Abstract: A method for determining an irradiation plan includes specifying a target volume to be irradiated and a condition to be fulfilled, and implementing a first optimization. Implementing the first optimization includes providing a first data record, in which the target volume is mapped, and determining a first parameter set for the irradiation planning by implementing a first optimization algorithm. The first parameter set is optimized with respect to the condition to be fulfilled by using the first data record. The method also includes implementing a second optimization that includes providing a second data record that has a higher resolution than the first data record, determining a second parameter set by implementing a second optimization algorithm. The second parameter set is optimized with respect to the condition to be fulfilled by using the second data record and using the first parameter set. The method also includes generating an irradiation planning data record from the second parameter set.

Abstract: A technique for influencing the human brain can be applied to treat PTSD through stimulating the brain with a beat in, for example, the theta (?) frequency to influence the brain to relax. Alternatively, the human brain can be stimulated with a beat in the alpha (?) frequency to stimulate active thinking. Over a series of treatments the brain of an individual suffering from PTSD can be influenced to operate at a normal frequency. Advantageously, as the frequency is adjusted, the symptoms of PTSD recur less often until the individual ceases to experience the symptoms or has at least experienced a decreased recurrence of the symptoms.

Abstract: A system for providing multi-sensory therapy including a computer having an audio output and a screen, wherein the computer is configured to provide audio stimulus and visual stimulus, a motion chair, and an actuator coupled to the motion chair, wherein the actuator is configured to cause movement of the motion chair, wherein the motion of the motion chair is configured to provide tactile stimulus, vestibular stimulus and proprioceptive stimulus to a patient seated in the motion chair, wherein the stimuli provided by the computer is provided concurrently with the stimuli provided by the motion chair.

Abstract: A premature neonate closed life support system (NCLSS) including: at least one chamber confining a cradle-like neonate support (CLNS) having suitable dimensions and geometric-configuration for accommodating at least one premature neonate having at least two operational configurations, said operational configurations comprising: a first operational OPEN configuration whereby said CLNS is adapted to couple said neonate to at least one life supporting system by means of at least one life supporting coupling line, prior to positioning said CLNS in a medical device; and a second operational air-tight CLOSED configuration whereby said neonate remains continuously coupled to said at least one life supporting system by means of at least one life supporting coupling line, when positioning said CLNS within said medical device. The OPEN and CLOSED configurations are reversible.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-lumen brachytherapy device includes a plurality of loose lumens extend through a hub towards a single point of attachment at a distal rigid section. Because the lumens are attached at only a single distal location, the lumens are free to move axially and rotatably, thereby increasing the overall flexibility of the device to thereby decrease intermittent device movement while increasing patient comfort. A novel keyed stylet can be selectively inserted to increase the rigidity of the device as needed. The ability to dynamically modify the rigidity of the brachytherapy device provides a comprehensive brachytherapy solution that satisfies concerns of the patient, the surgeon and the radiologists.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical assembly and method to deliver and place a bodily implant inside a patient's body. The medical assembly includes an insertion tool such that a portion of the insertion tool defines a lumen. The medical assembly further includes a carrier configured to be coupled to the insertion tool and including a passageway. The medical assembly also includes a flexible elongate member configured to pass through the passageway of the carrier and the lumen. The elongate member is also configured to be coupled to the bodily implant such that a portion of the elongate member between the bodily implant and the carrier defines a length.

Abstract: An insertion needle that is turnably mounted on a handle, which holds the insertion needle, wherein the insertion needle includes a turn arm that turns so as to face the tip of the insertion needle, and a target site that guides the insertion needle provided on the tip of the turn arm, and is further provided with: through-holes in two locations that are provided separated in the longitudinal direction of the tip of the insertion needle; an indentation formed between these through-holes; and a groove in the direction from the tip of the insertion needle toward the base of the insertion needle. Furthermore, the insertion needle is suitably used in urinary incontinence surgery, pelvic organ prolapse surgery or the like.

Abstract: A specific site location measuring includes: calculating matching degrees based on a plurality of transmission images imaged by use of radiation transmitting through a specimen and a template set; selecting a template transmission image from the plurality of transmission images based on the matching degrees; adding a new template generated based on the template transmission image, to the template set; imaging a location measurement transmission image by use of radiation transmitting through the specimen; selecting an optimal template that is the most similar to a portion of the location measurement transmission image, from the template set by performing pattern matching of each of templates of the template set with the location measurement transmission image; and calculating a specific site location based on the location measurement transmission image and the optimal template.

Abstract: A medical device includes a support member, a tether, and a retainer. The support member is configured to be placed within a body of a patient and provide support to a portion of the body of the patient. The tether forms a loop and is coupled to the support member. The tether is configured to extend from the body of the patient when the support member is placed within the body of the patient. The retainer is configured to be coupled to the tether at a first location on the tether and at a second location on the tether different than the first location. The retainer is configured to be disposed outside of the body of the patient when the support member is placed within the body of the patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implant includes a support member configured to be placed within a body of a patient and provide support to a portion of the body of the patient, a tether coupled to an end portion of the support member; and an anchor configured to be disposed within a tissue of the body of the patient to help retain the implant in place within the body of the patient. The tether is coupled to the anchor such that the tether may move with respect to the anchor in a first direction but is retrained from moving in a second direction.

