Abstract: A catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a tubular member, and an inner member extending through the tubular member. The inner member is movable axially relative to the tubular member. The catheter also includes a seal member including a first portion and a second portion. The seal member extends between the tubular member and the inner member. The first portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the tubular member, and the second portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the inner member during relative axial movement between the tubular member and the inner member.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a sensor coupled to a sternal closure wire. The sternal closure wire holds two sternum portions of a patient adjacent to one another and the first sensor senses a biological signal of the patient. An embodiment includes a current source coupled to a sternal closure wire. The sternal closure wire holds two sternum portions of a patient adjacent to one another, and the current source delivers an electrical current to the patient via the sternal closure wire. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting device and method thereof for incising tissue are disclosed. The electrosurgical cutting device includes an asymmetrical cutting element that is affixed to a distal end of a torque cable. The cutting element is disposed within an end cap and is axially movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Rotation of the torque cable during a procedure allows the cutting element to rotationally align with and hook the target tissue onto the cutting element. An elongate member of the cutting element selectively lifts the target tissue away from surrounding tissue and structures. Having lifted the tissue away the surrounding tissue and structures, incision can occur.

Abstract: An ICG/ECG electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein at least one of the first or second electrode senses both an ICG signal and an ECG voltage signal. A physiologic parameter monitoring apparatus includes a set of electrodes, including an electrode for sensing both an ICG voltage signal and an ECG voltage signal corresponding to a patient. The apparatus further includes an ICG monitor for processing the ICG voltage signal sensed by the electrode and an ECG monitor for processing the ECG voltage signal sensed by the same electrode.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement is described for sensing electrical activity in target tissue. An inner electrode has an elongate electrode body formed as a cylindrical section with an inner penetrating end for insertion into the stapedius muscle target tissue. An outer electrode fits over the inner electrode and an outer penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. The two electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating ends of the electrodes penetrate in the same direction into the target tissue to sense electrical activity in the target tissue.

Abstract: An electrode patch (40, 40?) enables securing five electrodes (E?, A?, S?, I?, N?) or six electrodes (V1?, V6?, LA?, RA?, LL?, RL?) in a predefined pattern. The electrode patch is configured for disposal as a unit on a subject (SUBJ) in a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner (8), and has a maximum electrodes separation (dmax) of at least 20 centimeters and not more than 50 centimeters. The predefined pattern enables 12-lead electrocardiographic signals to be synthesized from signals acquired by the five or six electrodes in the predefined pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for the treatment of tissue with microwave energy. The devices and methods disclosed herein utilize an antenna assembly which includes an elongate member, an outer conductor, an inner conductor, at least a portion of which is deployable, and a cooling system. The cooling system disclosed herein may significantly curtail any theoretical, or potential negative effects upon the target tissue experienced during the transmission of microwave energy to the antenna assembly due to ohmic heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a real-time electrocardiogram monitoring system and method, a patch-type electrocardiograph and a telecommunication apparatus.

Abstract: A thin-film microelectrode array tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation and method are provided. The microelectrode array includes a flexible element that is movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration. An array of contacts is provided on the flexible element. The contacts are engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration. A link operatively connects the array of contacts to a control module. The link is capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon.

Abstract: Cardiac catheters, including a lasso catheter, are provided for use in a system for electrical mapping of the heart has an array of raised, perforated electrodes, which are in fluid communication with an irrigating lumen. There are position sensors on a distal loop section and on a proximal base section of the catheter. The electrodes are sensing electrodes that may be adapted for pacing or ablation. The raised electrodes securely contact cardiac tissue, forming electrical connections having little resistance.

Abstract: A RF ablation device includes a probe assembly that has an elongate cannula having a lumen disposed interiorly of an external wall of the cannula. The elongate cannula includes a plurality of slots formed within the external wall that provide access to the lumen. The probe assembly includes an electrode member that is slidably disposed within the elongate cannula, the electrode member including a plurality of tines configured for passage through the plurality of slots. The slots are disposed in a staggered arrangement or pattern about the external wall of the cannula. The staggered arrangement of slots may be used in a monopolar or bipolar arrangement of the electrodes on the cannula. A bipolar arrangement of electrodes using the staggered configuration produces larger ablation areas in a shorter period of time as compared to prior designs.

