Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for creating a magnetic field to propel a magnetic device within a diverse media including biological matrices, tissues, organs, animals and humans. In one embodiment, a cylindrical dual Halbach array provides a uniform magnetic field with a settable field direction. Another embodiment provides support and orientation apparatus for a controlled-gradient conical magnet to achieve a full 4? steradian solid angle coverage around the specimen.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of using a commercial grade magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner to control and image motions of microbots in a subject. The method may further comprise a method of imaging to determine the location of the microbots in real time.

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 platform and methods of use, for providing active, pre-determined, fully controlled, precise delivery of nano- or micro-particles in biological tissue. The platform comprises the following modules: (A) one or more nano- or micro-particles comprising embedded logic and various MEM components; (B) a delivery and retraction module, configured to deliver and retract the particles; (C) an external signal generator; (D) an imaging module, configured to monitor said particles; and (E) an integration module configured to receive inputs from other modules and provide output control commands to other modules. The modules are configured to interact/communicate with each other and are internally controlled, externally controlled or both.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for providing magnetic fields for controlling micro-devices implanted in a patient body, organ, or tissue. Novel coil configurations are disclosed which provide magnetic fields of adequate strength and directional characteristics over a large operational region with minimal weight and power dissipation, while providing ease of access to the focus regions. Also provided are micro-devices in various size regimes which can be controlled both in position as well as in function (such as release of therapeutic materials), and which are capable of both energy and data transfer with the magnetic field control system.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for creating a magnetic field to propel a magnetic device within a diverse media including biological matrices, tissues, organs, animals and humans. In one embodiment, a cylindrical dual Halbach array provides a uniform magnetic field with a settable field direction. Another embodiment provides support and orientation apparatus for a controlled-gradient conical magnet to achieve a full 4? steradian solid angle coverage around the specimen.

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: 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 method for magnetic configuration optimization may include one or more memories storing a field distribution dictionary mapping magnetic subcomponents to magnetic field distributions, and one or more processors to generate a plurality of magnetic configurations from the sub-components in the field distribution dictionary, for each configuration, transforming the magnetic field distribution of each of the sub-components to a location and orientation of the sub-component in the configuration, generate a total magnetic field distribution for the configuration by adding the transformed magnetic field distributions of the configuration, for each configuration, generate a performance score for the configuration from the total magnetic field distribution based on at least one first magnetic field parameter to be optimized, and select the configuration with the highest performance score.

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 system configured to remotely maneuver a magnetic miniature device within a patient along a path conforming to a predetermined route is provided. The system comprises two coils, each configured to produce a magnetic field, and to be selectively pivoted about at least a first pivot axis within a first predetermined range of angles, a horizontal platform configured to support thereon the patient and to be disposed within the coils, and a controller configured to direct operation of the system. The predetermined range of angles constrains the system from maneuvering the miniature device along the route. The controller is configured to calculate a path comprising a plurality of segments, the path conforming to the route within a predetermined deviation. The controller is further configured to operate the coils within the predetermined range of angles to induce a magnetic field to maneuver the miniature device along the path.

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: Remotely-controllable internal devices for insertion into a biological lumen and similar spaces within biological organisms; and magnetic systems for remote control thereof. Embodiments include mechanisms for linear motion within a lumen, mechanisms for payload release of therapeutic, diagnostic, and examination materials, and anchoring mechanisms for affixing a device to the outer wall of a lumen for a variety of medical and biological purposes. Related embodiments provide additional features including gradual payload release and reversibly-anchoring mechanisms Different functionalities (motion, payload release, anchoring) are independently-controllable through embodiment configurations featuring differing magnetic force thresholds and orthogonally-oriented magnetic responses.

Abstract: A propelling device and methods of use thereof. The device is configured to propel through a medium, using external magnetic stimuli applied thereon; the device comprises: a propelling-element and a magnet in communication with the propelling element. The magnet is configured to respond to the applied magnetic stimuli and to rotate the propelling-element; the propelling-element is configured to convert rotary motion thereof into translation motion, and thereby to propel the device through the medium.

Abstract: A carrier device and methods of use are described. The device and methods are directed toward implanting in biological tissue and for releasing a medical payload or functional material in biological tissue according to a remote magnetic trigger. The carrier device has a cavity with an opening through an external surface of the device. The carrier device includes at least one moveable, magnetic element sensitive to a magnetic field gradient. When a magnetic field gradient, rotating magnetic field, or uniform magnetic field, or a combination of thereof is applied to the tissue, the moveable magnetic element provides release of the medical payload or functional material through the cavity opening. In some embodiments, payload release can be started, stopped, and restarted at a later time or place. In addition to payload release, devices of this invention are equipped with a propelling element, the propelling element is responsive to external stimuli that enables propulsion and navigation of the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for creating a magnetic field to propel a magnetic device within a diverse media including biological matrices, tissues, organs, animals and humans. In one embodiment, a cylindrical dual Halbach array provides a uniform magnetic field with a settable field direction. Another embodiment provides support and orientation apparatus for a controlled-gradient conical magnet to achieve a full 4? steradian solid angle coverage around the specimen.