Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mixing of therapeutic agents before and/or during the localized application of the therapeutic agents. Most preferably, the present invention provides systems and methods for mixing of therapeutic agents before and/or during administration of the agents within a biological lumen. Various embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for inducing a mixing state in the therapeutic agents, thereby inducing and/or maintaining homogeneity of the agents before and/or during localized delivery.

Abstract: An implant delivery syringe includes a barrel, a plunger assembly, and a barrel adapter. A barrel adapter mountable to a syringe barrel includes a barrel tip, needle retraction mechanism, needle assembly and stylet slidably disposed within the needle lumen. The needle retraction mechanism includes a biasing member, actuable locking arrangement and locking mechanism. When the actuable locking arrangement is actuated, the biasing member causes the needle to axially translate over the stylet during retraction to cause delivery of an implant to a target location. The stylet may be retracted following delivery. Methods of assembling, manufacturing, and using are also provided.

Abstract: A needle safety device includes a sleeve having proximal and distal portions separated by a radially-inwardly projecting ledge. A ring in the proximal portion is movable between a first position spaced from the ledge, and a second position adjacent to or abutting the ledge. A shield with at least one radially deformable tab receives the syringe and is movable in the sleeve between an initial position with the tab adjacent to or abutting the ledge, an injection position with the tab spaced from the ledge, and a protection position with the tab located distally from the ledge. The tab, during movement between initial and injection positions, deforms inwardly and traverses the inner surface of the ring, and during movement between injection and protection positions, translates with the ring from the first to the second position, and subsequently deforms inwardly and traverses the inner surface of the ring and the ledge.

Abstract: A membrane for a pressure dome is configured to cooperate with a pressure sensor, and includes a resilient circular wall and a circular rim. The resilient circular wall is configured to close one side of the pressure dome so as to define a partition between the inside of the pressure dome and the outside. The circular rim is configured to be housed in a main body of the pressure dome. The membrane is configured such that the resilient circular wall, when there is no difference between the pressures acting respectively on the inner surface and on the outer surface, has an outwardly convex form.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a cannula for use with a blood circulation device may include the cannula having a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal directions along the longitudinal axis. The cannula may also include a proximal portion having a wall extending around the longitudinal axis and having outer and inner faces, the inner face may define a bore, the proximal portion may have dimensions transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the dimensions may be constant in the proximal and distal directions. Also, the cannula may have a distal portion having an outer face, continuous with the outer face of the proximal portion. The outer face of the distal portion may extend around and along the longitudinal axis, and the outer face of the distal portion may taper distally toward the longitudinal axis. The distal portion may include at least two openings extending from the outer face of the distal portion, which may merge with one another within the distal portion.

Abstract: An endovascular anastomotic connector and method of using the same. The endovascular anastomotic connector includes a vascular conduit and a supply conduit. The vascular conduit has proximal and distal ends that reside within a vascular structure. The supply conduit extends at an angle from the vascular conduit. The proximal end of the supply conduit is configured to be attached to an auxiliary device.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring an access to a patient for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with an extracorporeal blood circuit are described, as well as an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with a device for monitoring the vascular access. The device and method are based on the monitoring of a characteristic property of the blood, in particular the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood flowing in the arterial blood line of extracorporeal blood circuit I of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus A. In the event of an incorrect vascular access, the flow conditions change in the communicating intra- and extracorporeal blood circulation system. These changes in the flow conditions can be detected as a change in the haemoglobin concentration. A disconnection of venous puncture cannula for the patient access is ascertained by a reduction in the haemoglobin concentration in the blood in arterial blood line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calculation and control system for the determination of the state of a vascular access of a patient intended to follow successive sessions of extracorporeal blood treatment by extraction and return of the blood via the vascular access, the system comprising: means for determining the value of at least one hemodynamic extracorporeal parameter of the patient for at least two sessions; means for determining the value of the purification effectiveness of the treatment for at least two sessions; programmed means for determining a risk score relating to the state of the vascular access of the patient as a function of at least two values of the hemodynamic extracorporeal parameter and of at least two determined values of the purification effectiveness.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions of stem and progenitor cells recovered from bone marrow or cord blood containing most of the viable CD34+ cells and substantially depleted of red blood cells resident in the original sample, without any xenobiotic additives to aid cell separation. The invention also includes a system and method for preparing the compositions. The system includes a bag set and a processing device, which utilizes an optical sensor, microcontroller, servo motor, accelerometer, load cell, and battery. The system and method utilize centrifugation to stratify the cells into layers and then separate and transfer the stem cells into a stem cell bag. The processing device's microcontroller receives input from the device's accelerometer, load cell and optical sensor to direct the metering valve in the bag set to open and close to permit the transfer of as many stems cells as possible with as few red cells as possible.

