Abstract: An integrated blood pump oxygenator comprises an impeller housing supporting an impeller with an annular hydrogel impeller packing material adjacent the bearings and around the shaft of the impeller. The oxygenator including a rollover outlet in the form of an annular chamber extending around a center pump housing member; and further including an annular chamber within an annular array of hollow fiber membranes in fluid communication with the annular chamber extending from the impeller around the center pump housing; wherein the annular chamber provides substantially perpendicular radial outward cross flow across the membranes.

Abstract: A renal therapy blood cleansing system is provided. The renal therapy blood cleansing system includes a blood filtering device in fluid communication with a blood circuit, a balance chamber configured to exchange like volumes of fresh and used therapy fluid with the blood filtering device, a first pump configured to pump fresh fluid to the balance chamber, a second pump positioned and arranged to receive used fluid from the blood filtering device, and a control scheme. The control scheme is programmed to isolate the blood filtering device from the second pump and deliver a volume of fresh fluid to the blood filtering device via the balance chamber while the second pump is isolated from the blood filtering device, so as to increase fluid volume within the blood circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing coronary perfusion and cardiac reoxygenation that enables accurate control of oxygen levels in blood used for the coronary circulation. Deoxygenated blood and oxygenated blood are collected and oxygen levels are measured by sensors. The deoxygenated and oxygenated blood is then mixed and the mixed blood is measured by another sensor. The sensors provide data used to provide real-time oxygen level measurement and adjustment for blood supplied for coronary circulation.

Abstract: A method of delivering a medicament to a limb of a patient body includes isolating a circulatory system of the limb from a circulatory system of the patient body, wherein the limb circulatory system is substantially all limb arteries and substantially all limb veins located between an isolation region and an end of the limb. A perfusion catheter is inserted into a limb artery in an antegrade position, while a collection catheter is inserted into a limb vein in a retrograde position. The blood flow of the limb circulatory system is then circulated by collecting the blood flow with the collection catheter and delivering the blood flow with the perfusion catheter. A medicament is perfused into the limb circulatory system with the perfusion catheter.

Abstract: An irrigation system for a surgical instrument includes an irrigation tube arranged to convey an irrigation fluid and an irrigation clip structurally arranged to receive a portion of the irrigation tube. The irrigation clip includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, a body portion, and an arm portion. The arm portion is structurally configured to selectively attach the irrigation clip to the surgical instrument and to bias the irrigation clip toward the surgical instrument with a biasing force. The irrigation clip includes a tube locking portion structurally arranged to cooperate with the surgical instrument to engage the outer surface portion of the irrigation tube to inhibit rotation and axial displacement of the irrigation tube relative to the irrigation clip in response to the biasing force.

Abstract: A therapeutic implantable device comprises a biodegradable outer shell, a plurality of spaced biodegradable layers within the outer shell, a first therapeutic mass between the plurality of spaced biodegradable layers and a second therapeutic mass between the plurality of spaced biodegradable layers. The plurality of spaced biodegradable layers are arranged such that the first therapeutic mass is exposed external to the implantable device before exposure of the second therapeutic mass external to the implantable device.

Abstract: A package assembly includes a panel, an array of openings defined in the panel, and a plurality of syringe wells. The panel includes an upper surface. Each of the syringe wells is individually associated with a different one of the openings. The panel and the plurality of syringe wells are integrally formed as a unitary structure. Each of the syringe wells is configured to removeably receive a syringe assembly.

Abstract: The infusion pump drug delivery system and corresponding method disclosed herein allow for continuous delivery of a first fluid and/or medicament from a reservoir operably connected to a pump and selective delivery of a second fluid and/or medicament from a separate reservoir, where the second fluid and/or medicament may be delivered sequentially or simultaneously with the first fluid and/or medicament at the command of the user. Both fluids and/or medicaments are delivered via a single dispense interface.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to portable infusion devices, systems, and methods of using the same for dispensing materials. In some cases, the devices, systems and methods may be used for infusing a material such as medicament, e.g., insulin, into a body in need thereof.

