Abstract: A restriction system, such as an adjustable gastric band, for forming a restriction in a patient and non-invasively communicating pressure data regarding the restriction to an external monitor. The system includes a restriction device for implantation in a patient to form a restriction. The system further includes an implanted port connected to the restriction device. The port contains a working fluid for affecting the size of the restriction. The system further includes a pressure sensing system in communication with the working fluid for measuring the pressure of the working fluid and transmitting pressure measurement data to an external monitor.

Abstract: A catheter introducer system for endoscopy is disclosed which includes a steering section and a propulsion section located near the end of the catheter that is introduced in a body cavity, and a non-collapsible sheath defining a working channel. The propulsion section is designed to pull the rest of the catheter inside the body cavity, so there is no need to push the catheter along. The propulsion section further includes gripping members, such as inflatable balloons, that are axially movable relative to the catheter. The catheter can thus be made very flexible in bending, and a larger diameter catheter can be used without discomfort to the patient.

Abstract: A visual means of an endoscope comprising at least one optical system or composite optical system arranged at a front area of the endoscope. The at least one optical system or the at least one composite optical system realizes an aperture angle of more than 180° and is arranged such that the field of vision thereof reaches both beyond the normal to the direction of movement and beyond the longitudinal axis of the endoscope pointing ahead.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope includes an outer housing subassembly that supports an optics subassembly. The outer housing subassembly includes concentric tubes with optical fiber for providing object illumination. The optics subassembly includes a tubular sheath sealed at both ends for carrying lenses and other optical elements. A slow-curing adhesive material fills an annular gap between the optics and outer housing subassemblies. The adhesive material has a tear strength that seals and positions the optics subassembly for normal use and that enables the optics subassembly to be withdrawn from the outer housing subassembly for repair.

Abstract: An access platform having a first and a second blade interconnected to a spreader member that laterally drives the blades apart or together and a sternal pad interconnected to a blade. The superior blade is pivotally coupled to the spreader member such that it naturally rises as the blades are separated. Alternatively, a vertical displacement member is operably interconnected to a blade and the spreader member and is used to vertically displace the interconnected superior blade and, thus, increase a surgeon's working space and visual access for the dissection of an internal mammary artery. A tissue retractor is interconnected to the blades to draw the soft tissue around an incision away from the surgeon's working area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to increase the number of analyte-related signals used to provide analyte measurement values, e.g., when two or more analyte-related signals are used to obtain a single analyte measurement value a “rolling” value based on the two or more signals can be employed. In another aspect, interpolation and/or extrapolation methods are used to estimate unusable, missing or error-associated analyte-related signals. Further, interpolation and extrapolation of values are employed in another aspect of the invention that reduces the incident of failed calibrations. Further, the invention relates to methods, which employ gradients and/or predictive algorithms, to provide an alert related to analyte values exceeding predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: A hand held ultrasonic instrument (10) is provided in a portable unit that performs C-Mode imaging and collects 3D image data. In a preferred embodiment a transducer array (60), display unit (20), beamformer (40), power system, and image processor are integrated in one enclosure weighing less than three pounds. In operation, the portable unit is scanned across a target and the displayed image is conveniently presented to the operator whereby the displayed image corresponds exactly to the target, or a scaled fashion if desired.

Abstract: There are provided transducers, transmission pulse generators for transmitting pulses to the transducers, a transmission power source for supplying power to the transmission pulse generators, and an output side capacitor 7 for stabilizing a voltage of the transmission power source. The transmission power source includes a plurality of mode-specific power sources 1A and 1B for outputting a constant voltage, and a mode changeover switch 6 provided between the mode-specific power sources and the output side capacitor. The transmission power source further includes a power supplying power source 2 connected to the mode-specific power sources for supplying power, and a power regeneration capacitor 4 with a larger capacity than that of the output side capacitor, one electrode terminal of which is connected to a connection point between the power supplying power source and the mode-specific power sources and the mode changeover switch, and the other electrode terminal of which is connected to ground.

