Abstract: Systems and related methods for delivering a stimulus to a pinna of a subject with a stimulator worn on the pinna are described. A wearable stimulation device includes a mechanical, electrical, or other type of stimulator secured to a pinna of a subject. The stimulation device may be used to deliver a stimulus that modulates activity of sensory nerve fiber innervating the pinna. Stimulation may be delivered in response to a sensed neural signal indicative of a physiological status of the subject, and/or in response to sensed environmental parameters. Stimulation may be delivered in combination with other stimuli or experiences. In an aspect, a stimulator communicates with and/or is controlled by a personal computing device.

Abstract: A hysteropexy apparatus includes a hysteropexy mesh and a package containing the hysteropexy mesh. The hysteropexy mesh includes an anterior vaginal portion that is substantially rectangular in shape, a right broad ligament portion that is substantially L-shaped, a left broad ligament portion that is substantially L-shaped, a sacral portion that is substantially rectangular in shape, and a posterior vaginal portion that is substantially rectangular in shape. The anterior vaginal portion is folded on a longitudinal midline. The sacral portion is folded onto the posterior vaginal portion.

Abstract: An automated treatment planning system having a planning image memory which stores a volume diagnostic image; a user interface device configured for a user to input data defining a plurality of regions of interest within the volume diagnostic image; and one or more processors. The processors are configured to receive the volume diagnostic image and plurality of user-defined regions of interest indicated within the volume diagnostic image; map the plurality of regions of interest to the body atlas to determine anatomical locations within the plurality of regions of interest; map each region of interest of the plurality of regions of interest to the body atlas to select correct corresponding anatomical structures; receive a treatment plan template based upon the anatomical structures from a knowledge base. A planning module is configured to generate a treatment plan using the treatment plan template.

Abstract: A catheter treatment apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member and an expandable support. The expandable support comprises a radioactive substance to treat cancerous tissue and is configured to expand from a narrow profile for insertion to a wide profile to engage and treat tissue remaining after resection. The expandable support can be sized to fit within a volume of removed tissue to place the radioactive substance in proximity to the capsule and remaining tissue, to spare the capsule and proximate nerves and vessels to treat tissue in proximity to the capsule. The elongate tubular member may comprise a channel such as a lumen to pass a bodily fluid such as urine when the expandable support engages the tissue to treat the patient for a plurality of days. The treatment apparatus can be used to resect and diagnose tissue concurrently. Based on the diagnosis, targeted segmental treatment may be given.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for detecting neurological activity indicative of a dream state of a human. Many embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for detecting neurological activity of a human indicative of a dream state or the onset thereof and delivering an input to the user (such as an audio or other sensory input) during the dream state. Particular embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for detecting neurological activity indicative of the onset or occurrence of a dream state of a human and delivering an audio or other sensory input during the user's dream state. The audio input may be used for learning, delivering messages to the user's subconscious, and/or promoting a state of relaxation.

Abstract: An integrated radiopharmaceutical patient treatment system is disclosed including a patient support platform with an associated patient stimulus apparatus, an imager proximate the patient support platform, a radiopharmaceutical fluid delivery system for infusing a radiopharmaceutical fluid into a patient, a patient monitor to be associated with a patient, and an integrated system controller operably associated with the patient stimulus apparatus, imager, radiopharmaceutical fluid delivery system, and patient monitor to control and coordinate their operations. Within the patient treatment system the radiopharmaceutical fluid delivery system may be included comprising a radionuclide supply module, a radiopharmaceutical processing module, a quality control module, a patient injection module, and a controller. A hazardous fluid handling system including a docking station and a hazardous fluid transport device adapted to detachably dock with the docking station is further disclosed.

Abstract: A radiation treatment collimator having a multilayered linkage structure, the collimator providing various shapes of spaces to form an irradiation area transmitting radioactive rays therethrough, the collimator comprising: a fixed frame disposed on a plate; multiple pixel board layers fixedly stacked at predetermined intervals on top of each other inside the fixed frame, each pixel board layer being configured in a lattice form and having pixel covers disposed correspondingly to the respective lattices in such a manner as to be open and closed individually; control units disposed on both sides of the fixed frame to individually control the operations of the pixel covers of the pixel board layers; and power source units disposed on the front and rear sides of the fixed frame to supply the pixel board layers with operating power.

Abstract: Described are implants, tools, and methods useful for treating pelvic conditions such as prolapse, by placing an implant to support pelvic tissue, the implants, tools, and methods involving one or more of an insertion tool that works in coordination with a sheath, adjusting engagements, specific implants and pieces of implants, placement of implants at locations within the pelvic region, and insertion, adjusting, and grommet management tools.

Abstract: A gastric restraining device for treating excessive weight or obesity in mammals. The gastric restraining device includes an elastomeric sheet configured to be placed around a stomach of a mammal, an ablation device attached to the elastomeric sheet, the ablation device configured to emit energy toward an outer surface of the stomach when the elastomeric sheet is placed around the stomach, and an energy device coupled to the ablation device to generate the energy and to transfer the energy to the ablation device.

