Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the treatment of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Specifically, the invention relates to a method for removing vascular deposits by locally heating plaque sites with micron size particles that are administered intravenously and are heated inductively.

Abstract: A medical device includes an orthopedic fixation device and an electromagnetic field emitter carried by the fixation device. The device preferably further includes a power source for powering the electromagnetic field emitter, which may be implanted in the human body with the fixation device and the electromagnetic field emitter. The power source may be a battery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetic targeting of therapeutic particles are provided. Therapeutic particles comprise one or more magnetic or magnetizable materials and at least one therapeutic agent. Therapeutic particles are specifically targeted using uniform magnetic fields capable of magnetizing magnetizable materials, and can be targeted to particular locations in the body, or can be targeted for capture, containment, and removal. Therapeutic particles can comprise antioxidant enzymes, and can be targeted to cells to protect the cells from oxidative damage.

Abstract: In a magnetic particle heating method for occlusion of the Fallopian tubes, biocompatible magnetic particles are delivered transcervically to the entrance of the Fallopian tube. Placement of the particles (e.g., magnetic nanoparticles) in the Fallopian tube is confirmed, and a coil is positioned about or proximate the patient's abdomen. Alternating current is applied to the coil to couple magnetic energy into the nanoparticles, heating the nanoparticles and causing thermal injury to the Fallopian tube. Temperature within the Fallopian tube may be monitored during heating, to prevent overheating, or alternating current may be applied for a predetermined treatment time, with or without temperature monitoring. Each Fallopian tube may be treated with nanoparticles and the two tubes heated simultaneously, or the tubes may be sequentially treated and heated. Treatment may be visualized via in-office hysteroscope, fluoroscopy or ultrasound.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a flexible insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, and a distal tip, which is disposed at the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to be brought into contact with tissue in the body cavity. A coupling member couples the distal tip to the distal end of the insertion tube and includes a tubular piece of an elastic material having a helical cut therethrough along a portion of a length of the piece.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for induction of local anesthetic effects employing magnetic nanoparticles conjugated to anesthetic molecules. Magnetic nanoparticle-local anesthetic conjugates may be safely injected intravenously into human and animal subjects without encountering the deleterious effects observed with traditional injections of local anesthetics. The magnetic nanoparticle-local anesthetic conjugate may be concentrated at a site of action through the application of an external magnetic field to the patient at a site where local anesthesia is desired.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for shock wave treatment of the human body. In particular, the invention relates to navigational aspects of the shock wave treatments, including apparatuses and methods which enable accurate focusing of shock waves.

Abstract: A living body observation system of the invention includes a living body information acquiring apparatus including: a living body information acquiring section; a wireless transmission section; a power source section for supplying driving power for driving the living body information acquiring section and the wireless transmission section; a magnetic field detecting section for outputting a detection result of a magnetic field from outside as an electric signal; and a power supply control section for controlling a supplying state of the driving power based on the electric signal, a magnetic field generating coil, a driving circuit for outputting a drive signal to the magnetic field generating coil, a switch for switching a generation state of a magnetic field, and a timer for outputting a signal for stopping output of the drive signal when a predetermined period has passed following switching from off to on of the switch.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a flexible insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, and a distal tip, which is disposed at the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to be brought into contact with tissue in the body cavity. A resilient member couples the distal tip to the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to deform in response to pressure exerted on the distal tip when the distal tip engages the tissue. A position sensor within the probe senses a position of the distal tip relative to the distal end of the insertion tube, which changes in response to deformation of the resilient member.

Abstract: A method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a region of action, magnetic particles and the use of magnetic particles is disclosed, which method comprises the steps of: —introducing magnetic particles into a region of action, —generating a magnetic selection field having a pattern in space of its magnetic field strength such that a first sub-zone having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone having a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the region of action —changing the position in space of the two sub-zones in the region of action by means of a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic particles change locally, —acquiring signals, which signals depend on the magnetization in the region of action, which magnetization is influenced by the change in the position in space of the first and second sub-zone, wherein the magnetic particles comprise a core region and a shell region, the core region comprising a magnetic material, wherein the magnetic mater

Abstract: The present invention discloses a magnetically-controllable nanometric porous drug carrier, wherein an organic or inorganic matrix is used to carry the drug, and wherein magnetic nanoparticles having magnetosensitivity are used to encapsulate the surface of the matrix and seal the drug inside the matrix. An external magnetic field is used to control the removal rate of the magnetic nanoparticles and control the behavior and rate of drug release.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions using magnetic nanoparticle compositions.

