Abstract: A device with a non-invasive first stimulation unit configured to generate first stimuli which, when administered to a patient, suppress a pathologically synchronous activity of neurons in at least one of the brain and the spinal cord of the patient, with a non-invasive second stimulation unit configured to generate at least one of optical, acoustic, tactile, vibratory, and thermal second stimuli, and with a control unit configured to control the first and second stimulation units, wherein the generation of the first and second stimuli takes place optionally in a first or a second operating mode, and the control unit is configured to control the first and second stimulation units in such a way that, in the first operating mode, the generation of at least 60% of the second stimuli is coupled in time to the generation of the first stimuli and, in the second operating mode, the generation of at least 60% of the second stimuli takes place without the generation of the first stimuli.

Abstract: The invention discloses an implant. The implant may include a first flap and a second flap. The first flap may further include a first portion, a second portion and a transition region. The first portion may be configured to be attached proximate a sacrum. The second portion may be configured to be attached to an anterior vaginal wall. The transition region lies between the first portion and the second portion. The second flap may be fabricated such that a portion of the second flap is configured to be attached to a posterior vaginal wall. The implant may be configured such that a value corresponding to a biomechanical parameter defining a biomechanical attribute of the portion of the first flap attaching to the anterior wall is different from a value of the biomechanical parameter defining the biomechanical attribute of the portion of the second flap attaching to the posterior wall.

Abstract: A method and device provide simple positioning of a TMS coil relative to a coordinate system of the patient's head while allowing flexible positioning of the patient's head. The system includes a mobile console on a wheeled base that integrates various subsystems and supports a mast that, in turn, supports a coil gantry that supports a TMS coil assembly. The coil gantry includes a balance arm with a counterbalance and a halo assembly that connects to the coil. The coil gantry supports the weight of the coil and allows free movement of the coil in all dimensions for easy placement on the patient's head. A head support and coil alignment aligns the patient's head and holds the head in place relative to the coil during TMS treatment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a trocar or needle system for use in inserting and deploying pelvic implants are provided. The needle device can include a solid or hollow shaft portion with a non-circular cross-section. A grip element can be provided to slide along a length of the needle shaft to further facilitate handling.

Abstract: A bariatric device includes an esophageal member having an esophageal surface that is configured to generally conform to the shape and size of a portion of the esophagus and an anchoring technique anchoring the esophageal member to the portion of the esophagus. The bariatric device includes a cardiac member having a cardiac surface that is configured to generally conform to the shape and size of a portion of the cardiac portion of the stomach and a connector connected with the esophageal member and the cardiac member to cause strain to be applied by the cardiac member to the cardiac portion of the stomach. The strain applied by the cardiac member to the cardiac portion of the stomach causes satiety in the absence of food. The connector is adapted to pass through the gastroesophageal junction while leaving a continuous portion of the gastroesophageal junction substantially unrestrained.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring respiratory rate are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises measuring at least one respiration signal and filtering the respiration signal using a lowpass filter. The method includes peak-picking the respiration signal to determine the respiratory rate and determining a quality metric of the respiratory rate. In a second aspect, the system comprises a wireless sensor device coupled to a user via at least one electrode, wherein the wireless sensor device includes a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor, wherein the memory device stores an application which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to carry out the steps of the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating an embedded passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag is provided. An embodiment of the locating apparatus includes a resonator capable of electromagnetically coupling to the PIT tag, and a feedback circuit connected to the resonator and configured to monitor a load conductance of the resonator. A distance between the resonator and the PIT tag is indicated by a change in the monitored load conductance when the resonator and the PIT tag are electromagnetically coupled. Another embodiment includes a resonator capable of stimulating a response signal from a PIT tag, and a processing circuit capable of calculating the distance between the resonator and the PIT tag based on the amplitude of the response signal.

Abstract: A system for applying a fiber matrix on a tubular member is provided. A mandrel, configured for atraumatic placement within the tubular member, is included. Methods for atraumatic placement of a mandrel into a tubular member are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a support member and a suture. The support member is configured to provide support to a portion of a body of a patient. The support member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the support member is configured to be disposed within a body of a patient. The suture is removably coupled to the first end portion of the support member and is configured to extend through an incision in the body of the patient from a location within the body of the patient to a location outside of the body of the patient.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for the treatment of incontinence is disclosed having a support element designed to be placed under the urethra in order to prevent the urethra from moving away in the direction of the lower pelvis and to prevent any uncontrolled intra-urethral flow. A surgical instrument used to implant the prosthesis is also disclosed as is a method of implantation.

