Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering electromagnetic signals configured specifically to accelerate the asymmetrical kinetics of the binding of intracellular ions to their respective intracellular buffers, to enhance the biochemical signaling pathways plant animal and human molecules, cells, tissues, organs, portions of entire organisms and entire organisms employ for growth, repair and maintenance. Described herein are devices and methods that utilize repetitive bursts of waveforms configured to maximize the bound concentration of intracellular ions at their associated molecular buffers to enhance the biochemical signaling pathways living systems employ for growth, repair and maintenance. For example the systems and methods described herein may drive the binding of calcium to calmodulin (CaM), thereby enhancing the CaM-dependent nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway.

Abstract: A male sexual impotence treatment apparatus comprises an operable restriction device (56) implanted in a patient and engaging the penile tissue (58) or the prolongation thereof to form a restrictable blood flow passageway through which blood flow leaves the penis. The restriction device is operable by an implanted operation device (60) to change the restriction of the blood flow passageway. A control device (62 and 64) is provided for controlling a source of energy, which may or may not be implanted, from outside the patient's body, to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to power the operation device. The patient uses the control device to restrict the blood flow leaving the penis to achieve erection.

Abstract: A lockout valve assembly of an implantable penile prosthetic includes a body and a lockout valve. The body is attachable between a reservoir and a pump of the implantable penile prosthetic. The lockout valve includes a core rotatably disposed inside the body, an inflation channel formed through a portion of the core, a deflation pathway separate from the inflation channel and formed through a diameter of the core, and a one-way check valve disposed in the deflation pathway of the core.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable storage media relate to determining individualized treatment planning margins. The methods may include processing motion data of a target obtained from at least one marker for one or more periods. Each period may include a plurality of time intervals. The processing may include processing the motion data to determine an isocenter for each time interval along at least one of the axes of motion. The axes can include the x axis, the y axis, and/or the z axis. The method may include determining motion prediction data for each of the at least one of the axes; and determining treatment planning margins for each of the at least one of the axes based on the motion prediction data. The individualized treatment margins can be smaller and more optimal because the treatment margins can incorporate patient specific patterns of motion of a target (e.g., an organ).

Abstract: A thermally regulated penile prosthetic system includes a prosthetic capsule extending longitudinally from a base to define a shaft region terminating at a tip region. The prosthetic capsule includes an inner capsule portion nested within an outer capsule portion and a fluid cushion captured therebetween. The inner capsule portion defines an inner bore extending from the base region longitudinally through the shaft region, the inner capsule portion being supported with respect to the outer capsule portion at the tip region by a stabilizing member. A heating source is coupled to transfer heat to the prosthetic capsule; and, an outer skin layer extends substantially about at least a portion of the shaft region of the prosthetic capsule. The outer skin layer is configured to emulate penile shaft skin.

Abstract: Methods and devices producing time varying magnetic field have therapeutic uses. The device contains a coil made of insulated wires, an energy storage device, an energy source and a switch. The coil is flexibly attached in a case. The device has at least one blower for cooling the coil. The methods and devices can be used in for example in physiotherapy, neuropsychiatric therapy, aesthetic therapy, urology or urogynecology.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using antiprotons for terminating unwanted or undesirable cells which can be used in the treatment of conditions caused by the existence and/or proliferation of such undesirable cells. Such conditions include cardiovascular ailments, Parkinson's disease, wet macular degeneration, endocrine disorders, dermatological ailments, and cancer. Because of the unique nature of antiprotons and their annihilation characteristics, the preferred antiproton delivery device (1010, 1015, 1030) embodiments further incorporate detector arrays (1050a), capable of detecting characteristic emissions in the course of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of implanting a urethral prosthesis. The method includes making an incision, positioning arms of the prosthesis in the pelvic region of the patient, and positioning a stem of the prosthesis in the scrotum of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in copulation and preventing discomfort due to testicular retraction or displacement (e.g., retractile testicle) during copulation and other activities is disclosed. The apparatus substantially encompasses, circumferentially, the upper portion of the shaft of a penis without constricting the urethra area at the base of the shaft of the penis. The apparatus further conforms to the torso behind the scrotal sack (i.e., between scrotum and torso) to prevent undesired movement of testicles into the abdomen area. The apparatus has a substantial U-shape, the legs curving inwardly toward respective anchoring nodes. Anchoring nodes may be included at the end of each leg of the apparatus to assist in minimizing movement of the apparatus while in use. The apparatus may rigid or may be slightly flexible and, when in use as a copulation aid, provides pressure to restrict outflow of blood from corpora cavernosa thus assisting to maintain erection.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a treatment system includes a plurality of first radiators, a plurality of detectors, a determiner, and a controller. Each of the first radiators irradiates a radioactive beam to a subject. Each of the detectors detects a radioactive beam transmitted through the subject and generates an image based on the detected radioactive beam. The determiner determines whether an object in the subject is included in a first region using a given image that is one of the images. The controller controls the first radiators so that, when the object is not included in the first region, a smaller amount of radioactive beams is irradiated per unit time than when the object is included in the first region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a needle handling device engageable to an introducer tool used for implantation of a penile prosthetic insert in a corpora cavernosum of a penis. The needle handling device includes an attachment section, a needle capturing section and an intermediate section. The attachment section is provided at a first end of the needle handling device and is releasably attached to the introducer tool. The needle capturing section is provided at a second end of the needle handling device and is configured to capture and extract a needle out of the introducer tool. The intermediate section connects the first and the second end of the needle handling device. A method of implanting a penile prosthetic insert in a corpora cavernosum of a penis using a needle handling device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid range stacking for particle beam therapy includes a position and tracking module used for a patient position and locating a region of interest, and a scanning routine module used for targeting a target voxel within the region of interest by accessing a treatment plan characterization while providing a prescribed amount of dose to the target voxel. The scanning routine module determines a prescribed amount of dose for the target voxel by incrementing a position location of horizontal indexes on a single vertical index. Further, a beam delivery module used for controlling a beam device delivers ion particles to the target voxel within the region of interest. The beam delivery module controls a power supply for a horizontal magnet and a vertical magnet by retrieving information from the scanning routine module, and also controls a power supply for an accelerator energy selection.