Abstract: A system of navigating a magnetic medical device within that part of a patient located within an operating region of the system, the system comprising magnets, and preferably electromagnets, arranged to provide a magnetic field sufficient to navigate the magnetic medical device within the operating region. There are preferably three magnetic coils arranged in mutually perpendicular planes such that their axes intersect in the operating region. The magnetic coils are sized and arranged so that a patient can easily access the operating region to allow virtually any portion of the patient to be positioned within the operating region. The openness of the magnetic system allows access to the operating region by a bi-planer imaging system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the physical manipulation of free magnetic rotors in a circulatory system using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the invention relates to the control of magnetic particles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow. Examples of vascular occlusions targeted by the system include, but are not limited to, atherosclerotic plaques, including fibrous caps, fatty buildup, coronary occlusions, arterial stenosis, restenosis, vein thrombi, arterial thrombi, cerebral thrombi, embolisms, hemorrhages, other blood clots, and very small vessels.

Abstract: The invention provides magnetic nanoparticles comprising a core, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least one therapeutic agent linked to the core via a hydrazone linkage or via an oxime ether linkage, methods for making said nanoparticles, and methods for using said nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for opening obstructed body internal passages and for sensing and characterizing tissues and substances in contact with the device. In general, the device comprises a catheter tube capable of inducing vibrations in a guidewire contained therein, wherein said vibrations of the guidewire are utilized for opening a passage through an occlusion. The in-vivo vibrations may be induced by means of a magnetic field actuating means and a guidewire comprising magnetic coupling means, or by means of transducers, which may be also used for the sensing. The invention also relates to the field of minimal invasive catheterization, particularly an apparatus for opening and/or removing obstructions occluding body internal passages by means of an active guidewire comprising a coil to which an alternating voltage can be applied. In that way the guidewire can vibrate if an external magnetic field is applied.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for external manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles in vasculature using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the systems and methods relate to the control of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for external manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles in vasculature using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the systems and methods relate to the control of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for external manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles in vasculature using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the systems and methods relate to the control of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow.

Abstract: Nanoparticle clusters are described. In particular nanoparticle clusters formed from two or more individual nanoparticles of different types are described and methods for fabricating such nanoparticle clusters are further described. These nanoparticle clusters are fabricated by surface activating individual ones of the plurality of nanoparticles by desorption of surfactant molecules from the surface of the coated nanoparticles through exposure of the individual ones of the plurality of nanoparticles to an activating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of biocompatible, magnetic nanoparticles for the therapy of glioblastomae in a static magnetic field. The magnetic nanoparticles according to the invention have already been in use in the diagnostics of pathological processes for several years. According to the invention, the biocompatible, magnetic nanoparticles are used for the targeted displacement of migrating cancer cells in an external magnetic field (magneto axis), in order to make said cells accessible as a collective to surgical intervention or hyperthermia.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a drug delivery system which makes it possible to solve the existing technical problems and is easily usable in practice. A drug, which comprises an organic compound or an inorganic compound and has been magnetized by modifying a side chain and/or crosslinking side chains, is induced by a magnetic force into target tissues or an affected part.