Abstract: The invention is a single use syringe having an integrated mechanism to prevent its reuse, by manual intentional destruction after use, by an easy move. This prevents the reuse of syringes which may result in disease transmission if it is contaminated. It prevents auto destruction at an unwanted period so that it can be used for multiple purposes like blood aspiration and injection for a single patient and then dispose it as the medical staff stop attending that individual, thus saving valuable resources and generating less plastic waste. The manufacturing process is simple and brings not much added cost or special training for operation. The step for destruction is simple and quick without the aid of any special equipment, additional staff or electricity.

Abstract: An apparatus (e.g., nebulizer) for aerosol delivery of a substance (e.g., a drug to a patient) has a mouthpiece (36); a chamber (34) holding a substance; a flexible membrane (38) having a plurality of apertures; and a vibrator (44) for vibrating the flexible membrane to form a flow of aerosol droplets of the substance that are ejected through the apertures and to the mouthpiece. The vibrator may be a piezoelectric element. A magnetic member (54) is provided on the flexible membrane and is configured to magnetically couple the flexible membrane to the vibrator. The magnetic member allows replacement of the membrane, without wasting the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: An apparatus (e.g., nebulizer) for aerosol delivery of a substance (e.g., a drug to a patient) has a mouthpiece (36); a chamber (34) holding a substance; a flexible membrane (38) having a plurality of apertures; and a vibrator (20) for vibrating the flexible membrane to form a flow of aerosol droplets of the substance that are ejected through the apertures and to the mouthpiece. The vibrator may be a piezoelectric element. A magnetic member (54) is provided on the flexible membrane and is configured to magnetically couple the flexible membrane to the vibrator. The magnetic member allows replacement of the membrane, without wasting the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body, a dispenser mechanism, and a dose counter. The counter includes a first rotary counter element provided with a first surface including a first indicator, such as digits, and provided with at least one first set of teeth, a second rotary counter element provided with a second surface including a second indicator, such as digits, and provided with at least one second set of teeth, and a movable actuator element. The first counter element includes at least one deformable finger displaceable between a non-deformed position and a deformed position, and that is adapted to co-operate, in its deformed position, with the second set of teeth of the second counter element, so as to cause the second counter element to turn. The body includes a cam that is adapted to deform the deformable finger towards its deformed position.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers and methods are provided that facilitate deagglomeration of powdered medicament during inspiration. A dry powder inhaler includes a dry powder medicament container assembly, and an elongated dry powder delivery tube having an inlet at one end that communicates with a dose container, and an outlet or inhalation port that extends from the inhaler housing at an opposite end. The delivery tube includes one or more apertures adjacent the inlet that cause cyclonic or turbulent airflow through the delivery tube. The inner surface of the delivery tube has a polygonal configuration and the cyclonic air stream bounces off the polygonal inner surface numerous times as the air stream flows through the delivery tube. Another dry powder inhaler includes a deagglomeration chamber with a polygonal inner surface. An air stream containing dry powder medicament is directed into the deagglomeration chamber and impacts the polygonal inner surface numerous times.

Abstract: A device, cartridge and method for dispensing a liquid, preferably a drug, are proposed. The liquid is pressurized in a cartridge to a first lower pressure and, then, pressurized in doses by a pump to a second higher pressure. A valve arranged between the cartridge and the pump is normally closed and/or opened only temporarily. Thus, evaporation and dripping of liquid can be avoided or minimized.

