Abstract: A method for increasing the distance between outer surface of tissue proximate to a surgical extraction site and a patient's sensitive body tissues comprising the infusion of a solution at a location of minimum distance between the extraction site and the sensitive body tissue until the accumulation of fluid distends the sensitive body tissue away from the extraction site.

Abstract: Rod-shaped massaging appliance with an essentially cylindrical end piece, with a wall or shell made of a rubber-elastic material forming the outer surface of the end piece and with a drive unit for generating movement on the end piece.

Abstract: The invention is a novel adaptive CT-compatible brachytherapy applicator with remotely-controlled radial and longitudinal motion radioactive source lumen shields that can be manipulated by the radiation oncologist to optimize the dose distribution to the target and normal tissue structures for brachytherapy procedures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an implanted microphone having reduced sensitivity to vibration. In this regard, the microphone differentiates between the desirable and undesirable vibration by utilizing at least one motion sensor to produce a motion signal when an implanted microphone is in motion. This motion signal is used to yield a microphone output signal that is less vibration sensitive. In a first arrangement, the motion signal may be processed with an output of the implantable microphone transducer to provide an audio signal that is less vibration-sensitive than the microphone output alone. In another arrangement, the motion signal may be utilized to actuate at least one actuator. Such an actuator may be capable of applying a force to move the implantable microphone or an implant capsule so as to reduce movement of a microphone diaphragm relative to the skin of a patient which covers the microphone diaphragm.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electromagnetic waveforms to stimulate a subject includes a computing device generating digital waveform data. A digital-to-analog converter receives the digital waveform data from the computing device and generates a corresponding analog waveform signal. A channel selector having output channels is operable to apply the analog waveform signal to the output channels when the output channels are actuated. A sequencer independent of the computing device selects and actuates the output channels of the channel selector. An electromagnetic field generator is coupled to each output channel of the channel selector. The electromagnetic field generator coupled to each actuated output channel converts the analog waveform signal into an electromagnetic waveform thereby to expose a subject wearing the electromagnetic field generators to the electromagnetic waveform.

Abstract: A radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising a molded elongate, bioabsorbable carrier material with spaced radioactive sources disposed therein, and methods for the manufacture thereof. The radioactive members may be used in the treatment of, for example, prostate cancer.

Abstract: A penile clamp is disclosed. The penile clamp includes a clamp band having a loop segment, at least one spherical terminal bead provided on the clamp band and at least one lock collar provided on the clamp band between the at least one terminal bead and the loop segment.

Abstract: A patient equipped with a device in a first mode is scheduled for a procedure in a procedure room at a facility with pre-procedure rules (e.g., requiring procedure site marking). Only a surgeon or other authorized individual is permitted to change the first mode to a second mode after complying with the rules (e.g., marking a site on the patient's body). A detector is located at or near the entrance of the procedure room for detecting devices having the first mode. If the first mode is detected, an alarm is provided indicating that the rule may not have been followed.

Abstract: A medical, surgical, or operating kit for occluding or controlling blood flow or fluid flow is disclosed. The kit is comprised of (a) a dispersion of magnetic microparticles which can be administered into a blood vessel or fluid vessel, and (b) an external magnetic field source which is adapted to be placed at the desired site above the path of the bloodstream or fluid flow to form a plug or blockade within the blood vessel or fluid vessel that occludes or controls blood flow or fluid flow.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a vibrator device comprising a body, at least one accessory imbedded in said body, at least one accessory pump, and at least one tube located within the body and operatively connecting the at least one accessory to the at least one pump, wherein activation of at least one pump alters at least one aspect of at least one accessory. According to an alternative embodiment, said device may offer the same features in a sheath that fits over a conventional vibrator or a male phallus.