Abstract: An ultrasound cardiac stimulation system comprising: a spatially selective ultrasound source comprising at least one ultrasound transducer located outside the circulatory system; and a controller; where the controller generates an electrical response in the heart by directing the ultrasound source to transmit a high enough power level of ultrasound to one or more locations in the heart.

Abstract: Ultrasonic treatment equipment is provided which repeats therapeutic ultrasound exposure while measuring a degree of vessel constriction on a therapeutic ultrasound exposure basis.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue within a body includes directing an ultrasound transducer having a plurality of transducer elements towards target body tissue, and delivering ultrasound energy towards the target tissue from the transducer elements such that an energy intensity at the target tissue is at or above a prescribed treatment level, while an energy intensity at tissue to be protected in the ultrasound energy path of the transducer elements is at or below a prescribed safety level.

Abstract: A system for ultrasonic imaging utilizing multiple sets of transmit pulses differing in amplitude, frequency, phase, and/or pulse width. One embodiment has phase differences between the k transmit signal as 360 k ? ? degrees providing for constructive interference of the kth order harmonic pulse, while an amplitude modulation of each transmit profile is constant between sets. These sets of pulses are transmitted into media of interest and received echoes from these pulses are combined to form an averaged signal. The averaged pulses represent the net common mode signal received from each of the transmit sets. This combined signal set is used to reconstruct an ultrasound image based on broad beam reconstruction methodology.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging probe for real time 3D ultrasound imaging from the tip of the probe that can be inserted into the body. The ultrasound beam is electronically scanned within a 2D azimuth plane with a linear array, and scanning in the elevation direction at right angle to the azimuth plane is obtained by mechanical movement of the array. The mechanical movement is either achieved by rotation of the array through a flexible wire, or through wobbling of the array, for example through hydraulic actuation. The probe can be made both flexible and stiff, where the flexible embodiment is particularly interesting for catheter imaging in the heart and vessels, and the stiff embodiment has applications in minimal invasive surgery and other procedures. The probe design allows for low cost manufacturing which allows factory sterilized probes to be disposed after use.

Abstract: A method for imaging and treating a breast of a patient includes: disposing the breast into a bath of medium; physically securing the breast and maintaining the breast in a repeatable position and in a repeatable shape with respect to a chest wall of the patient; scanning the breast with ultrasound signals from transducer arrays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast and to locate a position of a tumor or a lesion in the breast with respect to the three-dimensional image; and further treating the tumor or the lesion of the breast while maintaining the position and the shape of the breast with respect to the chest wall of the patient as during scanning.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and monitoring various characteristics of a patient positioned on a patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or cot, is disclosed. The system and method involve monitoring the forces exerted by the patient on one or more force sensors, which may be load cells on the support apparatus. These force sensors will detect vibrations that correspond to various conditions of the patient, including the patient's heart rate, breathing rate, and/or the seizure status of a patient. These vibrations may be analyzed, such as by Fast Fourier Transforms, in order to determine the various conditions of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining sleep stages of an examinee, including detecting signals of the examinee with a biosignal detector, calculating a signal strength deviation value that indicates deviation of a signal strength of the detected signals, and determining a sleep stage by using the signal strength deviation value or a value of a plurality of values based on the signal strength deviation value as an indicator value.

Abstract: An electronic blood pressure monitor includes an activation controller for exerting control in response to a signal representative of an instruction received from a user to selectively activate a plurality of functions included in first and second function groups of the electronic blood pressure monitor. The first function group includes a measurement function provided by a blood pressure measurement unit and the second function group includes an information changing function associated with erasing a measured value or changing a set value. The activation controller includes a determining unit for determining whether the electronic blood pressure monitor is started by a specific function, and a setting unit driven by a decision made by the determining unit to set the second function group in an activatable state or an inactivatable state.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement apparatus for use in association with a blood pressure measuring cuff includes a housing having an upper shell and a lower shell defining an interior chamber and a replaceable module disposed within the interior chamber. The replaceable module houses a pump for inflating the blood pressure measuring cuff and a vent valve for venting the blood pressure measuring cuff. A cuff pressure sensor is provided within the interior chamber, either within or externally of the replaceable module. A control circuit for controlling the pump and the vent valve is provided on a circuit board disposed externally of the replaceable module. A power pack may be provided within the replaceable module for supplying electric power to the pump, the valve, the control circuit and other components within the interior chamber.

