Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a robotic catheter cradle having a receiving module configured to releasably receive a steerable sheath after a distal end of the steerable sheath has been manually introduced into a patient independent of the receiving module. In an illustrative example, a steering drive module may be operably coupled to the robotic catheter cradle to robotically operate at least one interface of the handle to selectively actuate at least one guidewire of the steerable sheath such that a distal end of the steerable sheath is controllably deflected. An axial drive module may, for example, be operably coupled to the robotic catheter cradle to robotically translate the steerable sheath. Various embodiments may advantageously enable a human operator to remove the steerable sheath into a manual mode that permits operation mechanically independent of the robotic catheter cradle without withdrawing the distal end from the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to treat mood disorders in a patient using a compact implantable neurostimulator and corresponding lead(s) that are shaped, sized and configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin in the head or neck, and to stimulate one or more target cranial nerves. The one or more medical electrical leads comprising electrode(s) are positioned adjacent to, in contact with, or in operative positional relationship to, the one or more target cranial nerves of the patient. In some embodiments, electrical stimulation is provided to the one or more target cranial nerve(s) of the patient for periods of time ranging between 30 and 60 minutes, once or twice per day. In some embodiments, power is provided to the implantable neurostimulator transcutaneously by inductive, wireless, RF, acoustic, microwave, or other suitable non-invasive means.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a valve having an actuator configured to translate a mass in a plane and a valve element located out of the first plane and configured to translate along a first linear axis. In an illustrative example, at least one of the mass and the valve element may include a magnetic source providing a persistent magnetic field and the other may include a non-magnetized, magnetically permeable mass. Reluctance-induced forces may, for example, translate the valve element towards the mass along the first linear axis when the mass is brought into register with a second linear axis. The first linear axis and the second linear axis may, for example, be colinear. Various embodiments may advantageously provide a valve requiring low energy input for operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lead that includes metallic traces sandwiched between layers of polymers to form a ribbon (e.g., similar to a flex circuit). In an illustrative example, areas on both ends of the traces may be exposed, forming stimulation electrodes on one end and electrical contacts on the other. The ribbon may be formed such that it fits down a small diameter needle. When the needle is removed, the formed ribbon may relax and engage the tissue providing a means of retention. The lead may advantageously: (1) be minimally invasive to implant, (2) be inexpensive, (3) stay in place a temporary/trial medical procedure setting, and (4) be easy to remove.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to treat mood disorders in a patient using a compact implantable neurostimulator and corresponding lead(s) that are shaped, sized and configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin in the head or neck, and to stimulate one or more target cranial nerves. The one or more medical electrical leads comprising electrode(s) are positioned adjacent to, in contact with, or in operative positional relationship to, the one or more target cranial nerves of the patient. In some embodiments, electrical stimulation is provided to the one or more target cranial nerve(s) of the patient for periods of time ranging between 30 and 60 minutes, once or twice per day. In some embodiments, power is provided to the implantable neurostimulator transcutaneously by inductive, wireless, RF, acoustic, microwave, or other suitable non-invasive means.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to rehabilitate or strengthen one or more muscles in a patient, and to reduce pain sensed by the patient, through a unique combination of electrical stimulation signals delivered to one or more target peripheral nerves. Medical electrical lead(s) comprising electrode(s) are positioned adjacent to, in contact with, or in operative positional relationship to, one or more target peripheral nerves of the patient. The target peripheral nerves typically comprise motor and sensory nerves. In one embodiment, first stimulation signals having a first range of frequencies are delivered through the electrode(s) to the target nerves to rehabilitate muscles enervated by the motor nerves. Second stimulation signals having a second range of frequencies are delivered through the electrode(s) to the target nerves to provide pain relief to the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to treat mood disorders in a patient using a compact implantable neurostimulator and corresponding lead(s) that are shaped, sized and configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin in the head or neck, and to stimulate one or more target cranial nerves. The one or more medical electrical leads comprising electrode(s) are positioned adjacent to, in contact with, or in operative positional relationship to, the one or more target cranial nerves of the patient. In some embodiments, electrical stimulation is provided to the one or more target cranial nerve(s) of the patient for periods of time ranging between 30 and 60 minutes, once or twice per day. In some embodiments, power is provided to the implantable neurostimulator transcutaneously by inductive, wireless, RF, acoustic, microwave, or other suitable non-invasive means.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to treat mood disorders in a patient using a compact implantable neurostimulator and corresponding lead(s) that are shaped, sized and configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin in the head or neck, and to stimulate one or more target cranial nerves. The one or more medical electrical leads comprising electrode(s) are positioned adjacent to, in contact with, or in operative positional relationship to, the one or more target cranial nerves of the patient. In some embodiments, electrical stimulation is provided to the one or more target cranial nerve(s) of the patient for periods of time ranging between 30 and 60 minutes, once or twice per day. In some embodiments, power is provided to the implantable neurostimulator transcutaneously by inductive, wireless, RF, acoustic, microwave, or other suitable non-invasive means.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lead that includes metallic traces sandwiched between layers of polymers to form a ribbon (e.g., similar to a flex circuit). In an illustrative example, areas on both ends of the traces may be exposed, forming stimulation electrodes on one end and electrical contacts on the other. The ribbon may be formed such that it fits down a small diameter needle. When the needle is removed, the formed ribbon may relax and engage the tissue providing a means of retention. The lead may advantageously: (1) be minimally invasive to implant, (2) be inexpensive, (3) stay in place a temporary/trial medical procedure setting, and (4) be easy to remove.