Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting a visual prosthesis electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. By recording electrically evoked responses to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording an electrically evoked response to the input stimulus. By gradually increasing stimulus levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, and a tissue sample holder. The needle extends distally from the body. The cutter is longitudinally translatable relative to the needle and defines a cutter lumen. The tissue sample holder includes a rotatable member, an individual sample tray, and one or more bulk sample trays. The rotatable member defines a single chamber partially divided by a plurality of tray protrusions extending radially inwardly from a cylindrical wall of the rotatable member. The individual sample tray includes a single sample chamber that is configured to receive a single tissue sample. The bulk sample tray is configured to receive a plurality of tissue samples.

Abstract: A device for sealing a fistula includes a first flange for orienting against a first wall of the fistula, a second flange for orienting against a second wall of the fistula, and at least one stem coupling the first and second flanges. Illustratively, the at least one stem is elastomeric. The stem(s) exhibit(s) an elongation of greater than about 0.6 mm/N of force applied between the first and second flanges in the range of elongation of about 0 mm to about 15 mm. Additionally or alternatively illustratively, the stem(s) comprise(s) (an) elastomeric tube(s) including (a) wall section(s) having a varying radius along its (their) length(s). Additionally or alternatively illustratively, the stem(s) pass(es) through (respective) opening(s) provided in at least one of the first and second flanges to permit adjustment of the location of at least one of the first and second flanges along the length of the stem(s).

Abstract: A fluid displacement and pressurizing device having a housing and a carrier member. A plunger extends through the carrier member, and plunger engaging structure is retained by the carrier member. The plunger engaging structure is selectively engageable with, and disengageable from, the plunger. The housing and carrier member are configured such that the carrier member is transversely installable in the housing. Preferably, both the carrier member and the plunger engaging structure form a sub-assembly, and the sub-assembly is transversely installable in the housing after having been assembled. By providing that the carrier member is transversely installable as a sub-assembly which includes the plunger engaging structure, the device is easy to assemble, and lends itself well to an automated assembly process. Integral handle and gripping features make control and operation of the devices easier, and allows for torsional operating loads to be resolved without reaching the device body.

Abstract: Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other vessel processing stations or devices and a vessel holder comprising a vessel port are provided. An opening of the vessel can be seated on the vessel port. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by the first and second processing stations or devices. Vessel barrier and lubricity coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A vessel processing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for processing of platinum metallized high temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) components with minimum deleterious reaction between platinum and the glass constituents of the ceramic-glass body. The process comprises co-firing a multilayer laminate green ceramic-glass body with via structures filled with a platinum powder-based material in a reducing atmosphere with a specified level of oxygen partial pressure. The oxygen partial pressure should be maintained above a minimum threshold value for a given temperature level.

Abstract: An electrode surface coating and method for manufacturing the electrode surface coating comprising a conductive substrate; a surface coating of platinum having a rough configuration and an increase in the surface area of 5 times to 500 times of the corresponding surface area resulting from the basic geometric shape of the electrode. A method for electroplating an electrode surface with platinum coating having a rough surface, comprising electroplating the surface of a conductive substrate at a rate such that the metal particles form on the conductive substrate faster than necessary to form shiny platinum and slower than necessary to form platinum black.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma modifying a workpiece such as a syringe barrel, cartridge barrel, vial, or blood tube is described. Plasma is provided within the lumen of the workpiece. The plasma is provided under conditions effective for plasma modification of a surface of the workpiece. A magnetic field is provided in at least a portion of the lumen. The magnetic field has an orientation and field strength effective to improve the uniformity of plasma modification of the interior surface of the generally cylindrical wall. A vessel made according to the process or using the apparatus described above. A pharmaceutical package comprising the syringe barrel or vial containing a pharmaceutical preparation, secured with a closure.

Abstract: A boot assembly apparatus, system and method for elevating the patient's limb when using a manual distractor unit is mounted upon a support frame attached to an operating table side rail. A foot strap is attached to the boot assembly apparatus and to the patient's ankle with a patient's knee support pad, extending from the distractor unit, is positioned under the patient's knee to provide traction to the patient's ankle, which is secured to the support frame. The boot assembly apparatus may be formed with a plurality of attachment points for the foot strap so as to provide improved access to the ankle area with advantages of allowing additional types of procedures a surgeon could perform on the patient and/or the ability of the surgeon to access the ankle area and lower leg.