Abstract: A sensor mounting system includes a rigid main body portion defining a housing within which is mounted a compression element. In use, the compression element provides a predetermined biasing force to force a sensor against the skin of a subject. A secondary support structure provides an adjustable biasing force to retain the main body portion against the subject. Alternatively, the main body portion may be mounted to a rigid pod with one or more secondary compression elements, with the pod itself retained against the subject. An interface layer extending from the main body portion provides a cushion to improve the comfort of the subject. The interface layer and sensor interface elements may be in the form of fingers to increase contact of the sensor with a selected portion of the subject.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a biocompatible stiffness enhanced pliable electrically conductive filament configured for contact with living tissue and electrical communication with such tissue. The pliability of the filament allows the distal end of the filament to remain at the original site of penetration into the tissue despite the movement of the tissue relative to its surrounding environment. To temporarily stiffen the filament, a soluble stiffness enhancing coating is disposed over the filament. The coating may be in the form of a liquid which dries to a solid state after being applied to the filament and renders the filament sufficiently rigid such that under appropriate force, the filament is capable of penetrating into dense tissue. Once in place the stiffness enhancing coating dissolves due to contact with body fluids, the filament, in the absence of such coating, returns to its initial pliability.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating varicose veins includes a catheter (20) where the distal end is placed within a varicose vein and the proximal portion remains outside the body of the subject. A heating element (22) heats the vein. A cooling element (62) can be applied to an external surface of the skin above the vicinity of the heating element. A control unit (26) can drive the heating element to apply heat to the vein simultaneously. Alternatively, the control unit can apply a current to the heating element to resistively heat a resistive element. A method for treating a varicose vein includes inserting the elongated heating element into the vein, and driving the heating element to apply heat to the segment of vein simultaneously from the entire active heating portion.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods and systems for monitoring bioelectric potentials. In some instances, an electrode is applied to a patient's skin. The electrode may be at least partly inserted into the patient's skin, such as by inserting at least part of one or more teeth underneath the skin.

Abstract: An embodiment of an open-irrigated catheter system comprises a tip section, a distal insert, and mapping electrodes. The tip section has an exterior wall that defines an open interior region within the tip section. The exterior wall includes mapping electrode openings and irrigation ports. The exterior wall is conductive for delivering radio frequency (RF) energy for an RF ablation procedure. The irrigation ports are in fluid communication with the open interior region to allow fluid to flow from the open interior region through the irrigation ports. The distal insert is positioned within the tip section to separate the open region into a distal fluid reservoir and a proximal fluid reservoir. The mapping electrodes are positioned in the mapping electrode openings in the tip section.

Abstract: A biosensor is described which can obtain physiological data from an individual. The biosensor may collect electrodermal activity, skin temperature, and other information. The biosensor may be attached to the body through the use of a garment which may be fastened in multiple locations on the human body. The biosensor includes compensation for electrodermal activity measurements based on the amount of pressure applied to the electrodes that are in contact with the skin. As pressure is increased the electrodermal activity values typically increase. By compensating for the influence that pressure changes have on electrodermal activity, more accurate analysis of physiology and therefore mental state analysis may be performed.

Abstract: A thin-film microelectrode array tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation and method are provided. The microelectrode array includes a flexible element that is movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration. An array of contacts is provided on the flexible element. The contacts are engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration. A link operatively connects the array of contacts to a control module. The link is capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon.

Abstract: A neural probe includes at least one shaft, at least one first electrode disposed on a first side of the at least one shaft, and at least one second electrode disposed on a second side of the at least one shaft. The at least one second electrode is separately addressable from the at least first electrode.

Abstract: A medical electrode includes a moderately conductive flexible member having a top side and a bottom side with a plurality of highly conductive patterns disposed on the conductive flexible member bottom side in a spaced apart relationship. A moderately highly conductive layer disposed on the conductive flexible member bottom side and covering the conductive patterns, for adhering the electrode to a patient's skin. A connector is provided for establishing electrical contact with an external apparatus. The connector includes a leadwire having conductive portions in electrical communication with the conductive patterns and non-conductive portions between the conductive patterns. Control over conductivity between the leadwire conductive portion and the conductive pattern is provided.