Abstract: A device for applying a time-varying magnetic field to a human or animal body for therapeutic purposes comprising a magnetic body (72), housed in a free moving member (80), which is it-self housed within the device. The device is powered by a small electric motor that drives the free moving member (80) and magnetic body (72) to rotate about an axis of first rotation. The magnetic body is further caused to rotate around an axis of second rotation through angular forces imparted on it either mechanically or magnetically. Mechanical angular force is imparted by a gear and tooth arrangement or other similar tactile interaction with a roller member (106). Magnetic angular force is imparted by stationary magnets (110) as the magnetic body (72) rotates past them. The two rotational movements of the magnetic body (72) are oblique to one another and produce both a time-varying field of magnetic flux density and a time varying field of angular flux displacement.

Abstract: A male prosthesis 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 collapsible patient isolation pod for preventing flow of contaminants to or from a patient is disclosed. The isolation pod is preferably fabricated at least partially from a transparent, biochemically resistive material and includes a flexible enclosure that is configurable to receive a contaminated patient therein. The top is maintained spaced apart from the bottom such that the top is maintained out of physical contact with a contaminated patient received in the enclosure. The isolation pod has a plurality of wide, gloved access points to allow easy, multiple access points to a patient. A central connection manifold for oxygen, intravenous connections, or other fluids, may optionally be provided. Ventilation is provided within the isolation chamber with a negative pressure ventilation system and filtration on the air input near the patient's head, and provides filtration on output near the patient's feet.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for stabilizing tissue within a patient's body during a surgical operation to provide a relatively motionless surgical field. The devices involve tissue stabilizers which provide superior engagement with a tissue structure to be stabilized, for example the beating heart. The tissue stabilizer may have one or more stabilizer feet which provide for adjustment of the orientation of the features which engage the surface of the tissue structure. In one instance, the orientation may be adjusted to ensure the engaging features will be properly aligned with the surface of the tissue structure before engagement. In addition, once engaged with or connected to the tissue structure the orientation may be adjusted to yield an optimum surgical presentation of a portion of the tissue structure, for instance a coronary artery or the like. The tissue stabilizer may be configured to use friction, negative pressure, or both to engage the surface of the heart.

Abstract: An implantable band for placement around an anatomical passageway, such as the stomach or other lumen, has the inner surfaces at each end attached to each other in the operative position. One end may include a passageway through which the other end extends. A lateral member may extend from the surface at one end and engage the other end.

Abstract: A delivery device configured for delivering a cardiac harness onto the heart is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of push rods, a housing, and a control mechanism. The device also includes a method of pulling a cardiac harness onto a heart. The method includes inserting the delivery device through a minimally invasive incision sized to receive the housing. The housing is advanced through the incision so that the housing is adjacent the heart and advanced distally out of the housing by advancing the control assembly distally over a shaft. The housing mounts the cardiac harness on the heart and releases the harness from the push rods.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device for the provision of brachytherapy is disclosed. The brachytherapy device has at least one source lumen located outside a movable surface of the device. The source lumen may be secured to the movable outer surface in a manner whereby relative movement of the source lumen relative to the movable outer surface is permitted. The brachytherapy device is inserted into a body cavity. After insertion, the movable surface is moved to position the at least one source lumen closer to the tissue boundary of the cavity. One or more sources of radiation are then placed within the at least one source lumen to provide a customizable treatment. Also disclosed are methods for providing brachytherapy via body cavities.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device for the provision of brachytherapy is disclosed. The brachytherapy device has at least one source lumen located outside a movable surface of the device. The source lumen may be secured to the movable outer surface in a manner whereby relative movement of the source lumen relative to the movable outer surface is permitted. The brachytherapy device is inserted into a body cavity. After insertion, the movable surface is moved to position the at least one source lumen closer to the tissue boundary of the cavity. One or more sources of radiation are then placed within the at least one source lumen to provide a customizable treatment. Also disclosed are methods for providing brachytherapy via body cavities.

Abstract: Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable electromechanical converter for receiving oscillations from an ear ossicle and for converting them into an electrical voltage, for use as a microphone for a cochlea implant or an implantable hearing aid, consisting of one or more piezoelectric converter elements (11) housed in a hermetically sealed hollow body (2) made of a biocompatible material. The converter is characterized in that the hollow body has a thin shell (9) which is connected with its interior side to the piezoelectric converter elements and which can be coupled with its exterior side to an ear ossicle, and which is held by a stable edge (10), whereby the stable edge can be coupled to a counter-support in the middle ear space.

Abstract: Organ manipulation devices for atraumatically grasping the surface of an organ and repositioning the organ to allow access to a location on the organ that would otherwise be substantially inaccessible. Methods of accessing a beating heart, retracting the heart using an organ manipulation apparatus, and stabilizing a surgical target area with a stabilizer. Both the organ manipulator and stabilizer are fixed to a stationary object which may be a sternal retractor. A system for performing beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting includes a sternal retractor, organ manipulator and stabilizer.

