Abstract: A biostimulator, such as a leadless cardiac pacemaker, having a flexible circuit assembly, is described. The flexible circuit assembly is contained within an electronics compartment between a battery, a housing, and a header assembly of the biostimulator. The flexible circuit assembly includes a flexible substrate that folds into a stacked configuration in which an electrical connector and an electronic component of the flexible circuit assembly are enfolded by the flexible substrate. An aperture is located in a fold region of the flexible substrate to allow a feedthrough pin of the header assembly to pass through the folded structure into electrical contact with the electrical connector. The electronic component can be a processor to control delivery of a pacing impulse through the feedthrough pin to a pacing tip. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A medical device system and method are disclosed for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a pulse generator and a medical electrical lead including multiple electrodes carried by a distal portion of an elongated lead body. The method includes advancing the distal portion within protrusor muscle tissue below the oral cavity and delivering electrical stimulation pulses via the electrodes to sustain a protruded state throughout a delivery time period to sustain a protruded state of a patient's tongue throughout the therapy delivery time period. The therapy delivery time period may span multiple respiration cycles.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to systems and techniques for finite element analysis of alternating electric fields such as tumor treating fields. A system may be configured to receive medical data of the patient, generate segmented medical data by performing segmentation using the medical data of the patient, generate a model for a transducer array configuration and the generated segmented medical data, wherein the transducer array configuration is configured to produce alternating electric fields, and determine one or more metrics of the alternating electric fields for each of the one or more transducer array configurations. The system may further compare the metrics to reference values and/or metrics of another transducer array configuration and/or determine and/or recommend a transducer array configuration based on the metrics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implanting a medical device include an implantable lead comprising a lead body having a distal end and a proximal end. The implantable lead has electrodes positioned at the distal end and has a lead connector positioned at the proximal end. The lead connector includes lead contacts that are communicatively coupled to the electrodes positioned at the distal end. The lead body has a body outer envelope configured to fit within a lumen of an introducer sheath and the lead connector has a connector outer envelope configured to fit within the lumen of the introducer sheath. A pulse generator has a connector cavity. The lead adaptor is configured to interconnect the implantable lead and the pulse generator. The lead adaptor has an insertable connector that includes mating contacts and an adaptor cavity that includes cavity contacts. The cavity contacts are positioned to engage the lead contacts of the lead connector when the lead connector is inserted into the adaptor cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a biofield apparatus. The apparatus includes a first vial and a second vial configured to hold fluid for storing biofield information associated with a subject. The apparatus includes an input plate and an output plate. The input plate and the output plate include an input plate vial well and an output plate vial well, respectively. The apparatus includes a control unit configured to provide a first signal to the input plate for capturing the biofield information from the subject. The control unit encodes and transmits the biofield information captured from the subject, to the fluid within the first vial. Further, the control unit amplifies the biofield information within the first vial based on a target amplification level. The control unit transmits the biofield information from the fluid within the second vial to the subject for enhancing the biofield information and properties of the subject.

Abstract: A low complexity, low powered, non-invasive, and wearable system for detecting pulmonary edema and emphysema by estimating an average dielectric constant includes a radio frequency (RF) sensor array, which is fabricated along a flexible substrate, a data collection unit, a body area network (BAN), and a post-processing unit. The flexibility of the flexible substrate allows the RF sensor array to worn around the chest region. A plurality of ports of the RF sensor array is used to measure a set of transmission coefficients. The data collection unit accumulates and transfers the set of transmission coefficients to the post-processing unit, wherein the BAN is used during the transfer process. At the post-processing unit, the average dielectric constant is estimated. Since the average dielectric constant can be used as a measure of fluids and air within the lungs, pulmonary edema and emphysema may be detected using the average dielectric constant.