Abstract: Methods for noninvasively measuring, or estimating, functional residual capacity or effective lung volume include obtaining carbon dioxide and flow measurements at or near the mouth of a subject. Such measurements are obtained during baseline breathing and during and shortly after inducement of a change in the subject's effective ventilation. The obtained measurements are evaluated to determine the amount of time required for exhaled carbon dioxide levels to return to normal—effectively an evaluation of carbon dioxide “washout” from the subject's lungs. Conversely, carbon dioxide and flow measurements may be evaluated to determine the amount of time it takes carbon dioxide to “wash in,” or reach peak levels within, the lungs of the subject following the change in the subject's effective ventilation. Apparatus for effective such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for measuring lung collapse and for providing information regarding recruitment and successfulness of actions taken to recruit the lung is provided. Alveolar- and proximal pressures are determined at different lung pressures or volumes. Patient airway resistance is calculated combining these measurements with flow measurement. Plotting the resistance against the lung pressure or volume gives a within-breath distribution of the resistance. Increase of this resistance at end-expiration volume or pressure indicates lung collapse.

Abstract: A debulking catheter comprising a tissue debulking assembly for removing a contiguous strand of material from a body lumen. Catheters of the present invention generally include a catheter body having proximal and distal portions and a tissue debulking assembly disposed at least partially within the distal portion. The tissue debulking assembly is radially movable to expose at least a portion of the assembly through a window on the catheter body. The catheter is advanced transluminally through the body lumen to contact material in the body lumen and remove a plane of contiguous material that has a length that is typically longer than a length of the window on the catheter. The contiguous material may be directed into a collection chamber. Thereafter, the material may be removed from the collection chamber and preserved or tested.

Abstract: Blood samples can be collected without substantial contamination from ambient air, such that the blood sample may be analyzed accurately for gaseous components such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. An embodiment of the device has integrated actuation, lancing, and sample acquisition components, which in some embodiments are miniatuized and/or disposable.

Abstract: A catheter guide wire, especially for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, comprises an elongated wire shaft of a flexible material having a proximal and a distal end and disposed on the wire shaft at least one radiopaque, sleeve-like marker adjacent to the distal end. The at least one marker is disposed on a core section of the wire shaft, said core section being widened in its diameter relative to the diameter of the adjoining shaft sections.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting an impingement of joint components of a joint includes detecting a spatial position of each joint component during a relative movement of the joint components; calculating an instantaneous center point of rotation or an instantaneous axis of rotation from the detected spatial positions of the joint components; when one joint component moves relative to the other joint component, establishing whether the calculated instantaneous center point of rotation moves within a first expectation range or whether the calculated instantaneous axis of rotation moves within a second expectation range; and establishing that there is an impingement of the joint components when at least one of the calculated instantaneous center point of rotation or the calculated instantaneous axis of rotation leaves or exits the respective expectation range.

Abstract: A handheld massager is disclosed having a spring and dampener provided between a massage head portion and a handle portion of a massager. A massage mechanism is provided in the massage head portion for application of a massage effect to the user. Resulting shock and vibrations caused by the massage effect are absorbed and dampened by the spring and dampener for minimizing these effects upon the hand and wrist of the user. Additionally, variable vibrational contact surfaces and various visual therapy effects are disclosed in combination with the massage effect.

Abstract: A massager device that provides a liquid applicator that dispenses a liquid and provides a massaging effect is disclosed. The massager device comprises a massage head adapted to engage a reservoir for storing a liquid, a liquid dispensing component engaged to the reservoir for applying the liquid, and a vibratory component for vibrating the massager device such that the user may simultaneously apply the liquid and provide a massaging effect.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held ergonomic reflexology device. The device includes a semi-cylindrical shape handle dimensioned to fit within the palm of the user's hand. The handle is defined by a first end, an opposite second end, inner edge and a outer edge. A thumb support member is integrally connected to the handle and protruding outwardly to the sensor tip portion. The sensor tip portion is adapted to apply direct pressure to predetermined reflex points on the body. The thumb support member has substantially an elliptical shape and is defined by an upper surface area, an inner curved peripheral edge, and a outer curved peripheral edge. The upper surface area has a circumference dimensioned to fit a thumb of the user's hand. The inner curved peripheral edge extends from the sensor tip portion to the inner edge of the handle and is integrated therein.