Abstract: A method for treating an animal using a constant amplitude electromagnetic field including: providing at least one constant amplitude electromagnetic field focused at a center location, continuously maintaining an area around the constant amplitude electromagnetic field at a constant temperature, placing an end of a limb of an animal at the center location, exposing the end of the limb of the animal to the constant amplitude electromagnetic field for a length of time ranging from 10 minutes to 3 hours to simultaneously treat venous and arterial blood cells and nerve endings in the limb of the animal.

Abstract: A suction cup adapted to engage a surface of a beating heart with sufficient force to move the beating heart to an unnatural position upon moving the suction cup, while the suction cup maintains engagement with the surface of the heart and the heart continues to beat. Various suction cups are described each including at least a first chamber having a flexible rim and configured to engage the surface of the beating heart and a second chamber smaller than the first chamber and fluidly connected therewith. A suspension device configured to engage a beating heart and maintain engagement via suction while moving the suspension device to move the beating heart to an unnatural position and maintain the beating heart in the unnatural position to perform a surgical procedure, while the heart continues to beat, includes a suction cup and a support arm connected thereto.

Abstract: A method of treating pain or injury in close proximity to the vertebral column in a subject with acupressure and magnetic therapy comprising the steps of placing a first magnetic focus radiation pointer on the skin of the point superior to the central point of injury or pain and a second magnetic focus radiation pointer on the skin of the point inferior to the central point of injury or pain, holding the pointers in place for a sufficient period of time and affixing a magnet to the central point of pain or injury. A preferred embodiment comprises the step of placing the first magnetic focus radiation pointer on the skin on a third point inferior to the first point but superior to a second point while placing the second magnetic focus radiation pointer on a fourth point on the skin inferior to the second point. In another preferred embodiment, each of the central, first, second, third and fourth points overlay a vertebra.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating a patient with benign hypertrophy of the prostate, comprising providing a compressible attenuation device that is moveable from a first, introduction configuration to a second, implanted configuration and attenuating a pressure change within the bladder by reversibly changing the volume of the attenuation device in response to the pressure change. In one embodiment, the attenuation device is advanced transurethrally into the bladder. In another embodiment, the attenuation device is positioned within the bladder to inhibit a decrease in compliance of the bladder wall as a consequence of the benign hypertrophy of the prostate.

Abstract: A variable reluctance motor is provided having a linear relationship between an input current and an output force. According to one aspect of the invention, the motor comprises a stator, an armature, and at least one magnetic member to provide a biasing force on the armature. According to this characterization, the motor also includes a drive coil to generate an electromagnetic field in response to a current input. The electromagnetic field, in turn, moves the armature relative to the stator during motor operation.

Abstract: Externally detectable electronic article surveillance markers are attached to surgical implements, such as sponges and surgical instruments, appointed for use in a surgical wound. The attachment mechanism facilitates detection by an external interrogating field before the wound has been closed and the patient has left the operating table. The markers are responsive to the imposition of an interrogating field produced by an electronic article surveillance system. Markers contain one or more magnetomechanically responsive elements that are urged into mechanical resonance by the interrogating field. The ring-down of the resonance and the associated dipolar electromagnetic field provide a signal-identifying characteristic detected by a detection system. Upon detection, an audible or visible signal is triggered to alert relevant medical personnel to the need for follow-up care and removal of the offending item. The resonance occurs at a frequency ranging from about 70 to 300 kHz.

Abstract: The invention concerns a syringe for injecting the content of a straw enabling the reading of data borne by the straw, even when it is ready for use. The straw is placed in a tubular body (12) of the syringe in a housing (30) wherein is provided at least a lateral window (38).

Abstract: Systems and methods for supplementing control of an anatomical sphincter. A collar containing variable viscosity fluid surrounds a portion of an anatomical conduit. The flow of bodily fluids through the anatomical conduit occurs according to the viscosity level of the variable viscosity fluid. Electro-rheologic fluid in the collar liquefies in the absence of an electrical potential difference to render the collar pliable, permitting the anatomical conduit to expand and fluid to flow through the anatomical conduit. Electro-rheologic fluid in the collar solidifies in the presence of an electrical potential difference to render the collar firm, restricting the anatomical conduit from expanding and restricting fluid from passing through the anatomical conduit.

Abstract: A syringe injection shield (100) is formed primarily from a radio-opaque substance, such as tungsten, to shield medical personnel from exposure to radiation during administration of radiopharmaceuticals to patients. Safety syringes (22) typically have a needle sheath that can be positioned around a needle (24) after administration of the radiopharmaceutical. The syringe injection shield of the present invention allows medical personnel to make the syringe “safe” before the used syringe is removed from the syringe injection shield. The syringe is safe when the needle sheath is positioned and locked in place around the needle to reduce the risk of needle stick. The syringe injection shield includes a toggle element (110) that can assume four different positions as follows: neutral; ready; hold; and release.