Abstract: A manually actuated pump, such as a bolus delivery circuit of an insulin pump, combines a direct drive piston system with a lost motion valve system, to deliver reliably a full bolus dose, while precluding partial dosing or inadvertent overdosing conditions. The pump may also include a signaling device to indicate when a full bolus dose is delivered.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infusion part (1), as well as to a simple, non-expensive inserter for said infusion part which inserter would be easy and safe for the user to handle during use and to dispose of after use. The inserter comprises a housing (26), a spring unit (19) and a sled unit (11) connected to the housing via the spring unit. The infusion part comprises a cannula (6) integrated with an insertion needle (7) and a needle protection (4) releasably secured to the infusion part and removable from the position where it protects the needle by applying a force perpendicular to the axis of the needle.

Abstract: An indwelling needle is provided which has a simple structure and is capable of securely mounting a needle tip protective tool on the tip portion of an internal needle. The indwelling needle A consists of an external needle 10 including a cannula 11 and a housing 12, an internal needle 20 including a metal needle 21 and a hub 22 and a needle tip protective tool 30. The needle tip protective tool 30 is mounted on the housing 12 with the metal needle 21 inserted into an inner section so that the metal needle 21 can be removed together with the internal needle 20 from the external needle 10. A main body 31 of the needle tip protective tool 30 has a cylindrical shape. Window sections 34a, 34b are provided on opposing circumferential surfaces of the main body 31. On a rear end marginal section of window section 34a, a movable gripped section 32 is provided whose outer section 32b extends toward the outside of the main body 31 and whose end consists of a grip section 32c.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperature of intravenous fluids includes a thermal treatment device and a temperature sensing device to measure a temperature of the fluid flowing through the sensor. The temperature sensing device may simultaneously collect two temperature measurements. For example, the sensing device may include sensors that measure the temperature of the fluid at two disparate locations along the medical fluid line. Additionally, the sensors may measure the temperature of the fluid within the medical fluid line, as well as the ambient temperature outside of the line. The thermal treatment device includes a conduit configured to have a nonlinear flow path through the device. The thermal treatment device thermally treats fluid within the conduit to a desired temperature or range.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided, wherein the device, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Methods for use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for inhalation of at least one air stream carrying a dose of medicament powder having a powder-containing cavity which opens into a flow passage. The flow passage is arranged to direct an inhalation air flow across the cavity opening. A circulating flow is thereby induced in the cavity by the phenomenon of shear driven cavity flow. Powder is entrained in the circulating flow and deaggregated before exiting the cavity and becoming entrained in the flow of air along the flow passage.

Abstract: A respirator or anesthesia system for respirating a patient (20) includes a gas delivery device (3); at least one gas line (4) for forming a breathing air line system, especially a breathing air circulation system; at least one EMG sensor for detecting the electromyographic muscle activity of the respiratory muscles of a patient (20) being respirated; and a control (9) for controlling and/or regulating the output of the gas delivery device (3) as a function of the detected muscle activity of the respiratory muscles. An adaptation of the part of respiration to the performance capacity of the respiratory muscles of the patient (20) being respirated is made possible without invasive measurement of the electromyographic activity of the respiratory muscles by the at least one EMG sensor being an sEMG sensor (6).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tracheostomy cannula comprising a cannula tube, wherein the cannula tube has a bend with a radially inward and a radially outward side of the cannula tube and a tube lumen and a tube wall and an axis extending parallel to the tube wall in the tube lumen and a distal and a proximal end and on the radially outward side of the bend a first window region having one or more openings in the tube wall. To provide a tracheostomy cannula having a cannula tube, with which talking is made possible and the entry of air into the tissue is prevented even when the position of the tracheostomy cannula in the trachea or the anatomical conditions change, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the cannula tube has in axially displaced relationship with the first window region at least one further window region having one or more openings in the tube wall.

