Abstract: A control circuit employs at least two optimization stages while developing a radiation-treatment plan. During a first optimization stage the control circuit uses a first radiation-treatment plan optimization process that employs user-selected constraints to provide general plan results. During this first optimization stage the control circuit then provides one or more opportunities for a user to modify those user-selected constraints to thereby influence the general plan results. Eventually, this first optimization stage identifies a set of resultant user-selected constraints. During the second optimization stage the control circuit then uses a second radiation-treatment plan optimization process that employs the aforementioned resultant user-selected constraints to provide an optimized radiation-treatment plan.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus is applicable to a surgical instrument having a clamping portion, a linkage rod member and an operating portion. The damping portion is used to damp a target. The sensing apparatus includes a touch sensor set, a force sensor, a displacement sensor and a processing device. The touch sensor set can sense a touch signal between the target and the clamping portion. The force sensor can sense a clamping force applied on the target. The displacement sensor can measure a displacement of the linkage rod member. The processing device includes a database, a processing unit and a comparison unit. The database stores reference curves of different reference objects. The processing unit can build an actual measurement curve of the target. The comparison unit can compare the actual measurement curve with each of the reference curves to obtain one of the reference curves corresponding to the actual measurement curve.

Abstract: A charged-particle beam therapy apparatus includes: an accelerator configured to accelerate a charged particle and emit a charged-particle beam; an irradiation unit configured to irradiate an irradiated body with the charged-particle beam using a scanning method; and a control unit. The control unit stores a control pattern of the apparatus during one treatment. An irradiation interruption time for which the irradiation of the irradiated body with the charged-particle beam by the irradiation unit is interrupted and an irradiation time for which the irradiation unit irradiates the irradiated body with the charged-particle beam are set in the control pattern. The sum of the irradiation interruption times during one treatment is set to be shorter than the sum of the irradiation times during one treatment.

Abstract: The sheath (30) comprises a tube (31) and an end piece (32) that comprises a foot (33) introduced into an end portion of the tube (31), and a head (34) arranged in the extension of the tube (31). The foot (33) comprises, on the outer surface (40) thereof, a plurality of annular ribs (41-44) facing the inner surface (45) of the tube (31). The head (34) comprises a shoulder (38) facing the section (39) of the tube (31), projecting over the root of the foot (33). The end piece (32) and the tube (31) are attached to the periphery of at least one of said annular ribs exclusively by intrinsic welding. The method comprises the step of carrying out a peripheral tightening of the outer surface (37) of the tube on a level with the ribs (41-44), and the step of applying a sonotrode to the outer surface (35-36) of the head (34).

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedure systems, devices, tools, and methods, useful for connecting tissue (e.g., soft tissue, organ tissue) to another tissue or to a surgical device such as an implant; specific methods can be useful for plastic surgery, treating pelvic conditions such as vaginal prolapse, incontinence, and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, and for general surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (100) for increasing a degree of relaxation of a person (10) using biofeedback. The system (100) comprises a first physiological parameter determining unit (20) for determining a first physiological parameter of the person (10), a reference parameter providing unit (60) for providing a reference parameter, a correlation determining unit (30) for determining a degree of correlation between the first physiological parameter and the reference parameter and a controller (40) for determining a control information based on the determined degree of correlation for controlling a light source unit (50), wherein in a mode of operation of the system the control information is adapted to control the light source unit (50) by dimming the light source unit and/or changing the color of the light from the light source unit to warmer color tones having a lower color temperature when the degree of correlation increases.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient includes forming one and only one incision in the patient and implanting a base of a support by placing an anchor into tissue of an obturator foramen. The anchor is attached to the base of the support by a continuous suture loop that is looped through an eyelet of the anchor and engaged through the base of the support. The method includes breaking the continuous suture loop, tying a knot in the suture, and fixating the base of the support in the patient. An arm of the support is implanted by placing a second anchor into periosteum tissue lateral to a pubic symphysis with a second continuous suture loop looped through an eyelet of the second anchor and engaged through the arm of the support.

Abstract: A guide member facilitates a device swap for brachytherapy treatment. A cavity evaluation device is introduced during surgery such that a distal end of the device is disposed in a resected cavity of the patient. The cavity evaluation device includes a shaft in which is disposed an elongated guide member. In a subsequent out-patient procedure the cavity evaluation device is removed from the resected cavity. If a brachytherapy treatment is to be performed then the cavity evaluation device is removed without removing the elongated guide member such that position of a portion of the elongated guide member in the resected cavity is maintained relative to the resected cavity. An anchor member helps to maintain the position of the guide member. Introduction of a brachytherapy catheter is then facilitated by introducing the elongated guide member into an opening of the brachytherapy catheter and using the elongated guide member to guide the brachytherapy catheter to the resected cavity.

Abstract: A method of fixating an implantable material in a patient includes forming an incision in the patient. The method includes inserting an anchor into a bore of a cannula, with the anchor attached to a support by a suture that is looped through an eyelet of the anchor and engaged through the support. The method includes inserting the cannula into the incision and along a cannula path into soft tissue, and ejecting the anchor out of the bore of the cannula and into the soft tissue. The suture is pulled in a direction away from the patient, moving the anchor to position a length of the anchor transverse to the cannula path. The method includes tying a knot in the suture, driving the knot against the support, and fixating the support in the patient.

