Abstract: An electrical amyloid beta-clearance system for treating a subject identified as at risk of or suffering from Alzheimer's disease is provided, the system including midplane treatment electrodes, adapted to be disposed over a superior sagittal sinus, outside and in electrical contact with a skull of a head of the subject; lateral treatment electrodes, adapted to be disposed between 1 and 12 cm of a sagittal midplane of the skull; and control circuitry, configured to clear amyloid beta from a subarachnoid space to the superior sagittal sinus, by applying one or more treatment currents between (a) one or more of the midplane treatment electrodes and (b) one or more of the lateral treatment electrodes. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method includes advancing apparatus including a core toward a patient's heart valve. The core tapers in a distal direction toward the smallest perimeter of the core. The apparatus includes a first ventricular arm, which is articulatable with respect to a first atrial arm at a first articulation site, and a second ventricular arm, which is articulatable with respect to a second atrial arm at a second articulation site. The articulation sites are adjacent to the smallest perimeter. The tapering of the core defines a minimum nonzero angle of the atrial arms with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the core. The method also includes clamping the first and second leaflets between the respective atrial arms and the respective ventricular arms. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for treating an intervertebral disc (30) of a subject is provided. The apparatus (20) includes at least three intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (40), which are configured to be implanted within a nucleus pulposus (42) of the disc (30), at different respective locations; and one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (44), which are configured to be implanted outside the nucleus pulposus (42), in electrical communication with the disc (30). Control circuitry (50) is configured to (a) configure the intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (40) to be cathodes, and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (44) to be one or more anodes, and (b) drive the intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (40) and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (44) to electroosmotically drive fluid into the nucleus pulposus (40) to increase pressure in the disc (30).

Abstract: A method of treating diastolic heart failure includes implanting a cardiac implant in a heart of a subject diagnosed as suffering from diastolic heart failure. A superior portion of a flexible tether of the cardiac implant is anchored to one or more left-atrial sites of one or more walls of the left atrium. An inferior portion of the flexible tether is anchored to a site of a wall of a mid third of the left ventricle, of a wall of an apical third of the left ventricle, and/or of a papillary muscle of the left ventricle. As a result, the flexible tether reduces a volume of the left atrium during at least a portion of ventricular diastole of each cardiac cycle, thereby enhancing ventricular filling. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Implantable first atrial and ventricular arms are articulatable at a first articulation site to clamp a first heart valve leaflet. A first implantable elongate transitioning member is (a) connected at a fixed connection point at a portion of the first ventricular arm farthest from the first articulation site, (b) has a portion that faces an opposite surface of the first ventricular arm, and (c) is controllable to move the first ventricular arm. Implantable second atrial and ventricular arms are articulatable at a second articulation site to clamp a second leaflet. A second implantable elongate transitioning member is (a) connected at a fixed connection point at a portion of the second ventricular arm farthest from the second articulation site, (b) has a portion that faces an opposite surface of the second ventricular arm, and (c) is controllable to move the second ventricular arm. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method of treating hyaline cartilage of a subject is provided, the method including implanting a first exposed electrode surface in osteochondral tissue of the subject, and implanting a second exposed electrode surface in a body of the subject. Regeneration of the hyaline cartilage is promoted by activating control circuitry to drive the first and the second exposed electrode surfaces to drive nutrients toward the first exposed electrode surface. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes providing an electrode, which includes a wire that has a wire diameter of between 75 and 125 microns. The wire includes a non-electrically-insulated current-application longitudinal segment, which, in the absence of any applied forces, is coiled and has (i) an outer coil diameter of between 3 and 7 times the wire diameter, and (ii) an entire longitudinal length of between 5 and 35 mm. The wire further includes an electrically-insulated lead longitudinal segment, which has an entire longitudinal length of at least 10 mm, in the absence of any applied forces. At least a portion of the electrode is implanted in a body of a subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An ingestible pill (1220, 1320) is provided including a medication-delivery device (1224, 1324), which is configured to deliver a medication (52) and includes a patch (1230, 1330) (a) having upper and lower surfaces (1232, 1234) that face in generally opposite directions, (b) disposed within an enteric coating (22) in a compressed shape (1242), (c) configured to assume an expanded shape (1244) after the enteric coating (22) dissolves. The patch (1230, 1330) includes a chamber (1270) defined by (a) a substantially water-impermeable and substantially gas-impermeable, elastic layer (1274) shaped so as to define at least one window (1276) therethrough, and (b) a liquid-permeable and substantially gas-impermeable wetting layer (1278), which entirely covers the at least one window (1276) and is sealed to the elastic layer (1274) around the at least one window (1276).