Abstract: Devices for containing exposed internal body parts during their insertion into the body of a patient are provided. The devices include a surgical pouch that comprises a measurement feature adapted to facilitate a measurement of the oxygen saturation of the exposed internal body parts. In some embodiments, the subject devices comprise an inner pouch for containing the exposed internal body parts, as well as an outer pouch that can be pressurized to exert positive pressure on the inner pouch to facilitate insertion of the internal body parts into the body of the patient. Also provided are methods for containing the exposed internal body parts of a patient and inserting the body parts into the patient, optionally using positive pressure, while monitoring the oxygen saturation of the exposed internal body parts via the measurement feature.

Abstract: An isolation apparatus for transporting and storing objects or human remains. The apparatus is formed of a flexible, foldable, opaque, generally box-like enclosure fabricated of a fiber reinforced plastic film, and welded together to form a sealed, air-tight and/or liquid-tight enclosure. A gas and liquid sealing zipper is positioned along three of four sides of the enclosure, thereby allowing the apparatus to open in a clamshell or suitcase-like manner, for easy access to the interior of the enclosure. An NBC and/or a CBRN filter can be mounted to the apparatus to allow for release of pressure from within the enclosure. An interior liner made of chemical protective fabric can be placed within the enclosure for additional chemical containment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes securing an implant that includes a pre-formed loop to a vaginal apex. An end of the suture is inserted through a selected portion of a pelvic tissue to dispose at least a portion of the implant within a pelvic region of the patient. The end of the suture is drawn through the loop while simultaneously advancing a uterus to approximate the vaginal apex to the selected portion of pelvic tissue. An apparatus includes an implant and a suture coupled to the implant having a pre-formed loop. configured to receive a portion of a delivery device therethrough. A trocar is coupled to an end of the suture that can be releasably coupled to an end of the delivery device. The trocar can be inserted through a pelvic tissue and drawn through the loop forming a knot to secure the implant to the pelvic tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a component (101) intended to be mounted on the ejection barrel of a device for dispensing surgical staples, characterized in that it comprises: fixing means (102) designed to fix said component (101) on said ejection barrel removably or non-removably, securing means (103) for securing a surgical tape to said component (101), said securing means allowing said tape to slide within said component (101). The invention further relates to a kit comprising such a component and/or a device for dispensing surgical staples and/or a surgical tape.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-lumen brachytherapy device includes a plurality of loose lumens extend through a hub towards a single point of attachment at a distal rigid section. Because the lumens are attached at only a single distal location, the lumens are free to move axially and rotatably, thereby increasing the overall flexibility of the device to thereby decrease intermittent device movement while increasing patient comfort. A novel keyed stylet can be selectively inserted to increase the rigidity of the device as needed. The ability to dynamically modify the rigidity of the brachytherapy device provides a comprehensive brachytherapy solution that satisfies concerns of the patient, the surgeon and the radiologists.

Abstract: A brachytherapy balloon system, including a brachytherapy applicator and a brachytherapy balloon, is described. The brachytherapy balloon is shaped and sized to fit a vagina, a rectum or an esophagus and is made of elastomeric polymer and has a cylindrical inner surface defining an interior hollow of diameter D with at least one open end into which a brachytherapy applicator of diameter x<D can fit, and an outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces of the brachytherapy balloon together define an inflatable elongated toroidal shape having a distal and a proximal end. The distal end has a diameter less than x, a valve for inflating the balloon, and a retention ring that prevents the brachytherapy applicator from protruding beyond the retention ring and reproducibly positioning the applicator on every use.

Abstract: A system and methods for controlling pulse parameters during transcranial magnetic stimulation are provided. Multiple coils are placed on external body parts, and are controlled using an external control unit coupled to a stimulator having fast switches. The timing of the switches, as well as other parameters within the stimulator, determine the pulse parameters, such as pulse shape. The variety of pulse shapes obtainable using such a system and methods provides controlled physiologic effects within an internal body organ.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body that defines a lumen and a suture coupled to the elongate body and at least partially disposed within the lumen. The suture extends at least partially from a proximal end of the elongate body and forms a loop configured to couple a portion of a pelvic implant to the elongate body. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body having a distal end configured to releasably couple the elongate body to a delivery device. A tubular member is movably disposed over at least a portion of the elongate body. A coupler is disposed at a proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to releasably couple an implant to the elongate body. The tubular member can be slidably disposed over at least a portion of the implant when the pelvic implant is coupled to the elongate body.

Abstract: A surgical assembly including a surgical introducer having a handle portion and a needle element extending to a free distal end, and a sliding mechanism including a compressible member and a sliding button slidably coupled to the handle portion for longitudinal movement relative thereto and having a first retaining device extending outwardly from a distal end and a projection extending outwardly to a position adjacent the compressible member. First and second sheath elements each have a proximal end, a closed tapered distal end region, a channel therein, and a side aperture at a predetermined distance from the distal tip. The needle element slidably extends through the side aperture and into the channel of the first sheath element. An implant having first and second ends is coupled to the proximal ends of the first and second sheath elements respectively.

Abstract: An implant insertion system includes an implant, such as a surgical mesh, having at least one insertion tip secured to the implant. Each insertion tip has a tapered distal end, a proximal end, a base extending proximally from the tapered distal end, and a central lumen formed in the base having an opening facing the proximal end of the insertion tip. The system includes an insertion device having an outer shaft and a latching assembly provided at a distal end of the outer shaft that is insertable into the opening of the central lumen for selectively locking the insertion tip to the latching assembly. The latching assembly has an outer dimension that is changeable from expanded state for locking the insertion tip to the latching assembly to a non-expanded state for unlocking the insertion tip from the latching assembly.