Abstract: A hearing system for producing audio signals perceptible to an individual. The hearing system includes a transducer having a surface adapted to attach to a middle-ear acoustic member of the individual, wherein the transducer is responsive to variations in a magnetic field emitted by a transmitter to directly vibrate the acoustic member. The transmitter is supported within an ear canal of the individual. The transmitter has a coil and a core positioned so that the distal end of the core is located at a predetermined distance and orientation relative to the transducer.

Abstract: Lung conditions are treated by implanting a flow restrictor in a passageway upstream from a diseased lung segment. The restrictor will create an orifice at the implantation site which inhibits air exchange with the segment to induce controlled atelectasis and/or hypoxia. Controlled atelectasis can induce collapse of the diseased segment with a reduced risk of pneumothorax. Hypoxia can promote gas exchange with non-isolated, healthy regions of the lung even in the absence of lung collapse.

Abstract: This relates to devices and methods for improving hearing, particularly in the field of hearing aids. The described output actuator is a component of a class of hearing devices known as surgically implantable hearing aids. This relates to both fully implanted and partially implanted hearing aids. More particularly, methods and devices disclosed herein provide an actuator for directly driving the inner-ear fluid, or the middle-ear bones referred to as the ossicular chain, resulting in the sensation of hearing.

Abstract: This relates to flextensional microphones which are made up of a piezoelectric substrate having opposing surfaces, typically parallel surfaces when the substrate is crystalline or ceramic, and at least one sound receiving surface physically tied to the piezoelectric substrate. The microphones are at least partially isolated via a biocompatible material, e.g., by a covering or a coating. The inventive microphones may be subcutaneously implanted. The microphones may be used as components of surgically implanted hearing aid systems or as components of hearing devices known as cochlear implants. Preferably the microphones are used in arrays and when used as a component of a hearing assistance or replacement device, are used in conjunction with a source of feedback information, usually another microphone. The feedback information usually relates to sound re-emitted from physical portions of the ear, e.g.

Abstract: In a hearing system, a transmitting coil is positioned on the promontory centered medial to the umbo of the tympanic membrane while securing the magnet to a surface of said tympanic membrane or to the manubrium of the malleus. The system does not require the permanent placement of components in the auditory canal which would otherwise interfere with normal hearing when the system is not in use.

Abstract: A method is provided for ligating a segment of a biological vessel having a proximal end and a distal end. According to the method, the distal end of the vessel segment to be ligated is accessed; an inner fluid delivery catheter is attached to the distal end of the vessel segment; fluid is infused into the biological vessel; the vessel segment is advanced within a lumen of an outer catheter, the outer catheter including a cautery-sectioning system; tributaries extending from the vessel segment are cauterized and sectioned with the cautery-sectioning system as the vessel segment is advanced within the outer catheter; and the vessel segment proximal end is ligated.

Abstract: A biological vessel harvesting device is provided which separates a segment of a biological vessel from adventitia surrounding the biological vessel while simultaneously cauterizing and sectioning tributaries extending from the separated vessel segment. The biological vessel harvesting device includes an outer catheter and a vessel grasping mechanism positioned within a lumen of the outer catheter for holding an end of a segment of the biological vessel to be harvested, the outer catheter being movable relative to the vessel grasping mechanism such that the vessel grasping mechanism and the vessel segment attached thereto can be drawn into the outer catheter lumen. The biological vessel harvesting device also includes a cautery-sectioning system positioned adjacent the outer catheter distal end in a ring around the outer catheter lumen.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an ear canal impression which includes the steps of (a) placing a covering on the tympanic membrane of a hearing-impaired person, (b) marking the junction between the bony and cartilaginous portions of the auditory canal, (c) introducing an ear canal impression material into the auditory canal, (d) and allowing the ear canal impression material to harden to form the ear canal impression whereby the ear canal impression includes an indentation on its surface corresponding to said marking is provided. The ear canal impression is then employed to fabricate an ear canal mold for a completely-in-canal hearing aid device. In this fashion, the hearing aid when placed in the auditory ear canal is assured to fit and rest snugly on the bony canal. This prevents the device from shifting away from the tympanic membrane and, therefore, reduces the opportunity for positive feedback and discomfort for the individual.