Abstract: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body. The framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in the surface regardless of whether the surface is in abutment with the area of the body, the openings extending completely through and being bounded by the framework. Furthermore, the framework, along its entire boundary with at least one of the openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to an extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. The support also includes a fastening mechanism connected at multiple points proximate each of opposite sides of the framework for applying tension at each of the multiple points for tensioning the framework's surface in abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: An articulating joint for an orthopedic brace wherein a moveable plate is rotatably connected with respect to a fixed plate. The moveable plate includes a plurality of adjustment apertures positioned around a first axis of rotation wherein one or more coarse limit screws are positioned within the adjustment apertures to limit the range of motion between the moveable plate and the fixed plate within a predetermined arc of rotation. Fine adjustment means are preferably positioned with respect to the fixed plate and obstruct a range of motion of the coarse limit screws. In addition, a brake is positioned to fix motion of moveable plate relative to fixed plate.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods manipulate target materials within fluids, and may be useful for removing microbubbles and other materials from blood. Ultrasound or acoustic filtering waves may be directed across a flow of blood, and differences in density between the target microbubbles and the blood may enhance separation by driving the lighter matter upward for removal from the blood stream. A disposable acoustically transmissive conduit can replaceably engage an ultrasound transmitter to facilitate sterilization. Exemplary conduits have elongate lumen cross-sections and an axial path resembling a portion of a Mobius strip.

Abstract: An implantable shunt device having a primary catheter and at least two secondary catheters extending from the primary catheter is provided. The primary catheter includes a connecting end, an open end, and an inner lumen extending therebetween. Each of the secondary catheters extend from the connecting end of the primary catheter and include a fluid passageway formed therein in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the primary catheter. Each secondary catheter also includes at least one fluid entry port in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid entry ports are disposed on an inwardly facing portion of each of the secondary catheters. The shunt device can be used for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including for the removal or introduction of fluid to a treatment site.

Abstract: Reagents useful in nucleic acid immunization techniques are described. More particularly, adjuvanted genetic vaccine compositions are described, as are methods of using those compositions for inducing an enhanced immune response against a selected antigen.

Abstract: A needle-less injector device that includes an outer housing and an inner housing that is slideably supported from the outer housing is disclosed. The inner housing supporting a vial that includes a nozzle for delivering a fluid held within the vial. A spring powered ram that is adapted for pushing a seal and plunger is mounted within inner housing. A skin tensioning spring mounted between the inner housing and the outer housing is used for pushing the leading end of the inner housing away from the outer housing. A trigger that cooperates with the spring-powered ram is used to release the ram from the cocked position only when the inner housing is in a firing position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for injecting or otherwise delivering multiple-component therapies to human or animal subjects. Devices having injectors (e.g., syringes) attached to biaxial or coaxial injection cannula(s) are used to deliver multiple components of a particular therapy such that those components become combined shortly before or upon exiting the injection cannula(s). In some embodiments, the injector devices of the present invention may include a first set of finger grips at a first location and a second set of finger grips at a second location. Also, in some embodiments, the injector devices of the present invention may include depth slops for controlling the depth within tissue at which the therapeutic substance is delivered. Also, in some embodiments, the injector devices of the present invention may include refill manifolds with attached syringes or other reservoirs containing the component substances to facilitate refilling of the injectors.