Abstract: A ventilator device delivers ventilatory support to a patient in a back up timed mode when patient respiration is not detected or a spontaneous mode when patient respiration is detected. The timing threshold governing the back-up mode is chosen to deviate from normal expected respiration time for the patient to promote patient initiated ventilation in the spontaneous mode but permit back-up ventilation in the event of apnea. Automated adjustments to the timing threshold during the timed mode are made from the less vigilant timing threshold to a more vigilant threshold at or near a timing of normal expected breathing of the patient. Such adjustments may be made from a minimum to a maximum vigilance timing settings or incrementally there between as a function of time in the timed mode which is preferably the number of delivered machine breaths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit comprising a unibody auscultation interface for use with mechanical ventilation or intubation, formed from a single contiguous nonmetallic piece, the piece being shaped into a cylindrical member having opposing ends respectively adapted to frictionally connect to the external end of an endotracheal tube and either the stem of a Y piece or the patient end of a common conduit, the cylindrical member having an opening in its wall, the perimeter of which seamlessly elaborates a flared turret whose roof is adapted for non-adherent contact with the chest piece of a stethoscope; and, packaging means for enclosing the auscultation interface aseptically. The present invention additionally provides an endotracheal tube, Y piece, breathing circuit and mechanical ventilation system incorporating the auscultation interface.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a medium is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated body including a chamber for containing a medium and an outlet through which the medium exits the device into an oral or nasal opening. A dispensing system selectively places the chamber and the outlet in communication, causing medium to flow out of the device.

Abstract: A medical apparatus is provided. The medical apparatus includes a water source for supplying water to a mixer, a gas source for supplying gas to a gas reservoir, a gas output for flowing gas from the gas reservoir to the mixer to mix with water to form a first mixture, a line for carrying the first mixture, Venturi tubes on the line, medication units for containing liquid medication and communicating with the Venturi tubes respectively, a mixing device being downstream of the Venturi tubes to atomize the liquid medication and the first mixture to form a final mixture, a control panel, and an outlet for exiting the final mixture. Infected skin areas of a patient can be washed aseptically by the medical apparatus.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a substance having a dispensing outlet, a dispensing member mounted for movement in a dispensing direction U from a first position to a second position, such movement, in use, causing the substance to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet, and an actuator mechanism for moving the dispensing member from the first position to the second position. The actuator mechanism has a first member mounted for movement in a predetermined direction and a second member pivotally mounted on the first member for pivotal movement in a predetermined pivotal sense A. The actuator mechanism is adapted such that movement of the first member in the predetermined direction results in the second member moving therewith and pivoting in the predetermined pivotal sense and the pivotal movement of the second member in the predetermined pivotal sense results in the dispensing member moving from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates in general to a respiratory therapy device, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for providing continuous positive airway pressure therapy that may be connected to a small-volume nebulizer in order to provide a combination therapy that requires only a single source of gas. The apparatus of the invention includes a valveless patient interface and a source of pressurized gas which may be split into two streams to provide both continuous positive airway pressure therapy as well as aerosol therapy to a patient.

Abstract: A catheter that comprises a hub, an elongated conduit, and at least one lumen therein. The lumen includes a proximal lumen section, a distal lumen section, and an intermediate lumen section extending between the proximal and distal lumen sections. The cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the distal lumen section. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the proximal lumen section. In certain embodiments, the lumen tapers from the distal and/or proximal lumen sections to the intermediate lumen section.

Abstract: An anti-siphon drainage device having a housing forming an internal chamber, an inlet and outlet ports part of the internal chamber and fluidly connected by a primary flow path. A valve seat is associated with the primary flow path, a sloped section extends from the valve seat, and a valve element disposed in the sloped section and can seat in the valve seat to restrict a fluid flow into the primary flow path from the inlet port. A secondary flow path can have an opening near the inlet port and an orifice near the outlet port. A regulator has an aperture to selectively open and close the opening of the secondary flow path. When the valve element is seated in the valve seat and restricting the fluid flow into the primary flow path, the fluid flows into the secondary flow path.

