Abstract: An output assembly comprises at least one light detector configured for placement under skin near a temporal bone so as to couple with a behind the ear unit coupled with the Pinna. The area of the at least one detector may comprise an area to couple with a light source. As the area of the detector under the skin can be large the at least one detector under the skin can couple efficiently with a light source. An input transducer assembly can be configured to transmit light energy to the output assembly with the multiplexed optical signal through the skin tissue. The multiplexed optical signal may comprise a pulse width modulated signal so as to decrease the effect of non-linearities of the light source and light detector and provide quality sound to the user.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for qualitatively and quantitatively assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding bronchus of the target compartment. The feeding bronchus is occluded by the catheter and a variety of measurements are taken with the use of the catheter in a manner which is of low risk to the patient. Examples of such measurements include but are not limited to flow rate, volume and pressure. These measurements are used to determine the presence of collateral ventilation and to quantify such collateral ventilation.

Abstract: Hearing systems for both hearing impaired and normal hearing subjects comprise an input transducer and a separate output transducer. The input transducer will include a light source for generating a light signal in response to either ambient sound or an external electronic sound signal. The output transducer will comprise a light-responsive transducer component which is adapted to receive light from the input transducer. The output transducer component will vibrate in response to the light input and produce vibrations in a component of a subject's hearing transduction pathway, such as the tympanic membrane, a bone in the ossicular chain, or directly on the cochlea, in order to produce neural signals representative of the original sound.

Abstract: Methods and systems for resecting and debulking prostatic tissue to utilize a shaft carrying an energy source. The shaft is anchored by a balloon or other structure expanded in the bladder, and the energy source is capable of directing ablative energy radially outwardly from the urethra, where the energy source will be moved in order to remove a pre-defined volume of prostatic tissue.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for qualitatively and quantitatively assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding bronchus of the target compartment. The feeding bronchus is occluded by the catheter and a variety of measurements are taken with the use of the catheter in a manner which is of low risk to the patient. Examples of such measurements include but are not limited to flow rate, volume and pressure. These measurements are used to determine the presence of collateral ventilation and to quantify such collateral ventilation.

Abstract: Hearing systems for both hearing impaired and normal hearing subjects comprise an input transducer and a separate output transducer. The input transducer will include a light source for generating a light signal in response to either ambient sound or an external electronic sound signal. The output transducer will comprise a light-responsive transducer component which is adapted to receive light from the input transducer. The output transducer component will vibrate in response to the light input and produce vibrations in a component of a subject's hearing transduction pathway, such as the tympanic membrane, a bone in the ossicular chain, or directly on the cochlea, in order to produce neural signals representative of the original sound.

Abstract: An active ossicular replacement device is configured to couple the malleus to the stapes, and conduct sound through the vibratory structures of the ear in response to the transmitted electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic energy may comprise light so as to decrease interference from sources of noise external to the user. The prosthetic device may comprise an assembly that can be implanted in the middle ear in a manner that simplifies surgery. The assembly may comprise a narrow cross-sectional profile such that the assembly can be positioned in the middle ear through an incision in the eardrum, for example without cutting bone that defines the shape of the ear canal or the shape of the middle ear. The prosthetic device can be sized to the user based on a measurement of the ear.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a sound transducer can be implanted in the middle ear in a manner that simplifies surgery. The assembly may comprise a narrow cross-sectional profile such that the assembly can be positioned in the middle ear through an incision in the eardrum, for example without cutting bone. The incision can be closed and electromagnetic energy transmitted through the closed incision to a transducer configured to vibrate the ear in response to the electromagnetic energy. In many embodiments, the sound transducer comprises a speaker positioned in the middle ear, and the sound transducer can couple to vibratory structure of the ear with air so as to simplify surgery. The assembly may be affixed to a substantially fixed structure of the ear, for example the promontory, so as to inhibit user perceivable occlusion and inhibit motion of the assembly, such that the user can perceive clear sound with little occlusion.

Abstract: Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides hearing systems and methods that provide an improved high frequency response. The high frequency response improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the hearing system and allows for preservation and transmission of high frequency spatial localization cues.

Abstract: A hearing system comprises a shell having an open inner chamber. An input transducer and a transmitter assembly are disposed in the open inner chamber. The transmitter has a frequency response bandwidth in a 6 kHz to 20 kHz range, and the open chamber has an end adjacent a patient's tympanic membrane with one or more openings that allow the ambient sound to pass through the chamber and directly reach the middle ear of the user.

Abstract: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment. The invention further discloses a catheter with a transparent occlusion element at its tip that enables examination of the lung passageway through a viewing scope.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying tissue use a pressurized fluid stream carrying coherent light energy. The methods and systems may be used for resecting and debulking soft and hard biological tissues. The coherent light is focused within a stream of fluid to deliver energy to the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for communication include an ear canal microphone configured for placement in the ear canal to detect high frequency sound localization cues. An external microphone positioned away from the ear canal can detect low frequency sound, such that feedback can be substantially reduced. The canal microphone and the external microphone are coupled to a transducer, such that the user perceives sound from the external microphone and the canal microphone with high frequency localization cues and decreased feedback. Wireless circuitry can be configured to connect to many devices with a wireless protocol, such that the user can receive and transmit audio signals. A bone conduction sensor can detect near-end speech of the user for transmission with the wireless circuitry in noisy environment. Noise cancellation of background sounds near the user can improve the user's hearing of desired sounds.

Abstract: A hearing aid device for placement in an ear of a user includes an elongate support and a transducer. The elongate support has a proximal portion and a distal end, and the transducer is attached to the elongate support near the distal end. The support is adapted to position the transducer near an eardrum while the proximal portion is placed at the location near an ear canal opening. The elongate support is sized to minimize contact with the ear between the proximal portion and distal end. The elongate support permits sound waves to travel along the ear canal. In some embodiments, a microphone is positioned in the ear canal along the support, for example inside the support, to provide directionally dependent sound localization cues, and the transducer on the distal end of the elongate support comprises a coil assembly coupled to a magnet positioned on the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting movement of the breathing tube in a surrounding airway of a patient. The breathing tube includes an optical fiber or camera system for producing a video image of the airway from the distal end of the breathing tube. By obtaining a baseline image and comparing said baseline image with successive images, the position of the breathing tube can be automatically monitored and a signal provided when the image differs from the baseline by more than a threshold value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for resecting and debulking prostatic tissue to utilize a shaft carrying an energy source. The shaft is anchored by a balloon or other structure expanded in the bladder, and the energy source is capable of directing ablative energy radially outwardly from the urethra, where the energy source will be moved in order to remove a pre-defined volume of prostatic tissue.

Abstract: Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.

Abstract: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment.

Abstract: The lateral flow between adjacent lung segments is occluded by blocking collateral flow channels with particles. A gas flow is established from one lung segment through the flow channels in an intermediate fibrous septum, and out through the adjacent lung segment. Particles entrained in the gas flow become lodged in the collateral flow channels to eventually block flow.