Abstract: The present invention provides stem cells loaded with bi-functional magnetic nanoparticles (nanoparticle-loaded stem cells (NLSC)) that both: a) heat in an alternating magnetic field (AMF); and b) provide MRI contrast enhancement for MR-guided hyperthermia. The nanoparticles in the NLSC are non-toxic, and do not alter stem cell proliferation and differentiation, the nanoparticles do however, become heated in an alternating magnetic field, enabling therapeutic applications for cancer treatment. NLSC can deliver hyperthermia to hypoxic areas in tumors for sensitization of those areas to subsequent treatment, thus delivering therapy to the most treatment-resistant tumor regions. The heating of diseased tissue either results in direct cell killing or makes the tumor more susceptible to radio- and/or chemotherapy. The NLSC of the present invention can be used for MR image-guided hyperthermia in oncology, in stem cell research for cell tracking and heating, and for elimination of mis-injected stem cells.

Abstract: A magnetic retraction device is provided that may be used to manipulate organs and tissue. The device includes a magnetic agent, at least one inflatable member configured to contain the magnetic agent, and a magnetic device. The inflatable member can be disposed on an elongate member adapted for delivery into a patient lumen. The inflatable member can be interconnected with one or more additional inflatable members by a sling.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a thermo-chemoembolization formulation and method for enhanced interventional image-guided therapy for cancer. The T-C formulation includes magnetic iron oxide nano-particles (MIONs) that heat when exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), a liquid tumorphilic drug carrier that enhances tumor retention of the T-C formulation, and a chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutic agent. The T-C formulation enhances delivery of heat and chemo- or radio-therapeutic agents with hyperthermia produced by magnetic nanoparticles to improve therapeutic outcomes. The magnetic nanoparticles and tumorphilic drug carrier also allow for multimodal image-guided monitoring of treatment and patient follow-up. The method for enhanced interventional image-guided therapy for cancer includes using an AMF to heat the T-C formulation and activate the thermotherapy.

Abstract: A method and system for affecting a thrombus after ischemic stroke. The method may include injecting a plurality of magnetic particles into a bloodstream and moving or distorting a thrombus formed or lodged in the bloodstream using a magnetic force to manipulate the magnetic particles. The method may include conjugating ferromagnetic particles, paramagnetic particles, or superparamagnetic particles to a thrombus-specific attachment agent such as an anti-fibrin antibody, and injecting the conjugated particles into the bloodstream. Thereafter, the thrombus may be agitated, broken apart, or dissolved using a magnetic field to exert a magnetic force on the conjugated particles. The method may also include injecting a thrombolytic agent into the bloodstream to interact with and further dissolve the thrombus.

Abstract: A composite magnetic nanoparticle drug delivery system provides targeted controlled release chemotherapies for cancerous tumors and inflammatory diseases. The magnetic nanoparticle includes a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, a magnetic nanoparticle, the biological targeting agent human serum albumin, and a therapeutic pharmaceutical composition. The composite nanoparticles are prepared by oil-in-oil emulsion/solvent evaporation and high shear mixing. An externally applied magnetic field draws the magnetic nanoparticles to affected areas. The biological targeting agent draws the nanoparticles into the affected tissues. Polymer degradation provides controlled time release delivery of the pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: A magnetic body may be suitably applied to a drug delivery system using magnetism. Furthermore, a drug delivery control device allows the magnetic body to be suitably applied to drug delivery. The magnetic body includes a magnet and a cover part attached to an edge of the magnet. The cover part is composed of a material with high magnetic permeability, and a ratio of a length to a radius of the cover part is 10:1 to 7:3. The drug delivery control device includes the magnetic body, a head for supporting the magnetic body and a drive mechanism of the head that causes the head to operate along a projected region formed by the affected area with respect to a surface of a tissue. A magnetic field is applied from the magnetic body to the affected area where a magnetic drug is administered.

Abstract: The invention is a nano-entity conjugate for use in an in vivo immunomagnetic hyperthermia system for the detection and treatment of any cell or virus having a target surface receptor which encompasses a technology platform that can be used for both real-time monitoring of any cell or virus having a target surface receptor and as a delivery platform for certain types of treatment that are conducive for in vivo applications. The system allows of cell or virus enumeration; cell or virus capture; and cell or virus removal from the patient's circulatory system in-vivo using immunomagnetic hyperthermia. The application of immunomagnetic hyperthermia may actually diminish and eventually stop the progression of cancer and other blood borne or blood affected diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the improved delivery of cells to a target tissue. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise stem cells, in particular cardiac stem cells, and the target tissue is damaged or diseased cardiac tissue. In several embodiments, the methods, in combination with the compositions, yield enhanced delivery, retention, and/or engraftment of the cells into the target tissue, thereby inducing improved functional recovery.