Abstract: A respiratory tract bore opening keeping device includes generally a main body that has two sides each connected to a resilient plate. The resilient plates each have a distal end that is remote from the main body and includes a protruding section having an increased thickness formed thereon. The main body has an outer side on which an upper lip positioning section and a lower lip positioning section are formed. The main body has an inner side on which an upper tooth positioning section and a lower tooth positioning section are formed in such a way that the lower tooth positioning section is in front of the upper tooth positioning section. The keeping device is depositeable in the mouth of a person with lips and teeth respectively positioned on the lip and teeth positioning sections to change the configuration of the tongue and the location of the lower jaw.

Abstract: An infant nasal interface mask for use with a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) system including a mask body and a base. The mask body forms a cavity and is defined by a leading portion, an intermediate shell portion, and a trailing portion. The leading portion terminates in a leading edge forming an aperture open to the cavity and having a generally triangular shape for placement over a patient's nose. The trailing portion includes a bellows segment characterized by an increased flexibility as compared to a flexibility of the intermediate shell portion. The base extends from the trailing portion opposite the leading portion and forms at least one longitudinal passage extending through a thickness of the base and fluidly connected to the cavity. The intermediate shell portion is laterally pivotable relative to the base via the bellows segment.

Abstract: A mask assembly includes nasal interface, e.g., in the form of a pair of nozzles, at least one joining portion provided to each side of the nasal interface, and a headgear coupled or otherwise provided to or extending from the joining portion, that is looped around the patient's ears. The joining portion is small and compact and may be readily affixed to an existing nasal arrangement, i.e., retrofitted. The joining portion and the headgear can be formed in separate components, or they can be formed as an integral or one-piece arrangement.

Abstract: A medical catheter device is disclosed that comprises a tubular shaft member, a soft tip member, and a wire guide lumen extending longitudinally within the tubular shaft member and the soft tip member. The wire guide lumen is offset relative to the centerline within the soft tip member. By offsetting the inner diameter of the soft tip member in such a way as to not change the outward profile of the catheter, the soft tip will have improved tracking across existing stents and eccentric lesions.

Abstract: A multi-functional wire guide assembly includes an elongate tubular housing having a length and defining a lumen extending from an open proximal end of the elongate tubular housing to an open distal end of the elongate tubular housing. A first mandril is positioned within the lumen, extends a majority of the length of the elongate tubular housing, and has a fixed position relative to the elongate tubular housing. A second mandril is positioned within the lumen, has a length greater than the length of the elongate tubular housing, and is axially movable relative to the elongate tubular housing. The multi-functional wire guide assembly has a first configuration in which a distal tip of the second mandril is proximally spaced from a distal segment of the elongate tubular housing and a second configuration in which the distal tip of the second mandril is axially aligned with the distal segment.

Abstract: A medical balloon includes a generally cylindrical barrel wall having proximal and distal ends disposed between tapered cone walls and neck walls with a fiber layer comprised of circumferentially wrapped ribbon-shaped fiber embedded in a continuous matrix of polymer material defining the tapered cone walls and barrel wall, wherein the distance between the fiber wraps defines a fiber pitch or density that varies over the working length of the barrel wall in non-linear increments, for example in step-wise increments over the length of the barrel wall.

Abstract: Balloon catheter comprises an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal section, a distal section, and an inflation lumen, and a multilayer balloon on the distal section of the shaft. The multilayer balloon comprises at least a first layer and a second layer having a combined wall thickness and an outer-most layer. The first layer is made of a first polymer material having a first maximum blow-up-ratio. The second layer is made of a second polymer material having a second maximum blow-up-ratio greater than the first maximum blow-up-ratio and the second layer is an inner layer relative to the first layer. The at least first and second layers define a compliance less than that of a single layer balloon made of the first polymer material with a wall thickness equal to the combined wall thickness. The outer-most layer is made of a third polymer material.