Abstract: A device for positioning a catheter at an ostium. The device includes an attachment mechanism for direct attachment to the catheter at a location proximal to a treatment device positioned on the catheter, the attachment mechanism having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The device also including a stopper element extending from the distal end of the attachment mechanism and projecting away from the longitudinal axis, the stopper element being bendable in a direction toward the proximal end of the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes a guidewire manipulation device for manipulating a guidewire during a procedure. Preferably, the guidewire manipulation device includes a powered motor that drives a tandem roller assembly. The guidewire is passed through a hole positioned lengthwise through the device where the roller assembly engages the guidewire's outer surface. The interface of the manipulation device includes a power button that directs the internal roller assembly to roll the guidewire in a desired rotational direction. Additional interface controls are also preferable to provide a different roll patterns, depending upon surgeon preference and guidewire placement efficiency.

Abstract: A catheter loading device includes a guidewire section, a catheter section, and a hinge that connects a proximal end of the guidewire section to a distal end of the catheter section. The guidewire section is rotatable relative to the catheter section about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position. When the guidewire section is in the first position, a longitudinal axis of a guidewire positioned in a channel of the guidewire section is aligned with a longitudinal axis of a lumen of a catheter positioned in a receiver of the catheter section. When the guidewire section is in the second position, the longitudinal axis of the guidewire positioned in the channel is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lumen of the catheter positioned in the receiver.

Abstract: A suctioning and irrigating sinus balloon catheter (301) is provided for treating a patient's paranasal sinus system, including dilating prepared openings, and natural ostia and ducts and excising sinus cavities and choana. The catheter has a number of fluid carrying conduits (320,321,322) to provide irrigation, suction and inflation/deflation to the distally mounted balloon (307). The catheters have sufficient stiffness and column strength that the balloon carrying distal segment of the catheter can be pushed into the prepared opening, natural ostium or duct, choana or sinus to be excised. Some catheters can be hand bendable by the surgeon. Some catheters provide the capability of threading an endoscope through one of the conduits. The methods use the balloon catheters to dilate prepared openings to selected parts of the sinus system, to dilate natural ostia and ducts of the sinus system, choana, and/or to dilate sinus cavities to remove them.

Abstract: A device for introduction into a body vessel includes a main elongated element, a balloon positioned at the main elongated element distal end, a distal connecting element positioned at the distal end of the balloon to receive a guidewire during use, and a longitudinally movable sheath positioned external to the main elongated element, a position of the sheath distal end with respect to the balloon defining an exposed portion of the balloon that expands when fluid is delivered to the balloon through the inflation lumen.

Abstract: A method of making a radially expandable fluid delivery device includes providing a tube of biocompatible fluoropolymer material with a predetermined porosity based on an extrusion and expansion forming process, applying a radial expansion force to the tube expanding the tube to a predetermined diameter dimension, and removing the radial expansion force. The tube is radially inelastic while sufficiently pliable to be collapsible and inflatable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration upon introduction of an inflation force, such that the expanded configuration occurs upon inflation to the predetermined diameter dimension. The fluid delivery device is constructed of a microporous, biocompatible fluoropolymer material having a microstructure that can provide a controlled, uniform, low-velocity fluid distribution through the walls of the fluid delivery device to effectively deliver fluid to the treatment site without damaging tissue proximate the walls of the device.

Abstract: A wound dressing for wound treatment in a moist or wet milieu includes a fibrous non woven fabric-based suction-/rinsing body, a superabsorbent material distributed in the suction-/rinsing body and including negative groups, a saline aqueous solution including an antimicrobially acting substance which is cationic at pH values of 4-7.5 of the moist or wet milieu, wherein the antimicrobially acting substance is attracted and retained by the negative groups of the superabsorbent material, and is supplied to the suction-/rinsing body by the manufacturer, and a cover forming outer visible sides of the wound dressing, wherein an atraumatically acting coating is applied in some regions and in a structured manner on one of the outer visible sides which faces toward the wound, with a degree of coverage of at most 70%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-enhanced device for substance transfer between the device and a tissue. The device comprises a substrate with substantially aligned carbon nanotubes anchored within the substrate, and with at least one end of the carbon nanotubes protruding from the substrate. The protruding nanotube ends may be coated with a drug for delivery of the drug into body tissue. The present invention may be incorporated into an angioplasty catheter balloon or into a patch that is worn on the skin. The carbon nanotubes can be grouped in clusters to effectively form nano-needles which can transfer fluid to or from the subdermal tissue. The nano-needles can be used in conjunction with a sensor to ascertain body fluid information such as pH, glucose level, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a tattoo needle stabilization device. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a device that is inserted through the sanitary cutout and engages the shaft of a tattoo needle near the point, biasing the point of the needle against the inside of the tip aperture and stabilizing the needle.

