Abstract: Provided are medical tools for improved surgical function. The medical tools are coupled with a means of dynamic motion such as vibration for use on a patient. Systems and methods related to the tool are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Described are devices, systems, and methods for controlled delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent(s) in a tissue in a subject. In particular, provided are carrier devices in which the agent(s) may be enclosed. One or more carrier devices may be injected or implanted at target loci in a tissue, such as in a malignant neoplasm. The agent(s) may diffuse from the carrier devices in a predetermined and controlled manner. Further provided are methods for developing optimized parameters for intraparenchymal placement of carrier devices and diffusion of the agent(s), to achieve an optimized therapeutic exposure in the target tissue. Further provided are devices and systems for intraparenchymally placing carrier devices at desired loci in a tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a miniature biopsy device for use in a patient. The miniature biopsy device is configured to be operated remotely. store and collect a biopsy sample within the miniature device. Also provided is the related system configured to carry out such an operation. and the related methods for use in biopsies.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides catheter assemblies configured for being maneuvered within a patient toward a treatment site, the catheter assembly comprising: a catheter comprising an elongated flexible shaft and having a distal end for introduction into the patient; and a miniature device configured to be attached to the distal end of the catheter and to be maneuvered within the patient in response to an external non-contact force, the miniature device further being configured to selectively detach from the catheter within the patient and to be maneuvered in response to the external non-contact force when detached from the catheter; wherein maneuvering of the miniature device when attached to the catheter facilitates maneuvering of the catheter within the patient.

Abstract: Provided are systems and miniature devices configured to navigate within a patient to a location therewithin for delivering to induce a localized therapeutic effect, such as the delivery of catalyzing energy and/or for the conversion of a prodrug to a pharmaceutically active drug. Further provided are various methods of treatment using such systems and devices.

Abstract: A miniature device is provided for facilitating performing a therapeutic activity at a target site in a patient. The miniature device comprises a body defining a longitudinal axis extending along a longitudinal direction, and is configured to be maneuvered to move in the longitudinal direction by a linear magnetic field aligned along the longitudinal axis, and to be rotated about the longitudinal axis by a rotating magnetic field rotating about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for providing localized treatment at a target site in the brain of a patient is provided. The method comprises providing a system comprising a miniature device configured to carry one or more therapeutic components for performing the treatment, and an external system configured to direct the miniature device; inserting the miniature device to a starting location within the patient; operating the external system to direct the miniature device to travel along an access path from the starting location to the target site; and administering the therapeutic component at the target site. A system for performing the method is further provided.

Abstract: Provided are systems and miniature devices configured to navigate within a patient to a location therewithin for delivering to induce a localized therapeutic effect. Specifically, the present disclosure provides miniature devices configured to be remotely maneuvered along a path within the patient, where the miniature device is configured to selectively: (i) release a guide substance; (ii) release a payload that induces a physiological response; and/or (iii) produce a microtrauma at locations along the path. Further provided are various methods of treatment using such systems and devices.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining a pressure associated with a lumen of a body. A wireless sensor is positioned in the lumen of the body. The sensor comprises an LC resonant circuit having a resonant frequency configured to vary in response to changes in pressure in the lumen. One or more sensor calibration parameters are stored at an external base unit. The external based unit generates and transmits an energizing signal. A ring down response is received from the wireless sensor. The system and method determine the resonant frequency of the LC resonant circuit from the ring down response and calculate the pressure in the lumen from the resonant frequency of the LC resonant circuit utilizing the one or more sensor calibration parameters associated with the LC resonant circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of use thereof, the apparatus comprising: a medical device, configured to reside and to be manipulated within a first lumen; and a driving system, configured to manipulate—and/or control—the medical device, via a second lumen. The driving system comprising: a catheter, configured to be inserted into—and to navigate—or to be navigated—within the second lumen; and a driver, configured to travel within the catheter, and to remotely manipulate—and/or control—the medical device residing in the first lumen.

Abstract: A system for facilitating performing a therapeutic activity at a predetermined treatment site in a patient is provided. The system comprises an elongated miniature device extending along a longitudinal axis spanning between a distal cutting end formed with a sharp cutting portion, and a blunt proximal abutting end. The elongated body comprises a substantially non-convex bottom surface extending substantially between the cutting end and the abutting end. The system further comprises a driving device configured to generate a varying magnetic field to remotely control motion of the miniature device.

