Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering of a sling assembly and removal of the sleeve at least partially enclosing the sling through a single orifice of incision are disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical tools for off-pump surgery are described herein. In an embodiment, a surgical connector for coupling an organ to a medical device comprises an inner body. The surgical connector further comprises an outer hollow body slidably disposed around said inner body. Moreover, the connector comprises a distal sealing member disposed around said inner body. The distal sealing member has a collapsed position and an expanded position. The distal sealing member is also capable of being locked in said expanded position. The surgical connector further comprises a proximal sealing member disposed around said outer hollow body, said proximal sealing member is proximal to said distal sealing member. The disclosed surgical connector employs a novel press-fit mechanism. The press-fit mechanism allows a surgeon to attach the connector to an organ without the use of sutures. The surgical connector also incorporates an expandable sealing member that can be locked into the expanded position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus for use in a system that senses an excitable wireless target capable of being implanted in a body or tissue. The apparatus includes multiple electromagnetic field sensors arranged approximately in a common plane, and multiple sense signal output paths coupled to the sensors. Each one of the sensors and corresponding output paths is configured to provide an output signal representing at least a portion of an electromagnetic field provided by the marker, where the output signal is proportional to a component of the field at the sensor, where that component is substantially perpendicular to the plane. Various other configurations regarding this apparatus, as well as the overall system and methods of exciting and receiving signals from wireless markers, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vaginal brachytherapy applicator is versatile to different anatomies and more comfortable to the patient than prior applicators. An inflatable balloon on a shaft may be inelastic or elastic. In one embodiment the shaft is rotatable relative to the balloon for enabling a ring or band of dose delivery, for versatility in radiation placement. Alternatively, the source can be rotated and pulled back within a stationary shaft. An adjustment is provided for reducing the length of balloon that inflates, to accommodate different anatomies and positions. Although isotope radiation sources can be used in the applicator, an electronic source is preferred, and the system and method include procedures for using the applicator with an electronic source.

Abstract: An everting applicator for brachytherapy of body cavities such as the vagina has a flexible sleeve secured to a distal mandrel, both the sleeve and the mandrel having internal lumens. The flexible sleeve has a diverging opening at its distal end, preferably bell-shaped or cone-shaped, such that when the open end is pushed against the mouth of a vagina, the sleeve will evert back upon itself, progressively unrolling to an inside out configuration wherein, fully inserted, the sleeve is fully everted back over the exterior surface of the mandrel. A radiation source, isotopic or electronic, is then inserted into the mandrel lumen to commence a therapeutic irradiation procedure of tissues of the vagina.

Abstract: Treatment of lesions in any luminal or organ system of mammalian anatomy is performed using an electronic source of ionizing radiation and aided by an endoscopic or percutaneous approach.

Abstract: Described are surgical implants that include a central support portion adapted to be positioned to support pelvic tissue, between mesh end portions adapted to be passed through body tissue, wherein edges of the end portions exhibit extensions that are resistant to deformation.

Abstract: A brachytherapy applicator for treatment of metastic lesions in a load bearing region is provided. The applicator comprises an elongate tube body having a proximal and a distal end and defining an open internal area. A fixation element located on an outer portion of the tube allows the applicator to be fixed in position in relation to a target region while delivering a dose of therapeutic radiation. The fixation element can fix the applicator to tissue and/or a stabilization element implanted within a patient. A source of radiation positioned within the elongate body, before, during, or after implantation of the applicator, provides the therapeutic radiation.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.

Abstract: Larmor Precession makes specific predictions about bound ion dynamics, based upon specific combinations of AC and DC magnetic fields. Especially significant is the fact that the external magnetic field environment determines the overall qualities of resonances or particular changes in bio-effects. Given a target with a particular gyromagnetic ratio, Larmor Precession makes predictions that are determined solely by a magnetic field environment itself. An embodiment according to the present invention comprises specific combinations of AC and DC magnetic fields configured to produce specific bio-effects.