Abstract: A wearable device utilizing flexible electronics is disclosed. The wearable device may comprise a flexible matrix material and may include sensors for measuring biometric measurements of an individual, an accelerometer for measuring an acceleration of a body part to which the wearable device is attached, a wireless transmitter, a flexible power source, and a microcontroller. During an activity, the microcontroller may receive signals from the sensors including the biometric measurements, and signals from the accelerometer including acceleration and force measurements associated with the individual. The microcontroller may convert the signals into digital signals and transmit the signals to a computing device for analysis. The computing device may analyze the digital signals to determine a performance metric for the individual. The performance metric may be compared to baseline data for the individual to determine a fatigue level, injury risk, or an adjustment to be made by the individual during the activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extending the life of an implanted pulse generator battery are disclosed. A representative method for establishing charge parameters for a battery-powered implantable medical device includes receiving a patient-specific therapy signal parameter and, based at least in part on the patient-specific therapy signal parameter, determining a discharge rate for a battery of the implanted medical device. The method can further include determining a therapy run time, based at least in part on the discharge rate. The method can still further include determining at least one battery charging parameter, based at least in part on the run time.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that provides an alternative to traditional treatments for sleep apnea. The system allows to apply an electrical stimulus through an electrode to stimulate an afferent nerve fiber while a patient is sleeping. The system also includes activating an endogenous central nervous system (CNS)-regulated reflex response to coordinate upper airway muscles based on the stimulation of the afferent nerve fiber. Based on the endogenous CNS-regulated reflex response, an airway patency in the sleeping patient can be regulated.

Abstract: A method, user device, and system for displaying augmented anatomical features is disclosed. The method includes detecting a target individual having a body. The method also includes tracking the target individual. The method further includes displaying, on a display, a visual representation of the body. The method further includes identifying a plurality of reference markers on the visual representation of the body. The method also includes determining, at a processor, an anatomical profile of the target individual based on the plurality of reference markers. The anatomical profile includes a plurality of anatomical features. The method further includes displaying, on the display, graphical representations of the anatomical features overlaid on the visual representation of the body. The graphical representations of the anatomical features are oriented on the visual representation of the body based on the anatomical profile.

Abstract: A wearable soaking garment. The garment adapted to be worn by a user around their pelvic region. The garment forming a cavity for the placement of water and allowing a user to comfortably soak the pelvic region, similar to a Sitz Bath.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting seizure events are disclosed, including a system for identification of an increased risk of a severe neurological event. The system may include an electroencephalogram (“EEG”) monitoring unit configured to collect EEG data from the patient during at least a postictal phase of one or more seizures and a processing unit configured to receive the EEG data from the EEG monitoring unit. The processing unit is configured to detect postictal EEG suppression from the EEG data and to identify the increased risk of the severe neurological event based on the detected postictal EEG suppression. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) comprising shocking electrodes configured to reduce the defibrillation threshold. The S-ICD may include a canister housing a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses heart rhythms and an electrode and lead assembly. The electrode and lead assembly may comprise a lead, at least one sensing electrode, and at least one shocking electrode. The at least one shocking electrode may extend over a length in the range of 50 to 110 millimeters and a width in the range of 1 to 40 millimeters.

Abstract: Node-based remote operations of additive manufacturing device are disclosed. In an aspect, a system for operating a remote additive manufacturing device is disclosed. Each computing device is a node in a communications path and contains an instance of a command software program configured to receive and send a single set of commands, ensure the integrity of such commands and/or operate communicatively connected additive manufacturing devices.

Abstract: Polarities of voltages on a plurality of electric wires are reversed with an H-bridge circuit applied in accordance with control information or data to be transmitted, information or data transmitted as change of polarities is found on the reception side, and the transmitted power is restored to direct current power through a bridge diode circuit and is used as power supplied to a load. Each load has a unique ID input and storage means, and the present invention is a communication method in which the unique ID is designated to the transmitted information or IDs are designated to groups to control a load. In addition, it is a method for spreading a PWM operation time to minimize noise generated in accordance with PWM driving on the reception side. In a direct current transmission and reception environment, data or a command signal for power demand response is mapped with the polarity of voltage and is transmitted to each customer, and it may be applied to the power demand response technique.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for retrieving an implantable device. An implantable device includes a casing, and a marker coupled to the casing, wherein the marker includes a detectable material encased in a biocompatible material, and wherein the marker facilitates accurately locating and retrieving the implantable device after implantation in a patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway.

Abstract: An implant unit delivery tool is provided. The implant delivery tool may include a body, a holder disposed at a distal end of the body and adapted to hold an implant unit, and an implant activator associated with the body, the implant activator configured to receive power from a power source. The implant activator may be configured to selectively and wirelessly transfer power from the power source to the implant unit during implantation of the implant unit into the body of a subject to cause modulation of at least one nerve in the body of the subject, and determine a degree of nerve modulation response resulting from the selective and wireless transfer of power from the power source to the implant unit claims.

