Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes making an incision and exposing urethral tissue in a patient and employing a tool to place an implant into the incision. The method also includes coupling a first end of the implant to the tool and directing the tool and the first end of the implant through a first obturator foramen of the patient and following the same approach on a contralateral side of the patient thus suspending the implant between the first obturator foramen and the second obturator foramen of the patient. The method additionally includes elevating a urethra of the patient with a central portion of the implant, and securing the first end of the implant relative to a first descending ramus of the patient and securing the second end of the implant relative to a second descending ramus of the patient.

Abstract: A stool evacuate assist device to address rectocele disorder is described. The device generally comprises a handle and a paddle wherein the handle and the paddle are delineated by a bend in the device. The stool evacuation device further has an expandable sheath located on the paddle that after being inserted in a vagina of a woman and after being expanded in the vagina, the expandable sheath is in contact with a rectovaginal wall of the vagina. The handle is adapted to translate directional pressure on the rectovaginal wall via the expandable sheath when manipulated by the woman. The bend between the handle and the paddle essentially remains outside of the vagina when the expandable sheath is expanded in the vagina.

Abstract: This invention uses dysgeusia-inducing neurostimulation to selectively modify a person's consumption of a selected type of nutrient or food. This invention includes a nutrient-specific consumption sensor that detects when a person consumes a particular type of nutrient or food and a Dysgeusia-Inducing Neurostimulation Device (DIND) that temporarily modifies a person's sense of taste when the person consumes that nutrient or food. This invention can make unhealthy food taste less appealing and make healthy food taste more appealing. Such selective taste modification can improve a person's nutritional quality and help them to manage their weight.

Abstract: An assembly for applying a tension ring to a penis includes an elongate base having a top and a flange just below the top. An applicator is releasably coupled to the top of the base. The applicator has a projecting tab which is smaller than the diameter of the tension ring. The applicator and the base cooperate to define a channel between the tab and the flange which is sized to receive the tension ring. A user can easily apply the tension ring over the tab and then stretch the tension ring over the entire applicator into the channel, whereupon the applicator is moved off the base and onto an erect penis so that the tension ring can be moved from the applicator onto the penis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an incubator for babies. It is of special value for the treatment of premature infants as an intensive care unit at any time during life from creation to implantation. A cradle is sided with ports to enable fluidic ventilation. Advantageously the incubator includes an optical path for imaging the patient via a clear bottom and open top. The incubator is provided with easy access and various accessories required for an intensive care unit. The invention further relates to a method of thermoregulation within the incubator and to a temperature measurement test pattern to calibrate a radiometer for non-contact patient thermometry.

Abstract: A tissue modification apparatus includes a first and a second guide, a first and a second set of mounts, and a first and a second actuator. The first guide defines a first axis, and the second guide defines a second axis intersecting the first axis. The mounts of the first set of mounts are movable relative to one another along the first axis, and the mounts of the second set of mounts are movable relative to one another along the second axis. The first actuator and the second actuator are each settable to a stress load, with the first actuator and the second actuator movable, respectively, along the first axis and the second axis to transmit each respective stress load to a piece of tissue mechanically coupled to the first and second set of mounts.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of one or more implant structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart.

Abstract: A sexual aid device to provide increased sexual sensation in either heterosexual or homosexual intercourse characterized by a structure maintaining the male penis in pressure contact with the sensitive members of the female vagina or male anus.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a radiopharmaceutical and, in some embodiments, delivery of a pharmaceutical agent are provided herein. A fluid path set comprising a confluence valve, a four-way valve, and one or more tubing sections which are designed to place some combination of a radiopharmaceutical source, a medical fluid source, and a pharmaceutical agent source in sterile fluid communication with a patient or a waste receptacle. Also provided are holders for the fluid path set, and a sterile fluid delivery kit comprising the holder and fluid path set. A fluid delivery system may accept the holder with the fluid path set installed and various sources of radiopharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and medical fluids. The fluid delivery system allows for automated mixing and delivery of exact amounts of these agents to a patient while improving efficiency and safety, and reducing waste.