Abstract: A medical data processing method for determining a change in the position of a soft tissue body part of a patient's body, the data processing method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring (S10, S20) bony body part planned position data comprising bony body part planned position information describing a planned position of a bony body part of the patient's body; b) acquiring (S10, S20) soft tissue body part planned position data comprising soft tissue body part planned position information describing a planned position of the soft tissue body part; c) acquiring (S11, S21) bony body part actual position data comprising bony body part actual position information describing an actual position of the bony body part; d) acquiring (S11, S21) soft tissue body part actual position data comprising soft tissue body part actual position information describing an actual position of the soft tissue body part; e) determining (S12, S22), based on the bony body part pla

Abstract: An injector for injecting a fertilized ovum(ova) or a sperm(s) for artificial insemination into a uterine body, by which an injection pipe can be introduced smoothly into a uterus, is disclosed. An injector for a fertilized ovum(ova) or a sperm(s) of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a guide pipe for insertion into a uterine body, an injection pipe which is inserted into the guide pipe and has a length longer than the guide pipe, and a nozzle connected to a frontal end of the injection pipe, wherein the injection pipe comprises a flexible 1st pipe section constituting a frontal side of the injection pipe, and a 2nd pipe section being more rigid than the 1st pipe section and constituting a rear side of the injection pipe.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a data processing method for determining the consistency of registration of the position of a treatment body part to be treated by radiotherapy with a treatment beam arrangement of at least one position of a treatment beam issued by a treatment device, the treatment body part being a soft tissue part of an anatomical structure of a patient's body and the data processing method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: g) acquiring CT data comprising predetermined CT information about a position of the treatment body part relative to a bony structure of the patient's body and about a first position of the bony structure relative to the treatment beam arrangement; h) acquiring x-ray data comprising x-ray information about a second position of the bony structure relative to the treatment beam arrangement; i) determining, based on the x-ray data and the CT data, bony structure position first transformation data comprising bony structure positio

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, the method comprising: acquiring a sleep sound signal comprising sounds made by a person during sleep; detecting a plurality of snore sounds in the sleep sound signal; determining a set of mel-frequency cepstral coefficients for each of the snore sounds; determining a characterizing feature for the sleep sound signal responsive to a sum of the variances of the cepstral coefficients; and using the characterizing feature to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea in the person.

Abstract: A portable device for insertion of radioactive seeds in percutaneous interstitial brachytherapy applications is described. The device includes: an elongated main body in form of a handpiece; a shielded container of radioactive seeds, received within the main body and having a rotating drum suitable, in use, to release one or more radioactive seeds from the container; means for driving the rotating drum, activatable by an operator and based on lever mechanisms and gears; and means for introducing one or more radioactive seeds in a body site of interest, comprising a substantially wire-shaped pusher. The pusher urges the radioactive seed(s) released from the rotating drum through a cannula unit.

Abstract: A method of making a stent-graft is provided. The method includes mounting a stent on a mandrel so that the stent is stretched when it is on the mandrel. A graft layer is then adhered to the stent while it is mounted on the mandrel. When the stent-graft is removed from the mandrel, the stent contracts and the graft layer becomes partially wrinkled when the stent is in its expanded relaxed state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable apparatus for obtaining urinary control and emptying of the urinary bladder, thereby preventing from or treating involuntary urinary retention. In general terms, the apparatus comprises an expandable member adapted to be implanted inside the urinary bladder of the patient for discharging urine, and a control device for controlling the volume of the expandable member. The control device is adapted to be connected to the expandable member through the wall of the urinary bladder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system and method utilizing synchronized colors, sounds, and aroma therapy. The visual, auditory, and aromatic stimulation is intended to alleviate stress and/or anxiety by relaxing and stimulating the brain, thereby correcting any neurophysical imbalances. Reduction in the levels of stress and/or anxiety is achieved through the use of the auditory, visual, and aromatic sequences which are individually specific and systematic. The system and method is preferably provided in multiple sessions with each session providing both a mechanism for providing treatment as well as assessment, which is used to form the basis for future treatments.

Abstract: A method is described for decreasing activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating at least one blood vessel in the pulmonary vasculature of a patient to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension. In one embodiment, the method may involve advancing an intravascular treatment device to a target location in a target blood vessel within the pulmonary vasculature of the patient and using the treatment device to decrease activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating the target blood vessel at or near the target location to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure having a helical shape is used to produce useful electromagnetic effects for agricultural applications, including promoting growth of animals.