Abstract: The present invention may include a medical device having a handle, a catheter coupled to the handle, and an expandable element coupled to the catheter. The medical device may also include first and second elongate bodies that traverse a length of the handle and the catheter. A housing may be disposed within the handle, with the housing defining a first opening able to receive a portion of the first elongate body, a second opening able to receive a portion of the second elongate body, and a third opening opposite the first and second openings able to receive a portion of both the first and second elongate bodies. A separation element may be disposed within the housing, with the separation element defining a path able to receive a portion of the second elongate body, and whereby a portion of the first elongate body forms a loop around the separation element.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having wires situated between an outer layer and a surface of a balloon is described. Each wire may be confined within an interior space of a pocket or encapsulated within a sheath. The pocket includes the outer layer and the balloon surface. The outer layer and balloon surface are unattached to allow the wire to slidably fit between therewithin. The pocket is selectively bonded to the balloon. The sheath includes a preformed shape that completely circumscribes the wire along the longitudinal and radial directions of the wire. The confined and encapsulated feature of the wires enable the wires to be atraumatic and remain spaced apart during treatment of calcification of a lesion.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate member and an expandable member. The elongate member has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a lumen. The elongate member has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration and is biased to its collapsed configuration. The expandable member is coupled to the outer surface of the elongate member. The expandable member is configured to move the elongate member from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a medical device for recanalizing a vessel having a blockage and restoring blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes an expandable member coupled to a core wire and a hypotube that are movable relative to each other to manipulate the expandable member between various configurations. The expandable member having a capture structure in an expanded configuration. The expandable member can include multiple interstices formed by woven mesh filaments or braided strands through which the material blocking the vessel can pass. The capture structure can include a shape on its external surface that facilitates dislodgement and capture of the material within capture spaces created by the expandable member. Some embodiments include a capture sack or cap for capturing material and preventing material from migrating down stream of the blockage. Superoxygenated blood can be infused distal to the blockage to minimize loss of function during an ischemic event.

Abstract: A patch for treatment of eyelid diseases that is provided with a support, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a release layer in this order, wherein (a) the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer includes the following (a-1) to (a-4): (a-1) a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, a tackifier resin, and a softening agent are contained; (a-2) a ratio (mass ratio) of the styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer and the tackifier resin is 1:2 to 1:4; (a-3) a content of the softening agent is 40% to 60% by mass; and (a-4) further 0.005% to 5% by mass of clobetasol or acid ester thereof is contained; and (b) the support has elastic modulus with a Young's modulus of 0.01 to 0.5 GPa: and a method for producing the patch for treatment of eyelid diseases including: forming a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on a upper surface of a release layer.

Abstract: A connector system for use with an apparatus that delivers a supply of pressurized breathable air to a patient includes an air delivery conduit including an auxiliary conduit. The air delivery conduit and auxiliary conduit have a first end and a second end. A connector is provided to at least one of the first and second ends. The connector includes an inner tubular wall and an outer tubular wall surrounding the inner tubular wall and being concentric with the inner tubular wall. The inner and outer tubular walls define first and second passages that are isolated from one another. One of the first and second passages is configured to communicate with the air delivery conduit and the other of the first and second passages is configured to communicate with the auxiliary conduit.

Abstract: A disposable electrode includes: an electrode pad; and a connector, connecting the electrode pad to a defibrillator, and including an information holder that can be provided with a transmissive opening or a light reflective member, the information holder holding information about at least an expiration date, depending on presence or absence of the transmissive opening or the light reflective member, the information holder allowing the information to be notified from the defibrillator when the connector is connected to the defibrillator.

Abstract: Multilayer electrodes, electrode systems, and stimulation systems are disclosed. An electrode may include a conductive layer with a unitary tail, a connector disposed on a distal end of the tail, and a nonconductive top layer disposed along a top portion of the conductive layer. An electrode may include a magnetic lead connector socket, or a receptacle formed by a depression in the conductive layer configured to receive a male connector. An electrode system may include a plurality of conductive zones and a plurality of connectors. A stimulation system may include an electronics layer in electrical contact with a conductive layer via a puncture connection, and may provide an iontophoretic treatment followed by a TENS treatment. Other electrodes, systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable neuronal prosthetic and method of manufacture thereof includes at least one elongated electrode shank adapted for arrangement in the brain having at least one electrode contact disposed on its surface and arranged to electrically couple with said brain. The at least one elongated electrode shank is formed form a single crystal cubic silicon carbide. An insulation layer of amorphous, polycrystalline, or single crystal silicon carbide is disposed over the elongated electrode shank; the insulation layer of amorphous, polycrystalline, or single crystal silicon carbide is removed from the at least one electrode contact. Signal control electronics are attached to the at least one elongated electrode shank and are in electrical communication with the at least one electrode contact. In an embodiment, a plurality of the at least one elongated electrode shanks are arranged into a matrix.

