Abstract: A medical feedback continuum systems, method, and software product processes healthcare data of a plurality of patients collected from disparate sources to determine a patient medical model of one of the plurality of patients. A medical intensity status is generated from the patient medical model and displayed to a doctor during a consultation of the doctor with the one patient. Healthcare information is collected during the consultation and processed to determine an intended intervention prescribed by the doctor for the one patient. An outcome of the intervention is predicted based upon analytics of the patient medical model, and whether the predicted outcome of the intervention is favorable for the one patient is determined.

Abstract: Materials and devices are provided for the sensing and manipulation of biomechanical and physiochemical properties of tissues or tissue surfaces. Examples of use include soft tissues such as skin or adipose tissues or more dense tissues such as muscle or heart or dense tissues such as bone. The materials and devices provide for in vivo measurements of biomechanical properties at the tissue surface, e.g. near surface regions of the epidermis or dermis or underlying structures. The devices can be non-invasive and/or non-destructive to the material and, especially for the biomaterials, can be biocompatible and/or biodegradable. The materials and devices can use ultrathin, stretchable networks of mechanical actuators and sensors constructed with nanoribbons of piezoelectric materials.

Abstract: Electronic devices and systems that overcome the limitation of stiffness and rigidity generally associated with electronics and allow for delivery via minimally invasive or percutaneous access and delivery systems are described herein. The devices and systems are able to change in size, such as from a larger electronic construct to a smaller flowable configuration. The devices and systems are configured to open or reconfigure to return to the original size and spatial dimensions at the site. In another embodiment, the devices and systems begin as a plurality of discrete electrical elements in a flowable state, and change to a non-fluent state thereby forming an electrical construct. The electrical elements are able to communicate by direct contact with each other or near field inter-device communication means. This allows the electronic device or system to be applied, adhere and conform to the underlying surface.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and method for measuring cell stiffness. In particular, provided herein are microelectrode configuration and systems for measuring platelet deformation and stiffness.

Abstract: A polymeric valve which may include a heart valve, and also may include a trileaflet heart valve includes a stent having a base and a plurality of outwardly extending posts from the base and equidistant from each other. A plurality of leaflets each connected to a corresponding one of the posts at one end, and each of the leaflets connected to the base. Each of the leaflets having an operative end opposite the end connected to the post, and the operative ends of the leaflets being biased in a closed position such that the operative ends abut each other. The operative ends are configured to rhythmically open and close in relation to each other, and the leaflets include multiple cross sectional thicknesses at different portions of the leaflets.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to microfluidic devices and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, systems, and kits for imparting stresses on a fluid flowing through a microfluidic device that is designed to mimic a stress profile of a macrofluidic device or pathology.

Abstract: A polymeric valve which may include a heart valve, and also may include a trileaflet heart valve includes a stent having a base and a plurality of outwardly extending posts from the base and equidistant from each other. A plurality of leaflets each connected to a corresponding one of the posts at one end, and each of the leaflets connected to the base. Each of the leaflets having an operative end opposite the end connected to the post, and the operative ends of the leaflets being biased in a closed position such that the operative ends abut each other. The operative ends are configured to rhythmically open and close in relation to each other, and the leaflets include multiple cross sectional thicknesses at different portions of the leaflets.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and devices to limit, modulate, insulate, and/or otherwise alter the effects of exogenous physical stimuli on cells are described herein. The cells may be removed from the body, preferably isolated, and treated ex vivo with the composition to limit the effects of physical stimuli on the cells and then returned to the patient. Alternatively, the cells may be treated in vivo. The compositions can be administered a variety of manners, such as systemically, locally or regionally.

Abstract: Materials and systems that enable high efficiency conversion of mechanical stress to electrical energy and methods of use thereof are described herein. The materials and systems are preferably used to provide power to medical devices implanted inside or used outside of a patient's body. For medical devices, the materials and systems convert electrical energy from the natural contractile and relaxation motion of a portion of a patient's body, such as the heart, lung and diaphragm, or via motion of body materials or fluids such as air, blood, urine, or stool. The materials and systems are capable of being bent, folded or otherwise stressed without fracturing and include piezoelectric materials on a flexible substrate. The materials and systems are preferably fashioned to be generally conformal with intimate apposition to complex surface topographies.

Abstract: A closed-circuit heliox delivery system and methods for alleviating symptoms of COPD and related disorders are provided. The system is self-monitoring and can be used outside of a hospital environment. The system contains a gas supply fluidly connected to a breathing circuit. The breathing circuit contains an upper airway device, such as a mask. The system contains a sensor(s) and controller. The sensors measure parameters in the system, the ambient environment, or related to the physiological state of the user. The controller can adjust the system to maintain parameters within the device, i.e. pressure, temperature, humidity, within predetermined ranges. The controller can adjust the system to maintain a target physiological state of the user, i.e. target blood oxygen levels or Work of Breathing (WOB).

