Abstract: In a handheld piezoelectric acupuncture stimulator with a pen-like, substantially electrically insulating exterior casing (1), at one end of which an actuator button (5) is mounted, while the other end is provided with a contact pin (9), which is connected with a first electrode of a piezoelectric converter, which by means of a spring-loaded impact hammer actuated by the actuator button (5) may be mechanically operated for generation of a high voltage electric pain relieving pulse with a low energy content, the piezoelectric converter with associated electrodes and said impact hammer with associated spring system are mounted in a common electrically insulating interior casing (8) designed for form-fit mounting in the exterior casing (1), whereby the electric connection between the second electrode of the piezoelectric converter and a contact ring (7) on the exterior casing comprises a leaf spring contact (10), which projects through the interior casing (8) and extends between said interior casing and the exte

Abstract: A continuous renal replacement therapy device adapted to be worn on a portion of the body of a patient, including: a plurality of contoured dialyzers, which are connected in series and utilize dialysate to remove impurities from the blood of the patient; and a plurality of contoured sorbent device, which are connected in series and are for regenerating the spent dialysate.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for enhanced plasmapheresis comprising a filter membrane under an orbital motion or movement that has optimal local shear forces and maximum plasma flow output. The methods for biological separation and therapies comprise platelet collection, viral particle removal, cell washing and processing for stem cell selection, bone marrow purging, red blood cell collection, auto-transfusion, auto-immune disease treatment, selective macro-molecule removal, toxin removal, LDL removal, extracorporeal plasma delipidation, and the like.

Abstract: A method and device for modulating blood pressure. The method comprises selecting waveforms from a storage area that are representative of body organ function. The selected waveforms are then transmitted to a treatment member, which is in direct contact with the body, and which then broadcasts the waveforms to a blood pressure regulatory points within the body to modulate blood pressure. A control module is provided for transmission to the treatment member. The control module contains the waveforms which are selected and transmitted to the treatment member, and computer storage can be provided for greater storage capacity and manipulation of the waveforms.

Abstract: A defibrillator circuit that delivers high voltage electrical defibrillation pulses and lower energy pacing pulses to a patient. The circuit includes a current regulator which is operative to control the current level applied to the patient. Control circuitry is provided which permits the current regulator to be disabled in the defibrillation mode of operation prior to application of defibrillation pulses. An H-bridge supplies pulses to the patient and the current regulation is provided serially with the H-bridge such that current is regulated regardless of the polarity of pulses applied to the patient.

Abstract: A blood irradiating apparatus is provided including a plurality of irradiating chambers having a base and an openable cover. Each irradiating chamber will include a number of ultraviolet light bulbs configured to provide a wide spectrum of ultraviolet light of differing wavelengths. A number of cuvettes permeable to ultraviolet light will be disposed in the irradiating chamber and configured to permit blood to flow in a turbulent manner sufficient to maximize exposure to ultraviolet light. An adaptable tubing structure will be provided to strategically transport blood through a number of cuvettes for exposure to ultraviolet light during treatment.

Abstract: Segmental edema is treated by inserting a plasma extraction filter device in a major vein of a body segment or servicing the body segment containing the edemic tissues, and inserting a return catheter in a major artery of the body segment affected or feeding the body segment from which plasma is extracted. Blood plasma and plasma proteins extracted from the edemic body segment through the plasma extraction filter fluids are directed to an ultrafiltration apparatus where plasma water is separated from the plasma proteins. Plasma proteins are returned to the body segment from which the plasma was extracted via the return catheter in the major artery of the subject body segment.

Abstract: Programmable, fluid pressure actuated blood processing systems and methods are used in association a blood separation device. The systems and methods employ a cassette, which contains several preformed, pneumatically actuated pump stations, several preformed fluid flow paths, and several preformed, pneumatically actuated valves in the fluid flow paths. The systems and methods also employ a programmable pneumatic actuator to hold the cassette and selectively apply pneumatic force to the valves and pump stations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus particularly involving the separation of blood into blood components and the collection of such components are disclosed. In one aspect, an extra-corporeal method for the collection of plasma and red blood cells is provided, wherein the collection of plasma and red blood cells may occur simultaneously or subsequently utilizing the same dual stage blood processing vessel. The flow of blood to the blood processing vessel and return of uncollected blood components may be provided via a single needle, wherein blood is removed from and returned to a donor/patient during alternating blood removal and blood return submodes. Platelet separation and collection options are also described. In either case, prior to red blood cell collection, a set-up phase may be carried out to set a predetermined hematocrit and AC ratio. Replacement fluid delivery may optionally also be provided either substantially continuously during any collection phase(s) and/or in a bolus mode.

