Abstract: Sleep mask for reducing sleep inertia. In an embodiment, the sleep mask comprises a foam layer having a shape that covers both of a human subject's eyes so as to attenuate ambient light. Visual stimulation element(s), configured to emit light, are positioned between the foam layer and the subject's eyes. In addition, a plurality of sensors positioned on the forehead of the subject collect electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), and electromyogram (EMG) signals. A soft exterior cover houses the foam layer, the visual stimulation element(s), and the sensors. The sleep mask further comprises processor(s) that determine and record each sleep stage of the subject, determine when to wake the subject, and, when it is determined to wake the subject, control the visual stimulation element(s) to wake the subject using emitted light.

Abstract: A method for improving neuronal performance of a target nerve of a patient according to one exemplary embodiment includes the step of: exposing the nerve to a pulsed magnetic field generated by DC current having a predetermined magnetic field strength at a predetermined frequency. The predetermined magnetic field strength and the predetermined frequency are selected such that an amplitude of a compound action potential of the target nerve increases as a result of the exposure and remains elevated for a time period after the exposure has ended.

Abstract: A device for treating urinary incontinence. The device comprising a body having a passage, for accommodating a urethra of a patient, extending from an inlet to an outlet of the device. The passage being configured so as to normally induce a flow obstruction in the urethra, following surgical implantation of the device. The flow obstruction, induced by the device, being sufficiently pliable and deformable so that once an internal system pressure within the urethra becomes sufficiently great, the internal system pressure overcomes the flow obstruction, induced by the device, and creates a flow passage through the device.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention is a method of providing treatment for a sleeping disorder.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and a system for thermally-assisted pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for treatment of osteoarthritis are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a multi-coil applicator adapted for positioning near or around of the treated joint, a pulse generator functionally coupled to the applicator, a power supply, and a feedback loop for stabilizing the temperature of the joint. The feedback loop includes a heating element, a temperature sensor and an electronic controller for maintaining the temperature of the joint in the range of 38 to 42 degree C. At elevated temperatures the healing effect of PEMF stimulation on the cartilage is maximized and overall efficiency of the treatment is improved. To produce a high electric field, the coils of the applicator are made with a low number of turns, for example less than 5 turns, and are spatially arranged to cover the whole joint without “dead” zones.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering and placing a surgical sling without resorting to an abdominal incision are disclosed.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for treatment of depression. Described are methods and devices to treat depression that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect symptoms of depression.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to systems and methods for adjusting support to an anatomical location using an expandable chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating urinary incontinence, comprising: a node; a support section adapted for providing urethral support attached to the node; and, an anchoring section adapted for resisting movement of the apparatus attached to the node opposite the support section. Optionally, the support section is adapted to treat incontinence according to at least one of: SUTFS, colpo-elevation or colpo-distension.

Abstract: A system and method for alleviating phantom limb discomfort using a smart phone equipped with a camera and having a digital imaging program or application for acquiring, processing, and displaying digital images. The digital imaging program is first used to acquire a comprehensive, composite moving image of the subject's body. Next, using the program, the moving image of subject's half-torso adjacent the limb of the amputation site, and any remaining amputation-site limb, is deleted and replaced with the moving mirror-image of the complementary portion of the subject's torso and its adjacent healthy limb. The composite image is then melded and subsequently displayed for the subject's viewing. Alleviation of the subject's phantom limb discomfort results from viewing the composite imagery on subject's smart phone. This alleviation occurs by means referred to as Acquire, Flop, Meld and View.

Abstract: A self-regulating gastric band apparatus for adjusting stoma size is disclosed. The apparatus includes an adjustable gastric band that has an expandable portion containing a volume of fluid. A band adjustment assembly is provided for implanting with the gastric band that includes a sensor for sensing fluid pressure in the expandable portion. The band adjustment assembly further includes a pump assembly connected to the expandable portion and to a controller that operates the pump assembly to adjust the volume of the fluid in the band based on the sensed fluid pressure. The band adjustment assembly includes memory storing an operating range relative to a target fluid pressure, and the pump assembly is operated to maintain the sensed band pressure within the operating range. The target pressure is set to maintain pressure variations below a predefined variation limit generally corresponding with satiated fill volumes for a particular patient and implanted band.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to surgical implants, and in various embodiments to surgical implants configured for promoting growth of well-organized collagenous tissue at an anatomical site.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for targeting diseased tissue with a radiation beam. Functional models can be used to accurately obtain a location of specific tissue using sensors at identifiable locations of the patient's body. Using the relative distances between the identifiable sensor locations can allow a patient to be in various positions. The functional models can be prepared using accurate pre-treatment scans, which can be taken at various body positions (e.g., rotations and/or translations). The trajectory of the beam can be measured efficiently and accurately using beam sensors attached to a beam assembly, where a model maps the beam sensor locations to a trajectory of the beam. Further, a motion model can use measurements made during treatment to obtain a time-dependent functions of the movement of the specific tissue, the change of an optimal beam trajectory over time, or the change in input commands to a beam positioner.

Abstract: An implantable device controls the movement of fluid to an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device includes a body. The body has an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The body defines a fluid passage from the inlet to the outlet. The implantable device also includes a diaphragm. The diaphragm has one or more edges coupled to the body. The diaphragm is made of an elastomeric material and capable of being moved between a closed position that blocks the valve seat and does not allow the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet and an open position that does not block the valve seat and allows the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for a number of disorders. Described are methods and devices to treat disorders that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect mood, focus, and cognition of subjects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a female urinary incontinence-inhibiting device comprising a flexible torus including at least one slot configured to, under compression, flexibly reduce the outer diameter of the flexible torus, the flexible torus having a diameter configured to inhibit female urinary incontinence when placed in a vagina and a stabilizing element, coupled to the flexible torus, the stabilizing element having a size and position configured to stabilize the flexible torus within the vagina.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for trapping or focusing magnetizable particles comprising therapeutic agents at a distance using a dynamic magnetic field and feedback control, to enable the treatment of diseased areas deep inside a patient's body. The methods may be used to diagnose or treat diseased areas deep within a patient, for example tumors of the lungs, intestines, and liver, and is also useful in enhancing the permeability of solid tumors to chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A pressure sensing or monitoring device may be used with an implantable band system. In some versions, the device may be used with a syringe. The device may comprise a visual indicator for monitoring pressure. The device may govern operation of the syringe by setting a threshold pressure to limit the amount of pressure applied to an implantable band system by the syringe.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for a number of disorders. Described are methods and devices to treat disorders that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect mood, focus, and cognition of subjects.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing incontinence includes a tubular body with a first guiding element connected to a tube-shaped retaining element with a second guiding element that opens axially into a termination on a side of the retaining element. The retaining element is formed of a reversible stretchable and compressible metal grille that is air-tight and fluid-tight at the termination in a region of a transition thereof to the tubular body. A fixing device that fixes the apparatus when the apparatus is immovably implanted in a body tissue of a patient is formed of the first guiding element defining areas with axially spaced projections. In a non-extended state, the projections are formed as slits protruding out of the surface of the first guiding element and, in an axially extended state, the projections are immovably implanted in the body tissue when the first guiding element is compressed in an axial direction.