Abstract: Described are devices, implants, insertion tools, combinations, and associated methods, that involve placement of a self-fixating tip at tissue of the pelvic region, wherein an insertion tool includes one or more of an aperture for engaging a guide and an extension guard, the method optionally allowing for initial placement of a self-fixating tip at tissue of the pelvic region and adjustment of the location of the self-fixating tip.

Abstract: An effective method for prolonging localization of therapeutics within the rat gastrointestinal tract of at least about 12 hours is provided. Attractive forces between an orally administered magnetic dose and an external magnet were monitored and internal dose motion in real time using biplanar videofluoroscopy was visualized. Tissue elasticity was quantified as a measure of tissue health by combining data streams. The methods address safety, efficacy, and monitoring capacity of magnetically localized doses and show a platform for testing the benefits of localized drug delivery.

Abstract: A power management system provides wireless power to operate components of a remotely adjustable gastric banding system. The power management system comprises an external power component transmitting power, and an implantable power management component receiving power and converting the power for use in powering one or more components of the remotely adjustable gastric banding system, such as a pump. The internal power management component and the external power component may be tunable. By utilizing the power management system, implantable batteries may be eliminated.

Abstract: A device to help alleviate any reduced penile erection firmness may include a plurality of strands, each having a first end, a first keeper for gathering the first end of each of the plurality of strands, and a first loop operably coupled to the first keeper. A method to help alleviate any reduced penile erection firmness may include fitting a pair of strands around a user's scrotum, the pair of strands having first ends gathered by a first keeper and second ends gathered by a second keeper, moving one of the pair of strands upwards towards the base of the user's penis, so that the one of the pair of strands is situated at the base of the user's penis, pulling the first keeper and the second keeper over the top of the user's penis; and interlocking the first keeper and the second keeper over the top of the user's penis.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for supporting a flaccid penis during intercourse comprising an oval shaped base having a through-hole, an elongated support platform member having an upper side and a lower side, an adjustable waist-strap, a first adjustable leg strap, and a second adjustable leg strap. The upper side of the elongated support platform member has a concave surface so as to provide a bed for the flaccid penis and the lower side of the elongated support platform member has a convex shape. The adjustable waist-strap is affixed to the oval shaped base and is tightened around a waist of a user. The first and second adjustable leg straps are affixed to the oval-shaped base and are tightened around the thighs of the user so as to secure the prosthetic device against the groin area of the user. The prosthetic device is used in conjunction with a penis extension sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention includes a source reservoir with potential energy for a system for facilitating obesity control. The system includes a remote transmitter, a gastric band including at least one inflatable portion for containing a fluid, at least one reservoir for containing the fluid, and a high precision pump unit in communication with the reservoir for controlling pressure within the inflatable portion.

Abstract: The Invasive Agent Treatment System incorporates the pairing of energy fields with nano-particles to cause a thermal effect in the nano-particles, which thermal effect is transmitted into the biological cells of the invasive agent. The energy fields are derived from at least one or a combination of the following: an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field (EM), an acoustic field, and an optical field. The Invasive Agent Treatment System provides the necessary coordination among the characteristics of the nano-particles, concentration of nano-particles, duration of treatment, and applied fields to enable the generation of precisely crafted fields and their application in a mode and manner to be effective with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A method of applying external electromagnetic fields to stimulate body tissues of a user. The method may include the steps of obtaining a distributor comprising a plurality of electromagnetic coils, obtaining a controller comprising a processor and a memory device, operably connected to one another, the memory device storing code executable by the processor, selecting a source of electrical current, connecting the source to the controller, and positioning a user proximate the distributor. The method may further include controlling, by the controller in accordance with the code, delivery of electrical current sequentially and exclusively to each coil of the plurality of electromagnetic coils to generate a magnetic field extending into the user.

Abstract: A device for treating human keratinous materials includes an electrical appliance comprising a handpiece and a reader, and an applicator suitable for being removably fastened on the handpiece. The applicator includes a solid cosmetic or dermatological composition for applying to the keratinous materials, and/or an applicator element including fibers and/or cells suitable for enabling a cosmetic or dermatological composition to be applied on keratinous materials. The applicator also includes an encoder for encoding information arranged to be read by the reader. The operation of the handpiece depends on the information read.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use.

Abstract: A method and system of aligning antennas of an intra-oral and extra-oral electronic wireless device is provided. Three-dimensional anatomical data of at least a portion of an oral cavity of a subject and at least a portion of an external ear of the subject is recorded. A spatial relationship between a landmark in the oral cavity and a landmark in the external ear is determined. A first antenna is modeled based upon the anatomical data of the oral cavity, and a second antenna is modeled based upon the anatomical data of the external ear. The antennas are configured and oriented relative to each other for optimal signal transmission based upon the recorded anatomical data of the oral cavity and ear.