Abstract: Radioactive sources are manufactured for treating a tumor or cancerous area occurring around a conduit or duct in the body by emitting X-rays to destroy or reduce the tumors. The sources contain ytterbium which is substantially enriched in 168Ytterbium and which is activated by exposure to neutron flux so as to contain a minor, but significant, fraction of X-ray and gamma-emitting 169Ytterbium. The radioactive 169Ytterbium source is inserted through a catheter or applicator or needle to the site of the cancer where it is maintained in position for a period of time to reduce the occurrence of cancer. The ytterbium also acts as an X-ray-opaque marker to facilitate external visualization of the sources during their delivery to the treatment site. The sources are encased in a shell to prevent direct contact of the radioactive material with human tissue. This encapsulation may be formed by welding a pair of end caps to a tubular member.

Abstract: A male prosthetic device configured to be worn on a flaccid, partially-erect or erect penis which transmits tactile sensations through a stimulation material to the surface of the penis. The device includes a prosthesis with an outer surface and in inner chamber, a microprocessor, one or more sensors and one or more stimulation materials. The outer surface is configured to appear as a penis or other elongate body with hard or soft materials, with optional stimulation materials and sensors. The inner cavity is lined with stimulation material configured to contact the surface of the penis. Sensors for detecting sensation or direction can be disposed within, on, or separate from the device transmit signals electrically or wirelessly to the microprocessor, which is programmed to generate stimulation sensations in response to signals from the sensors, stimulation materials, or controllers that are transmitted to the stimulation material.

Abstract: A driver and sensor assembly that is hermetically sealed so that the assemblies may be fully implanted in a being. The assemblies employ a transducer that has a longitudinal axis and that vibrates or picks up vibration in a direction substantially transverse to its longitudinal axis. A sheath covers the transducer and is hermetically sealed to a housing. Leads from a sound processor are coupled to the housing and the entire assembly is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for associating an implantable sling with a delivery device for delivering the sling to an anatomical location in a patient.

Abstract: Techniques for applying electromagnetic energy to deep, targeted areas without overwhelming other areas are provided. One or more coils are moved relative to a target area and magnetic fields are applied to the target from multiple coil locations. As a result, the aggregate electromagetic energy applied to the target over time is greater than surrounding areas. Additionally, a model for testing and treatment planning is provided.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus assists in developing, maintaining and enhancing the firmness of a user's erection. The apparatus is an erection stimulator that is comprised generally of a loop with a handle that is positionable between the user's legs. The handle further comprises at least one ridge that creates pressure in the perineum region proximate to said scrotum and rectum, i.e. the space along the sides and behind the scrotum and extending to the rectum. This pressure may help stimulate arousal while the apparatus may physically assist in retaining blood in the penis. The disclosed apparatus may further comprise at least one crest on the ridge(s) to further develop, maintain and enhance the firmness of a user's erection.

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 sex aid apparatus is disclosed utilizing an extended geometrical shaped handle for interchangeable attachment to intra-vaginal or anal penetration appliances and the manual manipulation thereof.

Abstract: Noninvasive angioplasty using momentary vacuum therapy (MVT) is applied to treat erectile dysfunction, peripheral artery disease, and deep vein thrombosis. MVT is a noninvasive angioplasty technique which momentarily increases blood pressure to flatten arterial plaque and increase arterial elasticity for peripheral artery disease and deep vein thrombosis. The workload on the heart will be reduced by the flattening of plaque and the increase in elasticity of the peripheral arteries. The reduction in workload may be a treatment for congestive heart failure (heart failure). For treating erectile dysfunction, MVT increases the elasticity of penile arteries but does not flatten penile plaque; when treating erectile dysfunction with MVT, only an increase in arterial elasticity is required.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and sealing a vascular puncture is connected to an energy supply such that heat is generated in, or thermally conducted to, the tissue, thereby thermally fusing the vascular tissue together. The method for closing and sealing a vascular puncture comprises applying radio frequency or other energy to the tissue, the energy being sufficient to thermally fuse the tissue together, thus sealing the puncture. Embodiments of depth finding and guiding devices, as well as blood vessel occluders, are also disclosed.