Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods having or using an improved implantable middle ear transducer for driving an ossicular chain bone to assist in aiding hearing. One embodiment of the present invention is a transducer assembly for converting electrical signals to mechanical vibrations which can be coupled, for example, to the stapes to provide audible frequency vibrations to the cochlea. One transducer assembly includes a pair of fins or gussets coupled to opposite sides of a transducer in the direction of unwanted movement of the transducer. The base of the transducer may be coupled to a base member while the fins have free edges that are near to but not coupled to the base member. Some fins are triangular shaped. The fins may not substantially inhibit vibration in the preferred plane, but can inhibit unwanted vibrations in a plane orthogonal to the preferred direction which can substantially include a plane containing the fins.

Abstract: A first amount of sperm of a first animal and a second amount of sperm of a second animal of the same species, the first amount of sperm and the second amount of sperm sex-selected sperm of the same sex, useful in the in-vivo or in-vitro fertilization of an egg of a female animal of the same species of animal for the production of sex-selected embryos and sex-selected offspring.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems related to implants for the treatment of a female pelvic condition. The implants include absorbable and non-absorbable materials and can be introduced into the pelvic area transvaginally. Meshes of the invention provide benefits relating to improved tissue integration into the mesh, reduced infection likelihood, improved patient comfort following implantation, or combinations of thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to a patient, the apparatus including a head mount for disposition on the head of a patient; and a plurality of magnet assemblies for releasable mounting on the head mount, wherein each of the magnet assemblies includes a magnet for selectively providing a rapidly changing magnetic field capable of inducing weak electric currents in the brain of a patient so as to modify the natural electrical activity of the brain of the patient; wherein the number of magnet assemblies mounted on the head mount, their individual positioning on the head mount, and their selective provision of a rapidly changing magnetic field is selected so as to allow the spatial, strength and temporal characteristics of the magnetic field to be custom tailored for each patient, whereby to provide patient-specific TMS therapy, to assist in diagnosis or to map out brain function in neuroscience research.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for simultaneously providing an infra-red laser beam and a concentrated uni-polar, pulsed electromagnetic field to a region of interest in the body of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus produces the infrared laser beam from a laser diode and the pulsed electromagnetic field from an electrically conductive coil. The infra-red laser beam and the pulsed electromagnetic field are produced concurrently along a common axis. A focusing magnet is provided to concentrate the lines of flux so that they extend along the laser beam. The apparatus includes a body of Mu-metal shielding surrounding the components of the apparatus except for one pole of the coil from which the lines of flux of the electromagnetic field extend to further concentrate the field and render it effectively uni-polar.

Abstract: An implantable microphone, comprising a rigid housing, a sensor membrane for exposure to surrounding soft tissue, the sensor membrane being arranged to seal an opening of the housing, a transducer for generating an output signal corresponding to the deflection of the sensor membrane, and a compliant suspension arrangement located opposite to the sensor membrane for being exposed to soft tissue and for supporting the housing on soft tissue in a manner that the housing is moveable relative to said soft tissue upon acceleration of the housing and the soft tissue, the suspension arrangement comprising means for adjusting the spring constant of the suspension arrangement when the microphone is implanted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided and adapted to engage and pull (e.g., pull up) or reposition paraurethral support tissue, such as the perineal membrane. The perineal membrane intersects the urethra and vagina at the midurethra or distal location and can thus be stabilized or controlled in a manner that helps restore continence. As such, the implants can be utilized to eliminate the need for mesh or other supportive structures under the urethra that is common with other incontinence slings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to time-driven personalization of media preference. In an embodiment, the present invention includes a therapy for treating altered cognitive states, such as understimulation, overstimulation and sundowning, in individuals suffering from cognitive impairment, including dementia. The present invention uses time to focus its therapies through personal care shows. The time-based personal care shows include personalized content (e.g., images, music, trusted voice) and format (e.g., tempo, length of intervals, color contrast) to ensure effectiveness of the personal care shows in reaching the desired results.

Abstract: A device for loading and customizing brachytherapy carriers based on the principles of optimizing a more precise and predictable dosimetry, and adaptable to the geometric challenges of a tumor bed in a real-time setting. The present invention relates to a specialized loading device designed to enable a medical team to create a radionuclide carrier for each patient and tumor reliably, reproducibly and efficiently.

Abstract: According to one general aspect, there is a medical device including a locking mechanism that is used to connect a plurality of catheters, a multi-balloon inflator that inflates multiple balloons on a single catheter, an extraction point used to remove human fluids from the human body, and a connecting point that allows a syringe or a machine to insert liquid saline solution or radioactive isotopes into the multi-balloon inflator.