Abstract: A method is provided for treating an intervertebral disc of a subject, the method including delivering cells to a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. At least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface is implanted in the nucleus pulposus. At least one extra-pulposus exposed electrode surface is implanted in a body of the subject outside the nucleus pulposus. The delivered cells are supported by activating control circuitry to drive the intra-pulposus and the extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces to electroosmotically drive nutrient-containing fluid into the nucleus pulposus. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A prosthetic aortic valve is provided, which is configured to be delivered to a native aortic valve of a patient in a constrained delivery configuration within a delivery sheath. The prosthetic aortic valve includes a frame, which includes interconnected stent struts arranged so as to define interconnected stent cells; a plurality of prosthetic leaflets coupled to the frame; a cathode and an anode, which are mechanically coupled to the frame; and a prosthetic-valve coil, which is in non-wireless electrical communication with the cathode and the anode, and is coupled to a plurality of the stent struts, running along the stent struts so as to surround a plurality of the stent cells when the prosthetic aortic valve is in an expanded fully-deployed configuration upon release from the delivery sheath. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implant is configured to be coupled to first and second native leaflets of a native heart valve of a patient. The implant includes a proximal collar, a distal collar, and first and second clasps. Each of the first and second clasps has first and second tissue-engaging portions that are (1) disposed distal to the proximal collar and proximal to the distal collar, (2) movable, with respect to each other, to clamp one of the leaflets between the first and second tissue-engaging portions of the clasp, and (3) movable, when clamped to the leaflet, toward and away from a central longitudinal axis of the implant. The implant includes fabric (i) extending distally from the proximal collar on either side of the central longitudinal axis, and (ii) coupled to the first and second clasps. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implant is coupled to first and second native leaflets of a native heart valve of a patient. The implant includes a proximal collar, a distal collar, and first and second clasps. Each of the clasps has first and second tissue-engaging portions that are (1) disposed distal to the proximal collar and proximal to the distal collar, and (2) movable, with respect to each other, to clamp one of the leaflets between the tissue-engaging portions of the clasp. The implant is configured such that, when the leaflets are clamped by the clasps, the clasps form the first and second native leaflets into a double orifice, each orifice configured to function as a respective check-valve. Fabric extends distally from the proximal collar on either side of the central longitudinal axis, and is coupled to the clasps. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for treating an intervertebral disc of a subject, the apparatus including at least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface, which is configured to be implanted in a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc; and one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces, which are configured to be implanted outside the nucleus pulposus, in electrical communication with the intervertebral disc. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the at least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface and one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces. The control circuitry is configured to treat disc herniation by applying a voltage of less than 1.2 V between the at least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An electrostimulator implant includes an implant body, and at least two electrodes disposed on the implant body. The implant is percutaneously injectable into tissue of a subject with a distal portion of a flexible longitudinal member coupled to the implant. The apparatus is configured to be left, for at least 1 day after injection of the implant into the tissue, in a state in which (i) the implant is disposed within the tissue, (ii) the distal portion of the longitudinal member remains coupled to the implant within the tissue, (iii) a proximal portion of the longitudinal member is disposed outside of the tissue, secured to a skin surface of the subject, and (iv) the implant is movable within the tissue by moving the proximal portion of the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member is decouplable from the implant from outside of the subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens implant includes an anterior floating lens unit, a posterior lens unit, an anterior rim complex disposed such that the anterior floating lens unit is movable toward and away from the anterior rim complex. A plurality of levers are in jointed connection with: the anterior floating lens unit at respective first longitudinal sites along the levers, the anterior rim complex at respective second longitudinal sites along the levers, and the posterior lens unit at respective third longitudinal sites along the levers. The respective second longitudinal sites are longitudinally between the respective first and the respective third longitudinal sites. The levers are arranged (a) such that the third longitudinal sites serve as respective fulcrums for the plurality of levers, and (b) to move the anterior floating lens unit toward and away from the anterior rim complex, in the anterior-posterior direction. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for repairing a heart includes identifying a heart of a patient as having a reduced ejection fraction. In response to the identifying, wall stress of a ventricle of the heart is reduced by implanting apparatus that facilitates cyclical moving of fluid that is not blood of the patient into and out of the ventricle of the heart. During ventricular diastole, a volume of the fluid is moved into the ventricle in a manner that produces a corresponding decrease in a total volume of blood that fills the ventricle during diastole. During ventricular systole, the volume of the fluid is moved out of the ventricle in a manner that produces a corresponding decrease in a total volume of the ventricle during isovolumetric contraction of the ventricle. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An electrode is provided that includes a wire that has a wire diameter of between 75 and 125 microns. The electrode includes a non-electrically-insulated current-application longitudinal segment, which, in the absence of any applied forces, is coiled and has (i) an outer coil diameter of between 3 and 7 times the wire diameter, and (ii) an entire longitudinal length of between 5 and 35 mm. The electrode further includes an electrically-insulated lead longitudinal segment, which has an entire longitudinal length of at least 10 mm, in the absence of any applied forces. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implant is implanted into a tissue of a subject. The implant includes a circuitry unit that houses circuitry, and one or more outwardly-facing electrodes that are electrically coupled to the circuitry. The circuitry unit is shaped to define a height that is smaller than (i) a longest length, and (ii) a longest width of the circuitry unit. The implant is oriented with respect to the tissue, such that: (a) the height of the circuitry unit is disposed along a superficial-to-deep axis with respect to skin of the subject, (b) the implant is positioned to stimulate a nerve underlying the implant, and (c) the implant is positioned in a manner that inhibits electrical conduction from the outwardly-facing electrodes into skin of the subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a flexible intraventricular receptacle that assumes a first volume upon passage of fluid that is not blood into the receptacle and a second, smaller volume upon passage of the fluid out of the receptacle. An expandable extracardiac receptacle expands upon transfer of the fluid into the extracardiac receptacle from the intraventricular receptacle and contracts upon passage of the fluid out of the extracardiac receptacle. A transmyocardial conduit allows passage of the fluid between the intraventricular receptacle and the extracardiac receptacle responsively to a cardiac cycle. During ventricular systole, a volume of fluid is expelled from the intraventricular receptacle, through the conduit, and into the extracardiac receptacle, producing a corresponding decrease in a total volume of the ventricle during isovolumetric contraction of the ventricle. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus including a core is advanceable toward a patient's heart valve. The core tapers in a distal direction toward the smallest perimeter of the core. The apparatus includes a first ventricular arm, which is articulatable with respect to a first atrial arm at a first articulation site, and a second ventricular arm, which is articulatable with respect to a second atrial arm at a second articulation site. The articulation sites are adjacent to the smallest perimeter. The tapering of the core defines a minimum nonzero angle of the atrial arms with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the core. The first atrial arm and the first ventricular arm are arranged so as to clamp the first native leaflet. The second atrial arm and the second ventricular arm are arranged so as to clamp the second native leaflet. Other embodiments are also described.