Abstract: A medical sling for supporting an anatomical feature having ends that are tapered using a folding fixture and then thermoset. The thermoset ends hold the bunched or folded shape thus allowing the ends to be removed from the fixture and placed into a mold assembly where anchors are molded over the ends.

Abstract: A search space used for multicriteria optimization in radiation treatment planning can be expanded using extrapolation. For instance, given an initial set of base plans, one or more virtual plans can be generated by assigning a weight to each base plan such that at least one of the weights is less than zero and/or such that the sum of the weights is not normalized to 1. The dose distribution for the virtual plan is computed as the weighted sum of the dose distributions of the base plans. Virtual plans criteria can be used together with the initial set of base plans to define an expanded search space within which interpolation can be performed to identify an optimal treatment plan.

Abstract: A medical device (20) includes a case (32), having a front surface that is configured to be brought into contact with a body of the living subject (24). A microphone (34) is contained in the case and configured to sense acoustic waves emitted from the body and to output an acoustic signal in response thereto. A proximity sensor (56) is configured to output a proximity signal indicative of contact between the front surface and the body. At least one speaker (49) is configured to output audible sounds. Processing circuitry (50) is coupled to detect, in response to the proximity signal, that the front surface is in contact with the body, and in response to the detected contact, to process the acoustic signal so as to generate an audio output and to convey the audio output to the at least one speaker.

Abstract: A method for treating a female urinary incontinent patient is provided. The method comprises the steps of accessing a urethra or a neck of a urinary bladder through an opening in the vaginal wall of the patient; implanting a hydraulic or mechanical powered restriction device in connection with the urethra or the neck of the urinary bladder, wherein the powered restriction device is configured to decrease a cross-sectional area of the urethra or the neck of urinary bladder in order to stop or decrease the flow of urine through the urethra or the neck of the urinary bladder, implanting an energy source, using a vaginal approach or using a vaginal approach in combination with a skin incision; and connecting the powered restriction device directly or indirectly to the energy source, to power the powered restriction device.

Abstract: Provided are a calibration method, device and storage medium of radiotherapy equipment. The calibration method of the radiotherapy equipment adopts an imaging body disposed within a preset distance range of an isocenter of radiotherapy equipment to perform error calibration on the radiotherapy equipment, and includes: imaging the imaging body through an imaging system to obtain an actual image of the imaging body; determining an image deviation between the actual image and a theoretical image of the imaging body, wherein the theoretical image is determined in advance based on a theoretical position of the imaging system and a spatial position of the imaging body in a rack; and determining a system error of imaging system based on the image deviation. Thus, the imaging system is calibrated without moving a treatment couch. The calibration accuracy of imaging system is not influenced by movement precision of treatment couch. The calibration accuracy is improved.

Abstract: A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic—cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe.

Abstract: A polymeric radiation-source with customized geometries to maximize receipt of radiation into treatment areas that is formed from either radioisotopes molecularly bonded to a polymer or radioisotopes encased within a polymer.

Abstract: A composite scaffold having a highly porous interior with increased surface area and void volume is surrounded by a flexible support structure that substantially maintains its three-dimensional shape under tension and provides mechanical reinforcement during repair or reconstruction of soft tissue while simultaneously facilitating regeneration of functional tissue.

Abstract: A method of in vitro fertilization wherein the embryo is implanted into the uterus of a female patient at least two, and preferably three to twelve months after the eggs are retrieved from the patient in order to reduce the effect of autoimmune rejection of the embryo by the patient's autoimmune system and increase the probability and success of pregnancy and wherein prior to embryo implantation, the endometrium in the uterus is prepared for embryo implantation by introducing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into the uterus. The procedure is combined with cryopreservation techniques to preserve the oocytes or the IVF-produced embryos of the patient.

Abstract: A brachytherapy source delivery device includes a first tissue-piercing leg having proximal and distal ends, a second tissue-piercing leg having proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal ends of the first and second tissue-piercing legs are joined at a span section in a first angular orientation with respect to each other, and a carrier element formed at, or attached to, the span section, the carrier element configured to support a radioactive brachytherapy source. The distal ends of the first and second legs can be curved inward toward each other to pierce a tissue when engaged toward each other into a closed position. The first and second tissue-piercing legs can be formed of a wire having a circular cross-sectional or non-circular cross-sectional shape. The carrier element can be tangentially attached to the span section. Each of the legs have a length that is greater than the length of the span section.

Abstract: A medical device includes a sensor to observe a characteristic of an anatomy, and a sensor base coupled to the sensor. The medical device includes a coupling system to couple the sensor base to the anatomy. The coupling system includes a first adhesive member and a second adhesive member. The first adhesive member is coupled to the sensor base and the second adhesive member is to couple to the anatomy. The first adhesive member includes at least one cut-out to direct moisture to an ambient environment surrounding the medical device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a stenosis in the coronary arteries without the administration of a hyperemic agent.