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface, a proximal end, a distal end and a lead body. The device also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. The plurality of electrodes includes a first set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a first longitudinal position along the lead; and a second set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a second longitudinal position along the lead. The device further includes one or more conductors that electrically couple together all of the segmented electrodes of the first set of segmented electrodes.

Abstract: A stylet for inserting an electrode array into a cochlea includes a first sensor insertable within a lumen of the electrode array and sensitive to force applied by a lumen wall to the first sensor and a first actuator adapted to move the electrode array in response to the force sensed by the first sensor.

Abstract: Here we present the first model that quantitatively predicts the apparent spatial position and shape of percepts elicited by retinal electrical stimulation in humans based on the known anatomy of the retina. This model successfully predicts both the shape of percepts elicited by single electrode stimulation and the shape and relative positions of percepts elicited by multiple electrode stimulation. Model fits to behavioral data show that sensitivity to electrical stimulation is not confined to the axon initial segment, but does fall off rapidly with the distance between stimulation and the initial segment. Using the model, it is possible to compensate, preferably with a look up table, to match percepts to a desired image.

Abstract: An electrode catheter for use with an endocardial ablation catheter, wherein the electrode catheter receives the transmitted energy for ablating a portion of the heart. The electrode catheter comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a longitudinal structure there between; and an electrode in communication with said electrode catheter, wherein said electrode receives the transmitted energy from the endocardial ablation catheter, or alternatively an epicardial ablation catheter.

Abstract: An implantable lead is provided that comprises a lead body configured to be implanted in a patient, the lead body having a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends; a connector assembly provided at the proximal end of the lead body, the connector assembly configured to connect to an implantable medical device; an electrode provided along the lead body, the electrode configured to at least one of deliver stimulating pulses and sense electrical activity, the electrode having a length extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the electrode; a conductor cable located within the lead body and extending at least partially along a length of the lead body; and an connection node electrically connecting the cable to the electrode at an intermediate point along the length of the electrode. The connection node is disposed at a position intermediate between the proximal and distal ends of the electrode.

Abstract: An implantable nerve stimulation device has a sensor system, a data processor in communication with the sensor system, and a nerve stimulation system in communication with the data processor and constructed to provide electrical stimulation to at least one branch of at least one vestibulocochlear nerve. The nerve stimulation system includes an electrode array that has a first plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a superior branch of the vestibular nerve, a second plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a horizontal branch of the vestibular nerve, a third plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a posterior branch of the vestibular nerve, and a common crus reference electrode structured to be surgically implanted into a common crus of the vestibular labyrinth.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system can include a memory, a playback system, a stimulation electrode, and a controller. The memory can store data for first and second input waveforms. The playback system can provides first and second output waveforms, based on the first and second input waveforms in the memory, respectively, to form composite patterns of stimulation or waveforms. The first output waveform can be different than the second output waveform. The second output waveform can be periodically superimposed on the first output waveform. The controller can be in communication with the stimulation electrode. The controller can be configured to control application of the composite pattern of stimulation or waveform to a target site in a body of a subject suffering from a medical condition.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and method of treating inflammation, including methods of treating a T-cell mediated disease. In particular, described herein are methods of treating inflammation including the steps of stimulating a subject's inflammatory reflex to inhibit the immune response and administering a T-cell modifying agent to modify the activity of splenic T-cells. Also described herein are systems for treating inflammation including an inflammatory reflex stimulation module and a T-cell response modifying module. The T-cell response modifying module typically modifies the response of splenic T-cells to enhance or otherwise regulate the effect of stimulation of the inflammatory reflex.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for applying extremely low duty-cycle stimulation sufficient to treat chronic inflammation with progressively longer delays (off periods) from an initial stimulation. In particular, described herein are supra-threshold pulses of electrical stimulation sufficient to result in a long-lasting (e.g., >48 hours) inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or effects of chronic inflammation; the delay between initial doses (which may be single-pulse doses) may be extended for subsequent doses, potentially dramatically enhancing battery and device longevity.

