Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of fecal incontinence comprises at least one electrode placed in contact with a pelvic muscle of a patient and a control unit that is coupled to the electrode. The at least one electrode comprises a flexible intra-muscular electrode that conducts electromyographic (EMG) signals from the muscle. The control unit comprises a processor that analyzes the EMG signals conducted through the at least one electrode, determines whether the EMG signals are indicative of fecal incontinence and, responsive to the signal being indicative of fecal incontinence, applies an electrical waveform to the muscle through the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A system includes an implantable battery, an implantable medical device powered by the battery, a first resistance, a second resistance, a first memory register and a second memory register. The implantable medical device has first and second current drain states. The first resistance is connected to the battery through a first current path when the device is in the first current drain state, wherein current is prevented from flowing through the first current path when the device is in the second current drain state. The second resistance is connected to the battery through a second current path when the device is in the second current drain state, wherein current is prevented from flowing through the second current path when the device is in the first current drain state. The first memory register is configured to store a cumulative first current drain state count indicative of total charge drawn from the battery when the device is in the first current drain state.

Abstract: Described are methods of treating urinary incontinence using a urinary sling and a tissue path that passes through the obturator foramen, along with related surgical implants, devices, systems, and kits.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical system for positioning an implant in a patient. The surgical system includes an insertion needle and a connector. The insertion needle has a distal end with a channel formed therein. The channel has a first end and a second end. The first end extends to the distal end. The second is laterally offset from the first end and does not extend to the distal end. The connector has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the implant that is to be positioned in the patient. The second end has a recess formed therein. The recess generally conforms to the distal end of the insertion needle. The connector has an inwardly directed extension that extends into the recess. The inwardly directed extension engages the insertion needle through the channel.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.

Abstract: An ice-skimming device for removing ice particles from an ice-fishing hole. The ice-skimming device includes a housing for capturing the ice particles floating in an ice-fishing hole. The present invention also has a handle for carrying and operating the present invention. A filtering assembly is pivotally coupled to the inner surface of the housing for filtering out the ice particles from the water. The filtering assembly is selectively abuttable against a lip portion extending away from the inner surface for supporting the filtering assembly.

Abstract: A rotating tubular projectile for increasing the stability of the projectile and the accuracy of the firearm. The rotating tubular projectile includes a cylindrical body having an open first end. The cylindrical body has an axial passageway that extends through the open first end. Additionally, a spiraled airfoil is mounted in the axial passageway of the cylindrical body for impinging a flow of air flowing through the axial passageway. In one embodiment of the present invention the spiraled airfoil rotates the cylindrical body with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body as it travels through the barrel and away from the firearm.