Abstract: The illustrated embodiments of the invention include an MRI compatible apparatus having: a refillable drug reservoir; a hermetically sealed, implantable chamber; a pump disposed in and hermetically sealed within the hermetically sealed, implantable chamber and fluidically communicated to the drug reservoir; and control electronics disposed in and hermetically sealed within the hermetically sealed, implantable chamber and electrically communicated to the pump. The refillable drug reservoir, hermetically sealed, implantable chamber, pump and control electronics are MRI compatible.

Abstract: The invention includes a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and a method of operating it. The shunt includes: a ventricular catheter for transferring CSF from the ventricle of a brain of a patient; a pressure sensor communicated to the ventricular catheter to measure the pressure of the CSF as delivered to the pressure sensor; a temperature sensor communicated to the ventricular catheter to measure the temperature of the CSF as delivered to the temperature sensor; a wireless data transmitter to transmit the measured pressure and temperature to an attending physician; a nonprogrammable reporting valve or programmable valve communicated to the pressure sensor and temperature sensor to regulate flow of the CSF; and peritoneal tubing communicated to the programmable valve for delivering CSF to the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A method of hermetically bonding components of an implantable pump made of biocompatible materials comprises the steps of providing a first SiO2 layer of predetermined first thickness onto a selected bonding surface of a first biocompatible component of the implantable pump to reduce the surface roughness, Ra, available for bonding below a first predetermined magnitude; providing a second SiO2 layer of predetermined second thickness onto a selected bonding surface of a second biocompatible component of the implantable pump to reduce the surface roughness of the selected bonding surface; and bringing the first and second SiO2 layers into contact with each other at a low temperature with a low pressure to form a high quality hermetic bond and seal between first and second SiO2 layers. The invention includes an implantable pump having a hermetic seal manufactured by the method.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiments of the invention include an MRI compatible apparatus having: a refillable drug reservoir; a hermetically sealed, implantable chamber; a pump disposed in and hermetically sealed within the hermetically sealed, implantable chamber and fluidicly communicated to the drug reservoir; and control electronics disposed in and hermetically sealed within the hermetically sealed, implantable chamber and electrically communicated to the pump. The refillable drug reservoir, hermetically sealed, implantable chamber, pump and control electronics are MRI compatible.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus for coating a semiconductor wafer in a coating chamber comprising a platform for placing the semiconductor wafer thereon. The apparatus further includes a catch and recycle (C&R) apparatus comprises a rim/ring controllable to move below and surround the platform for receiving and catching a coating material spurned off in coating the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: An aptamer-based solid-state electrochemical biosensor for label-free detection of Salmonella enterica serovars utilizing immobilized aptamers. The device is realized by forming a matrix array of parallel capacitors, thus allowing the realization of low-cost, portable, fully integrated devices. Protein-aptamer binding modulates the threshold voltage of a circuit, changing the impedance (capacitance) of the circuit. This circuit is further characterized by an electrode coded with a p-Si substrate, enhancing the affinity between the Salmonella outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and the aptamer. An aptamer embedded detection plate is configured within a testing lid device that fits a standard, commercially available polymer specimen jar. A sample is mixed with broth for incubation and cultivation of any present Salmonella bacteria to obtain acceptable concentration of the pathogen for testing. The information obtained can then be transmitted by wireless network.

Abstract: An aptamer-based solid-state electrochemical biosensor for label-free detection of Salmonella enterica serovars utilizing immobilized aptamers. The device is realized by forming a matrix array of parallel capacitors, thus allowing the realization of low-cost, portable, fully integrated devices. Protein-aptamer binding modulates the threshold voltage of a circuit, changing the impedance (capacitance) of the circuit. This circuit is further characterized by an electrode coded with a p-Si substrate, enhancing the affinity between the Salmonella outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and the aptamer. An aptamer embedded detection plate is configured within a testing lid device that fits a standard, commercially available polymer specimen jar. A sample is mixed with broth for incubation and cultivation of any present Salmonella bacteria to obtain acceptable concentration of the pathogen for testing. The information obtained can then be transmitted by wireless network.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus for coating a semiconductor wafer in a coating chamber comprising a platform for placing the semiconductor wafer thereon. The apparatus further includes a catch and recycle (C&R) apparatus comprises a rim/ring controllable to move below and surround the platform for receiving and catching a coating material spurned off in coating the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A remotely activated piezoelectric pump for delivery of biological agents to the intervertebral disc and spine in order to achieve spinal fusion. A spinal pump is implanted on the vertebrae of a patient and a spinal cage is inserted in between two adjacent vertebrae after removal of the vertebrae disc. A piezoelectric motor drives the pump and pushes osteogenetic agent through the spinal cage and into a sponge disposed within the cage. The pump is charged by an external removable induction belt worn by the patient. Delivery duration and delivery frequency may be changed before implantation of the spine pump according to the specific needs of the patient. The current device employs a mathematical model that enables the regulation as well as attenuation of the bone fusion process by extending and generalizing the model to enhance and optimize the delivery of osteogenetic agent in a regulated manner.