Abstract: Solid-state battery structures and methods of manufacturing solid-state batteries, such as thin-film batteries, are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments relate to solid-state batteries having a current collector tab between multiple electrochemical cells. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

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 method for analyzing a microstructure of a porous body is, for example, a method using porous-body data in which positional information providing a position of a voxel of a porous body obtained by three-dimensional scanning is associated with voxel type information including information that allows determination as to whether the voxel is a spatial voxel representing a space or an object voxel representing an object. This method includes (a) a step of defining an imaginary surface that is in contact with at least one object voxel present on a surface of the porous body, and identifying, as opening-related voxels, spatial voxels that are in contact with the imaginary surface and spatial voxels that continuously lie in a linear direction from the imaginary surface; and (b) a step of analyzing a microstructure of the porous body on a basis of the opening-related voxels.

Abstract: A drug infusion system located at least partially external to the patient having a pump and a patient programmer control configured to present to the patient a question and receive patient input information in response thereto. A patient response rule module is configured to apply a rule to the input information provided by a patient. For example, the patient response rule can be used to provide an insulin pump setting according to the patient response rule or to provide a setting, or to provide a setting that is proposed to the user. Other systems and methods are also described such as asking questions related to the adjustment of future therapy settings.

Abstract: A wound care dressing is provided, including a hydrophobic base fabric, a plurality of electrode pairs, a plurality of hydrogel layers, and a waterproof thin film. The hydrophobic base fabric has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The electrode pairs are arranged in an array and disposed on the first surface of the hydrophobic base fabric. The hydrogel layers are not in contact with one other, and each hydrogel layer covers a top surface and side walls of each electrode in the electrode pairs. After the hydrogel layers are in contact with a wound and absorb tissue fluid from the wound, the hydrogel layers form a restrictive electronic cycling channel with the electrode pairs to establish a plurality of bioelectric fields promoting wound healing on a surface of the wound. The waterproof thin film is disposed on the second surface of the hydrophobic base fabric.

Abstract: Electrical neurostimulation leads for use in craniofacial peripheral nerve neurostimulation (e.g. occipital neurostimulation). Paddle leads, lead wires, lead wire anchors, tools, or other hardware can be designed for implantation in the craniofacial region. This can address problems of electrical neurostimulation in the craniofacial region such as lead migration, hardware breakage, patient discomfort, or other problems.

Abstract: A method of processing model data representing a body section with bilateral symmetry of a biological organism is proposed that comprises the steps of providing object imaging data representing the body section having one or more defect portions; calculating a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis of the body section based on mathematical analysis of the object imaging data; and determining a mirror plane based on the calculated longitudinal and lateral axes. Said mirror plane allows for reconstructing the one or more defect portions by mirroring one or more corresponding portions having no defects at the mirror plane.

Abstract: A method for creating personalized objects having a mechanically functional portion the method comprising at least one step of editing a three-dimensional model (10; 11) using computer program and a step of transforming the model into a physical object using a rapid prototyping machine, wherein during the editing step: a computer program processes a deformation of the original model into a deformed model, a three-dimensional geometrical constraints database, associated with said models, provides a set of constraints on the geometry of said mechanically functional portions, and a computer program computes at least one step of comparison between some geometrical constraints from said database and a model selected between the original model and the deformed model.

Abstract: A combination therapy pad that includes a first layer and a second layer operatively coupled to the first layer. A fiber-optic array is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A third layer is operatively coupled to the first layer. The third layer includes a vacuum tube in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a therapeutic fluid tube in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The third layer provides at least one of vacuum therapy and therapeutic fluid treatment to a wound area.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method generates a patient-specific model of patient response to stimulation on a neural element basis, receives user-input of target neuromodulation sites, and, based on the patient-specific model, determines which stimulation paradigm and settings, including stimulation sites, would result in the target neuromodulation, where the stimulation sites are not necessarily the same as the resulting neuromodulation sites. The system outputs a visual representation of the stimulation sites that would result in the target neuromodulation. The system monitors a system state and/or patient state and dynamically changes which stimulation program to implement based on the state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for locating a mirror line for conducting a mirror analysis of an image by reflecting extracted image content from a portion of the image on one side of the mirror line and overlaying this reflected image content onto the corresponding portion of the image on the opposing side of the mirror line. The extracted image content that is reflected onto the corresponding portion of the image on the opposite side of the mirror line is continuously updated in real-time as the user manipulates the location or orientation of the mirror line.