Abstract: To provide a breath pacing system and a corresponding method for pacing the respiratory activity of a subject that provide the possibility to adapt the output signal to the respiration characteristics of the subject automatically and effectively a breath pacing system (10) for pacing the respiratory activity of a subject and a respective method is proposed, comprising: an input unit (14) for generating or determining an input signal related to a respiration characteristic of a subject, a signal analyzing unit (16) provided to recognize a signal pattern within the input signal, and an output unit (12) for outputting output signals corresponding to a desired breathing sequence, wherein said output unit (12) is provided to be activated, upon a starting signal, to output a sequence of output signals comprising a signal pattern related to a previously recognized signal pattern.

Abstract: A suture-less pelvic implant system and method is provided for treating pelvic conditions, such as incontinence or vaginal prolapse. The implant can include a fixation portion, rectangular or suture line, having a plurality of fixation elements, e.g., barbs, extending therefrom to fixate within target pelvic tissue, such as the vaginal apex. In a sacralcolpopexy, an opposing end or anchor of the implant is fixated within the sacrum or like structure to stabilize, raise, support or reposition the vaginal apex.

Abstract: An implantable magnetic transducer arrangement is described for a hearing implant in a recipient patient. An implant housing hermetically encapsulates an interior housing volume and is fixedly attached to skull bone beneath the skin of the patient. A magnetic transducer is located within the housing volume and includes multiple permanent magnets wherein adjacent magnets have opposite magnetic polarities, and one or more suspension elements that resiliently couple adjacent magnets to allow their relative movement. The magnetic transducer forms a coupled oscillating system with an external magnetic drive component above the skin of the patient to develop a mechanical stimulation signal to the implant housing for delivery by bone conduction of the skull bone as an audio signal to the cochlea of the patient.

Abstract: Systems for providing support to body tissue to alleviate incontinence are disclosed that comprise an elongated incontinence sling having a central support portion adapted to be positioned to support any one of the urethra or anus and first and second sling end portions extending from the central support portion through body tissue and a tension adjustment mechanism acting on or within one or both of the sling end portions. The sling tension adjustment mechanism comprises one or more of a sling tensioning suture or band, a tensioning device coupled to a suture or band free end, a tissue anchor coupled to one or more of a suture free end and a sling end, a mesh fold, a suture tube, and a sling sheath in various combinations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which generates an image and particularly a celestial or a natural image having embedded movement that is useful in relieving conditions such as patient angst, depression and the like. The apparatus may include a control panel for adjusting the image and the movement based on the patient's condition or response to the image.

Abstract: A medical device having a valve member and a securing member is provided. The valve member is configured to be positioned inside a bodily passageway. The valve member includes a plurality of flaps configured to move from a first position to a second position at a predetermined pressure or in response to being exposed to a predetermined pressure. The securing member is configured to be positioned outside the bodily passageway. The securing member is configured to help retain the valve member in place within the bodily passageway.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a medical device includes a receiving arm configured to be coupled to at least a portion of an implant, and a clamping arm having a proximal end coupled to the receiving arm and having a track at a distal end of the clamping arm. The medical device also includes a sliding component including a needle and configured to slidably move along the track of the clamping arm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing controllable pulse parameter magnetic stimulation are described. One aspect is directed to a magnetic stimulation system for inducing approximately rectangular electric field pulses in a body organ, comprising an electrical energy storage device, a stimulating coil, and a switching means for electrically coupling said electrical energy storage device to said stimulating coil to produce current pulses in said stimulating coil which generates, in response to the current pulses, magnetic field pulses that can induce approximately rectangular electric field pulses in the body organ.

Abstract: A system for the physical manipulation of free magnetic rotors in a circulatory system using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the control of magnetic particles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow. Examples of vascular occlusions targeted by the system include, but are not limited to, atherosclerotic plaques, including fibrous caps, fatty buildup, coronary occlusions, arterial stenosis, restenosis, vein thrombi, arterial thrombi, cerebral thrombi, embolisms, hemorrhages, other blood clots, and very small vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating urinary incontinence, comprising: (a) a support section adapted for providing urethral support; (b) an anchoring section adapted for resisting movement of the apparatus; (c) a normally open expansion mechanism adapted to urge the support radially outwards; and (d) a conversion mechanism adapted to sharply and selectively reduce an outward urging of said support.