Abstract: Compositions, articles, and methods for treating and imaging vulnerable plaque and other inflamed regions in a patient rely on delivery of a conversion electron emitting source (CEES) to a body location. The CEES may be delivered by coupling to a substance which preferentially binds to vulnerable plaque or other inflammatory marker. Alternatively, the CEES can be delivered on a catheter, scaffold, or other device.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for predicting the embryonic progression of a preimplantation embryo, comprising measuring in the insemination medium (IM) in which an oocyte was fertilized and subsequently incubated in vitro, thereby generating a pre-implantation embryo, at 18-24 hrs post fertilization, the levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in the insemination medium (IM), wherein a level of NOx of at least about 1.3 ?M indicates that the preimplantation embryo is likely to progress to the blastocyst stage by culture day (CD) 5.

Abstract: Radiosurgical techniques and systems treat behavioral disorders (such as depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (“OCD”), addiction, hyperphagia, and the like) by directing radiation from outside the patient toward a target tissue within the patient's brain, typically without imposing surgical trauma. The target will often be included in a neural circuit associated with the behavioral disorder. A cellularly sub-lethal dose of the radiation may be applied and the radiation can mitigate the behavioral disorder, obesity, or the like, by modulating the level of neural activity within the target and in associated tissues. Hypersensitive and/or hyperactive neuronal tissue may be targeted, with the radiation downwardly modulating hyperactive neuronal activity. By down-regulating the activity of a target that normally exerts negative feedback or a limiting effect on a relevant neural circuit, the activity of the circuit may be increased.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a device for asymmetrical irradiation of a body cavity or site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. biopsy or lumpectomy. The device includes an elongated tubular shaft having an inner lumen and a tubular wall with a plurality of lumens extending within the wall which are configured for receiving a radiation source. The distal portion of the tubular shaft is cut into a plurality of longitudinally separated wall segments with a lumen extending within at least one of the wall segments. A support member is positioned within the separated wall segments to support and position the wall segments in a desired configuration for brachytherapy. An expandable member such as an inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal shaft portion about the separated wall segments wall which when inflated secures the distal shaft portion within a desired intracorporeal site for brachytherapy treatment.

Abstract: A system (10, 110) for identifying a landmark is disclosed. The system includes a field generator (16, 116) for generating a magnetic field, an orthopaedic implant (30, 130) located within the magnetic field, the implant having at least one landmark (31) and a first magnetic sensor (32) spaced apart from the landmark, a landmark identifier (18, 118) with a second magnetic sensor (20, 120) and a processor (12, 112) for comparing sensor data from the first and second sensor and using the set distance to calculate the position of the landmark identifier relative to the at least one landmark. The system allows for blind targeting of one or more landmarks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treatment to improve at least one of concentration, memory, cognitive performance, and stress-relief in a subject in need thereof by controlled administration of synchronized flashes of light and pulsed tones.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for delivering catheter brachytherapy to a subject comprising a medical balloon catheter (1) having a proximal (2) and distal (3) end, comprising a elongated catheter tube (5) with an inflation lumen (21) extending therewithin and at least one inflatable balloon (4, 4?) towards the distal end (3) in fluid communication with the catheter tube (5) inflation lumen (21), the catheter tube (5) configured to unfold from a kinked condition permitting the inflation lumen (21) to slidably receive a removable inner tube (6), the inflation lumen (21) configured to carry inflation fluid to the least one inflatable balloon (4, 4?) in the presence of the removable inner tube (6); and a removable inner tube (6) having an elongated body, an open (9) proximal end (7), a closed (10) distal end (8), and a source wire lumen (22) extending therewithin, wherein the removable inner tube (6) is configured for insertion into and removal from at least part of the length of the inflation lumen (21),

Abstract: A vibrator device to stimulate the clitoris of a user includes a vibrator mechanism, a sleeve to contain and align the vibrator mechanism, a stabilizer to support and locate the device, an elongated flexible strip to affix the device to the user, and a glove to couple vibration from the vibrator mechanism to the clitoris. The sleeve may form a pocket surrounding the vibrator mechanism. The strip may include two arms that provide extended area for attachment on either side of the vaginal orifice. The glove may be connected to one end of the sleeve so that, when the device is affixed to a user, the glove may be disposed in contact with the clitoris.

Abstract: Described are methods, implants, insertion tools, and related systems and kits, for placing an implant to treat urinary incontinence; the implants include soft tissue anchors that are capable of engaging needles of the insertion tools, and the implants are designed to place a central support portion at a location to support a urethra with extension portions and soft tissue anchors extending to tissue at regions of an obturator foramen.