Abstract: Embodiments herein provide an analyte sensor subassembly that provides an integrated structure enabling suitably secure electrical contact between an analyte sensor and the electronic components of an analyte sensor assembly. An analyte sensor subassembly assists the process of inserting the sensor into skin. An analyte sensor subassembly may operate in concert with one or more sensor insertion tools to provide insertion of an analyte sensor into the skin of a subject/patient. Associated devices, such as channel guides and sensor insertion tools, are also provided, as are methods of operation and sensor insertion.

Abstract: A system and method enables data to be communicated from a position within a human body to an external data device. The system includes a wireless communication module that is electrically coupled to an implant component having a metal surface so that the implant component operates as an antenna in response to the application of a modulated carrier wave being applied to the implant component. The wireless communication module may be coupled to the implant component so that the implant component operates as a monopole or dipole antenna. When the monopole configuration is used, the system further includes a ground plane so that the electromagnetic field emitted by the implant component is reflected and the emitted and reflected fields resemble the emitted field of a dipole antenna for the carrier frequency.

Abstract: Devices and methods for augmenting or otherwise enhancing closure of body lumens comprise magnetic or magnetizable components or particles which are implanted in the wall of the lumen. The magnet fields exerted by the components or particles act to close the body lumen with a desired force.

Abstract: A urethra support having an elongated mesh tape portion and a mesh extension affixed to the tape portion transverse thereto. In accordance with a method of the invention, the urethra support is inserted into the lower pelvic cavity of a patient with the tape portion forming a sling extending beneath and supporting the urethra of the patient. In this position, the tape portion is generally perpendicular to the urethra. The extension is inserted into the peri-urethral fascia along at least a portion of the length of the urethra. This induces the formation of scar tissue proximate the extension, with the scar tissue eventually contracting thereby compressing the urethra.

Abstract: A system and method for compiling and analyzing treatment parameters associated with medical treatments provided to a plurality of patients is provided. A report of the analysis may be provided to a technician or physician for determining medical treatment guidelines representing acceptable values for a selected treatment parameter in accordance with the analysis. The system may further automatically determine medical treatment guidelines and/or adjust preestablished medical treatment guidelines in accordance with the analysis.

Abstract: Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, an apparatus may include a voltage source coupled to a motor via a diode, the diode coupled to the motor and the voltage source, a rechargeable battery, and a motor. The diode may be configured to allow current to flow from the voltage source to the motor. The motor may be configured to spin a disk upon which a plurality of magnets are mounted. The apparatus may be configured to recharge the rechargeable battery with the voltage source and to enable the rechargeable battery to supply power to the motor when a voltage of the voltage source drops below a threshold voltage level.

Abstract: Disclosed are single-incision surgical procedures for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, kits, and methods. Implants are also disclosed for use in the exemplary procedures. In certain embodiments, soft tissue anchors are used to anchor the surgical implants to obturator membranes of a patient.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to systems and methods for adjusting support to an anatomical location using an expandable chamber.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering and placing a surgical sling without resorting to an abdominal incision are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device communications network comprises a plurality of medical devices including either or both of a first number of surgical instruments and a second number of implants configured for subcutaneous implantation in a biological body. A corresponding plurality of wireless communication circuits are each mounted to a different one of the plurality of medical devices. Each of the plurality of wireless communication circuits is configured to broadcast medical device information relating to the medical device to which it is mounted and to receive information relating to any other of the plurality of medical devices. The network may or may not include a master wireless communications circuit configured to receive the medical device information broadcast by any of the plurality of slave wireless communication circuits and to broadcast the information relating to any other of the plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A brachytherapy seed comprising (a) carrier-free 103Pd isotope, (b) a substrate for the carrier-free 103Pd radioisotope, and (c) a casing for encapsulating the carrier-free 103Pd-laden substrate, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to sling assemblies for pelvic floor repair that utilize one or more materials, attached without a mechanical fixation device, and related methods of use and fabrication.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to adjustable length implantable sling assemblies for providing support to anatomical locations. In certain embodiments, the sling includes at least one elastic member to aid in the placement and tensioning of the sling.

Abstract: The inventive technique include a system, method and device for treating a patient. The inventive system includes a magnetic core having a highly saturable magnetic material and a conductor wound around at least a portion of the magnetic core. The magnetic core has a first section with a first end and a second end, a second section with a first end and a second end. The first end of the second section is connected at an angle to the first end of the first section. The magnetic core also has a third section with a first end and a second end. The first end of the third section is connected at an angle to the second end of the second section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating erectile dysfunction by using a pulsating, ultraweak, magnetic field. A transducer generates an ultraweak, pulsating magnetic fields which is applied to the penis, which as a result of the magnetic field causes the erection of the penis. Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus and method for treating medical conditions in women by using a pulsating, ultraweak, magnetic field.

Abstract: Apparatus for directly stimulating a tympanic membrane or other acoustic member comprising a support with a plurality of activatable elements. The support can be mounted on the tympanic membrane and the activatable elements are distributed on the support to provide a distributed vibration to the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for temporarily maintaining access to a body cavity in a targeted tissue region within a patient's body. One embodiment of the catheter device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section which is flexible enough to be folded or coiled into a configuration for deployment within the patient. An alternate embodiment includes a catheter device having one or more detachable proximal shaft sections and having at least one one-way valve to restrict fluid flow of inflation fluid to flow to the balloon. After deployment of the catheter device completely within the patient, the opening through which the catheter device is deployed is closed, e.g. by sutures, adhesives and the like to minimize infection at the site. Within a few days or weeks after the tissue has been evaluated for cancer, the temporary catheter device may be removed from the patient.

Abstract: The invention comprises a totally implantable hearing prosthesis for hearing impaired persons. An inertial vibrational element is hermetically sealed and implanted in bone between the lateral and superior semicircular canals without breaching the integrity of the canals. The vibrational element is adapted to vibrate the walls of the canals and the fluids contained therein, thereby vibrating contiguous fluids within the cochlea thus stimulating hair cells and creating a hearing percept. The invention can also be adapted to be a tinnitus masking system, and/or used in combination with a cochlear implant hearing system.

Abstract: A kit and method for supporting a pelvic floor of a person with stress urinary incontinence or other symptoms. The method involves using barbed sutures as part of a sling for supporting the pelvic floor or urethra of a person experiencing stress urinary incontinence or other symptoms. A surgeon implants the sling along with the barbed sutures, using one of several known methods. The barbed sutures may be interwoven with the sling and the supports for the sling, so that once the sling and its supports are placed into the patient, barbs of the sutures will resist movement. The sutures may also be woven into the supports to resist movement.

Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.