Abstract: The disclosure describes devices and methods for asymmetrical irradiation at a body cavity or site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. biopsy or cancer. One device includes a lumen which is off-set or off-settable from a longitudinal axis to increase the intensity of radiation received from a radiation source by a first tissue portion surrounding the body cavity and to reduce or minimize radiation received by a second tissue portion (e.g. healthy tissue) surrounding the body cavity.

Abstract: A controller for a heart pump, the controller including a processing system for determining movement of an impeller within a cavity in a first axial direction, the cavity including at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and the impeller including vanes for urging fluid from the inlet to the outlet, causing a magnetic bearing to move the impeller in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, the magnetic bearing including at least one coil for controlling an axial position of the impeller within the cavity, determining an indicator indicative of the power used by the magnetic bearing and causing the magnetic bearing to control the axial position of the impeller in accordance with the indicator to thereby control a fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart. The implant may include an electrode or other structure for applying pacing signals to one or both ventricles of the heart, for defibrillating the heart, for sensing beating of the heart or the like. A wireless telemetry and control system may allowing the implant to treat congestive heart failure, monitor the results of the treatment, and apply appropriate electrical stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of modifying music files to induce a desired state of consciousness. First and second modulations are introduced into a music file such that, when the music file is played, both of the modulations occur simultaneously. Additional modulations can be introduced, as well as sound tones at window frequencies.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed towards an anatomically-compatible and physiologically-compatible in vivo device for improving diastolic function of either the left or right ventricle of the heart, wherein said device comprises at least one elastic component in the form of a lattice capable of being arranged in a curved conformation such that one surface of said lattice may be adapted to the curvature of the external ventricular surface of the heart, or a portion thereof, and wherein said at least one elastic component is capable of being operatively connected to the external ventricular surface of the heart by means of one or more connecting elements.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a urethral support and first and second connectors. The urethral support extends between a first end and a second end and has porosity that is configured to allow tissue in-growth through the urethral support. The first connector is attached to the first end of the urethral support and the second connector is attached to the second end of the urethral support. At least one of the first connector and the second connector is a cross-linked polymer connector having a glass transition temperature between 40-70 degrees Celsius. The cross-linked polymer connector has an initial length that is elongated to an implant length that is greater than the initial length. Means for heating the cross-linked polymer connector from an extracorporeal location through intact skin is provided, thereby shortening the cross-linked polymer connector.

Abstract: A method of treating erectile dysfunction includes providing a pump having a proximal tip communicating with a fluid reservoir, a bladder connected at a proximal end to the proximal tip and extending to a closed distal end, and a tube disposed in the bladder, the tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and a distal end that opens into the bladder. The method additionally includes implanting the pump into a corpora cavernosum of a penis.

Abstract: A penile prosthetic assembly includes a penile implant containing a dilatant liquid and a reservoir connectable with the penile implant. Fluid transferred from the reservoir into the penile implant imposes a shear on the dilatant liquid to increase viscosity in the dilatant liquid and harden the penile implant.

Abstract: Described herein are delivery devices and methods of using the devices for delivering an ocular implant into a suprachoroidal space without use of a goniolens. The delivery device includes a handle including a channel extending from a proximal end of the handle to a distal end of the handle, an applier coupled to the handle, the applier including a blunt distal tip and an elongate, flexible wire insertable through a fluid channel of an ocular implant, and a fiber optic image bundle reversibly inserted through the channel such that the fiber optic image bundle extends to a region proximal to the blunt distal tip of the applier.

Abstract: An improved endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescensce data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the disclosure, a probe for autonomously operating within an intestinal tract of a living human is disclosed. In one embodiment, the probe includes: a data processor; an antigen detector; and a communications device. In one variant, the processor comprises at least one sleep mode configured to place at least portions of the probe in a reduced state of power consumption based at least one of (i) a detection of a prescribed antigen; and/or (ii) an absence of a detection of a prescribed antigen.

Abstract: An endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescensce data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for delivering agents including nanostructures, radionuclides, medication, and ligands is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for obtaining a biopsy of intestinal tissue is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for detecting the presence of one or more molecular species is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one imaging device, a processor, and a means for collecting and transmitting data, delivering agents, obtaining a biopsy, detecting molecular species, and/or generating ultrasonic waveform data.

