Abstract: A method for function monitoring in medical accelerator systems, wherein at least one signal characterizing the operation of at least one medical accelerator, is acquired, digitized and deposited in digitized form in a data processing system to hold it for evaluation of the accelerator system.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a magnetic valve reader used as an indicator tool. The magnetic valve reader determines a location and an orientation for a magnetic indicator device to indicate a device setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes the magnetic indicator device coupled to a valve on the implantable medical device. External magnetic fields, specifically the Earth's magnetic field, may interfere with the compass and create an incorrect device setting indication. The electronic reader estimates the external magnetic fields to subtract the estimate from received data to minimize any influence that external magnetic field has on the accuracy of the device setting measurement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to magnetize particles and objects either on the surface of the skin or inside the body are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the magnet field strength emanated by an object are also disclosed. The object may be in a body, such as a surgically implanted device. The object may also be cream externally applied to skin, the cream containing particles that can be magnetized. The object may also be a pill that can be swallowed.

Abstract: A tinnitus method and device for providing relief to a person suffering from the disturbing effects of tinnitus is described. The method can be implemented entirely in software to spectrally modify an audio signal in accordance with a predetermined masking algorithm which modifies the intensity of the audio signal at selected frequencies. A predetermined masking algorithm is described which provides intermittent masking of the tinnitus wherein, at a comfortable listening level, during peaks of the audio signal the tinnitus is completely obscured, whereas during troughs the perception of the tinnitus occasionally emerges. In practice it has been found that such intermittent masking provides an immediate sense of relief, control and relaxation for the person, whilst enabling sufficient perception of the tinnitus for habituation and long term treatment to occur. Advantageously the predetermined masking algorithm is specifically tailored to the audiometric configuration of the person.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for therapeutic light and sound, comprising the steps of exposing a user to spectral light and laterally directed sound and adjusting the manner of exposure sufficient to elicit a desired autonomic nervous response.

Abstract: Methods and devices to externally create a restriction on the stomach are described. The devices are contoured to fit the stomach and can be further anchored to the stomach. The degree of deployment of the extragastric restriction device is controllable after implantation. Specialized wires, catheters, ports, and trocars specific for placement of extragastric restriction devices are presented. Systems are described in which adjustability of the devices is provided along with sensing and actuating ability.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for use in supporting tissue in a patient's body. In some embodiments, the patient's breast or another tissue is supported. One method involves introducing a superior soft tissue anchor into a patient, the anchor having an inferiorly facing total surface area; and introducing at least one inferior soft tissue anchor into the patient, such that the at least one inferior soft tissue anchor is suspended from the superior soft tissue anchor, the sum of all of the at least one inferior soft tissue anchors having a superiorly facing total surface area. The inferiorly facing total surface area of the superior anchor can be greater, such as at least two times greater than the superiorly facing total surface area of the at least one inferior anchor.

Abstract: Processes for selectively enriching a population of viable sperm cells with respect to a characteristic without physically sorting the cells are disclosed. The cells contained in such an enriched population benefit from the advantage of not being subjected to a sorting process. Processes of inseminating a female mammal and processes of forming a sperm dispersion utilizing the processes of selectively enriching a population of viable sperm cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods to sense parameters associated with restriction procedures and/or devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the parameters are sensed directly from the region of the procedure and/or device and in other embodiments, associated neural pathways are sensed. Methods for further optimization of the obesity treatment regimens are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low profile rear tip for inflatable penile prostheses comprises a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion that is capable of being coupled to a cylinder of an IPP along a major longitudinal axis between the proximal end portion, the distal end portion, and the cylinder. A fluid chamber is provided in the distal end portion, in fluid communication with the cylinder. A fluid conduit is integrally formed with the distal end portion, having a minor longitudinal axis and being in fluid communication with the fluid chamber in the distal end portion, wherein an angle between the minor longitudinal axis and the major longitudinal axis does not exceed 5 degrees.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation system for immobile patients in a wheelchair is disclosed. A magnet multi-pole configuration that is mechanically stable is provided that lifts the body and/or load shifts (rotates the body from side to side) the body. Based on a multi-pole configuration of permanent magnets in the pelvis, a corresponding multi-pole configuration for magnet repulsion is placed below the patient, typically as part of the wheelchair. Alternatively, a unipolar repulsion with mechanical patient restraint is implemented to achieve body lift or levitation. Either permanent magnets or electromagnets, optionally with magnetic sensor-mediated active computerized feedback control below the body, are sufficient to implement a complete multi-pole repulsive configuration that is mechanically stable. The apparatus reduces compressive force on soft tissues disposed between a human pelvis and a wheelchair seat.