Abstract: This is a neurostimulator that is configured to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders using certain stimulation strategies, particularly changing various pulse parameters, during the imposition of a burst of those pulses. The invention includes the processes embodying those stimulation strategies.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the access to the cardiovascular system of a patient undergoing an extracorporeal treatment of blood in a machine (1) comprising a treatment device (4) and an extracorporeal circuit (2), comprises: a voltage generator (16) for generating a potential difference between a part of the machine (1) and a first point (B) of a venous branch (8) of the extracorporeal circuit (2), connecting the patient to the treatment device (4); a detector (17) for detecting the value (dV) of a quantity that correlates with the electric current along at least one section (10a; 10b; 10c) of the venous branch (10) between the first point (B) and a venous needle (13) fitted at the end of the venous branch (8) and inserted in the vascular system of the patient (P); calculating means (15) for comparing the detected value (dV) with a reference range (I).

Abstract: In order to allow improved adaptation to the situation existing in a patient in the case of a hydrocephalus valve with an electric actuating system comprising a control system opening and closing the hydrocephalus valve, it is proposed that the control system is a time control system.

Abstract: The operational and functional aspects of one or more IMDs is controlled by physiological data acquired from an external device. Various externally deployed devices collect vital signals for transmission to the IMD. Upon receipt of the signals the IMD cooperatively modifies therapy and diagnostic procedures to be substantially compliant with the received signals. Further, the IMD may store some of the signals for future follow-up or patient data management as needed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for method for discriminating heart rhythms includes computing a first predetermined number of RR intervals from received QRS intervals, and computing a median RR interval corresponding to a predetermined number of the first predetermined number of RR intervals. A predetermined beat-to-beat variation and a corresponding predetermined count are determined based on the computed median RR interval. Beat-to-beat variation differences between the first predetermined number of RR intervals are computed and a determination is made as to whether the computed beat-to-beat variation differences are greater than the predetermined beat-to-beat variation, and as to whether a number of the computed beat-to-beat variation differences that are greater than the predetermined beat-to-beat variation is greater than the predetermined count. The heart rhythm is identified as an irregular rhythm in response to the number being greater than or equal to the predetermined count.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrode line (12) for an implantable intravascular electrostimulation device (10), wherein the electrode line (12) is electrically conductively connected with its proximal end (16) to the electrostimulation device (10) and with its distal end (18) to one or more functional elements. It is distinguished in that the electrode line (12) comprises an intrinsically conductive polymer in which the individual polymer chains of the polymer are so oriented that there is a high electrical conductivity in the axial direction of the electrode line (12) but not in the radial direction (electrical anisotropy).

Abstract: A membrane module for hemodiafiltration having a cylinder-shaped housing and a bundle of hollow-fiber membranes capable of supporting fluid flow and arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the housing. The ends of the hollow-fiber membranes are embedded in a fluid-tight manner in first and second sealing compounds joined to the housing inner wall in a fluid-tight manner. The exterior space formed around the hollow-fiber membranes and delimited by the first and second sealing compounds and the housing inner wall is divided along the longitudinal extent of the housing into a dialyzate space and a substituate space by a dividing wall that is made from a substantially dimensionally stable material. The dividing wall encloses each hollow-fiber membrane and is arranged substantially transversely to the hollow-fiber membranes. The dialyzate space and substituate space each have at least one opening for introducing or draining a fluid.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which permits of communication between an deployed implantable medical device (IMD) and a large-scale powerful computer capable of manipulating complex nonlinear modeling of physiologic systems, and also capable of accounting for large amounts of historical data from a particular patient or a cohort group for improved modeling and predictive power, which may be expected to lead to improved patient outcomes. A deployed IMD may be polled by a routing instrument external to the host patient, and data may be received by wireless communication. This data may be transmitted to a central large-scale or other relatively powerful computer for processing according to an appropriate model. A treatment or instruction regimen, as well as appropriate firmware or software upgrades, may then be transmitted to the routing instrument for immediate or eventual loading into the IMD via wireless communication.

Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid, the circuit including in serial fluidic communication an inlet for receiving the body fluid from a patient, a first pump, a first treatment device for processing the body fluid, a second pump, an outlet for returning processed body fluid to the patient; and a shunt. The shunt is upstream from the first pump and downstream from the second pump.

Abstract: An implantable shunt device having a primary catheter and at least two secondary catheters extending from the primary catheter is provided. The primary catheter includes a connecting end, an open end, and an inner lumen extending therebetween. Each of the secondary catheters extend from the connecting end of the primary catheter and include a fluid passageway formed therein in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the primary catheter. Each secondary catheter also includes at least one fluid entry port in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid entry ports are disposed on an inwardly facing portion of each of the secondary catheters. The shunt device can be used for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including for the removal or introduction of fluid to a treatment site.