Abstract: Provided are a capsule-type image photographing apparatus and endoscopy using the same. The apparatus includes a shell unit having a globular shape and a main body unit capable of freely rotating in the shell unit. The main body unit includes an image photographing system, a wireless transmitter, a battery, a counterweight for determining the center of gravity of the main body unit, and an encapsulant for fixing the image photographing system, the wireless transmitter, the battery, and the counterweight. The apparatus may be a long-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatus or a short-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatus depending on the position of the counterweight. By use of the long- and short-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatuses, the interior of the tested person's body can be effectively photographed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device and methods of immobilizing and retrieving material from a body. The medical device, in an embodiment, includes an elongated member having a length extending from a distal end to a proximal end, and the elongated member having a first lumen and a second lumen. The medical device further includes a first tube and a second tube extending through the first lumen and the second lumen, respectively, from the proximal end of the elongated member to the distal end of the elongated member. An expandable member is fluidly coupled to a distal portion of each of the first tube and the second tube. The first tube, the second tube, and the expandable member are axially movable relative to the elongated member, and the expandable member is configured for deployment between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention comprise endoscopes for viewing inside a cavity of a body such as a vessel like a vein or artery. These endoscopes may include at least one solid state emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED) that is inserted into the body cavity to provide illumination therein. Certain embodiments of the invention comprise disposable endoscopes that can be fabricated relatively inexpensively such that discarding these endoscopses after a single use is cost-effective. The endoscope may comprise a lens holder on a distal end of the endoscope for collection of light reflected from surfaces within the body in which the endoscope is inserted. This lens holder may have an inner cavity through which light passes along an optical path. Reflective surfaces on sidewalls of the inner cavity may direct light along this optical path. The endoscope may further comprise an elongated support structure for supporting a plurality of lenses disposed along the optical path.

Abstract: An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged.

Abstract: Tissue retraction devices and methods include a tissue retractor with a radiolucent portion to permit imaging through the radiolucent portion with X-ray, fluoroscopic or other suitable imaging system. The tissue retractor also includes one or more radio-opaque elements that define at least a portion of a perimeter of the radiolucent portion to provide an indication of the retractor location in the patient via the imaging system.

Abstract: Instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including creating an operative corridor to the spine with a tissue retraction system and registering the tissue retraction system to the patient.

Abstract: A retractor assembly for surgery in a patient includes at least one retractor member removably engageable to a support member. The retractor assembly includes a housing assembly engaged to the support member and to an arm that extends from a retraction portion of the retractor member. A drive mechanism in the housing assembly is coupled to the retractor member and is operable to rotate the retraction portion of the retractor member relative to the support member to a desired angular orientation.

Abstract: A minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable work space exposure within the incision along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the width of the working tube. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing retractors depending from a bi-hinged frame having internal or external controls to control the angle and separation of the retractors. Interchangeable retractor blades can be attached to the frame. Both retractor blades are independently controlled as to displacement and angle.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes an outer ring unit, a tubular retraction membrane made of a resilient material and including an inner surface defining a passageway, and a lighting unit. The tubular retraction membrane has an outer tubular end connected to the outer ring unit and rollable about the outer ring unit. The lighting unit is connected to an inner tubular end of the retraction membrane and includes a light-emitting ring, and a heat-dissipation ring in contact with the light-emitting ring.

Abstract: A multifunctional invasive cardiovascular diagnostic measurement host is disclosed that interfaces a variety of sensor devices, such as guide wire-mounted pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, etc, and provides a multi-mode graphical user interface providing a plurality of displays in accordance with the various types of sensors and measurements rendered by the sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamic multi-stage test administration for detection of cardiovascular disease may include performing a first set of tests in a first stage of testing on a patient. Physiological results for each of the tests in the first stage may then be received. Then, based on the physiological results, dynamically determining a set of tests to perform on the subject in a second stage of testing. Additionally, the dynamically determined set of tests in the second stage of testing may be performed on the subject.

Abstract: An embeddable module for measuring a blood glucose level may be embedded in an external host and may comprise a host interface, a microcontroller, an ASIC, a temperature measuring element, and a measurement strip port. The host interface may permit electrical communication between the host and the microcontroller. The microcontroller and ASIC may communicate with each other and may work together to measure the blood glucose level of a blood sample. The measurement strip port may receive a removable measurement strip having the blood sample. The ASIC may communicate with the measurement strip port such that the ASIC may receive signals from the measurement strip port related to the blood glucose level of the blood sample. The temperature measuring element may be in electrical communication with the microcontroller and may measure the temperature of the module and transmit signals to the microcontroller related to the temperature of the module.

Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying system parameter information are provided. One method includes determining a value for a system parameter using the ultrasound system and comparing the determined value to a defined value for a system processing guideline using a processor of the ultrasound system. The method further includes providing system parameter confirmation information based on the comparing when the determined value is not within the defined value.

Abstract: In order to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a sound speed correction method capable of performing sound speed correction without affecting real-time efficiency, the present invention is characterized in that a reference sound speed image signal is acquired by setting a reference sound speed and a different sound speed image signal is acquired by setting a different sound speed from the reference sound speed and that sound speed correction information is acquired by correcting reference sound speed information based on the reference sound speed image signal using different items of sound speed information based on the different sound speed image signal.

Abstract: A method of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue includes the initial step of providing a handheld device including a phased antenna array and an ultrasound transducer array. The method includes the steps of positioning a tissue-contact surface of the handheld device adjacent to tissue, activating the phased antenna array to deliver energy through the tissue-contact surface to generate an ablation field in targeted tissue, activating the ultrasound transducer array to acquire ultrasound image data representative of the targeted tissue during energy delivery into the targeted tissue by the phased antenna array, and selectively steering the focal point of energy delivery in tissue to adjust the ablation field radiating into tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.

Abstract: Rendering quality parameter values are automatically set or adjusted as a function of acquisition ultrasound parameter values. The rendering quality is automatically selected based on the acquisition quality, such as providing for a higher quality or quality rendering for slower acquisitions. More than two rendering states are provided for a respective, more than two different quality settings.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing multiple scale bands in the scalogram of a physiological signal in order to obtain information about a physiological process. An analysis may be performed to identify multiple scale bands that are likely to contain the information sought. Each scale band may be assessed to determine a band quality, and multiple bands may be combined based on the band quality. Information about a physiological process may determined based on the combined band. In an embodiment, analyzing multiple scale bands in a scalogram arising from a wavelet transformation of a photoplethysmograph signal may yield clinically relevant information about, among other things, the blood oxygen saturation of a patient.

Abstract: Provided is a measuring apparatus that includes: a semiconductor laser device that emits a laser light beam to an object to be measured; a driving unit that provides a driving signal for modulation drive of the semiconductor laser device; a first detection unit that detects a first electrical signal that corresponds to the intensity of the laser light beam modulated due to the self-coupling effect, in a first half-cycle of the driving signal; a second detection unit that detects a second electrical signal that corresponds to the intensity of a second laser light beam modulated due to the self-coupling effect, in a second half-cycle of the driving signal being in an opposite phase of the first half-cycle; a calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first and second electrical signals; and a measuring unit that measures a change in the state of the object based on the calculated difference.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides for ambulatory monitoring of hemodynamic performance based on quantitative measurements of heart sound related parameters for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Monitoring of such heart sound related parameters allows the cardiac rhythm management system to determine a need for delivering a therapy and/or therapy parameter adjustments based on conditions of a heart. This monitoring also allows a physician to observe or assess the hemodynamic performance for diagnosing and making therapeutic decisions. Because the conditions of the heart may fluctuate and may deteriorate significantly between physician visits, the ambulatory monitoring, performed on a continuous or periodic basis, ensures a prompt response by the cardiac rhythm management system that may save a life, prevent hospitalization, or prevent further deterioration of the heart.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects.

Abstract: A wearable respiration measurement apparatus including: an eyeglass frame having a nose flap which is formed in such a manner as to cover a user's nose; and an induced current generation device attached to the nose flap and generating an induced current corresponding to an amount of air inhaled or exhaled through the user's nose.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems to collect blood from a patient using a lancet integrated with a test strip. The present disclosure provides integrated test strips having an integrated lancet, as well as meters for actuating the lancet integrated within a test strip. The analyte test strip comprises a first test strip substrate material and a second test strip substrate material. At least one test strip substrate material comprises an elongate cavity. The test strip further comprises a reaction test site for testing analyte concentrations in blood. The test strip further comprises at least one opening communicating with the at least one cavity.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.