Abstract: Methods, materials, devices, and systems for electropolymeric paving and sealing (ePEPS) are provided. The methods include delivering paving materials to an interior surface of a blood vessel, tissue lumen or other hollow space, delivering electronic components to the surface, and forming a conformal device that contains the paving material and the integrated electronic components. Integrated electronic components can be homogenously or heterogeneously distributed in the material, such as on the top, middle, and/or bottom of the polymeric material. The devices are biocompatible, and preferably biodegradable or bioerodible. The devices integrated electrical properties useful for sensing or detecting one or more analytes, signals or conditions, transmitting or generating a signal, or releasing a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent. Optionally, the devices are smart devices that include feedback and logic means to respond to a change in local conditions.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems according to present principles provide ways to diagnose frailty and assess the severity of its clinical status—e.g., non-frail, pre-frail, and frail, especially as measured and quantified during activities of daily living. Systems and methods according to present principles objectively quantify physical activity behaviors and identify specific motor tasks, which indicate clinical frailty syndrome behaviors such as flopping, cautious-sitting, non-uniform walking fluctuations, cognitive decline, slowness, weakness, and exhaustion. Additionally, the systems and methods allow improved sensitivity and specificity of frailty identification by further assessing physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiration rate, and skin temperature in response to, or recovery from, specific activities.

Abstract: An organ and tissue preservation and transport apparatus comprising a chamber, a temperature control mechanism and a system monitor. A medium bathes an organ within the chamber. The temperature control mechanism adjusts the temperature of the medium. The system monitors receiving and records the temperature of the chamber.

Abstract: An organ and tissue preservation and transport apparatus comprising a chamber, a temperature control mechanism and a system monitor. A medium bathes an organ within the chamber. The temperature control mechanism adjusts the temperature of the medium. The system monitor receiving and records the temperature of the chamber.

Abstract: Implants and implants, including sensors responsive to pressure, fluid flow, concentration of analytes, pH and other variables, including a feedback loop and means for modifying the implant after placement in a patient in response to measurements made using the sensors, have been developed. These are particularly useful in cardiology, where the implants contain one or more sensors responsive to variables which change over time, for example, pressure which is indicative of changes in fluid flow and diameter of the vessel in which the implant has been placed. Feedback from the sensor(s) either directly, or indirectly via monitoring means external to the patient, signal changes that may be required, such as expansion of the implant in the case where the vessel diameter changes over time or the implant becomes unstable or migrates.

Abstract: A novel process for paving or sealing the interior surface of a tissue lumen by entering the interior of the tissue lumen and applying a polymer to the interior surface of the tissue lumen. This is accomplished using a catheter which delivers the polymer to the tissue lumen and causes it to conform to the interior surface of the lumen. The polymer can be delivered to the lumen as a monomer or prepolymer solution, or as an at least partially preformed layer on an expansile member.

Abstract: A novel process for paving or sealing the interior surface of a tissue lumen by entering the interior of the tissue lumen and applying a polymer to the interior surface of the tissue lumen. This is accomplished using a catheter which delivers the polymer to the tissue lumen and causes it to conform to the interior surface of the lumen. The polymer can be delivered to the lumen as a monomer or prepolymer solution, or as an at least partially preformed layer on an expansile member.

Abstract: Compositions have been developed to reduce or relieve prostatic obstruction. The polymers are used as an endourethral polymer liner. A biodegradable polymer liner layer can be applied to the prostatic urethra by in situ casting, or insertion and shaping of polymeric materials. This liner is preferably formed from structurally supportive, yet eventually biodegradable, polymers which further bolster and support the urethra and peri-urethral tissue during healing, eliminating the need for post-procedure catheter drainage. This step may be optional in specific clinical circumstances. Alternatively, the polymer coating may be applied to the in-situ casted structurally supportive liner, to decrease adhesion and/or provide release of drugs to enhance healing. The compositions can also be used for intra-prostatic void exclusion and space filling with adhesive and/or therapeutic polymers.

Abstract: Compositions have been developed to reduce or relieve prostatic obstruction. The polymers are used as an endourethral polymer liner. A biodegradable polymer liner layer can be applied to the prostatic urethra by in situ casting, or insertion and shaping of preformed materials. This liner is preferably formed from structurally supportive, yet eventually biodegradable, polymers which further bolster and support the urethra and peri-urethral tissue during healing, eliminating the need for post-procedure catheter drainage. This step may be optional in specific clinical circumstances. Alternatively, the polymer coating may be applied to a structural material such as a stent, to decrease adhesion and/or provide release of drugs to enhance healing. The compositions can also be used for intra-prostatic void exclusion and space filling with adhesive and/or therapeutic polymers.

Abstract: Artificial chordae having a strand member and a first and second pair of sutures at either longitudinal end of the strand member. The artificial chordae is preferably a unitary unit, formed from inelastic flexible material. In one embodiment, the artificial chordae comprises multiple strand members joined together at a joined end. Different sized artificial chordae are provided sized to fit the patient's heart. The appropriately sized artificial chordae is chosen by using a chordae sizing gauge having a shaft and a transverse member, to measure the space within the patient's heart where the artificial chordae is attached.