Abstract: A method for providing localized treatment at a target site in the brain of a patient is provided. The method comprises providing a system comprising a miniature device configured to carry one or more therapeutic components for performing the treatment, and an external system configured to direct the miniature device; inserting the miniature device to a starting location within the patient; operating the external system to direct the miniature device to travel along an access path from the starting location to the target site; and administering the therapeutic component at the target site. A system for performing the method is further provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining a pressure associated with a lumen of a body. A wireless sensor is positioned in the lumen of the body. The sensor comprises an LC resonant circuit having a resonant frequency configured to vary in response to changes in pressure in the lumen. One or more sensor calibration parameters are stored at an external base unit. The external based unit generates and transmits an energizing signal. A ring down response is received from the wireless sensor. The system and method determine the resonant frequency of the LC resonant circuit from the ring down response and calculate the pressure in the lumen from the resonant frequency of the LC resonant circuit utilizing the one or more sensor calibration parameters associated with the LC resonant circuit.

Abstract: An implantable wireless sensor is provided for determining a pressure of a lumen in a body. The sensor comprises a sensor body comprising a plurality of substrates, at least a portion of the substrates comprising a first dielectric material. An LC resonant circuit is contained with the sensor body. A capacitance of the LC resonant circuit is configured to vary in response to changes in pressure in the lumen. A first anchoring element is coupled to a proximal end of the sensor body and a second anchoring element is coupled to a distal end of the sensor body. The first and second anchoring elements are configured to lodge the sensor body within the lumen. A second dielectric material, different than the first dielectric material, is provided over at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of substrates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems that comprise a millimeter size tetherless object powered by an external magnetic field, and an interactive hardware-software platform separate from the miniature device that generates, modulates and controls magnetic fields in a defined three-dimensional operational volume to propel, navigate the miniature device to a specific anatomical target to complete a (microsurgical) mission or task, as well as using such systems to perform microsurgery in the central nervous system (CNS).

Abstract: A miniature device configured to be maneuvered within a patient under manipulation by an external magnetic field and to selectively perform a predefined function is provided. The miniature device comprises a shell defining therewithin an internal cavity, and a magnetic arrangement disposed within the cavity. The miniature device is configured such that the magnetic arrangement, within a rotating magnetic field, effects one of performance of the function and propulsion of the miniature device within the patient, and, within a magnetic field gradient, effects the other of performance of the function and propulsion of the miniature device within the patient.

Abstract: A miniature device is provided for use in a system configured to deliver a therapeutic component to a treatment site in a patient. The miniature device comprises at least one steering portion comprising a magnetic material, and at least one carrier portion affixed to the steering portion and comprising the therapeutic component. The carrier portion is configured to at least partially dissipate under one or more predetermined conditions at the treatment site, thereby releasing the therapeutic component. Further provided is a system comprising one or more such miniature devices and a magnetic inducing apparatus configured to be operated to generate a varying magnetic field, thereby remotely controlling motion of the miniature device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safely and reliably accessing a subarachnoid space (SAS) or other target area of a patient is provided in which a tube having at least one lumen with a tissue puncture device therein is inserted into the patient near the tissue. The lumen has a suction port at one end adapted to suction the dura/arachnoid tissue away from the pia mater so that the tissue can be punctured to access the SAS space. The movement of the needle in the lumen is controlled by controlling a magnetic field. Tissue puncture devices for use alone or in connection with the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining a pressure associated with a lumen of a body. A wireless sensor is positioned in the lumen of the body. The sensor comprises an LC resonant circuit having a resonant frequency configured to vary in response to changes in pressure in the lumen. One or more sensor calibration parameters are stored at an external base unit. The external based unit generates and transmits an energizing signal. A ring down response is received from the wireless sensor. The system and method determine the resonant frequency of the LC resonant circuit from the ring down response and calculate the pressure in the lumen from the resonant frequency of the LC resonant circuit utilizing the one or more sensor calibration parameters associated with the LC resonant circuit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to deploy an implant assembly in a vessel. The implant assembly comprises a pressure sensor having a body, and first and second anchoring members coupled to the body of the pressure sensor. A delivery apparatus comprises a shaft having proximal and distal ends, the shaft including a main lumen and a secondary lumen, the main lumen extending along at least a portion of the shaft. The secondary lumen extends along at least a portion of the length of the shaft, the secondary lumen joined with first and second ports provided in a sidewall of the shaft. A tether wire is configured to be slidably positioned within the secondary lumen, the tether wire having a distal portion configured to secure the implant assembly against the sidewall.