Abstract: A fluid ejection system (20) comprising a cartridge (24), an ejector (32, 300) and, optionally, a fill station (28) for filling the cartridge with a fluid, such as a vaccine. In some embodiments (52), the cartridge includes a transfer passageway (96) for receiving fluid from the fill station. In other embodiments (200, 400), the cartridge includes a vented fluid reservoir (208, 408) offset from an ejection chamber (224, 420). In yet other embodiments (500, 600), the cartridge includes a vented fluid reservoir chamber (512, 636) inline with the ejection chamber (508, 644). In still other embodiments (700, 1000, 1100), the cartridge includes first and second chambers (728, 736, 1036, 1048, 1136, 1148) initially fluidly sealed from on another by a valve, e.g., either a traveling valve (704, 800, 900, 1200, 1300) or a temporarily stationary valve (1004, 1104).

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle is configured to engage bodily tissue and is hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source. Finally, the helical needle terminates in a needle tip. In one preferred embodiment, an electrode is associated with the helical needle for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the helical needle. During use, following delivery of conductive fluid, the electrode applies a current to the delivered conductive fluid for creating a virtual electrode. The virtual electrode ablates bodily tissue contacted by the conductive fluid.

Abstract: A medical fluid therapy method includes: (a) establishing a communication link between a kidney dialysis/blood treatment machine and at least one remote pump controller; (b) using the link to synchronize operation of at least one pump housed integrally with the machine with at least one pump located remotely from the machine; (c) enabling an operator to enter a net fluid transfer amount; and (d) controlling the pumps to at least substantially achieve the entered amount.

Abstract: A device for inserting a cannula of a subcutaneous infusion device into a subcutaneous layer of skin of a patient. For example, some devices automatically retract a needle used to introduce the cannula of a subcutaneous infusion device into the subcutaneous layer of skin of a patient. The device can include a housing with an internal cavity, as well as a needle coupled to the housing. The needle can be coupled to a cannula of a subcutaneous infusion device. A member can move the needle. Upon full introduction of the needle and associated cannula of the subcutaneous infusion device into a subcutaneous layer of skin of a patient, the member is automatically actuated to move the needle into the internal cavity of the housing into the retracted state while leaving the cannula of the subcutaneous infusion device in the subcutaneous layer of skin of the patient.

Abstract: An infusion device including a site and a set for delivery of a substance to a patient. The site can include a cannula that is introduced into a subcutaneous layer of skin of the patient. The set can be coupled to the site by, for example, placing the set over the site and moving the set from an unlocked to a locked position. The substance can then be delivered through the set to the site, and from the site into the patient through the cannula. The set can be oriented at multiple rotational orientations with respect to the site, and can be coupled and uncoupled with the site multiple times.

Abstract: A system for positioning a catheter includes a nerve stimulator needle carried within the lumen of the catheter. A microelectrode is configured as a needle tip precisely protruding beyond a tapered distal end of the catheter. The catheter and needle are fixed against axial movement relative to one another to maintain the precise configuration of the microelectrode needle tip conductive surface by a releasable clamp which is grasped by the practitioner to compress the catheter lumen against the needle without permanent deformation of the needle shaft while simultaneously advancing the needle and the catheter toward a target nerve.

Abstract: Method of holding in place a transcutaneous implant by applying an adhesive in liquid form to the implant and the area of the patient's skin about the needle and allowing the adhesive to set. The implant is constituted by an infusion needle, a catheter or any transcutaneous implant. Whenever the adhesive is in liquid form, it has such a surface tension that it will flow along the implant and the skin to reach a terminal point, which is the point at which the implant is inserted. The adhesive is applied in liquid form and flows along the implant and the skin to reach the point at which the implant is inserted, and then allowed to set to hold the implant in place.

Abstract: A pre-filled syringe including a barrel 1, a base end gasket 4 which is fluid-tightly slidable in the barrel 1, a front end gasket 8 which is fluid-tightly slidable in the barrel 1, and a nozzle part 2 provided in a front end of the barrel 1, wherein the nozzle part 2 includes a front end gasket accommodation part 23 which is capable of accommodating the front end gasket 8, and liquid flow passages 21 extending in an axial direction in an inner periphery wall, through which a liquid medicine can pass when the front end gasket 23 is accommodated in the front end gasket accommodation part 23, and a sectional area of a front end of the liquid flow passages 21 is smaller than a sectional area of a base end.

