Abstract: A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.

Abstract: A system is provided for healing a wound. The system includes a flexible body, a therapeutic agent delivery mechanism, a suction mechanism, and a power source. The flexible body includes a cover film having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that define a compartment. The compartment includes a first porous material, a second porous material, and at least one electrode disposed therein. The second porous material is disposed between the first porous material and the at least one electrode. The therapeutic agent delivery mechanism and the suction mechanism are fluidly connected to the compartment. The power source is in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator to a craniofacial region of a subject includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft having a contoured distal portion, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is configured to be advanced under a zygomatic bone along a maxillary tuberosity towards a pterygopalatine fossa. The distal portion includes a distal dissecting tip. The insertion groove is configured to receive, support, and guide a medical device or instrument.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium can be programmed to provide an operational-behavioral business intelligence system that includes an idea manager programmed to manage ideas submitted by a user. Each idea can be stored in a knowledgebase and be capable of validation and conversion into an experiment. An experiment manager can be programmed to manage each experiment, including design, execution and analysis thereof. Each experiment can employ a performance indicator to provide a measure of performance based on behavior probe data captured via a behavior probe, the measure of performance being stored as experiment data for each respective experiment. A continuous positive reinforcement (CPR) engine can generate CPR data to provide substantially continuous reinforcement to users based on the data stored in the knowledgebase to drive business processes innovation.

Abstract: A surgical guide to facilitate delivery of a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa of a subject includes a curvilinear body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The proximal end portion is defined by oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The proximal end portion and the intermediate portion define a longitudinal plane that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has an arcuate configuration relative to the longitudinal plane and is defined by oppositely disposed third and fourth surfaces.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a dermatological wound. A first step of the method includes providing an iontophoretic apparatus. The iontophoretic apparatus includes at least one surface for contacting a surface of the dermatological wound, a current source electrically coupled to the apparatus, a suction mechanism operably coupled to the apparatus, and a source of therapeutic molecules. A second step of the method includes placing the at least one surface of the iontophoretic apparatus into contact with at least a portion of the dermatological wound surface. A third step of the method includes activating the current source so that a plurality of therapeutic molecules is delivered to the dermatological wound. A fourth step of the method includes activating the suction mechanism to remove fluid and/or debris from the dermatological wound. The second, third, and fourth steps of the method are repeated until the dermatological wound is sufficiently healed.

Abstract: A surgical guide to facilitate delivery of a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa of a subject includes a curvilinear body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The proximal end portion is defined by oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The proximal end portion and the intermediate portion define a longitudinal plane that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has an arcuate configuration relative to the longitudinal plane and is defined by oppositely disposed third and fourth surfaces.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.

Abstract: A blanket system (1) is provided for maintaining or controlling a patient's body temperature before, during, or after surgical and non-surgical procedures. The system includes a non-obtrusive cover blanket (3), a blower (28) to blow the air beneath the blanket (3) and a vacuum source (30) to suction the air from beneath the blanket (3) and away from the patient.

Abstract: A blanket system (1) is provided for maintaining or controlling a patient's body temperature before, during, or after surgical and non-surgical procedures. The system includes a non-obtrusive cover blanket (3), a blower (28) to blow the air beneath the blanket (3) and a vacuum source (30) to suction the air from beneath the blanket (3) and away from the patient.

Abstract: A surgical headrest (10) is provided which includes a base plate (20) and at least two support arms (30). Each of the support arms (30) has a first end (31) rotatably mounted to the base plate (20). Each of the support arms (30) also includes a second end (34) for receiving and supporting the head of a patient. The second end (34) may comprise mounting pads (50) which are rotatably mounted for engagement with the patient during surgery. Alternatively, the second end (34) may comprise skull pins (60) for affixing to the head of a patient. The surgical headrest (10) may further include a positioning device (70) having linkage arms (73, 77) which allow for superior/anterior adjustment of a patient's head.

Abstract: A new bone anchoring system comprises a bone screw and a mechanical insert received in a central bore of the bone screw. The bone screw defines a self-tapping, self-boring tip for easy bone insertion as well as through-holes or other openings for receipt of new bone growth. The insert can be replaceably mounted in the bone screw, and a variety of different attachment structures can be defined in the proximal end of the insert for securing to suture thread, tissue or other prosthetic device.

Abstract: A cranial remodeling orthosis (10) for inducing directed growth and remodeling of an irregularly shaped skull (12). The orthosis (10) comprises a headpiece (14) having an outer wall (18) and an inner wall (16), the inner wall (16) being shaped to receive the skull (12) and having at least one recess (26) formed therein to provide a volume into which the skull (12) may be remodeled. The orthosis (10) further comprises a first expandable bladder (20) located on the inner wall (16) of the headpiece (14) whereby when the orthosis (10) is placed on the skull (12) and the bladder (20) is expanded, the recess (26) and the expanded bladder (20) cooperate to cause cranial remodeling.