Abstract: A robotic surgical manipulator provides a robotic controlled manipulator which deploys from an insertion configuration to a wider deployed configuration using two arms and a web therebetween. The web supported by the arms can then hold back a larger mass than has been previously supported by prior art techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for rejuvenating a region of skin or mucosal tissue, comprising: a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator; a plurality of electrodes in communication with the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator and an RF tissue diathermy device. The electrodes apply the pulsed electromagnetic power and the RF tissue diathermy to the tissue, heating it such that one portion of the region of mucosal tissue is maintained at a predetermined temperature range T1 while another portion of the region of mucosal tissue is at least temporarily maintained at predetermined temperature range T2.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a change in radiation distribution within a target tissue of a patient, the apparatus constituted of: a memory having stored thereon parameters of radiation to be output by an irradiation source, the radiation parameters determined responsive to a reference image of the patient target tissue; a processor in communication with the memory; and an output module in communication with the processor, wherein the processor is arranged to: receive a present image of the patient target tissue; determine the expected distribution of radiation within the patient target tissue for an irradiation incidence according to the stored radiation parameters; determine the difference between the determined distribution and a predetermined distribution parameter; and control the output module to output a signal responsive to the determined difference.

Abstract: A system for visualizing and modifying the thickness of a compensator for radiation therapy in the context of a desired target and dose coverage thereof includes planar slice image generation module, a visualization unit and an adjustment module. The planar slice image generation module generates a series of planar slice images from a patient image data set disposed with one axis parallel to a radiation beam and one axis perpendicular to the radiation beam. The visualization unit graphically depicts a compensator thickness profile, a target of interest, and/or a dose representation on at least one of the series of planar slice images all in the same plane lying in a beam's longitudinal direction. The adjustment module receives user input of an adjustment of at least one compensator thickness value via a manipulation of the graphical depiction thereof.

Abstract: This device for controlling a radiation treatment device is provided with a gantry for supporting a radiation emitting device so as to enable rotation thereof about a first axis, and a ring for supporting the gantry so as to enable rotation thereof about a second axis intersecting with the first axis, the device for controlling a radiation treatment device being provided with a movement path information storage unit for storing movement path information set in the radiation emitting device, and a control unit for providing a limit to the rotation speed of the gantry and the rotation speed of the ring while maintaining the ratio of the rotation speed of the gantry and the rotation speed of the ring indicated by the movement path information, on the basis of the rotation angle of the gantry and the rotation angle of the ring.

Abstract: Helmets for applying a magnetic field to the head of a subject, comprising: a housing comprising a concave surface configured to receive a portion of the head of the subject; a motor coupled to one or more of: a first permanent magnet via a first axle along a first axis of rotation, wherein the first axle drives movement of the first magnet; a second magnet via a second axle along a second axis of rotation wherein the second axle drives movement of the second magnet; and a third magnet via a third axle along the third axis of rotation wherein the third axle drives movement of the third magnet, wherein the axes are parallel; and a fit mechanism comprising a adjuster coupled to the first magnet, wherein movement of the adjustor moves the first magnet independently of the second or the third magnet.

Abstract: A radiation target is provided. The radiation target includes an implant, which includes a marker comprising a channel defined therethrough from one end of the marker to an opposite end of the marker. The implant further comprises a single non-looping suture thread disposed within the channel and a coating applied to both the single non-looping suture thread and to the marker.

Abstract: A radio- or chemo-sensitizing compound is described herein. The compound comprises a nanoparticle and attached to the nanoparticle; (i) a DNA repair inhibitor; and (ii) a nuclear localization signal element (NLS); each optionally attached via one or more linker moieties.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide devices, systems, and methods that reduce the distance between two locations in tissue, often for treatment of congestive heart failure. For example, an anchor of an implant system may, when the implant system is fully deployed, reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the ventricular septum. The anchor may be deployed into the heart through a working lumen of a minimally invasive access tool. The minimally invasive access tool may have a plurality of grippers near a distal end of the working lumen. The grippers may engage epicardial tissue of the heart and may be moved radially inwardly relative so as to provide stabilization of the epicardial tissue and/or hemostasis near an access site where the anchor is inserted through the epicardium. The minimally invasive access tool may minimize blood loss from the access site and improve anchor implant processes.

Abstract: A body having first and second segments is shaped to include distal and proximal and intermediate portions. The segments are hollow to form a chamber. A hinge pin in the proximal portion rotatably couples the segments. A spring within the chamber urges the segments to an open orientation. A locking assembly within the chamber selectively holds the segments in the open orientation and selectively holds the segments in the closed orientation.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to medical devices, and methods for making and using the medical devices. An exemplary medical device includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a coupler. The coupler may be configured to removably couple the first elongate member to the second elongate member.