Abstract: A modular surgical patient positioner unit apparatus, system and method for adjustably positioning human joints such as knees for surgical operating procedures having a base plate to support moveably a transformable carriage that can be releasably locked in position and which adjustably supports a boot or other limb holder which can be releasably locked in position by the carriage. The base plate also is configured with a side bar located at a mid-portion of the base plate to secure to an arc clamp configured to secure the positioning system to a side rail of an operating table in a medical procedure on the left or right side of the body. An extension unit also is provided and configured to secure to a lower surface of the base plate to extend the base plate of the system, as needed, for larger limbs of patients, which extension unit is configured with a stud and post locking portions for securing to the base plate and for positioning in a medical procedure on either side of the body.

Abstract: An elevation apparatus, system and method for elevating the patient's limb when using a manual distractor unit is mounted upon a support frame attached to an operating table side rail. A foot strap is attached to the extension apparatus and to the patient's ankle with a patient's knee support pad, extending from the distractor unit, is positioned under the patient's knee to provide traction to the patient's ankle, which is secured to the support frame. The extension apparatus may be formed with a plurality of attachment points for the foot strap so as to provide improved access to the ankle area with advantages of allowing additional types of procedures a surgeon may perform on the patient and/or the ability of the surgeon to access the ankle area and lower leg.

Abstract: A medical device localization assembly includes an exterior frame, at least one lateral bar, a plurality of locating members and a targeting guide. The exterior frame includes a distal face configured to compress against tissue. The at least one lateral bar extends within the exterior frame and at least one open recess is formed between the lateral bar and the exterior frame. The plurality of locating members are positioned along an inner side of the exterior frame and the at least one lateral bar. The plurality of locating members extend into the at least one open recess and the at least one open recess is configured to removably receive the targeting guide at the proximal face. The plurality of locating members are sized and shaped to removably hold the guide cube such that the plurality of locating members are configured to correspond to the shape of the targeting guide.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode array adapted to electrically communicate with organic tissue including the following steps: a) providing a flexible polymer base layer; b) curing the base layer; c) depositing a metal layer on base layer; d) patterning the metal layer and forming metal traces on the base layer; e) roughening the surface of the base layer; f) chemically reverting the cure of the surface of the base layer; g) depositing a flexible polymer top layer on the surface of the base layer and the metal traces; h) curing the top layer and the surface of the base layer forming one single flexible polymer layer; and i) creating openings through the single layer to the metal trace layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure may be embodied as a pillow speaker system. The pillow speaker system includes a nurse call patient station and a patient interface device (PID). The PID is in electronic communication with the nurse call patient station, and includes a wired communication link connected to the nurse call patient station and an energy storage device for providing backup power to the PID. The energy storage device is galvanically isolated from the wired communication link. The PID is configured to receive audio signals from the nurse call patient station by way of the wired communication link. The PID may also include a power port for receiving electrical power from an external source. The power port is galvanically isolated from the wired communication link.

Abstract: A marker delivery device includes a cannula with a first end, a second end, a marker exit near the second end, a handle into which the cannula extends or to which the cannula is attached, the cannula being capable of receiving a plunger and rod that are operable to deploy a marker from the marker exit, the marker delivery device further including a tapered adaptor portion attached to or surrounding the cannula and abutting the handle. The tapered adaptor portion is configured to engage a plurality of different sleeves for differing biopsy devices. Various aspects offer improved ease of removal from commercially available biopsy devices due to its “pinch release” feature. Various aspects of the device allow use with multiple commercially available biopsy devices so as to ensure proper positioning of the devices for marker deployment.

Abstract: A sterile cover assembly is for a biopsy device. The biopsy device includes a reusable holster including a housing and driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is for driving a cutter in a needle of a probe. The housing is adapted to releasably couple to the probe. The sterile cover assembly includes a sleeve and a flexible sterile cover. The sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of the housing of the reusable holster. The sterile cover is coupled to the sleeve and is configured to cover the housing of the holster.