Abstract: An ambulatory urodynamic data gathering system includes one or more sensors disposed in the gastrointestinal tract, a sensor disposed in the bladder, a sensor disposed at the entrance to the urethra, and a data recorder worn by the patient that is disposed around the patient's waist. The sensors transmit data to the recorder unit, which stores the received data for subsequent analysis. The recorder unit also activates the various sensors as necessary to obtain information at certain predetermined intervals to limit battery usage. The recorder unit can also interrogate the various sensors to obtain the information. In one exemplary embodiment, the ambulatory urodynamic data gathering system includes a method and device for simultaneously recording radio transmitted pressure measurements from a swallowed self-contained capsule (pressure monitor, signal processing, transmitter, power source or coupling antenna), and a self-contained unit placed in the bladder, for the purpose of deriving urodynamic information.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a elongate housing and an actuation system. The elongate housing is adapted to be coupled to the steerable portion of the medical device. The actuation system includes an actuator, a first cam, and a second cam. The actuator can move the first cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along a first axis (or about a second axis different than the first axis). Movement of the first cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a first plane. The actuator can move the second cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along the second axis (or about the first axis).

Abstract: An embodiment of a medical retrieval device includes a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle at the proximal end of the sheath, and a basket. The basket has a collapsed position when the basket is within the sheath and collapsed and an expanded position when the basket is positioned beyond the distal end of the sheath and expanded. The basket includes a plurality of legs, at least one leg having a frangible portion wherein the at least one leg breaks upon application of a predetermined force to the basket. A distal portion of the plurality of legs may be formed from a single piece of material.

Abstract: A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes receiving a first optical image from an endoscope having a plurality of imaging fibers. A spatial frequency is identified that is associated with the plurality of imaging fibers. A second optical image is received from the endoscope. The spatial frequency is filtered from the second optical image. A method according to another embodiment includes producing an optical image of at least a portion of a body lumen using a fiberscope. The optical image is transmitted to a video camera coupled to the fiberscope. A honeycomb pattern associated with a fiber bundle of the fiberscope is removed from the optical image. In some embodiments, the honeycomb pattern can be removed in substantially real time. In some embodiments, prior to producing the optical image, a calibration cap is coupled to the fiberscope and used in a calibration process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an endoscope includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is configured to be inserted into a body lumen. An electrical component is disposed within the distal end portion of the elongate member and configured to produce a signal. An elongate conductive mechanical component has a proximal end portion and a distal and portion. The distal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component is electrically coupled to the electrical component and configured to conduct the signal or electrical power from/to the electrical component to/from the proximal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component.

Abstract: A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes inserting an endoscope at least partially into a body lumen. At least a portion of the body lumen is illuminated at a first wavelength. The portion of the body lumen is illuminated at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. A characteristic of an area of interest when the portion of the body lumen is illuminated at the first wavelength is compared with the characteristic of the area of interest when the portion of the body lumen is illuminated at the second wavelength. A medical device or treatment parameter is selected to treat the area of interest based on the comparing. In some embodiments, the body lumen is a ureter. In such an embodiment, a composition of a kidney stone within the ureter can be identified.

Abstract: A system and related methods for maintaining the patentcy of the ureter comprising a pusher tube having a pusher tube lumen and an inflate lumen disposed within a wall of the pusher tube and a urinary stent having a proximal and distal portions with an elongated body portion therebetween configured to fit the ureter of the patient and defining a lumen. The system further includes an end-effector that may comprise an inflatable balloon positioned at the proximal portion of the urinary stent for retaining the proximal portion in the urinary bladder. At the distal portion, a retention end-piece is positioned for retaining the distal portion of the stent in the renal pelvis. The end-effector and the retention end-piece of the stent maintain the elongated body portion in situ. The end-effector may also include an inflatable balloon and may contain pharmaceutical or biologic agents for controlled release into the bladder.

Abstract: The treatment of addictive disorders, psychoactive substance use disorders, intoxication disorders, inhalation disorders, alcohol addiction, tobacco addiction, and nicotine addiction using a heterocyclic amine, a phenylazacycloalkane, a cabergoline, or an aromatic bicyclic amine active agent, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt of any said active agent is described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease. More particularly, the invention provides a combination therapy for the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease, wherein the therapy comprises administering to a subject an amyloid beta vaccine in combination with a cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical retrieval device with a basket that has at least one leg that is frangible (i.e., easily breakable) and/or able to dissociate from at least one other leg upon the application of a predetermined force to the basket. The invention allows an operator to release captured material (e.g., a stone) from the basket when the device is still inserted in the body. In an embodiment, the basket legs associate by a magnetic interaction that can be overcome by applying a predetermined force to the basket. In another embodiment, at least a portion of at least one basket leg is made from, or coated with, a substance that is adhesive or that joins at least two legs together when the substance is solid but which melts, dissolves or weakens upon the application of an electrical, thermal or chemical change.

Abstract: The present invention provides for use of bupropion or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the treatment of restless legs syndrome in humans.

Abstract: A system and related methods for maintaining the patentcy of the ureter comprising a pusher tube having a pusher tube lumen and an inflate lumen disposed within a wall of the pusher tube and a urinary stent having a proximal and distal portions with an elongated body portion therebetween configured to fit the ureter of the patient and defining a lumen. The system further includes an end-effector that may comprise an inflatable balloon positioned at the proximal portion of the urinary stent for retaining the proximal portion in the urinary bladder. At the distal portion, a retention end-piece is positioned for retaining the distal portion of the stent in the renal pelvis. The end-effector and the retention end-piece of the stent maintain the elongated body portion in situ. The end-effector may also include an inflatable balloon and may contain pharmaceutical or biologic agents for controlled release into the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome by the administration of heterocyclic amine-type compounds, substituted phenylazacycloalkane-type compounds, or cabergoline-type compounds, or a salt of any said compound.

Abstract: This application relates to the use of certain 3-heterocyclo and 3-cycloalkyloxy-3-phenylpropanamines in the treatment of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain.

Abstract: This application relates to the use of certain 3-aryloxy-3-phenylpropanamines in the treatment of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome by the administration of cabergoline-type compounds or a salt of said compound.

Abstract: The treatment of addictive disorders, psychoactive substance use disorders, intoxication disorders, inhalation disorders, alcohol addiction, tobacco addiction, and nicotine addiction using a heterocyclic amine, a phenylazacycloalkane, a cabergoline, or an aromatic bicyclic amine active agent, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt of any said active agent is described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome by the administration of heterocyclic amine-type compounds, substituted phenylazacycloalkane-type compounds, or cabergoline-type compounds, or a salt of any said compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome by the administration of heterocyclic amine-type compounds or a salt of any said compound.

Abstract: The treatment of addictive disorders, psychoactive substance use disorders, intoxication disorders, inhalation disorders, alcohol addiction, tobacco addiction, and nicotine addiction using a heterocyclic amine, a phenylazacycloalkane, a cabergoline, or an aromatic bicyclic amine active agent, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt of any said active agent is described herein.