Abstract: A remotely adjustable remotely power gastric band system may include a control device, an implant electronic device, and an implantable gastric band. The control device may telemetrically power and communicate with the implant electronic device, which may be used for adjusting the diameter of the implantable gastric band. The implant electronic device may store the gastric band adjustment history records of a patient and regulate the power received from the control device. To improve transmission efficiency, the implant electronic device may adopt a double modulation scheme for communicating with the control device. Furthermore, the implant electronic device may detect and resolve motor blockage issues related to the implantable gastric band.

Abstract: A system and method of producing a reference graph for use in selecting the proper radiation levels for use during radiation therapy. Using the radiation treatment plan, a physician can then create a dose volume histogram. The dose volume histogram is used to create a risk map for selected tissue. Data from one or more databases is then accessed and overlaid onto the risk map to create a reference graph. The data from the selected databases contains historical data of past radiation levels used during prior radiation therapies. Furthermore, the historical data can contain instances of adverse reactions due to high radiation levels. The physician can view the reference graph to determine if the radiation being used on a patient is either overly aggressive or overly safe in all areas of affected tissue.

Abstract: An applicator device is provided including a connecting unit. The connecting unit includes a first connector coupled to a first colpostat and a second connector coupled to a second colpostat. The first connector includes a first contact portion and a body portion, the first contact portion being immovably fixed to the body portion. The second connector includes a second contact portion and a third contact portion, the second contact portion being configured to contact and pivotally engage the first contact portion. The first connector further includes a fourth contact portion configured to contact the third contact portion. The second contact portion and the third contact portion are disposed between the first contact portion and the fourth contact portion, and the first contact portion are disposed in closer proximity to a point of delivery of a radiation source than the second, third, or fourth contact portions.

Abstract: A system and methods for controlling pulse parameters during transcranial magnetic stimulation are provided. Multiple coils are placed on external body parts, and are controlled using an external control unit coupled to a stimulator having fast switches. The timing of the switches, as well as other parameters within the stimulator, determine the pulse parameters, such as pulse shape. The variety of pulse shapes obtainable using such a system and methods provides controlled physiologic effects within an internal body organ.

Abstract: An incubator to maintain environmental conditions suitable for an infant is provided. The incubator comprises a vertical support structure with a plurality of horizontal columns connected to a bottom end of the vertical support structure to form a base portion. A crib is mounted on to the vertical support structure above the base portion for supporting the infant. The crib comprises a base plate and a plurality of plates arranged in a predetermined manner to form side walls of the crib. At least one dispenser nozzle is provided in the side walls for supplying water vapors to the crib. A humidification system, attachable at least to the base portion of the incubator, is fluidly connected to the inlets of the dispenser nozzles for supplying the water vapors. A radiant warmer is mounted on a top end of the vertical support structure for supplying radiant heat energy to the crib.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods for orientating an object in an enclosed area using a magnetic dipole deployed in the enclosed area and thereafter applying an external rotating magnetic field for applying a rotational force to the dipole along one or more selected axis. The external magnetic field is moved to manipulate object in the desired direction(s) of movement.

Abstract: A radiotherapy particle emitter positioning device is provided. The positioning device includes first and second arcuate support frames, a mounting carriage and a drive arrangement. The first and second arcuate support frames each include a drive track arrangement defining an arcuate carriage guide path. The mounting carriage is configured for supporting the radiotherapy particle emitter. The mounting carriage is mounted to and supported by the support frames. The mounting carriage is connectable to the drive track arrangements and moveable along the carriage guide path. The mounting carriage also includes the drive arrangement. The drive arrangement engages the drive track arrangements for driving the mounting carriage along the drive track arrangements and the carriage guide path.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing and one or more deployable protrusions. The apparatus defines a fluid reservoir and presents an upper surface. The housing is sized and configured to be implanted within a patient. The protrusions are selectively movable from a first position to a second position. The protrusions are at least partially retracted relative to the housing when the protrusions are in the first position. The protrusions are at least partially extended relative to the housing when the protrusions are in the second position. The protrusions may be in the form of substantially cylindraceous posts, semi-circular members, or other shapes. The protrusions may be actuated mechanically, electromechanically, or otherwise. The apparatus may be provided as an injection port, as part of a gastric band system or otherwise. The deployed protrusions may facilitate location of the implanted port through external palpation of the patient's abdomen.

Abstract: A system and methods for transcranial magnetic stimulation, the system including a helmet, a positioning portion, a stimulator and a cooling system, are disclosed. The helmet includes a coil for deep brain magnetic stimulation. The coil has a base portion, and return portions, which may include a protruding return portion and a contacting return portion. The coil is designed to minimize unintended stimulation of portions of the brain, while reducing accumulation of surface charges. The coil is stimulated at several locations and/or at different times so as to focus the electrical field on a specific deep neuronal structure.

Abstract: An implantable actuator system is disclosed. The system comprises a hermetically sealed housing; an actuator positioned in the housing, the actuator having at least one element displaceable relative to the housing; a coupling element connecting the actuator to the recipient's ear; and a diaphragm positioned at an end of the housing to provide a hermetic seal between the coupling element and the housing, wherein the diaphragm has sufficient flexibility to permit the coupling element to transmit vibrations to or from the actuator, wherein a liquid is positioned around the displaceable element of actuator to dampen the frequency response of the actuator, and in certain aspects, to make the system insensitive to differences in pressure between inside and outside of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an implant and a sleeve. The implant has a support portion and a strap extending from the support portion. The support portion is configured to support a portion of a body of a patient. The strap is configured to be inserted into a tissue of the patient. The sleeve has a distal end portion, a proximal end portion and a tapered portion. The tapered portion of the sleeve is configured to dilate the tissue of the patient when the implant is inserted into the body of the patient. The proximal end portion of the sleeve is releasably coupled to the strap.