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lead that includes metallic traces sandwiched between layers of polymers to form a ribbon (e.g., similar to a flex circuit). In an illustrative example, areas on both ends of the traces may be exposed, forming stimulation electrodes on one end and electrical contacts on the other. The ribbon may be formed such that it fits down a small diameter needle. When the needle is removed, the formed ribbon may relax and engage the tissue providing a means of retention. The lead may advantageously: (1) be minimally invasive to implant, (2) be inexpensive, (3) stay in place a temporary/trial medical procedure setting, and (4) be easy to remove.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to rehabilitate or strengthen one or more spinal stabilization muscles in a patient, and to reduce pain sensed by the patient in the patient's lower back. Target peripheral nerves or nerve fibers located in, adjacent to, near, or associated with, one or more spinal stabilization muscles of the patient are stimulated by first and second electrical stimulation signals delivered by an EPG or IPG through one or more medical electrical leads to the target peripheral nerves, thereby to provide spinal stabilization muscle rehabilitation sessions and pain relief.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a guidewire slack take-up module (STUM) that engages a guidewire, by a retractor module (RM), to displace the guidewire in a proximal direction (D1) in response to a tensioning command signal (TCS) and maintains a predetermined biasing force (PBF) in D1 when the RM is not engaged. In an illustrative example, the STUM may include a connection module (CM) disposed at a proximal end of a control member (CM). The CM may have its distal end fixedly attached to a distal end of a flexible shaft. The RM may, in response to the TCS, engage the CM to displace the proximal end of the CM in D1. A biasing member may apply the PBF to the CM in D1 when the RM is not engaging the CM. Various embodiments may advantageously reduce or eliminate slack in a guidewire of a steerable catheter.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to rehabilitate or strengthen one or more muscles in a patient, and to reduce pain sensed by the patient, through a unique combination of first and second electrical stimulation signals delivered to one or more target peripheral nerves. Medical electrical lead(s) comprising electrode(s) are positioned adjacent to, in contact with, or in operative positional relationship to, one or more target peripheral nerves of the patient. The target peripheral nerves typically comprise motor and sensory nerves.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to closure of a stoma with a structure continuously formed in vivo. In an illustrative example, a stoma closure tool (SCT) may include a drive module, a phase transition inducement module (PTIM), and a conduit that defines a lumen. A distal end of the conduit may, for example, be inserted through a first tissue and into a second tissue that together at least partially define a stoma. A flow rate of a fluid biomaterial through the lumen and discharged at the distal end of the conduit may, for example, be controlled by the drive module. A fluid to solid phase transition in the biomaterial may, for example, be controllably induced by the PTIM. Various embodiments may, for example, advantageously form a continuous structure extending directly across the stoma between a proximal anchor in the first tissue and a distal anchor in the second tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to rehabilitate or strengthen one or more muscles in a patient, and to reduce pain sensed by the patient, through a unique combination of electrical stimulation signals delivered to one or more target peripheral nerves. Medical electrical lead(s) comprising electrode(s) are positioned adjacent to, in contact with, or in operative positional relationship to, one or more target peripheral nerves of the patient. The target peripheral nerves typically comprise motor and sensory nerves. In one embodiment, first stimulation signals having a first range of frequencies are delivered through the electrode(s) to the target nerves to rehabilitate muscles enervated by the motor nerves. Second stimulation signals having a second range of frequencies are delivered through the electrode(s) to the target nerves to provide pain relief to the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a valve having an actuator configured to translate a mass in a plane and a valve element located out of the first plane and configured to translate along a first linear axis. In an illustrative example, at least one of the mass and the valve element may include a magnetic source providing a persistent magnetic field and the other may include a non-magnetized, magnetically permeable mass. Reluctance-induced forces may, for example, translate the valve element towards the mass along the first linear axis when the mass is brought into register with a second linear axis. The first linear axis and the second linear axis may, for example, be colinear. Various embodiments may advantageously provide a valve requiring low energy input for operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to treat mood disorders in a patient using a compact implantable neurostimulator and corresponding lead(s) that are shaped, sized and configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin in the head or neck, and to stimulate one or more target cranial nerves. The one or more medical electrical leads comprising electrode(s) are positioned adjacent to, in contact with, or in operative positional relationship to, the one or more target cranial nerves of the patient. In some embodiments, electrical stimulation is provided to the one or more target cranial nerve(s) of the patient for periods of time ranging between 30 and 60 minutes, once or twice per day. In some embodiments, power is provided to the implantable neurostimulator transcutaneously by inductive, wireless, RF, acoustic, microwave, or other suitable non-invasive means.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lead that includes metallic traces sandwiched between layers of polymers to form a ribbon (e.g., similar to a flex circuit). In an illustrative example, areas on both ends of the traces may be exposed, forming stimulation electrodes on one end and electrical contacts on the other. The ribbon may be formed such that it fits down a small diameter needle. When the needle is removed, the formed ribbon may relax and engages the tissue providing a means of retention. The lead may advantageously: (1) be minimally invasive to implant, (2) be inexpensive, (3) stay in place a temporary/trial medical procedure setting, and (4) be easy to remove.

Abstract: A method of making a therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body is disclosed. A conductor structure is coiled around a mandrel. A segment of the conductor structure is secured to the mandrel. After this, an outer tubular structure is positioned around the conductor structure. Portions of the conductor structure that are not secured are free to expand to an inside surface of the outer tubular structure. A lumen is formed by removing at least a portion of the mandrel.

Abstract: Leads having directional electrodes thereon. Also provided are leads having directional electrodes as well as anchoring prongs to secure the electrodes to the leads. Also provided are leads with directional electrodes where all the electrodes have the same surface area. Methods of treating conditions and selectively stimulating regions of the brain such as the thalamus and cerebellum are also provided.