Abstract: A method for tracking a position of an object includes using a field sensor associated with the object to measure field strengths of magnetic fields generated by two or more field generators, wherein a measurement of at least one of the field strengths is subject to a distortion. Rotation-invariant location coordinates of the object are calculated responsively to the measured field strengths. Corrected location coordinates of the object are determined by applying to the rotation-invariant location coordinates a coordinate correcting function so as to adjust a relative contribution of each of the measured field strengths to the corrected location coordinates responsively to the distortion in the measured field strengths.

Abstract: An implantable biocompatible electrical device is uniformly covered with a coating approximately one-micron thick of ultra-nanocrystalline diamond, hermetically sealing the electrical device. Selected electrodes are either left uncovered during coating or uncovered by conventional patterning techniques, allowing the electrodes to be exposed to living tissue and fluids. The ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating may be doped to create electrically conductive electrodes. These approaches eliminate the need for a hermetically sealed lid or cover to protect electrical circuitry, and thus allow the device to be thinner than otherwise possible. The conformal ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating uniformly covers the device, providing relief from sharp edges and producing a strong, uniformly thick hermetic coating around sharp edges and on high aspect-ratio parts.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for external manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles in vasculature using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the systems and methods relate to the control of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a drug activator carrier comprising: a) particles having a metallic or metallic oxide core prepared from a paramagnetic material, said metallic core being coated with a coating material selected from polymer, metal or metal oxide; b) a biological material, having reductase activity, bound onto the metal coating the particles of step a), and wherein said biological material is capable of activating non-toxic pro-drugs into active and toxic drugs suitable for treating a disease; said drug activator carrier allowing targeted delivery of the toxic drug.

Abstract: Targeting sensors for use in targeting landmarks of orthopaedic devices. The sensors include a non-cylindrical mounting platform such as a printed circuit board and at least two mounted or printed sensor coils to provide a low profile sensor assembly which can be placed in a predetermined position and orientation on or in an orthopaedic device. The platform has a non-circular cross-section having an aspect ratio of greater than about 1.5:1. The non-circular cross-section of the platform enables the sensor to be placed in a known fixed position within the implant. The sensor coils may be partially or fully embedded in the platform.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for external manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles in vasculature using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the systems and methods relate to the control of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow.

Abstract: Provided is an intra-subject medical system which includes a body-insertable device and a physical quantity generator. The body-insertable device is to be introduced into a subject, is covered by a capsule-shaped exterior member, and includes a physical quantity detecting member which has a directivity to detect a predetermined physical quantity; at least one functional member which has a necessary function for examining or treating inside the subject; and a switch control unit which controls an on/off states or operation mode of the at least one functional member when the physical quantity detecting member detects a physical quantity. The physical quantity generator has a physical quantity emitting unit which emits a temporary physical quantity inside the subject; and a physical quantity direction changing unit which changes an emission direction of the physical quantity.

Abstract: Embodiments include applying or generating an alternating magnetic field near an affected area of a subject to be treated. When magnetic nanoparticles are located in the affected area, the magnetic nanoparticles are oscillated by the alternating magnetic field, which causes the magnetic nanoparticles to be dispersed within the affected area, break up the affected area, and/or heat the affected area.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the three dimensional manipulation of cells, and for the formation of an organized engineered cell tissue. Also provided are the organized engineered cell tissues produced by the methods. In one method, a plurality of magnetically labeled cells are mixed with a cross-linkable hydrogel to form a cell-hydrogel mixture, the at least a portion of the plurality of magnetically labeled cells are manipulated with a magnetic field to arrange the magnetically labeled cells into a specific cellular arrangement, and the hydrogel is crosslinked to form the organized engineered cell tissue. The approach presented herein offers a means to circumvent the deficiencies in the field of regenerative medicine, and allows for the production of organized tissues in situ with specific cellular organizations that mimic the native tissue.

