Abstract: The spinal cord stimulation device of this invention is configured for implantation into a patient so as to traverse the dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord. Placing the device in this location provides direct contact between the electrode and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in close proximity to the spinal cord. The device has an intradural portion and an extradural portion that compresses and seals the dural membrane between them, securing the device in position and preventing leakage of CSF. The position of the device may be stabilized in relation to the spinal cord by way of a laminoplasty plate, bridging between the device and a vertebra. The device is electronically powered by an implanted pulse generator that produces a spectrum of signals to interrupt or otherwise attenuate transmission of pain mediating neural signals through the spinal cord.

Abstract: A robot with flexible mechanics and locomotive capability is described herein. According to certain embodiments, the robot has at least one Smart Composite Microstructure (SCM) component with flexible mechanics, a rigid module that is attached to the at least one SCM component, and at least one internal component that provides locomotive capabilities to the robot. In some embodiments, a unique assembly process of the robot is described. In some embodiments, the unique assembly process employs a combination of label indicators, orientation indicators, and connection patterns to ensure an easy and reliable assembly process.

Abstract: A robot with locomotive capability is described here. In some embodiments, the robot has a frontal body connected to a rear body via a middle body. In some embodiments, the frontal body to rotate with respect to the rear body. In some embodiments, a first frontal limb and a second fontal limb are pivotally secured to the frontal body. In some embodiments, a first leg with a first foot is connected to a first side of the rear body. In some embodiments, a second leg with a second foot is connected to a second side of the rear body. In some embodiments, the first frontal limb, the second frontal limb, and either the first foot or the second foot form a triangular alignment encompassing the robot's center of gravity as the first leg and the second leg alternately move between a forward position and a rearward position.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for tracking a connected device are disclosed. For example, a wireless connection can be established between a user computing device and a connected hardware device. The user computing device can determine whether a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) has been assigned to the connected hardware device. If no UUID has been assigned, the user computing device can generate a UUID, which the connected hardware device can receive and store. The user computing device can instruct a server to create a profile of the connected hardware device with the UUID. The connected hardware device can start broadcasting the UUID. A second user computing device can receive the UUID and retrieve the profile of the connected hardware device from the server with the UUID. The connected hardware device can also collect information, which can be transmitted to the server via a user computing device.

Abstract: A tool and method of positioning and delivering medical devices and therapeutics within the pericardial space, as well as other body part or space. A needle is inserted into the chest through a sub-xiphoid puncture, and the pressure within the needle is monitored manometrically or otherwise sensed as the needle is advanced towards the pericardial space. By reading the pressure within the needle while it is advanced, the clinician is able to know that he or she is avoiding insertion of it into organs or spaces not intended to be the target location. In addition the retractable sharp edge allows the operator to access the space and cut tissue but do so safely by retracting the sharp edge.

Abstract: An aspect of various systems and methods provides, but not limited thereto, novel means for simulating physiological systems and processes in vitro in order to test surgical devices and train practitioners in the use of surgical devices. An aspect of various embodiments further provides in vitro anatomical components, such as a thorax, lungs, heart and pericardium, configured to contain at least one fluid having a pressure-frequency profile that may mimic typical pressure-frequency waveforms of in vivo anatomical fluids. A model communication system may be used to communicate the desired pressure-frequency profiles to the in vitro anatomical fluids. In a further aspect of various embodiments, an access device, e.g. a surgical instrument, configured to sense pressure, frequency, and/or a pressure-frequency profile may be inserted into one or more anatomical components of the in vitro model in order to test the instrument and/or train a practitioner in proper use of the instrument.

Abstract: Techniques for manufacturing composite microstructures may be realized as a three-dimensional structural component including first and second flat structural regions and a joint region connecting the first and second flat structural regions. The first, second, and joint regions can all include an integral flexible layer comprising a first flexible material that is fiber-reinforced and has a tear resistance greater than 10 N. At least the first and second regions can each include a structural layer comprising a second rigid material having greater stiffness than the first flexible material.

Abstract: A method, technique and system is disclosed for the delivery of therapeutic agents and/or into the bulk brain tissues and other parts, tissues and organs of the body, including vasculature. A novel form of coaxial catheter provides a means for implanting an outer tube into the brain, then inserting an inner tube into the outer tube and aligning them such that port holes on both of the tubes will overlap and permit a flux of the therapeutic agent to flow into the brain in such a way as to minimize the effects of trapped air, virtually eliminate backflow of the agent, and avoid the potential for additional damage to the brain since only one surgical placement of the outer tube is needed. Similarly, the method, technique system may be utilized to remove fluids or other medium from the brain, tissues, and organs to minimize the effects of escaped air or negative pressure.