Abstract: The present application discloses a hearing prosthesis configured to alert a user of the presence of sound while operating in a sound awareness mode of operation. When a user of the hearing aid removes the external sound processor and microphone, traditionally, a hearing prosthesis does not produce any audio stimulus. Here, the systems and methods will alert a user to sounds in his or her environment when the external sound processor and microphone are decoupled from the internal components of the hearing prosthesis. In some embodiments, the hearing prosthesis may have an acoustic receiver that is implanted in the recipient. The implanted acoustic detector may be used to detect an aspect of a sound above a threshold level. The threshold may be chosen so the detected sound is a loud sound such as a fire alarm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing and draining an intestinal outlet, the device comprising an inflatable balloon of a generally toroidal structure, whose two ends extend one inside the other, creating a sealed-off volume inside the balloon, whereby the filling of the volume can be adjusted from outside and a draining lumen radially inside the inner layer of the balloon, the outer layer of the tube comprising a radially expanded intra-rectal device which is placed inside the rectum or the intestine of a patient during use, and comprising a trans-anal device which extends through the anus of the patient or his abdominal wall, and a stiffening sleeve element positioned inside the draining lumen of the device, keeping the lumen open and facilitating the uptake and passage of feces through the intra-rectal segment of the draining lumen.

Abstract: A hearing prosthesis including an actuator. The actuator includes a material that deforms in response to an electrical signal and that is adapted to, upon implantation in a recipient, transmit vibrations representative of a sound signal to an organ of the recipient, wherein the material is at least partially exposed to at least one of body tissue and fluid of the recipient.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively opening and closing a body lumen within a patient's body is provided. The apparatus includes an elongate member and a shape memory element. The elongate member is configured to at least partially surround the body lumen and defines a lumen. The shape memory element is disposed of adjacent to the lumen defined by the elongate member. Further, the shape memory element is adapted to change its configuration based on a change in temperature. These changes in the configuration of the shape memory element causes the apparatus to selectively move between a first configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: Generally described herein are apparatus, systems and methods related to a pre-loaded septum insertable in an access port housing for increasing the control of the compression within the septum and the interference between the septum and the housing. For example, a pair of washers having mating portions may be positioned on respective sides of a rubber septum and bent such that the mating portions of one of the washer are interlocked with the mating portions of the other washer, the interlocked portions forming a tight ring about the septum and generating lateral compression on the septum, thereby “loading” the septum. In addition, fluid seals made of a rubber material with lower durometer than the rubber septum may be used at the interface between the rubber septum and the housing to enhance the fluid sealing functionality while promoting the self-sealing features of the rubber septum.

Abstract: An intravaginal pessary device. The device has a top, a mid-section, and a bottom. The device has a sidewall that extends between the top and the bottom, and the top, the bottom, and the sidewall form an outer periphery defining a total area of the device. The top has a first width and the mid-section has a second width, and the first width is greater than the second width. In addition, the top has a first flexibility and the mid-section has a second flexibility, and the first flexibility is greater than the second flexibility.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein includes an apparatus and a method for treatment of vaginal prolapse conditions. The apparatus is a graft having a central body portion with at least one strap extending from it. The strap has a bullet needle attached to its end portion and is anchorable to anchoring tissue in the body of a patient. The invention makes use of a delivery device adapted to deploy the graft in a patient. The inventive method includes the steps of making an incision in the vaginal wall of a patient, opening the incision to gain access inside the vagina and pelvic floor area, inserting the inventive apparatus through the incision, and attaching the straps of the apparatus to anchoring tissue in the patient.

Abstract: A surgical assembly including a surgical introducer having a handle portion and a needle element extending to a free distal end, and a sliding mechanism including a compressible member and a sliding button slidably coupled to the handle portion for longitudinal movement relative thereto and having a first retaining device extending outwardly from a distal end and a projection extending outwardly to a position adjacent the compressible member. First and second sheath elements each have a proximal end, a closed tapered distal end region, a channel therein, and a side aperture at a predetermined distance from the distal tip. The needle element slidably extends through the side aperture and into the channel of the first sheath element. An implant having first and second ends is coupled to the proximal ends of the first and second sheath elements respectively.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a Wearable Magnetic Stimulator to treat a variety of disorders. The device comprises a wearable stimulator head and a wearable stimulator controller. The patient wears the stimulator head over skin close to the target nerves and carries the wearable controller in his clothing. The wearable head comprises a small gapped cut-core energized by coil windings. The head operates on the principle that its small gap injects fringe flux into target nerves, which induces ionic currents that cure disorders. Small gapped cores require significantly smaller current than large gapped cores. This greatly reduces the size and weight of the head and controller. The wearable controller, such as a cell phone, comprises pulse generator hardware and software from internet. The wearable stimulator can be used to treat several disorders such as migraine headache, arthritis, incontinence, depression, erectile dysfunction etc.