Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for altering functioning of a tissue/organ by application of force thereto. In one preferred embodiment, a device for reducing or preventing regurgitation of blood through a valve of a heart is provided. A device may include a main body having a segment adapted to apply force to a surface of tissue/organ and a member that applies counterforce to the force applied by the segment. Kits are provided in which devices having varying lengths and widths can be selected for the best fit for a particular location of treatment. A width sizing instrument may be provided. A length sizing instrument may be provided. A separate sleeve and/or pad may be provided which may be first anchored to the tissue/organ before fixing the device thereto.

Abstract: A self-adjusting device configured to be placed in contact with tissue/organ and apply mechanical force to the tissue/organ to achieve an improvement of functioning of the tissue/organ. The self-adjusting capabilities can be carried out by three functional subsystems that can be packaged either in a single, integrated system or in separate modules. A sensing subsystem senses the tissue/organ and sends at least one type of sensing signal characteristic of functioning of the tissue/organ to a controlling subsystem. The controlling subsystem processes the signal with an algorithm to determine if a configuration of the device needs to be changed or a force applied to the tissue/organ needs to be changed. An actuating subsystem can be controlled by the controlling subsystem to affect the configuration/force change when needed. A feedback loop is provided to keep the controlling subsystem up to date as to the state of the actuating subsystem.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of controlled therapeutic modulation of an immune response by an immune system of a patient. UV radiation is applied to the skin of a patient for a predetermined time period or dose. The application of UV radiation is repeated for the predetermined time or dose or for a modified predetermined time period or dose based on patient feedback after applying for the predetermined time period or dose, multiple times, wherein each repetition is performed after a predetermined rest period has passed. The patient is tested after at least one session of application of UV radiation and levels of one or more indicators read by the test are compared to levels that were established as baseline levels from a test taken before the initial application of UV radiation. The treatments are discontinued when a predetermined differential threshold between retesting levels and baseline levels in at least one indicator has been met, or for a predetermined number of times, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for altering functioning of a tissue/organ by application of force thereto. In one preferred embodiment, a device for reducing or preventing regurgitation of blood through a valve of a heart is provided. A device may include a main body having a segment adapted to apply force to a surface of tissue/organ; a member that applies counterforce to the force applied by the segment; and an adjuster that is manually operable to change the force applied by the segment. The adjuster can be manually operated before or after anchoring of the device to the tissue/organ.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of controlled therapeutic modulation of an immune response by an immune system of a patient. UV radiation is applied to the skin of a patient for a predetermined time period or dose. The application of UV radiation is repeated for the predetermined time or dose or for a modified predetermined time period or dose based on patient feedback after applying for the predetermined time period or dose, multiple times, wherein each repetition is performed after a predetermined rest period has passed. The patient is tested after at least one session of application of UV radiation and levels of one or more indicators read by the test are compared to levels that were established as baseline levels from a test taken before the initial application of UV radiation. The treatments are discontinued when a predetermined differential threshold between retesting levels and baseline levels in at least one indicator has been met, or for a predetermined number of times, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of controlled therapeutic modulation of an immune response by an immune system of a patient. UV radiation is applied to the skin of a patient for a predetermined time period or dose. The application of UV radiation is repeated for the predetermined time or dose or for a modified predetermined time period or dose based on patient feedback after applying for the predetermined time period or dose, multiple times, wherein each repetition is performed after a predetermined rest period has passed. The patient is tested after at least one session of application of UV radiation and levels of one or more indicators read by the test are compared to levels that were established as baseline levels from a test taken before the initial application of UV radiation. The treatments are discontinued when a predetermined differential threshold between retesting levels and baseline levels in at least one indicator has been met, or for a predetermined number of times, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: An epicardial device for reducing or preventing regurgitation of blood through a valve of a heart includes a main body having a segment adapted to apply force to an epicardial surface of the heart. A member that applies counterforce to the force applied by the segment is also provided. A foundation is configured to be anchored to the epicardial surface of the heart. The foundation includes a surface configured with attachment features. The device further includes a surface configured with mating attachment features configured to attach to the attachment features of the foundation. The mating attachment features and attachment features are separable and reattachable to allow repositioning of at least a portion of the device relative to the foundation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of controlled therapeutic modulation of an immune response by an immune system of a patient. UV radiation is applied to the skin of a patient for a predetermined time period or dose. The application of UV radiation is repeated for the predetermined time or dose or for a modified predetermined time period or dose based on patient feedback after applying for the predetermined time period or dose, multiple times, wherein each repetition is performed after a predetermined rest period has passed. The patient is tested after at least one session of application of UV radiation and levels of one or more indicators read by the test are compared to levels that were established as baseline levels from a test taken before the initial application of UV radiation. The treatments are discontinued when a predetermined differential threshold between retesting levels and baseline levels in at least one indicator has been met, or for a predetermined number of times, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: An epicardial device for reducing or preventing regurgitation of blood through a valve of a heart includes a main body having a segment adapted to apply force to an epicardial surface of the heart. A member that applies counterforce to the force applied by the segment is also provided. A foundation is configured to be anchored to the epicardial surface of the heart. The foundation includes a surface configured with attachment features. The device further includes a surface configured with mating attachment features configured to attach to the attachment features of the foundation. The mating attachment features and attachment features are separable and reattachable to allow repositioning of at least a portion of the device relative to the foundation.