Abstract: The invention includes a magnetic nanoparticle molecular delivery vehicle to be used for transfection and delivery of therapeutic molecules across cell membranes and to specific sites in the body, using magnetic forces and ultrasound.

Abstract: Catheters configured to deliver magnets for magnetic compression of target tissue have at least one deflatable or retractable tissue spacer and/or radioactive material on the magnet.

Abstract: Magnetic compression anastomosis can be carried out by placing cooperating magnets, one in the ileal conduit and one in the ureter, to lock together and form the anastomosis. The magnets may be placed to form a side-to-side anastomosis. At least one of the magnets can include radioactive material. Catheters may be used to place the magnets, and the catheters may have at least one deflatable or retractable tissue spacer.

Abstract: The Energy Field and Target Correlation System automatically correlates the characteristics of target particles and a living organism to compute the characteristics of an energy field that is applied to a living organism to activate the target particles which are bound to or consumed or taken up by invasive agents in the living organism to produce detectable effects which can be used to image and treat the invasive agents. The energy field must be crafted to properly control the response and localize the extent of the illumination. The System automatically selects a set of energy field characteristics, including: field type, frequency, field strength, duration, field modulation, repetition frequency, beam size, and focal point. The determined energy field characteristics then are used to activate field generators to generate the desired energy field.

Abstract: An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone, where the ferric element is disposed to face along a treatment vector from the hyoid bone, and the treatment vector is oriented relative to a sagittal plane of a human. The orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device further includes an external orthotic neck device having a contoured housing with a shape disposed to conform about a neck of the human subject, where the housing includes a force delivery element disposed at an exterior-front neck region of the human subject and is disposed to provide an attractive force to the ferric element along the treatment vector. A force sensor is disposed to measure a force exerted on the hyoid bone, a skin contact pressure, tissue compression between the ferric element and the force delivery element.

Abstract: A stent and a magnetoelastic resonant sensor are provided for sensor a physical characteristic in a bodily vessel or cavity. External coils interact with the sensor to induce a resonance that is responsive to the physical characteristic, such that the device may wirelessly measure physical characteristics such as mass loading effects and viscosity changes due to progression of pathology in implanted stents and stent grafts. The sensor may be fashioned from a magnetoelastic material and may be integrated near the inner sidewall of the stent. The sensor may take on a complex patterned shape to enhance the sensitivity and flexibility of the sensor structure. When the sensor is interrogated with a time-varying magnetic field, the sensor will mechanically vibrate and generate a magnetic flux which is maximum at a resonant characteristic determined by the mass load on the sensor and the viscosity of the fluid surrounding the sensor.

Abstract: A system (100) including a catheter mounted magneto sensor (114), such as a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), and methods using the system are disclosed, where the system and method are designed to detect changes in a magnetic field in a body of interest, such as a patient, to detect changes in a magnetic field in a patient, to identify loci in a target body that accumulate magnetic particles or to identify vulnerable plague in a patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a wound using targeted delivery of magnetically-tagged active agents in combination with negative pressure wound therapy are presented. In particular, a magnetically-active wound insert may be used to attract magnetically-tagged stem cells to a wound site to treat the wound.

Abstract: Engraftment of therapeutic cells and agents to a target site in an organism is enhanced by mechanical, chemical and biological methods and systems.

Abstract: A catheter (100) having a catheter body (102) having a proximal end (106) and a distal end (104) and a proximal portion fixedly connected to the proximal end. A magnet (120,220,320) is disposed around the catheter body (112) distally of the proximal portion and may be contained within a hub (208, 308).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medical device including: a positioning catheter to be inserted into a blood vessel in the vicinity of an affected region; a treatment catheter to be inserted to reach the affected region; and attracting means provided at respective predetermined positions of both the catheters to apply a magnetic force in a direction of attracting each other; wherein the magnetic force of the attracting means restricts floating of the treatment catheter.