Abstract: An injection port includes a port body having a fluid reservoir and a connector in fluid communication with the reservoir. The injection port further includes a conduit protection feature that is configured to protect against kinking of the conduit, decoupling of the conduit from the connector, or penetration of the conduit by a needle. The protection feature may include an anchor for anchoring the conduit to tissue to reduce conduit movement. The protection feature may include a recess that is configured to receive part of the conduit. The protection feature may include a bend formed in the connector to reduce transverse stresses in the conduit. The protection feature may include a bell-shaped shroud encompassing the connector. A sleeve may further protect the conduit and/or the coupling between the connector and the conduit.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping flexible tubing is disclosed. The clamp includes a body having a first portion, a second portion, a first passage through the first portion, and a second passage through the second portion. The first passage is configured to compress a first length of the flexible tubing when the flexible tubing is displaced laterally into the first passage. The second passage is configured to compress a second length of the flexible tubing that does not overlap the first length when the flexible tubing is displaced laterally into the second passage.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of using an ultrasonic bath to enhance tissue perfusion, enhance the development of collateral blood vessels and/or enhance collateral circulation in an extremity in need thereof. Also described is an ultrasonic bath adapted to hold media and to permit the immersion of an extremity and comprising one or more ultrasonic transducers to generate and transmit ultrasonic energy to the extremity or the inventive method.

Abstract: A method for treating a desired volume of tissue using HIFU or other energy modality to ablate a pattern of elemental treatment volumes each having a volume that is greater than that of the focal zone of the HIFU transducer but smaller than the overall volume of the desired treatment volume. In one embodiment, the pattern of elemental treatment volumes are arranged to form a shell which partially or wholly encapsulates the desired volume of tissue, which then necroses in situ due to effects other than direct HIFU damage (including some combination of ischemia, thermal conduction, inflammation, apoptosis, etc.). The necrosed tissue remains in the body and is subsequently resorbed and/or healed via normal body mechanisms.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy transducer head comprises an ultrasound source emitting ultrasonic radiation, the ultrasound source comprising a plurality of transducer elements, integrated driving electronics coupled to the transducer elements, the electronics generating at least one output ultrasound waveform and driving at least some of the transducer elements independently based on the at least one output ultrasound waveform and temperature control structure providing cooling for the electronics.

Abstract: An electrode assembly that includes an electrode configured to provide electrical contact with a subject's skin through a subject contact surface. The electrode includes an electrode base pad having a first contact surface on a side of the electrode opposite the subject contact surface. The electrode also includes a connector assembly configured to electrically connect the electrode to an external electrical apparatus to transfer electrical signals between the subject's skin and the external electrical apparatus. The connector assembly includes a housing having a second contact surface. The second contact surface is configured to be magnetically and electrically coupled to the first contact surface of the electrode base pad. The connector assembly also includes an electrical connector configured to connect the second contact surface to the external electrical apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention features a device having a barrier membrane contacting surface, the device containing: a power source; a first conductive electrode; a second conductive electrode; and a reservoir; wherein said power source is in electric communication with said first conductive electrode and said second conductive electrode, wherein said first conductive electrode and said second conductive electrode are arranged such that they are both capable of being in ionic communication with a carrier upon the inclusion of said carrier to said reservoir; and the use thereof.