Abstract: A safety syringe and cap holding device for holding a syringe which also allows the syringe to be capped and uncapped while minimizing exposure of the user's hands to the hazard of needle sticks. The cap holding device can be powered electrically or mechanically, and can be selectively operated by a user.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for a medical needle (15) has a support (14) for carrying the mount end of the needle, and a sleeve (16) slidably mounted on the support (14) for movement from an initial position to a retracted position and then back to a protecting position where the sleeve (16) covers the tip (21) of the needle (15). A spring (32) urges the sleeve toward its protecting position and a blocking member (23) projects forwardly from the support (14) and is movable between non-blocking and blocking positions. In the non-blocking position the sleeve (16) is free to slide from its initial position to its retracted position. On movement of the sleeve to its protecting position, the blocking member (23) moves to lie between the support (14) and sleeve (16) to prevent subsequent movement of the sleeve away from its protecting position.

Abstract: A syringe assembly has a safety sheath to prevent accidental pricking of the user after injecting fluid from the syringe into an injection site of a patient. The syringe assembly includes a body, a needle, and a slidable plunger. A tube is slidably mounted on the rear end of the plunger and has a thumb tab for pushing the plunger forwardly in the syringe body. The syringe body extends through a protective sheath. After the fluid is injected from the syringe body into the patient, the user pulls rearwardly on the finger flange so as to force the plunger into the tube and thereby pull the needle into the sheath, as the needle is being withdrawn from the patient. The needle is automatically enclosed by the sheath using only one hand and without gripping the sheath.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an injection device is disclosed in which piston means are selectively driven to expel medicament from within a medicament cartridge. The drive mechanism comprises a drive means associated with a first ratchet member, a second ratchet member associated with the piston means, a housing, the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member being disposed within the housing. The second ratchet member being biased by biasing means toward the first ratchet member. The drive means is actuable reciprocally to drive the first ratchet member in a first angular direction such that the first ratchet member drives the second ratchet member along its longitudinal axis against the biasing means along at least a part of its movement and subsequently drives the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member together in a second angular direction thereby to drive the piston means.

Abstract: A device for administering metered doses of an injectable product, including a housing, a drive member with a plunger, a drive button which, when displaced, moves the drive member relative to the housing, and at least one delaying member, which can be moved from a first position into a second position by displacing the drive button relative to the drive member in the longitudinal direction of the device, the drive member remaining stationary relative to the housing, whereby the at least one delaying member establishes a contact with the drive member in the first or second position so that when the drive button is displaced, the drive member can be moved in the forward direction before or after the at least one delaying member is moved relative to the drive member.

Abstract: A monitoring device is coupled to the open proximal end of an implanted gastrostomy feeding tube in order to monitor the administration of enteral nutritional fluids into the body of the patient. The monitoring device includes a clamshell-like casing and an electronic control circuit mounted within the casing. The casing includes upper and lower housings which are coupled together about a hinge. The casing additionally includes a connector shaped to fittingly project into the open proximal end of the feeding tube, the connector defining a lumen in fluid communication with the longitudinally-extending bore of the tube. A metering device is disposed within the lumen in the casing and is electrically connected to the control circuit.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube insertion system comprises a nasogastric tube, a guide element, and an inserter element. The inserter element has a slim, elongate main body, a handle attached to the body, and an anatomically curved insertion section. The guide element comprises a swallowable weight attached to a cord, string, monofilament line, tube, or other similar line. The swallowable weight may be ablative in the presence of stomach fluids or may be deflated to allow the guide element to be removed while the nasogastric tube remains in place. The inserter element is inserted through the patient's nasal passages and optionally into the oropharynx. The weight is released and the patient swallows it into the stomach. The guide element is threaded through the guide element retaining structure, and the nasogastric tube is safely inserted along the guide element into the patient's stomach.

Abstract: A method of making zeolite microneedles includes providing a polymer microneedles template, depositing zeolite seeds on the polymer microneedles template, and growing the zeolite seeds into an array of zeolite microneedles.