Abstract: A mechanized dildo, including a motor driven coaxial plurality of longitudinally spaced drive cams, and corresponding sets of passive cams that operate within an elastic phallic sleeve to locally cyclically expand a girth of the sleeve. Optional vibratory elements are positioned proximate a distal extremity of the sleeve, and in a laterally extending arm that is formed for clitoral stimulation. A battery powered control handle provides multiple operating modes and speeds.

Abstract: A penis exercise machine includes an attaching portion main body which is abutted against and mounted on a body surface side of a periphery of a man's penis, a pair of support rods whose one ends are turnably mounted on a surface of the attaching portion main body such that the support rods are located on both sides sandwiching the penis, a support portion which is mounted such that it can be attached to both end sides of the support rods and which is abutted such that a glans on the side of a tip end of the penis is supported, and a holding belt of the glans mounted on the support portion.

Abstract: A constriction device (100) for a male organ (170) of a user comprising: a substantially portable base (110); at least two bands (140, 150), each comprising of an elastic central ring (141, 151) tightly adjustable onto said base; each elastic central ring (141, 151) tightly encircling male organ (170) upon releasing the corresponding band (140, 150) from base (110), thereby substantially avoiding back-flow of blood out of the male organ (170) and therefore improving erection of male organ (170).

Abstract: Methods and devices treat treating non-stuttering pathologies having impaired or decreased communication skills by administering a frequency altered auditory feedback signal to a subject having a non-stuttering pathology while the subject is speaking or talking to thereby improve the subject's communication skills.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical sling assembly for implanting in tissue to provide anatomical support in a patient. The surgical sling assembly includes a sling and a biocompatible casing enclosing at least a portion of the sling. The biocompatible casing is absorbed by the patient's tissues after the surgical sling assembly is positioned within the patient's tissue to provide anatomical support.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint jacket is formed of flexible material defining a volume between an open upper end and a lower end. The jacket is dimensioned for an apex of a patient's heart to be inserted into the volume through the open upper end and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. A delivery device is used to place the jacket on the heart. The delivery device includes a plurality of attachment locations. Each of the attachment locations is releasably secured to separate positions surrounding a periphery of the open upper end of the jacket. The delivery device also includes a control arrangement which is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The control arrangement is connected to the attachment locations such that the attachment locations are in a compact array urging the open upper end of the jacket into a collapsed configuration when the control member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A system and method for affecting the function of a mammalian ear. The system and method uses an oscillating magnetic field to move nanospheres comprised of single-domain nanoparticles. In a preferred embodiment a receiving assembly detects sound waves and transmits the sound waves to a processor. The processor drives an electromagnetic coil in response to the detected sound waves. The electromagnetic coil transmits a signal that causes vibration of the nanoparticles and the tissues within which the nanoparticles are implanted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to constructs and methods used to enhance the attachment and implantation of an embryo. It is shown that modified glycolipids and glycolipid-attachment molecule constructs can be used to modify embryos, or localised to target tissues, to enhance interaction between the embryo and the target tissue, (typically the endometrium). The invention may advantageously be used to enhance implantation of embryos in the uterus, for example, in IVF treatments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of phalloplasty for girth enhancement. It comprises incising minimally the outer skin of a penis; separating the skin and the hypoderm from a part immediately above Buck's fascia and peeling off the skin and the hypoderm in a region ranging from a part proximal to a glans to prepubic junction; forming a mesh structure of multiple slits in a penile implant; and fixing the penile implant to the penis by suture. The formation of a mesh structure of multiple slits or the use of an implant in multiple pieces makes it possible to cope with complications, thereby significantly reducing complications. Also, the multiple slits or multiple pieces form spaces therebetween, which lead to an increase in flexibility between the implant tissues, thereby enjoying the advantages of minimizing discomfort upon erection and reducing the occurrence of penis curvature. The delicate irregularities of the penis may serve as a factor promoting sexual stimulation upon sexual intercourse.