Abstract: An anchoring system comprises a first anchoring device comprising a first attachment mechanism and a plugging device and a second anchoring device comprising a second attachment mechanism, each of the first anchoring device and the second anchoring device being configured to enter a tissue wall at a proximal side of the tissue wall, the first anchoring device being configured to exit the tissue wall through a first hole on a distal side of the tissue wall, the second anchoring device being configured to exit the tissue wall at a second hole on the distal side of the tissue wall, the first attachment mechanism configured to attach to the second attachment mechanism outside of the distal side of the tissue wall, and the plugging device configured to cover the first hole and fit between at least a portion of the first anchoring device and the distal side of the tissue wall.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring an individual, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. More particularly, one or more physiological functions and/or physical activities of the individual may be monitored. In order to monitor the individual, a range to, and/or a range rate (i.e., velocity) of, one or more points on one or more surfaces of the individual (e.g., skin, clothing, lips, etc.) may be determined over time. Based on the determinations of the range and/or range rate of the points on the surfaces of the individual, the one or more physiological functions and/or physical activities of the individual may be monitored. This may enable the physiological functions and/or physical activities to be monitored remotely from the individual without access or proximity to the individual.

Abstract: An adjustable band or clamp or non-adjustable clamp is placed about the greater curvature of the stomach in a vertical orientation. The band or clamp completely compartmentalizes the stomach between a small vertical pouch and the fundus and body of the stomach. The fundus and body of the stomach are excluded from nutrients and are separated from a long narrow channel where the food travels. A small passage at the level of the antrum allows gastric juices to empty from the fundus and body of the stomach. The clamp may be applied during open surgery in laproscopic surgery or using a single port technique, or through any natural orifice in NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic surgery) or using a hybrid surgical technique.

Abstract: An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis detection system and method thereof and sensing device are provided. The AVF stenosis detection system includes: a sensing device including a microphone; and a server coupled to the sensing device. The sensing device contacts a first location of a patient body, wherein there is a first distance between the first location and a second location of an AVF of the patient body, and the first location is located on an extended path of an artery or a vein corresponding to the AVF. The sensing device receives a frequency spectrum signal through the microphone and transmits the frequency spectrum signal to the server. The server calculates a stenosis percentage of the AVF corresponding to the frequency spectrum signal through a machine learning module and transmits the stenosis percentage to the sensing device.

Abstract: A sterile Intracervical Insemination (ICI) fertility kit, method of sterilization, and method of use for performing self-insemination. Each sterile kit comprises: up to three sets of individually wrapped sterile, disposable, syringes and semen collection jars; printed instructions; and a QR code. The collection jar comprises a snap-on lid, and an inner surface with seamless edges to prevent semen residue. The syringes and jars are sealed in plastic wraps permeable to air and gas, and impermeable to pathogens; and are sterilized via gamma radiation or ethylene oxide. Fresh or frozen, unwashed or washed, semen is deposited into the jar, pulled into the syringe, and administered cervically during a user's maximum monthly level of luteinizing hormone. The syringe distal end is designed to push all semen out of the syringe then plug the end closed, while preventing semen residue from collecting within the syringe. Large circular syringe handles facilitate stable handling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques related to model predictive control. The techniques may involve generating a desired glucose trajectory that approaches a desired steady state setpoint from a current glucose value over a prediction horizon. The techniques may involve generating a plurality of insulin delivery patterns. Each insulin delivery pattern may correspond to an amount of insulin to be delivered over a control horizon. The techniques may involve generating a plurality of predicted glucose trajectories over the control horizon. Each predicted glucose may be generated based on the current glucose value and a respective insulin delivery pattern. The techniques may involve comparing the desired glucose trajectory against each predicted glucose trajectory and selecting a predicted glucose trajectory that is more similar to the desired glucose trajectory than any other predicted glucose trajectory.

Abstract: A device having a biocompatible polymer as a body and regularly spaced radiation seeds and regularly spaced magnetic materials disposed of within the body of the biocompatible polymer, or uniformly distributed liquid radiation and magnetic fluid materials within a polymer slab, hollow thick wall polymer shell, or thin wall polymer balloon, as suitable for surgical placement within a resection cavity for treatment of at-risk tissue in the tumor margin with local hyperthermia in combination with radiation and potentially also with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy that is slowly released from the biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: A wireless earpiece includes a wireless earpiece housing, a processor, and a transceiver configured to produce electromagnetic pulses capable of reaching a brain of a user. A method of stimulating the brain of the user using the wireless earpiece includes receiving a request at the wireless earpiece and generating an electromagnetic pulse in response to the request.