method also includes generating an irradiation planning data record from the second parameter set.
Abstract: Optimization of a radiation-delivery treatment plan can be facilitated by permitting the making of automatic changes to one or more treatment objectives. This can comprise processing radiation-delivery treatment plan parameters with respect to one or more predetermined treatment objectives and then automatically changing that predetermined treatment objective to provide one or more changed treatment objectives (including altered, deleted, and/or added treatment objectives) that can then be used to at least attempt to optimize a radiation-delivery treatment plan. That predetermined treatment objective can comprise, for example, a treatment objective as regards a given treatment volume. The automatic changing of the predetermined treatment objective can occur in response to a variety of stimuli such as detecting a change with respect to a treatment condition such as a change in the presentation of a patient volume of interest.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 7, 2012
Date of Patent:
August 15, 2017
Assignee:
Varian Medical Systems International AG
Inventors:
Janne Nord, Juha Kauppinen, Lauri Halko, Jarkko Peltola
Abstract: An auditory prosthesis comprising an actuator for providing mechanical stimulation to a recipient. The auditory prosthesis comprises a measurement circuit for use in determining the resonance peak(s) of the actuator. In an embodiment, the measurement circuit measures the voltage drop across the actuator and/or current through the actuator during a frequency sweep of the operational frequencies of the actuator. These measured voltages and/or currents are then analyzed for discontinuities that are indicative of a resonance peak of the actuator. In another embodiment, rather than using a frequency sweep to measure voltages and/or currents across the actuator, the measurement circuit instead applies a voltage impulse to the actuator and then measure the voltage and/or current across the actuator for a period of time after application of the impulse. The measured voltages and/or currents are then analyzed to identify resonance peak(s) of the actuator.
Abstract: A brush with magnetic filaments is described. The brush may be used, for example, as a brush for applying a cosmetic material. The filaments of the brush may, in one example, be made of a synthetic material infused with magnetic material.
Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, stimuli are intermittently presented to the left or right side of a user. For example, this invention may comprise a method of presenting stimuli to a bilateral organism, which organism has a left side and a right side, wherein: (a) the stimuli are produced by at least one transducer, (b) the stimuli include an intermittent beat train, and (c) the beat train has a beat frequency that is substantially equal to 7.8×(1.618)n Hz, where n is an even integer, which even integer may be negative, zero or positive.
Abstract: An electrical system including a body may have a structure resembling a double helix having twisted conductive wires wound around both helical structures. The electrical system may be used to produce useful electromagnetic effects for various applications, including providing therapy and promoting growth of living organisms.
Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The system includes a microwave antenna probe for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals to detect one or more markers that are implanted within or around the target tissue region. During use, the marker(s) are implanted into a target tissue region, and the microwave antenna probe is placed against the patient's skin to transmit a signal to the marker(s) and to receive the reflected signal from the marker(s) in order to determine the location of the marker(s). A tissue specimen, including the lesion and the marker(s), is then removed from the target tissue region based at least in part on the location information from the microwave antenna probe.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 27, 2014
Date of Patent:
July 25, 2017
Assignee:
CIANNA MEDICAL, INC.
Inventors:
Larry W. Fullerton, John E. Greene, Tommy G. Nguyen, Eduardo Chi Sing
Abstract: A technique for influencing the human brain can be applied to treat PTSD through stimulating the brain with a beat in, for example, the theta (?) frequency to influence the brain to relax. Alternatively, the human brain can be stimulated with a beat in the alpha (?) frequency to stimulate active thinking. Over a series of treatments the brain of an individual suffering from PTSD can be influenced to operate at a normal frequency. Advantageously, as the frequency is adjusted, the symptoms of PTSD recur less often until the individual ceases to experience the symptoms or has at least experienced a decreased recurrence of the symptoms.
Abstract: The invention relates to a brachytherapy apparatus (1) for applying a brachytherapy to a living object. The brachytherapy apparatus comprises a planning unit (14) for determining a placing plan defining placing positions and placing times for one or several radiation sources within the living object and close to a target region. The placing plan is determined such that the placing times are within a treatment time window determined by a treatment time window determination unit (13), wherein within the treatment time window a change of a spatial parameter of the living object caused by swelling is minimized. An adverse influence on the brachytherapy due to swelling can thereby be minimized, which improves the quality of the brachytherapy.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 3, 2013
Date of Patent:
July 11, 2017
Assignee:
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Inventors:
Shyam Bharat, Christopher Stephen Hall, Cynthia Ming-Fu Kung, Jochen Kruecker
Abstract: A control device (control unit) to be used for controlling a scanning electromagnet that is used for scanning irradiation, which includes: a command-value processing line (a memory, an arithmetic circuit, an interface) that generates a command value for driving the scanning electromagnet on the basis of a treatment plan, and outputs the generated command value in synchronization with an accelerator; and a comparator unit that detects an error in the processing line; wherein a circuit (for example, the arithmetic circuit) that constitutes at least a part of the processing line is made redundant, and the comparator unit detects occurrence of the error in the processing line when outputs from the circuit made redundant are unmatched to each other.