Abstract: Magneto-electric nanoparticles in a subject interact with an external magnetic field to cause stimulation of neural networks in the subject. Electric signals in the neural network are coupled to magnetic dipoles induced in the nanoparticles to cause changes in electric pulse sequences of the subject's brain.

Abstract: Methods of treating a brain malfunction include obtaining a subject diagnosed with a brain malfunction and reducing EEG frequency of brainwaves in the subject by applying at least one EEG-slowing stimulus to the subject, whereby production of beta amyloid protein in the brain of the subject is reduced and progression of the brain malfunction is halted or slowed.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an adjustment to a gastric band, and more specifically to determining an adjustment to a gastric band based on satiety state data and weight loss data. The gastric band information system can determine an adjustment of the gastric band using a gastric band adjustment algorithm. The gastric band information system can wirelessly transmit the adjustment to the gastric band. The gastric band information system can receive gastric band data, weight data, glucose data, and/or blood pressure data and display a gastric band chart, a weight chart, and/or a blood pressure chart. The gastric band information system can also receive gastric band implantation data, patient data, and/or any other medical data. The various data can be received from a computer or medical devices in a wired or wireless manner.

Abstract: A patient enclosure, comprised of at least two spaced-apart side walls, a top wall, and a front wall, the side walls, the top wall, and the front wall defining a predetermined area surrounding a location where a patient is positionable. At least one of the walls has a panel of electrochromic glass that is switchable between a clear state, an opaque state and a reflective (mirrored) state. UV radiators are provided within the area of the enclosure. An air circulation system is provided for circulating air through the area defined by the enclosure. A controller controls the UV radiators and the air circulation system. The controller is programmed to create one of a higher pressure or a lower pressure within the area as compared to the environment surrounding the enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for computer-aided, robotic delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) using biologically derived feedback to establish coil position relative to brain functional regions. The apparatus includes a TMS coil mounted to a robotic member. The position of the stimulating coil can be automatically optimized using the TMS-induced bio-responses of various types.

Abstract: Analysis of the production of 11C fragments mainly by projectile fragmentation of a stable monodirectional and monoenergetic primary 12C beam in different decelerating materials are presented and the optimal target choice have been identified to obtain the highest possible beam quality of decelerated 11C beam at arbitrary energies and therapeutic ranges. The optimal 11C-generating target is made of hydrogen preferably followed by a digitally variable decelerator of a hydrogen rich compound, such as polyethylene, to maximize the quality of the 11C beam.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for reducing and controlling stuttering. The method involves tactile feedback of the stutterer's own speech to reducing stuttering. In one embodiment, the device may detect speech by audible or mechanical means, and the feedback may be produced by vibration mechanisms.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for reducing the volume of the ventricles of the heart. In one embodiment, a method for reducing the ventricular volume of a heart chamber is provided including the steps of inserting an anchoring mechanism onto dysfunctional cardiac tissue, deploying one or more anchors into the dysfunctional cardiac tissue, raising the dysfunctional cardiac tissue using the anchors, and securing the anchors to hold the dysfunctional cardiac tissue in place. Further, a device for reducing the volume of the ventricles of a heart chamber is provided where the device has one or more clips for placement on dysfunctional cardiac tissue of a heart, one or more anchors for deployment and securement into the dysfunctional cardiac tissue, and a lifting mechanism for raising the one or more anchors and the dysfunctional cardiac tissue.

Abstract: An implantable hearing prosthesis for a recipient patient is described. An implantable signal transducer includes one or more electromagnetic drive coils for receiving an electrical stimulation signal and a cylindrical transducer magnet arrangement including an inner disk magnet having a first magnetic field direction, and an outer annular magnet surrounding the inner rod magnet and having a second magnetic field direction opposite to the first magnetic field direction. Current flow through the one or more electromagnetic drive coils from the electrical stimulation signal creates a coil magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic fields of the transducer magnet arrangement to create vibration in the transducer magnet which is developed by the signal transducer as a mechanical stimulation signal for audio perception by the patient.

Abstract: A flared vaginal stent having a body portion and an outwardly flared head portion as well as a method of use thereof is presented. The head portion is comprised of an outwardly flared tip, optionally containing a groove to accommodate the cervix, to flatten out the proximal vagina. Anterior surface of the head portion is flat while opposing posterior surface of the head portion is curved. The stent mimics the shape of the human vagina and displays the front and back surfaces of the vagina to facilitate placement and attachment of a graft to the full length of the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina. The flat surface allows suture placement for on the full length of the vagina for attachment of the graft anteriorly. The curved posterior surface highlights the posterior surface of the vagina to aid suture placement on the posterior (underside) of the vagina.