Abstract: A guided medical propulsion capsule driven by strong electro-magnetic interaction between an external AC/DC magnetic gradient-lobe generator and a set of uniquely magnetized ferrous-conductive elements contained within the capsule. The capsule is navigated through the lumens and cavities of the human body wirelessly and without any physical contact for medical diagnostic, drug delivery, or other procedures with the magnetically guiding field generator external to the human body. The capsule is equipped with at least two sets of magnetic rings, disks and/or plates each possessing anisotropic magnetic properties. The external magnetic gradient fields provide the gradient forces and rotational torques on the internal conductive and magnetic elements needed to make the capsule move, tilt, and rotate in the body lumens and cavities according to the commands of an operator.

Abstract: A biosensor for detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) hybridization uses an array of parallel capacitors to detect electrochemical binding of circulating VEGF to immobilized anti-VEGF monoclonal half-antibodies (a-VEGF mhAb). Binding of a-VEGF mhAb modulates the threshold voltage of a circuit, changing the impedance of the circuit. An electrode coated with a p-Si substrate enhances the affinity between the VEGF molecules. A fluid cell delivers VEGF samples onto the active surface of the chip. An array of parallel capacitors arranged in an interdigitated pattern detects the VEGF in the fluid. The detector provides an accurately measured and quantifiable rate of change of the VEGF molecules in vivo, providing real time feedback which is used to measure response of the tumor to delivered chemotherapeutic agents and biological response modifiers (BRMs) for the purpose of determining tumor burden and efficacy of the chemotherapy as part of a homeostatic loop for chemotherapy.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a controlled pump implanted into a patient connected to a multilumen catheter allowing delivery to and sampling from the brain or other organ for treatment of a cancer. The pump delivers a plurality of medicating agents, including viral and non-viral vectors for gene therapy and cell therapy at a controlled rate, corresponding to the specific needs of the patient. A catheter is implanted in or adjacent to the tumoral region. Fluid drawn from the tumor region to the pump via the multilumen catheter is analyzed within the pump by various biofeedback sensors. The operation of the apparatus and hence the treatment is remotely controlled based on these measurements and displayed through an external controller. The method allows localized delivery of gene and cell therapy to a solid tumor or tumoral region, or to any other treatment area of interest within the patient.

Abstract: Described is a surgical system for monitoring a patient's condition during surgery. One aspect is a non-contact EEG sensor. The non-contact EEG sensor can be used to predict the onset of physiological disorders. Another aspect includes the use of a plurality of pressure sensors to determine the pressure applied by retractors on the patient, including the brain and other organs.

Abstract: A remotely activated piezoelectric pump for delivery of biological agents to the intervertebral disc and spine in order to achieve spinal fusion. A spinal pump is implanted on the vertebrae of a patient and a spinal cage is inserted in between two adjacent vertebrae after removal of the vertebrae disc. A piezoelectric motor drives the pump and pushes osteogenetic agent through the spinal cage and into a sponge disposed within the cage. The pump is charged by an external removable induction belt worn by the patient. Delivery duration and delivery frequency may be changed before implantation of the spine pump according to the specific needs of the patient. The current device employs a mathematical model that enables the regulation as well as attenuation of the bone fusion process by extending and generalizing the model to enhance and optimize the delivery of osteogenetic agent in a regulated manner.