Abstract: A probe for translumenal circumferential delivery of energy through a biological lumen comprises a catheter which is constructed and arranged to be placed within a particular biological lumen. A plurality of guide channels are formed within the catheter extending from near the proximal end to near the distal end of the catheter. The guide channels include respective diverting regions near the distal end which bend radially toward the circumference of the catheter. Energy delivery devices, such as optical fibers or electrical conductors, are placed within the guide channels and transmit energy to the distal end of the device. The energy delivery devices have relatively flexible portions near the distal ends such that when extended through the diverting region of the guide channels they are deflected radially in a direction to intersect the circumference of the biological lumen. An adaptor is coupled with the energy delivery device to supply energy for transmission to the tissue at the distal end of the device.

Abstract: A surgical probe, and procedure using the same, enabling a surgeon to cut body tissue by delivering energy, such as a laser beam, to the body tissue and without removing the instrument to cauterize the body tissue by direct application of electric current. The surgical probe includes an elongated member having a fiber optic positioned on a longitudinal axis of the elongated member and pair of elongated electrodes that span an entire length of the elongated member. The elongated electrodes slide lengthwise in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. During cutting procedures, the distal ends of the electrodes are in a retracted position not beyond the distal end of the elongated member, and during cauterization procedures, the distal ends of the electrodes are in an extended position beyond the distal end of the elongated member. In a preferred embodiment, the distal ends of the electrodes are pre-bent so as to converge toward each other as they are extended beyond the distal end of the elongated member.

Abstract: A surgical probe, and procedure using the same, enabling a surgeon to cut body tissue by delivering energy, such as a laser beam, to the body tissue and without removing the instrument to cauterize the body tissue by direct application of electric current. The surgical probe includes an elongated member having a fiber optic positioned on a longitudinal axis of the elongated member and pair of elongated electrodes that span an entire length of the elongated member. The elongated electrodes slide lengthwise in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. During cutting procedures, the distal ends of the electrodes are in a retracted position not beyond the distal end of the elongated member, and during cauterization procedures, the distal ends of the electrodes are in an extended position beyond the distal end of the elongated member. In a preferred embodiment, the distal ends of the electrodes are pre-bent so as to converge toward each other as they are extended beyond the distal end of the elongated member.

Abstract: A contact transducer assembly for an electromagnetically driven hearing device such as a hearing aid or other audio signal reproducing device worn by a user is described. The contact transducer assembly includes a transducer which is attached to a biocompatible support. This assembly is supported on the tympanic membrane of the wearer by surface adhesion, such that it can be readily inserted and removed in a manner similar to that of a conventional contact lens worn on the eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for treating hearing impairment in a human. The external auditory canal is substantially enlarged surgically in region proximate the ear drum. An electronic hearing aid is placed in this region. The hearing aid has a external housing molded to conform with the shape of the surgically enlarged region.

Abstract: Synthetic anatomical members, such as a tympanic membrane and a malleus, are illustrated and a method for making them is disclosed. In accordance with the method, prepared collagenous tissue is placed in a mold and immersed in, or sprayed with, a buffered formaldehyde or functionally similar preservative. After removal from the mold, the tissue retains the shape assumed in the mold. Provisions are made for attaching other anatomical members, such as bone, to the tissue for use in, for example, en bloc reconstruction of an eardrum and ossicles.

Abstract: Synthetic anatomical members, such as a tympanic membrane and a malleus, are illustrated and a method for making them is disclosed. In accordance with the method, prepared collagenous tissue is placed in a mold and immersed in, or sprayed with, a buffered formaldehyde or functionally similar preservative. After removal from the mold, the tissue retains the shape assumed in the mold. Provisions are made for attaching other anatomical members, such as bone, to the tissue for use in, for example, en bloc reconstruction of an eardrum and ossicles.