Abstract: An aspect of various systems and methods provides, but not limited thereto, novel means for simulating physiological systems and processes in vitro in order to test surgical devices and train practitioners in the use of surgical devices. An aspect of various embodiments further provides in vitro anatomical components, such as a thorax, lungs, heart and pericardium, configured to contain at least one fluid having a pressure-frequency profile that may mimic typical pressure-frequency waveforms of in vivo anatomical fluids. A model communication system may be used to communicate the desired pressure-frequency profiles to the in vitro anatomical fluids. In a further aspect of various embodiments, an access device, e.g. a surgical instrument, configured to sense pressure, frequency, and/or a pressure-frequency profile may be inserted into one or more anatomical components of the in vitro model in order to test the instrument and/or train a practitioner in proper use of the instrument.

Abstract: Cells are generated from skin biopsies for use in cell implantation by identifying a source of skin cells that have a surface concentration of at least one cell selected from the group consisting of keritinocytes and/or melanocytes; taking a sample of tissue from the surface area; mechanically disaggregating the tissue samples; collecting the disaggregated cells; washing the disaggregated cells; filtering the washed disaggregated cells; providing a cell suspension with filtered and washed keritinocytes and/or melanocytes; and suspending the cell suspension in a medium.

Abstract: A method, technique and system is disclosed for the delivery of therapeutic agents and/or into the bulk brain tissues and other parts, tissues and organs of the body, including vasculature. A novel form of coaxial catheter provides a means for implanting an outer tube into the brain, then inserting an inner tube into the outer tube and aligning them such that port holes on both of the tubes will overlap and permit a flux of the therapeutic agent to flow into the brain in such a way as to minimize the effects of trapped air, virtually eliminate backflow of the agent, and avoid the potential for additional damage to the brain since only one surgical placement of the outer tube is needed. Similarly, the method, technique system may be utilized to remove fluids or other medium from the brain, tissues, and organs to minimize the effects of escaped air or negative pressure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the delivery of therapeutic agents into tissues, blood vessels, and body ducts of the human body. A novel catheter enables controlled directing of emitted drug delivery to assist control of drug dwell time in targeted areas. One coaxial catheter embodiment provides capability for locating an outer lumen of the system into the target region, with localization of said outer lumen carried out by use of appropriate medical imaging modalities. In one embodiment, an inner lumen of the catheter means is primed with the agent to be delivered, and recirculated flow of the agent through pluralities of appropriately positioned port holes on the two lumens then occurs via one or more active and/or passive flow driving and guiding techniques intrinsic to the design of the coaxial catheter system.

Abstract: Cells are generated from skin biopsies for use in cell implantation by identifying a source of skin cells that have a surface concentration of at least one cell selected from the group consisting of keritinocytes and/or melanocytes; taking a sample of tissue from the surface area; mechanically disaggregating the tissue samples; collecting the disaggregated cells; washing the disaggregated cells; filtering the washed disaggregated cells; providing a cell suspension with filtered and washed keritinocytes and/or melanocytes; and suspending the cell suspension in a medium.

Abstract: A method of magnetically manipulating a medical device within a body part of a human patient in conjunction with MR imaging includes applying a navigating magnetic field with magnets from the MR imaging device, and changing the magnetic moment of the medical device to change the orientation of the medical device within the body part

Abstract: Cells are generated from skin biopsies for use in cell implantation by identifying a source of skin cells that have a surface concentration of at least one cell selected from the group consisting of keritinocytes and/or melanocytes; taking a sample of tissue from the surface area; mechanically disaggregating the tissue samples; collecting the disaggregated cells; washing the disaggregated cells; filtering the washed disaggregated cells; providing a cell suspension with filtered and washed keritinocytes and/or melanocytes; and suspending the cell suspension in a medium.

Abstract: A method of sequential consensus region-directed amplification comprising, (a) amplifying a first segment of at least one target DNA in a DNA mixture, using a first and second oligonucleotide primer, each of which hybridizes to the target DNA, and a nucleic acid polymerase, under conditions in which DNA amplification is achieved, resulting in a first segment of double-stranded DNA; (b) amplifying a second segment of the first segment of double-stranded DNA, using a third and fourth oligonucleotide primer, each of which hybridizes to the first DNA segment, and a nucleic acid polymerase, under conditions in which DNA amplification is achieved, resulting in a second segment of double-stranded DNA.