Abstract: A self-adjusting device configured to be placed in contact with tissue/organ and apply mechanical force to the tissue/organ to achieve an improvement of functioning of the tissue/organ. The self-adjusting capabilities can be carried out by three functional subsystems that can be packaged either in a single, integrated system or in separate modules. A sensing subsystem senses the tissue/organ and sends at least one type of sensing signal characteristic of functioning of the tissue/organ to a controlling subsystem. The controlling subsystem processes the signal with an algorithm to determine if a configuration of the device needs to be changed or a force applied to the tissue/organ needs to be changed. An actuating subsystem can be controlled by the controlling subsystem to affect the configuration/force change when needed. A feedback loop is provided to keep the controlling subsystem up to date as to the state of the actuating subsystem.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for altering functioning of a tissue/organ by application of force thereto. In one preferred embodiment, a device for reducing or preventing regurgitation of blood through a valve of a heart is provided. A device may include a main body having a segment adapted to apply force to a surface of tissue/organ and a member that applies counterforce to the force applied by the segment. Kits are provided in which devices having varying lengths and widths can be selected for the best fit for a particular location of treatment. A width sizing instrument may be provided. A length sizing instrument may be provided. A separate sleeve and/or pad may be provided which may be first anchored to the tissue/organ before fixing the device thereto.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for immunosuppression and/or immunomodulation for the treatment of an improper immune response with the use of UV light. In particular, described herein are methods and apparatuses for the treatment of inflammatory disorders using UVB light at appropriate intensities, durations and (internal) body regions in order to effect substantial and reliably treatment.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for altering functioning of a tissue/organ by application of force thereto. In one preferred embodiment, a device for reducing or preventing regurgitation of blood through a valve of a heart is provided. A device may include a main body having a segment adapted to apply force to a surface of tissue/organ; a member that applies counterforce to the force applied by the segment; and an adjuster that is manually operable to change the force applied by the segment. The adjuster can be manually operated before or after anchoring of the device to the tissue/organ.

Abstract: An epicardial device for reducing or preventing regurgitation of blood through a valve of a heart includes a main body having a segment adapted to apply force to an epicardial surface of the heart. A member that applies counterforce to the force applied by the segment is also provided. A foundation is configured to be anchored to the epicardial surface of the heart. The foundation includes a surface configured with attachment features. The device further includes a surface configured with mating attachment features configured to attach to the attachment features of the foundation. The mating attachment features and attachment features are separable and reattachable to allow repositioning of at least a portion of the device relative to the foundation.

Abstract: Wearable devices for spinal deformities, including a wearable brace configured to be worn about a patient's torso, at least one inflation bladder carried directly or indirectly by an inner surface of the brace, and positioned such that inflation of the bladder with a fluid applies a pressure to generate a force on the patient at a targeted location, at least one force sensor carried directly or indirectly by a surface of the brace, to measure the force independent of the bladder, and the force sensor adapted to output a signal indicative of a force applied on the sensor.

Abstract: Wearable devices for spinal deformities, including a wearable brace configured to be worn about a patient's torso, at least one inflation bladder carried directly or indirectly by an inner surface of the brace, and positioned such that inflation of the bladder with a fluid applies a pressure to generate a force on the patient at a targeted location, at least one force sensor carried directly or indirectly by a surface of the brace, to measure the force independent of the bladder, and the force sensor adapted to output a signal indicative of a force applied on the sensor.

Abstract: Spinal distraction systems including methods of use.

Abstract: Spinal distraction systems including methods of use.

Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials. The cartridge comprises an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, and an outlet for a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients. The cartridge comprises means for producing a jet of the beverage having an aperture in a beverage flow path linking the inlet to the outlet, and one or more microscopic projections at or in the vicinity of the aperture for contacting the beverage flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible pad for preparing a beverage comprising: a filter bag defining a storage volume; the storage volume containing a water-soluble composition or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage; wherein the storage volume further contains one or more absorbent elements.