Abstract: Examples for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient via a medical device to manage or treat rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD) are described. In one example, a method comprises determining a patient is in a rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage, and delivering electrical stimulation therapy to the patient based on the determination that the patient is in the REM sleep stage, where the electrical stimulation therapy is delivered to inhibit movement of the patient during the REM sleep stage. In some examples, the electrical stimulation therapy may be delivered to the brain of the patient.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to a method. According to various method embodiments, cardiac activity is detected, and neural stimulation is synchronized with a reference event in the detected cardiac activity. Neural stimulation is titrated based on a detected response to the neural stimulation. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates generally to methods for treating heart conditions using vagal stimulation, and further to systems and devices for performing such treatment. Such methods may include monitoring physiological parameters of a patient, detecting cardiac conditions, and delivering vagal stimulation (e.g., electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve or neurons having parasympathetic function) to the patient to treat the detected cardiac conditions.

Abstract: Exemplary versions of the invention include methods and apparatuses for assessing ventricular activation time by determining a point in time t1 of an initial positive deflection on a far-field electrogram and a point in time t2 of a first peak of the negative deflection on a near-field electrogram of a same heart cycle. They also determine a time difference between points in time t1 and t2 said time difference representing the ventricular activation time. A progression of ventricular conduction disorders such as the left bundle branch block (LBBB) and the right bundle branch block (RBBB) can be monitored. Trending analysis of the ventricular activation time provides a means for monitoring the progression of ventricular conduction diseases.

Abstract: A method and a system of phrenic nerve stimulation detection in conjunction with posture sensing is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method may include receiving a trigger for conducting a pace-induced phrenic nerve stimulation (PS) search using the IMD within the patient. On receiving the trigger, the IMD may be used for conducting the PS search. A procedure of conducting the PS search may include measuring a posture of the patient using an implantable posture sensor, searching for PS while the patient is in the measured posture and obtaining a PS result from the PS search for the measured posture. The method may include recording both the PS result and the measured posture in a memory of the IMD.

Abstract: A base station for passively recharging a battery in an implant without patient involvement is disclosed. The base station can be hand held or may comprise equipment configured to be placed at a fixed location, such as under a bed, on or next to a wall, etc. The base station can generate electric and magnetic fields (E-field and B-field) that couple with an antenna and a receiving coil within the implant to generate a charging current for charging the implant's battery. No handling or manipulation on part of the patient is necessary; the implant battery is passively charged whenever the patient is within range of either the magnetic or electric charging fields generated by base station. Charging using the B-field occurs when the IPG is at a relatively short distance from the base station, while charging using the E-field occurs at longer distances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for tuning treatment parameters in movement disorder therapy systems. The present invention further relates to a system for screening patients to determine viability as candidates for certain therapy modalities, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS). The present invention still further provides methods of quantifying movement disorders for the treatment of patients who exhibit symptoms of such movement disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism, Dystonia, Chorea, and Huntington's disease, Ataxia, Tremor and Essential Tremor, Tourette syndrome, stroke, and the like. The present invention yet further relates to methods of tuning a therapy device using objective quantified movement disorder symptom data acquired by a movement disorder diagnostic device to determine the therapy setting or parameters to be provided to the subject via his or her therapy device.

Abstract: An improved external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed in which charging is at least partially controlled based on a determined position of the external charger, which position may be indicative of the pressure between the external charger and a patient's tissue. The improved external charger includes one or more position determination elements, e.g., an accelerometer or gyrometer, and control circuitry for controlling the external device in accordance with the determined position. The determined position of the external charger can be used to control charging, for example, by suspending charging, by adjusting the intensity of charging, by adjusting a maximum set point temperature for the external charger, or issuing an alert via a suitable user interface. By so controlling the external charger on the basis of the determined position, the external charger is less likely to create potentially problematic or uncomfortable conditions for the user.