Abstract: An auricular stimulation device having surface electrodes biased towards each other, and offset from one another, is provided. The stimulation device can be positioned about the ear of a patient with each of the electrodes overlaying auricular ear tissue containing innervation supplied by an auricular branch of the vagus nerve. The electrodes transcutaneously stimulate the auricular branch. Also provided is a method of treating a patient using the auricular stimulation device. The stimulation device can be used for treating patients with conditions such as high blood pressure, depression, high blood glucose level, and tinnitus. Also provided is a diagnostic and therapeutic system having the auricular stimulation device, a smart device and a monitoring device. The smart device controls the auricular stimulation device based on biomarker information received from the monitoring device; and on information related to the patient, such as age, musculoskeletal stability, etc.; and/or on user input.

Abstract: Methods for treating patients receiving a medication are disclosed. A patient is administered a medication with a propensity to cause inflammation or inflammation-related side effects, or actually experiences inflammation or inflammation-related side effects in response to receiving a medication. In response, vagus nerve stimulation is provided to the patient to relieve the inflammation or inflammation-related side-effect(s). The vagus nerve stimulation may be delivered by a transcutaneous system. Any of mechanical, optical, and/or electrical energy, pulses, power, etc. may be used to target the vagus nerve. Some examples deliver the stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.

Abstract: An example wearable device for placement relative to an ear includes a housing; a first extending structure; a second extending structure, the first and second extending structures are separated by an adjustable distance; a carriage coupled to the second extending structure and being at least partially disposed within the housing, the carriage being configured to move longitudinally along the housing and an adjustment mechanism configured to impart a force to cause longitudinal movement of the carriage to adjust the adjustable distance.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for performing a surgical procedure that effectively locates and allows a user to avoid engagement with hidden nerves in tissue in real-time. The system and method employs an integrated stimulating and sensing array. The array includes a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes, which are selectively stimulated while the electrodes then sense for a neural response. Each of the electrodes is stimulated to map of the sensed tissue region for localization of nerve paths. This localization can be stored and used to control cutting of tissue. The locations can be marked as nerve-free and/or no-go regions so as to avoid nerve-containing regions in subsequent procedures or following a stimulation procedure. This marking can be by any acceptable physical and/or virtual fiducial mechanism. The array can be a single structure with all relevant electrodes or some electrodes can be provided in a separate, remote probe assembly.