Abstract: A guided medical propulsion capsule driven by strong electro-magnetic interaction between an external AC/DC magnetic gradient-lobe generator and a set of uniquely magnetized ferrous-conductive elements contained within the capsule. The capsule is navigated through the lumens and cavities of the human body wirelessly and without any physical contact for medical diagnostic, drug delivery, or other procedures with the magnetically guiding field generator external to the human body. The capsule is equipped with at least two sets of magnetic rings, disks and/or plates each possessing anisotropic magnetic properties. The external magnetic gradient fields provide the gradient forces and rotational torques on the internal conductive and magnetic elements needed to make the capsule move, tilt, and rotate in the body lumens and cavities according to the commands of an operator.

Abstract: A vertebral processor designed to collect and interpret data from multiple surgically implanted accelerometers. Each accelerometer is surgically implanted into a vertebra of a patient utilizing a bone screw. Additional accelerometers are implanted in adjacent vertebrae. The data from the accelerometers is compared by an algorithm to determine the relative movement of the accelerometers implanted in adjacent vertebrae. Data is generated via the algorithm and compared against the expected behavior of the surgically implanted accelerometers as if they were connected to a rigid body, thus determining the level of success of a spinal fusion procedure for those adjacent segments. The apparatus may be utilized with or without spinal stabilization hardware, and with or without fusion cages or artificial discs. The vertebral processor is supplemented by an external system worn by the patient, which provides for an inductive charging power source and for data transfer.

Abstract: An aptamer-based solid-state electrochemical biosensor for label-free detection of Salmonella enterica serovars utilizing immobilized aptamers. The device is realized by forming a matrix array of parallel capacitors, thus allowing the realization of low-cost, portable, fully integrated devices. Protein-aptamer binding modulates the threshold voltage of a circuit, changing the impedance (capacitance) of the circuit. This circuit is further characterized by an electrode coded with a p-Si substrate, enhancing the affinity between the Salmonella outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and the aptamer. An aptamer embedded detection plate is configured within a testing lid device that fits a standard, commercially available polymer specimen jar. A sample is mixed with broth for incubation and cultivation of any present Salmonella bacteria to obtain acceptable concentration of the pathogen for testing. The information obtained can then be transmitted by wireless network.

Abstract: An aptamer-based solid-state electrochemical biosensor for label-free detection of Salmonella enterica serovars utilizing immobilized aptamers. The device is realized by forming a matrix array of parallel capacitors, thus allowing the realization of low-cost, portable, fully integrated devices. Protein-aptamer binding modulates the threshold voltage of a circuit, changing the impedance (capacitance) of the circuit. This circuit is further characterized by an electrode coded with a p-Si substrate, enhancing the affinity between the Salmonella outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and the aptamer. An aptamer embedded detection plate is configured within a testing lid device that fits a standard, commercially available polymer specimen jar. A sample is mixed with broth for incubation and cultivation of any present Salmonella bacteria to obtain acceptable concentration of the pathogen for testing. The information obtained can then be transmitted by wireless network.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a remotely activated piezoelectric pump for delivery of biological agents to the intervertebral disc and spine in order to achieve spinal fusion. A spinal pump is implanted on the vertebrae of a patient and a spinal cage is inserted in between two adjacent vertebrae after removal of the vertebrae disc. A piezoelectric motor drives the pump and pushes osteogenetic agent through the spinal cage and into a sponge disposed within the cage. The pump is charged by an external removable induction belt worn by the patient. Delivery duration and delivery frequency may be changed before implantation of the spine pump according to the specific needs of the patient. The current device employs a mathematical model that enables the regulation as well as attenuation of the bone fusion process by extending and generalizing the model to enhance and optimize the delivery of osteogenetic agent in a regulated manner.

Abstract: A biosensor for detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) hybridization uses an array of parallel capacitors to detect electrochemical binding of circulating VEGF to immobilized anti-VEGF monoclonal half-antibodies (a-VEGF mhAb). Binding of a-VEGF mhAb modulates the threshold voltage of a circuit, changing the impedance of the circuit. An electrode coated with a p-Si substrate enhances the affinity between the VEGF molecules. A fluid cell delivers VEGF samples onto the active surface of the chip. An array of parallel capacitors arranged in an interdigitated pattern detects the VEGF in the fluid. The detector provides an accurately measured and quantifiable rate of change of the VEGF molecules in vivo, providing real time feedback which is used to measure response of the tumor to delivered chemotherapeutic agents and biological response modifiers (BRMs) for the purpose of determining tumor burden and efficacy of the chemotherapy as part of a homeostatic loop for chemotherapy.