Abstract: An integrated sampling device defines a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to a channel for drawing fluid automatically towards a test media upon incision by an incision portion. The second opening is positioned over the test media allowing manual sampling of fluid if the channel fails to draw a sufficient amount of fluid onto the test media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for piercing a body part and determining whether a sufficient volume of blood has been withdrawn. A lancing element is rapidly inserted into a body part in a forward phase and retracted quickly to a lesser puncturing depth. Subsequently, the lancing element is retracted slower than during the first retraction movement and the distance retracted during the second retraction is shorter than the first retraction movement. During the second retraction movement, body fluid is collected in a collection phase by a capillary structure of the lancing element. Contact between the lancing element and the body fluid is detected after the forward phase at the beginning and the end of a waiting period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating labor progress during childbirth for an obstetrics patient are provided. A set of information data elements associated to an obstetrics patient are received, the set of information data elements including a cervical dilation measure and a level of descent indicator. The set of information data elements is processed to generate labor progress information associated to the obstetrics patient. The labor progress information conveys whether the level of descent indicator is within an expected range of levels of descent corresponding to the cervical dilation measure. A signal for causing the labor progress information to be provided to a user is then released.

Abstract: The self-contained intraoral appliance includes first and second substantially rigid bands (12, 14) configured to fit along the outer and the inner surfaces of a row of teeth in the mouth. A motor (20) driven by a battery is connected to the bands through a connecting assembly (2, 24, 28, 34, 40 and 44) in such a manner that one end of the first band moves through a displacement to brush the teeth while the other end remains substantially stationary, and such that an opposing end of the second band moves through a displacement while the other end remains substantially stationary. Brush elements (16, 18) are mounted on the surfaces of the bands to provide cleansing of the teeth.

Abstract: A foot cuff that is inflatable to apply compression to the foot to promote blood flow has a bladder formed of two layers of material secured together. An outer layer includes a foot-underlying portion that has a greater thickness and rigidity that an opposing inner layer. The outer layer directs expansion of the bladder upon inflation in the direction of the inner layer and toward the foot for increasing compressive force applied to the foot.

Abstract: A compression device for a limb has a sleeve adapted to surround the limb. The sleeve has an inelastic layer and a cell constructed from an inner part joined to an outer part by one or more side walls. This construction provides a cell with a box-like configuration so that the inner part conforms to the shape of the limb, providing an even pressure to the limb, when the cell is inflated.

Abstract: A surgical positioning system includes a flexible air-impermeable shell filled with beads that is wrapped against the patient and subjected to a vacuum to hold the patient in place. The shell includes rounded shoulder portions, on either side of a separately inflatable pillow, to envelop portions of the patient's neck and shoulders, tapered waist portion to provide easy access to a patient's forearms and lower lateral abdomen, and expanded wrist hand portion to cradle the patient's hands and thighs.

Abstract: The splint for the entire leg is a portable splint that is used to immobilize fractures that may occur to the leg of an accident victim. The splint includes two parts that are connectable when the splint is applied to the leg. An upper part functions to immobilize the femur and stabilize the hip. A lower part immobilizes the tibia and/or fibula and stabilizes the knee and foot. Straps are employed to secure the splint to the leg.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated tubular body including a first wall and second wall defining first and second lumens, respectively. Each wall extends to a distal end and defines a distal opening. The first and second walls may each include one or more side openings disposed proximal of the distal end. The first and second lumens are separated by a septum. The septum includes a septum extension extending distally from the septum. The septum extension is adapted to articulate relative to the septum in response to fluid flow into and out of the distal openings of the first and second lumens. The septum extension is dimensioned to partially obstruct fluid flow into the catheter through one of the distal openings upon the articulation of the septum extension.

Abstract: The present invention provides bariatric therapy systems. One system includes a gastrointestinal implant device and a delivery mechanism therefor. The device can include a sleeve for placement into a small intestine and to minimize absorption of nutrients by its walls. An anchoring mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the sleeve and designed to be secured within the stomach can be provided. A passageway extending through the anchoring mechanism and the sleeve can also be provided, along which food can be directed from the stomach to the small intestine. The delivery mechanism can include a housing for accommodating the device, and a deploying balloon situated within the housing and which can be actuated to direct the sleeve of the device from within the housing to the site of implantation. Methods for providing bariatric therapy are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering toxin and toxin fragments to a patient's nasal cavity provide for both release of the toxin and delivery of energy which selectively porates target cells to enhance uptake of the toxin. The use of energy-mediated delivery is particularly advantageous with light chain fragment toxins which lack cell binding capacity.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.