Abstract: A method of treating pelvic prolapse is presented herein. Vaginal support device contains flat superior and inferior surfaces to facilitate affixing of mesh to vagina. Vaginal support device may be used as part of a system in conjunction with a manipulation device to support the vaginal walls. Mesh retention system may also include a holding device and retention mechanism such as a catheter or shaft and corresponding catheter balloon to hold mesh in place.

Abstract: An electric switching device for an implantable hearing aid is disclosed. The device automatically, directly or indirectly activates the power consumption for an implantable hearing aid when an outer sound processor is installed on the patient and turns off/reduces the power consumption when the sound processor is removed.

Abstract: A method of implanting a medical device includes implanting an artificial sphincter around a portion of a urethra in a patient, implanting a reservoir in an abdomen of the patient, coupling a deflation assembly to the artificial sphincter and to the reservoir, and implanting the deflation assembly between transversalis fascia and an exterior surface of a pelvis of the patient.

Abstract: A system for treating heart valve malfunction specifically including mitral regurgitation including a positioning structure operative to assume both expanded and contracted orientations and a retaining assembly positioned and structured to operatively dispose the positioning structure in moveably supporting lifting and/or positioning relation to the ventricular wall portion of the heart. The retaining assembly and the positioning structure are cooperatively disposed and structured to accomplish a shape variance of the heart upon a lifting or positioning force being exerted thereon substantially concurrent to the positioning structure being disposed in the expanded orientation. The force exerted on the heart at least partially defines a shape variance thereof to the extent of positioning of the leaflets of the mitral valve into a closed orientation which restricts mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A base for a penile prosthetic implant is disclosed. The base includes a fluid distribution manifold attached to and in fluid communication with an inflatable cylinder sized for implantation into a corpora cavernosum of a penis. The fluid distribution manifold is also connected to a core sized for implantation into a crus of the penis and in fluid communication with an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder provides an outer surface of the base between a proximal end of the core and a proximal end of the fluid distribution manifold. A penile prosthetic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for implanting a penile prosthetic insert in a corpora cavernosum of a penis and engaging a first magnetic unit with an inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder. The method includes locating a second magnetic unit outside the penis and attracting the first magnetic unit through tissue of the penis with the second magnetic unit to effect moving of the first magnetic unit and the inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder inside the corpora cavernosum. Also disclosed is a kit of parts for implanting a penile prosthetic insert in a corpora cavernosum of a penis including a first magnetic unit and a second magnetic unit for delivering an inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder into the corpora cavernosum of the penis.

Abstract: A system for magnetically suspending tissue includes a grasper placement tool, a tissue grasper, a magnetic coupling element, and a tether which secures the magnetic coupling element to the tissue grasper. The grasper placement tool is used to simultaneously introduce both the tissue grasper and the magnetic coupling element to a body cavity. The grasper then releases the magnetic coupling element and engages a target tissue structure. The tissue grasper is then detached from the placement tool and a conventional laparoscopic or other grasper is used to engage the magnetic coupling element to an external magnet.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.