Abstract: A system for reducing proarrhythmic effects of neural stimulation is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device (IMD) for reducing proarrhythmic effects of neural stimulation. The IMD includes a neural stimulator adapted to deliver an electrical signal through at least one electrode to provide vagal stimulation. The IMD also includes a controller adapted to receive atrial arrhythmia vulnerability data and to control a therapeutic stimulator to limit atrial proarrhythmia using the atrial arrhythmia vulnerability data. The controller is further adapted to receive atrial arrhythmic history data and to control a therapeutic stimulator to limit atrial proarrhythmia using the atrial arrhythmic history data, according to various embodiments. According to one embodiment, the therapeutic stimulator includes the neural stimulator. The therapeutic stimulator includes a cardiac stimulator adapted to provide cardiac rhythm management therapy, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing including a first side and a second side; a chest compression sensor coupled with the second side of the housing; at least one compartment partially formed by one of the first side and the second side of the housing; and at least one removable defibrillator electrode pad contained in the at least one compartment partially formed by one of the first side and the second side of the housing.

Abstract: An electrical plug connector includes an insulated housing, terminals and a fixing base. The insulated housing includes a base member and terminal slots defined through the base member along a longitudinal direction. The terminals are at the insulated housing, and each of the terminals includes a body portion and a tail portion. The connecting segments are at the terminal slots respectively, and the tail portions are respectively extending from the connecting portions and protruded out of a rear side of the base member. The fixing base is at the rear side of the base member, and includes a partition board and barriers. The partition board defines two lateral surfaces corresponding to each other. The barriers are respectively extending from the lateral surfaces, and through grooves are defined between the barriers. Each of the barriers is covered to two sides of the corresponding soldering portion.

Abstract: Biophysicoclinical process and device to implement it. It initiates the emergence of a clinical approach to pathologies understood and treated within their somatopsychic global nature. The fundamental basis of the process consists in producing and overlaying in a volume of exposure—containing part or whole of a living subject, animal or human being—a magnetic field and one or several very high frequency electromagnetic fields, the latter being essentially angle modulated. The biological effects thus produced are many and varied; they can be observed, in particular, in the stimulation of certain defence systems of the body, such as the intensification and reinforcement of the immune defences.

Abstract: A method for determining whether the relative position of electrodes used by a neurostimulation system has changed within a patient comprises determining the amplitude of a field potential at each of at least one of the electrodes, determining if a change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes has occurred, and analyzing the change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes to determine whether a change in the relative position of the electrodes has occurred. Another method comprises measuring a first monopolar impedance between a first electrode and a reference electrode, measuring a second monopolar impedance between second electrode and the reference electrode, measuring a bipolar impedance between the first and second electrodes, and estimating an amplitude of a field potential at the second electrode based on the first and second monopolar impedances and the bipolar impedance.

Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.

Abstract: A combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one or more capacitors are used to tune the single coil to different frequencies, wherein the coil is used for multiple purposes, e.g., for receiving power from an external source and also for the telemetry of information to and from an external source.

Abstract: Testing integrity of electrical connections between cardiac resuscitation devices and electrodes connected thereto while the electrodes remain stored within a sealed package. Each electrode comprises a skin-contacting gel layer, a current-spreading layer, and an adhesive layer for adhering the electrode to the patient. An electrical lead for delivering a therapy pulse extends from the current-spreading layer of each electrode to the exterior of the package. A jumper element located within the package and connected to the current-spreading layer of each electrode provides a self-test electrical connection between the first and second electrical leads while the electrodes are adhered to a substrate within the package to permit testing the integrity of the electrical connection between the electrodes and cardiac resuscitation device prior to use of the electrodes. The jumper is configured so that the self-test electrical connection is broken when the user removes the electrodes from the substrate.

Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient having a disorder using an electrode located adjacent a peripheral target neural region. The method comprises conveying electrical stimulation energy from the electrode that stimulates a first set of nerve endings in the peripheral target neural region. The method further comprises increasing an activation threshold of a second set of nerve endings in the peripheral target neural region, thereby rendering the second set of nerve endings less excitable to the electrical stimulation energy. The first set of nerve endings are relatively far from the electrode and the second set of nerve endings are relatively near the electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an apparatus to be implanted in eyes, including: a configuration memory used for storing signal parameter configuration; a signal generator connected to the configuration memory and used for generating stimulating signals according to the signal parameter configuration in the configuration memory; electrodes connected to the signal generator and contact with outer surface of eye ball after implanted; a communication assembly connected to the configuration memory and used for receiving the signal parameter configuration, storing the received signal parameter configuration in the configuration memory; and a power supply connected to the configuration memory, signal generator and communication assembly, used for providing power. An update system for the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: A biomedical conductor assembly adapted for at least partial insertion in a living body. The conductor assembly includes a plurality of the first electrical conductors each covered with an insulator and helically wound in a first direction to form an inner coil with a lumen. A plurality of second electrical conductors each including a plurality of un-insulated wires twisted in a ropelike configuration around a central axis to form a plurality of cables. Each cable is covered with an insulator and helically wound in a second opposite direction forming an outer coil in direct physical contact with the inner coil. The inner and outer coils are covered by an insulator. A method of making the conductor assembly and implanting a neurostimulation system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats cardiovascular disease through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints EX-HN1, BL14, HT7, HT5, PC6, ST36, LI11, LU7 and LU2. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4 is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: Assessment of neuron excitation is implemented by quantifying the interaction between focused and unfocused stimulation applied to a cochlear array. By applying focused and unfocused stimulation to the electrode array and comparing the difference in the responses to the two types of stimulation the interaction may be determined. The magnitude of the interaction may be related to neural excitation and using this data a neural excitation profile may be determined.

Abstract: An electrode structure for use with a monitoring system. A thin flexible body of an electrode material comprising conductive rubber is provided with projections extending externally to a working surface. According to this construction of the working surface of the electrode only the projections make a contact to the recipient's skin. When the projections are provided with a small cross-section, the constant electrode-skin contact is ensured due to the resiliency of the electrode material.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and methods for assessing the state of the neuromuscular pathway to ensure further nerve tests aimed at detecting at least one of a breach in a pedicle wall, nerve proximity, nerve direction, and nerve pathology, are not conducted when neuromuscular blockade levels may decrease the reliability of the results.

Abstract: An electronic system activatable by electrical power is described. The system is useful for influencing cellular functions or malfunctions in a warm-blooded mammalian subject. The system includes one or more controllable low energy HF (High Frequency) carrier signal generator circuits, one or more data processors for receiving control information, one or more amplitude modulation control generators and one or more amplitude modulation frequency control generators. The amplitude modulation frequency control generators are adapted to accurately control the frequency of the amplitude modulations to within an accuracy of at least 1000 ppm, most preferably to within about 1 ppm, relative to one or more determined or predetermined reference amplitude modulation frequencies.

Abstract: A TENS apparatus includes a portable TENS device having a housing with a lower surface, a pair of integral electrodes that are incorporated in the lower surface of the housing, and a pulse driver that is located within the housing and adapted to generate a program of pulse waveforms, each of which is an asymmetrical biphasic square waveform.

Abstract: A method of operating a cardiac therapy system to deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing that includes pacing both ventricles or pacing only the left ventricle is described. Delivery of the CRT pacing to one or both ventricles is scheduled for a cardiac cycle. If an intrinsic depolarization of a ventricle is detected during a pacing delay of the ventricle, then the scheduled CRT pacing to the ventricle is inhibited for the cycle. The intrinsic interval of the ventricle, such as the intrinsic atrioventricular interval concluded by the intrinsic depolarization, is measured. During a subsequent cardiac cycle, the pacing delay of the ventricle is decreased to be less than or equal to the measured intrinsic interval. Capture of the ventricle is verified after pacing is delivered during the subsequent cardiac cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes one or more electrodes, configured to be applied to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a greater palatine nerve, a lesser palatine nerve, a sphenopalatine nerve, a communicating branch between a maxillary nerve and an SPG, an otic ganglion, an afferent fiber going into the otic ganglion, an efferent fiber going out of the otic ganglion, an infraorbital nerve, a vidian nerve, a greater superficial petrosal nerve, or a lesser deep petrosal nerve; and a control unit, configured to drive the electrodes to apply electrical stimulation to the site, and configure the stimulation to excite nervous tissue of the site at a strength sufficient to induce at least one neuroprotective occurrence selected from the group consisting of: an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF), and a release of one or more neuroprotective substances, and insufficient to induce a significant increase in permeability of a blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for pulsed electric field neuromodulation via an intra-to-extravascular approach, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the ITEV PEF system comprises an intravascular catheter having one or more electrodes configured for intra-to-extravascular placement across a wall of patient's vessel into proximity with target neural fibers. With the electrode(s) passing from an intravascular position to an extravascular position prior to delivery of the PEF, a magnitude of applied voltage or energy delivered via the electrode(s) and necessary to achieve desired neuromodulation may be reduced relative to an intravascular PEF system having one or more electrodes positioned solely intravascularly.