Abstract: An electrostimulation system includes a connector connected to an electrostimulation device, a conducting wire pair electrically connected to the connector, an electrical stimulation lead having a sheathing body configured to insulate the conducting wire pair and installed to be inserted into the vein, an electrical stimulus block portion installed at a leading end side of the electrical stimulation lead and having an electrode portion electrically connected to the conducting wire pair and a fixing block configured to bias the electrode portion to the inner wall of the vein, and a rotary member having an engaging groove detachably engaged with the electrical stimulus block portion and configured to rotate the electrical stimulus block portion disposed in the vein about a central axis of the vein disposed in the vein via the engaging groove.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead connecting to a device header of a medical apparatus and having an electrode, a conductor, and a conductive polymer layer formed on at least a portion of the medical lead. An insulative sheath surrounds the conductive polymer layer for electrical insulation. The conductive polymer layer and insulative sheath maintain mechanical and electrical continuity of the lead in the event of fracture. The conductive polymer layer is composed of conductive polymers and may contain one or more dopants for improving electrical characteristics, mechanical characteristics, and processability.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulation lead kit adapted for tripolar electric simulation and/or field steering using percutaneously implantable electric stimulation leads. The kit includes three electric stimulation leads that are adapted to provide an electrode array defining, for example, a plurality of electrode sets that may be used to provide tripolar stimulation and/or electric field steering. A method of electrically stimulating the spinal cord is also described.

Abstract: A unipolar multipurpose electrode line, comprising a line body, a unipolar plug, a defibrillation electrode attached to the line body, and a stimulation and sensing electrode, which are connected by way of a common feed line to the unipolar plug, wherein the defibrillation electrode is connected by means of at least one voltage-dependent component to the electrode feed line so that the connection has low impedance only in response to the application of a defibrillation voltage at the plug.

Abstract: An implantable electrical lead includes a lead body and a multi-layer coil conductor extending within the lead body. The multi-layer coil conductor includes a first coil layer and a second coil layer disposed about the first coil layer. The first and second coil layers are configured such that the multi-layer coil conductor has an axial stiffness substantially equal to an axial stiffness of the lead body adjacent to the multi-layer coil conductor.

Abstract: A point-of-care seed stranding device for automating assembly of brachytherapy seed strands for implantation in patients. The device includes a number of features to reduce the potential for mistakes by the user, as well as to reduce the potential for damaging the radioactive seeds during the stranding process. Tactile feedback may be provided to prevent exertion of too much force in the packing step of the stranding process, as well as to indicate that the seed and/or strand cartridges are empty and need to be replaced. The device may also include a mechanism for holding seeds or spacers in place to allow automated packing of seeds or spacers having corresponding geometries. The device may also be provided with a seed counter which can be employed to preset the number of seeds in a strand and which disables the device from dispensing or packing additional seeds once the preset number of seeds has been packed into the strand.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system includes a radiotherapy device, such as a LINAC, operable to direct a radiation beam from a head thereof during operation, a field detector positioned to be within the radiation beam during operation of the radiotherapy device and operable to generate a beam measurement signal, a reference detector positioned to be outside of the radiation beam during operation of the radiotherapy device and operable to generate a reference signal, and at least one computer in signal communication with the field detector and the reference detector and configured with software to normalize the beam measurement signal based on the reference signal and to output a normalized beam measurement.

Abstract: In radiotherapy apparatus comprising an imager for the MV beam and a separate kV imaging system, it is common for there to be significant artifacts in the kV image arising from the MV pulse. We disclose such a radiotherapy apparatus which is adapted to (i) cause the therapeutic source to emit radiation while keeping the diagnostic source inactive, (ii) read an image from the detector associated with the therapeutic source, (iii) cause the diagnostic source to emit radiation and while keeping the therapeutic source inactive, (iv) read an image from the detector associated with the diagnostic source, and (v) repeat as necessary. The control unit is preferably adapted to, at steps (ii) and (iv), read an image from both of the detectors, or to clear the “inactive” detector. The detectors are ideally flat-panel detectors, capturing a two-dimensional image.

Abstract: A stimulation system and method for treating to a human subject having spasmodic dysphonia includes a sensing electrode configured to detect voice activity of a vocalizing muscle of the subject and to generate a first signal, and a processor configured to receive the first signal from the sensing electrode and to generate at least one stimulation parameter based on the first signal. The system further includes a mechanical actuator configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and to activate a glottic closure reflex of the subject in response to the stimulation parameter and a stimulating electrode configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and stimulate the recurrent laryngeal nerve or the vagus nerve of the subject based on the stimulation parameter.