Abstract: Devices and systems including implants (which may be removable) and methods of using them for reducing ventricular volume. The implants described herein are cardiac implants that may be inserted into a patient's heart, particularly the left ventricle. The implant may support the heart wall, or may be secured to the heart wall. The implants are typically ventricular partitioning device for partitioning the ventricle into productive and non-productive regions in order to reduce the ventricular volume.

Abstract: A vibratory assembly is provided that incorporates a vibratory mechanism worn by a sexual participant on one or more digits of an articulating member for the sexual exploration and stimulation of erogenous zones. A modular erogenous stimulation system including the vibratory assembly is also provided along with a kit for providing erogenous stimulation to at least one participant.

Abstract: Collection of biological fluids. At least some of the example embodiments are polymeric sleeves including: an elongate body that defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal central axis; a main passageway through the elongate body parallel to the central axis, the main passageway extends from the first end to the second end, and the main passageway defines a first aperture on the first end and a second aperture on the second end; a first member suspended over the first aperture on the first end, the first member defines a first initial passageway parallel to the main passageway, and the first member and first end define an interior volume; and a first vent opening defined in part by the first member, the first vent opening distinct from the passageways, and the first vent opening fluidly couples the interior volume to atmosphere pressure.

Abstract: A combined magnetic and irradiating device for therapeutic purposes applies infrared rays and magnetic force. The device includes a shell designed to be gripped by a user, including an outer surface shaped by at least three flat areas, and an inner bore-hole formed inside the shell for receiving first and second magnets in close connection with each other. Both magnets have north and south pole surfaces and an axis, respectively, aligned with each other, and said north pole surface of the first magnet is exposed on a surface of the shell. Windows having an inner rim are arranged on each flat area of the shell. Said close connection is established between the south pole surface of the first magnet and north pole surface of the second magnet. At least one infrared radiating tablet is fixed in said window and abutted against said rim by a clamp placed inside said bore-hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in vivo and ex vivo control, detection and measurement of radiation in therapy, diagnostics, and related applications accomplished through scintillating fiber detection. One example includes scintillating fibers placed along a delivery guide such as a catheter for measuring applied radiation levels during radiotherapy treatments, sensing locations of a radiation source, or providing feedback of sensed radiation. Another option is to place the fibers into a positioning device such as a balloon, or otherwise in the field of the radiation delivery. The scintillating fibers provide light output levels correlating to the levels of radiation striking the fibers and comparative measurement between fibers can be used for more extensive dose mapping. Adjustments to a radiation treatment may be made as needed based on actual and measured applied dosages as determined by the fiber detectors. Characteristics of a radiation source may also be measured using scintillating materials.

Abstract: A massage apparatus having a vibrator device engaged to a flexible hollow sleeve that defines a lubrication well for receiving and dispensing a lubricant is disclosed. The lubrication well includes a peripheral wall that defines a well portion configured to receive the lubricant and a protrusion that extends outwardly from the well portion for stimulating the clitoral area of a female individual while facilitating the dispensation of the lubricant from the well portion to that same area.

Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and other pelvic defects or dysfunctions, in both males and females, using one or more lateral implants to reinforce the supportive tissue of the urethra. The implants can be configured as a sling device having at least one extension arm and a tissue support portion having an eyelet, wherein a portion of the at least one extension arm is adapted to slide through and adjustably attach with the eyelet.

Abstract: Penile implant and system comprising such an implant. The penile implant comprises a number of features which improves the function of the penile implant, e.g. a certain surface structure and portions with specific functions.

Abstract: A method and implantation tools for repairing a heart include a delivery catheter and implant. The method includes gaining access to the patient's heart and identifying implantation points for the implant. The method may include marking those locations and delivering implant, which may be a tension member. Anchors for the implant may also be delivered. The length of the tension member may be measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. Pads may be secured to the tension member and the tension member trimmed to length. The pads may be secured to the heart surface.

Abstract: A sexual stimulation device is described. The device uses electrical stimulation and provides advantages in means to make gentle and safe electrical contact to the user's penis that is contained within a fluid environment. The device includes both a containment vessel as well as electrical connection embodiments that incorporate magnetically actuated contacts the can be quickly disconnected. The device provides flexibility for programmed and varied stimulation to different regions of the user's penis.