Abstract: The present application discloses a hearing prosthesis configured to alert a user of the presence of sound while operating in a sound awareness mode of operation. When a user of the hearing aid removes the external sound processor and microphone, traditionally, a hearing prosthesis does not produce any audio stimulus. Here, the systems and methods will alert a user to sounds in his or her environment when the external sound processor and microphone are decoupled from the internal components of the hearing prosthesis. In some embodiments, the hearing prosthesis may have an acoustic receiver that is implanted in the recipient. The implanted acoustic detector may be used to detect an aspect of a sound above a threshold level. The threshold may be chosen so the detected sound is a loud sound such as a fire alarm.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a surgery table or bed adapted to encapsulate a patient to provide a sterile environment during surgery. The apparatus is configured to include an enclosure that is filled with an inert and sterile gas prior to surgery. The patient is accessed through internally extending gloves for use by the surgical staff.

Abstract: A catheter treatment apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member and an expandable support. The expandable support comprises a radioactive substance to treat cancerous tissue and is configured to expand from a narrow profile for insertion to a wide profile to engage and treat tissue remaining after resection. The expandable support can be sized to fit within a volume of removed tissue to place the radioactive substance in proximity to the capsule and remaining tissue, to spare the capsule and proximate nerves and vessels to treat tissue in proximity to the capsule. The elongate tubular member may comprise a channel such as a lumen to pass a bodily fluid such as urine when the expandable support engages the tissue to treat the patient for a plurality of days. The treatment apparatus can be used to resect and diagnose tissue concurrently. Based on the diagnosis, targeted segmental treatment may be given.

Abstract: A system for managing female incontinence includes a body of biocompatible material configured to fit between the labia minora and the vestibule floor, the body having a surface configured to occlude the urethral meatus, a first adhesive layer disposed on at least a first portion of the surface and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, and a second adhesive layer disposed over the first adhesive layer and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, wherein the second adhesive layer is removable from the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: Described here are devices and systems for applying an adjustable strength magnetic field to a magnetic device located within the body. In some variations, the devices may comprise a force modulation device comprising an adjustable shielding device. In other variations, the devices may comprise a force modulation device comprising a distance adjustment device. In some variations, the force modulation device may be adjusted by an automated control mechanism based on information from a sensor in the magnetic device.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a breath pacing device (10) for pacing the respiratory activity of a subject, comprising an output unit (12) for outputting a sequence of output signals, a control unit (16) provided to control the output unit, and an input unit (14) connected to or integrated into the output unit for generating an input signal related to a respiration characteristic of a subject. The control unit is provided to control the length of the sequence at least based on characteristics of the input signal. The invention is further related to a corresponding method for pacing the respiratory activity of a subject.

Abstract: A system and method of treating vaginal prolapse and incontinence comprises a kit. The kit includes a mesh graft configured for attachment to the anterior and posterior vaginal walls to thereby treat the vaginal prolapse. A graft delivery device is also provided for introducing and placing the mesh graft to a location deep within the peritoneal cavity and for attaching the graft thereto. A leg assembly is provided and coupled to an end of the mesh graft and cooperates with the graft delivery device to anchor and affix the mesh graft to the desired anatomical structures. The method according to the present invention contemplates a laparoscopic graft placement utilizing the components of the kit.

Abstract: An electrical system including a body having a structure resembling a double helix having twisted conductive wires wound around both helical structures may be used to produce useful electromagnetic effects for various applications, including providing therapy and promoting growth of living organisms.

Abstract: A particle beam rotational irradiation apparatus includes: a frame that supports an irradiation nozzle and rotates; an irradiation-nozzle support member that is provided on an inner-circumference side of the frame and supports the irradiation nozzle; a movable floor that has a roller movable in a circumferential direction centering on a rotation axis of the frame; and a movable-floor rail that is provided in the circumferential direction on the inner-circumference side of the frame and supports the roller; wherein the irradiation-nozzle support member and the movable floor have respective coupling portions that are attachable/detachable to/from each other in the circumferential direction centering on the rotation axis of the frame.

Abstract: A cuff of an artificial urinary sphincter system includes a frame and an inflatable balloon. The frame has a first end spaced away from a second end by a gap, where the gap extends from a top edge to a bottom edge of the frame to provide an opening in the frame. The frame has a frame length measured along an interior surface of the frame from the first end to the send end of the frame to define a first quadrant that extends from the first end for a distance of about 25% of the frame length and a second quadrant that extends from the second end for a distance of about 25% of the frame length. A first inflatable balloon attached to the interior surface of the frame in the first quadrant of the frame.

Abstract: A device including an implantable assembly. The assembly includes a bone fixture configured to anchor to bone of a recipient, and a vibratory apparatus configured to be completely implanted beneath the skin of a recipient, wherein the implantable assembly is configured such that the vibratory apparatus can move relative to the bone fixture while implanted in a recipient.