Abstract: Among other things, uterine lavage is performed to withdraw at least 50% of in vivo fertilized preimplantation embryos produced after superovulation of a woman and artificial insemination using sperm of her sexual partner. After genetic diagnosis or sex determination or gene therapy, or any combination of any two or more of them, of the recovered embryos and selection of at least one of the embryos to be implanted, the selected embryos are returned to the woman for implantation in her uterus.

Abstract: Among other things, uterine lavage is performed to withdraw at least 50% of in vivo fertilized preimplantation embryos produced after superovulation of a woman and artificial insemination using sperm of her sexual partner. After genetic diagnosis or sex determination or gene therapy, or any combination of any two or more of them, of the recovered embryos and selection of at least one of the embryos to be implanted, the selected embryos are returned to the woman for implantation in her uterus.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-lumen brachytherapy device includes a plurality of loose lumens extend through a hub towards a single point of attachment at a distal rigid section. Because the lumens are attached at only a single distal location, the lumens are free to move axially and rotatably, thereby increasing the overall flexibility of the device to thereby decrease intermittent device movement while increasing patient comfort. A novel keyed stylet can be selectively inserted to increase the rigidity of the device as needed. The ability to dynamically modify the rigidity of the brachytherapy device provides a comprehensive brachytherapy solution that satisfies concerns of the patient, the surgeon and the radiologists.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic induction system and an operating method for it in which the magnetic force can be made to act deeply and widely in any desired direction. The magnetic induction system of the invention contains multiple magnetic field generation means formed of a superconductive bulk magnet, a drive means for arranging the magnetic field generation means at a desired site and angle, and a drive control means for driving the driving means and controlling the position and the angle of the multiple magnetic field generation means so that a magnetic complex can be inducted to the desired position in a body by the synthetic magnetic field formed by the multiple magnetic field generation means, whereby the magnetic complex is inducted to be concentrated in the cartilage defected part.

Abstract: Applicators for HDR brachytherapy for topical skin treatment which employ multiple channels for radioisotope sources, oriented by the applicator generally parallel to each other and to a desired treatment area skin surface. These applicators provide good radiation exposure uniformity. Filtration of undesirable low energy radiation may be employed using an attached filter element. The applicators are particularly adapted for the treatment of squamous and basal cell skin cancers or other skin lesions. The applicators may provide two or more source guides in various sizes and shapes are described.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation treatment regime includes identifying a target area of a patient. An electromagnetic radiation source, for example, a low frequency and/or radio frequency electromagnetic radiation source, is selected, along with treatment session parameters, such as, pulse frequency, pulse duration, electrical current, magnetic flux density, and/or treatment session exposure time. An amount of electromagnetic radiation is applied to the target area, and a response to the electromagnetic radiation in the target area is measured. Based on an evaluation of the measured response, the treatment parameters may be modified for one or more subsequent electromagnetic radiation treatment session.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for determining the position of a remote object such as an in vivo medical device such as capsule or probe within a medical patient. Integrated computer and computer executable remote permanent magnetic dipole position and orientation detection system monitors remote object movement. User interface displays remote permanent magnetic dipole location and orientation in a 3-dimensional view. Database stores object position movement in association with time. Magnetic sensor planes detect remote objects with permanent magnetic dipole and generate magnetic field information signal. Computer stores and searches location and posture information use a file.

Abstract: A magnetic guiding device (robotics) for an intracorporeal object includes a motor-driven positioning device having a maximum of three degrees of freedom to be activated for translational motion of a connecting interface of the positioning device to which a magnetic end effector is connected or connectable, the latter including a maximum of two degrees of freedom to be activated for rotational motion of a magnetic field generator. At least one of the two degrees of freedom of the magnetic end effector is encased in an effector housing.

Abstract: The system and methods of the invention partially shields the radiation dose to the skin and/or other anatomical organs by using magnetically responsive material that blocks radiation, which may be fine grains of iron or other ferrous powder for example. The powder is typically injected into an IB applicator, along with inflating saline solution in case of MSB, when a skin spacing problem is encountered, or there is a risk of high doses being delivered to the critical organs surrounding a lumpectomy cavity, for example. A slight magnetic field of predetermined configuration will be applied externally to arrange the shielding material internally under the segment of surface of the IB applicator where the skin spacing is typically less than 7 mm, thereby protecting the skin from radiation damage. Monte Carlo studies to develop parameterizations for treatment planning with the IB applicator utilizing the suggested shielding material is also provided.

Abstract: Injection ports are disclosed for use with a gastric band for the treatment of obesity. An injection port may include a septum having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall connecting the top surface to the bottom surface. The injection port may also include a housing including a first inner side wall being tapered inwards such that an opening defined at a first end is larger than an opening defined at a second end, the tapering of the first inner side wall being used to secure the septum within the housing. The housing may further include a second inner side wall having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second inner side wall joined to the second end of the first inner side wall, and a bottom surface joined to the second end of the second inner side wall.