Abstract: A method for treating urinary incontinence includes the steps of inserting into the woman's vagina a first disposable device, removing the first disposable device, and inserting a second disposable device substantially identical to the first disposable device. The disposable devices have a working portion with opposed working surfaces to provide support to an associated urinary system and an anchoring portion to maintain the disposable device in place during use. The anchoring portion has at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion.

Abstract: A method for opening a portion of a passageway of a patient is disclosed. The patient has a first metallic structure attached to a portion of the patient's neck. The method includes obtaining a second magnetic structure, placing the second magnetic structure proximate the first metallic structure attached to the portion of the patient's neck, and pulling the second magnetic structure away from the patient's neck to thereby open the passageway.

Abstract: Systems, method, and devices related to surgically implantable supportive slings are presented herein. More specifically, in various embodiments, the systems, devices and methods relate to a surgically implantable supportive sling adapted to anchor in patient tissue.

Abstract: Compositions, articles, and methods for treating and imaging vulnerable plaque and other inflamed regions in a patient rely on delivery of a conversion electron emitting source (CEES) to a body location. The CEES may be delivered by coupling to a substance which preferentially binds to vulnerable plaque or other inflammatory marker. Alternatively, the CEES can be delivered on a catheter, scaffold, or other device.

Abstract: A device for treating and reducing stuttering by utilizing auditory feedback. A bone conducting hearing aid apparatus is arranged to be attached to the skull bone of a user with a stuttering problem so that his ear canal is left free. A tactile component in the form of a vibrator mechanically transmits sound information to the inner ears of the user via the skull bone so that both cochleas are stimulated. The cochlea on the opposite side of the skull receives a signal that is further delayed and also has another frequency characteristics compared to the digital received by the nearest cochlea.

Abstract: An adjustable support pad for adjustably holding a tensioning line used to apply tension to a body organ. The adjustable support pad can include a locking mechanism for preventing slidable movement of the tensioning element in one or both directions. The locking mechanism may include spring-loaded locks, rotatable cam-like structures, and/or rotatable spool structures. The adjustable support pad may be formed from rigid, semi-rigid, and/or flexible materials, and may be formed to conform to the outer surface of a body organ. The adjustable support pad can be configured to adjustably hold one or more separate tensioning lines, and to provide for independent adjustment of one or more tensioning lines or groups thereof.

Abstract: A novel method and system for performing transcutaneous magnetic stimulation is disclosed herein. In the method, a first magnetic field is generated using a first magnetic stimulation device for transcutaneously stimulating a treatment area, and a second magnetic field for transcutaneously stimulating the treatment area is generated by a second magnetic stimulation device. In addition, a novel method and system for reducing discomfort caused by transcutaneous magnetic stimulation is disclosed herein. In the method, a first magnetic field is created at a first and second location using a first magnetic stimulation device. The first magnetic field causes magnetic stimulation at the first and second locations. A second magnetic field is created at the second location using a second magnetic stimulation device, thereby reducing stimulation at the second location.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a transcutaneous transfer system is disclosed. The system comprises: an inductively-coupled coil system comprising an external and an internal coil adapted to be transcutaneously juxtaposed along a coupling axis; an internal magnet fixed relative to the internal coil; an external magnet assembly coupled to the external coil; and an apparatus to securely retain the magnet assembly in a desired one of a plurality of positions along a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the coupling axis in response to tool-less manipulation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device including a casing including fixation elements adapted for intraluminal fixation of the device in a gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the anorectal wall), a valve disposed in the casing and controllable to move from a closed position, which significantly restricts passage of gastrointestinal (e.g., fecal) matter therepast, and an open position, which permits passage of gastrointestinal matter therepast, and a controller operatively connected to the valve for externally controlling the position of the valve between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: In a blood flow controlling apparatus using a magnetic field for controlling blood flow within a living body, and methods therefor, the blood flow controlling apparatus includes a magnetic field applying unit for supplying the magnetic field and applying the magnetic field to the living body, a blood flow measuring unit for measuring a blood flow signal including information about blood flow, and a blood flow controlling unit for controlling the blood flow according to the measured blood flow signal.