Abstract: A swaged braided catheter (30) for use in various medical procedures is provided. The swaged braided catheter includes a tubular braid (32) formed from a plurality of braided wire members (38). A plurality of intersections (40) is formed by the braided wire members. The intersections are compressed defining a plurality of flattened regions along the tubular braid. The intersections have a first thickness (d1) before being compressed and a reduced second thickness (t2) after being compressed. The flattened regions with the reduced second thickness provide the swaged braided catheter with a reduced cross-sectional profile, and reduced catheter recoil.

Abstract: A telescopic device comprising a first tubular element and an extension member displaceably arranged in an axial direction within the first tubular element, wherein a coupling member is provided relatively displaceable to the extension member, between at least, a first axial position wherein the extension member is displaceable within the first tubular element, and a second axial position wherein the coupling member engages between the extension member and the first tubular element limiting displacement in at least one longitudinal direction, where the coupling member engages the interior of the first tubular element.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a first lumen for receiving a guidewire and having an exit opening at a distal tip of the catheter. A second lumen, adjacent the first lumen and separated from the first lumen by a common wall, the second lumen configured for receiving contrast fluid, wherein perforations are formed in the common wall; a guidewire in the first lumen the guidewire being configured to be capable of advancement distally to extend out of the exit opening, the guidewire having two conditions: a first condition in which the guidewire is advanced distally to block the perforations whereby fluid may not flow from the second lumen to the first lumen; a second condition in which the guidewire is withdrawn proximally to unblock the perforations whereby fluid may flow from the second lumen into the first lumen and thence out of the exit opening.

Abstract: A hub assembly, such as for long needles, is disclosed. The hub assembly includes a needle hub having a proximal end and a distal end, having a cannula extending therethrough and protruding from the distal end, with the needle hub having a first engagement portion. The hub assembly also includes a stylet handle having a stylet extending therefrom. The stylet is adapted to be received within a portion of the cannula, with the stylet handle having a second engagement portion. An engagement of the first engagement portion of the needle hub and the second engagement portion of the stylet handle forms a positive lock in which at least a portion of one of the first and second engagement portions is held within the other of the first and second engagement portions in an unbiased state.

Abstract: A system and method for providing vent channel geometries to compensate for compression forces experienced by a septum within an intravascular device.

Abstract: A guide wire is comprised of a flexible elongate wire body. The wire body has a plurality of protruding portions n the external surface and recessed portions between the adjacent protruding portions. The protruding portions possess a friction coefficient smaller than that of the recessed portions.

Abstract: A guidewire (100) for use with interventional magnetic resonance imaging has a guidewire body (102) having a distal end and a proximal end and reserving a space therein, a dipole antenna (108) disposed in the space reserved within the guidewire body, the dipole antenna being adapted to be electrically connected to a signal processing system through a first signal channel (110) through the proximal end of the guidewire body, and a loop antenna (112) disposed in the space reserved within the guidewire body toward the distal end of the guidewire body, the loop antenna (112) being adapted to be electrically connected to the signal processing system through a second signal channel (114) through the proximal end of the guidewire body. The dipole antenna and the loop antenna are each constructed to receive magnetic resonance imaging signals independently of each other and to transmit received signals through the first and second signal channels, respectively, to be received by the signal processing system.

Abstract: A shaft suppresses a rise in operation resistance as it is pushed and pulled even inside an extremely winding blood vessel and thus secures sufficient torque transmission characteristics and operability. A guidewire may employ the above-described shaft. The shaft is twisted along its longitudinal axis and has a cross section that forms a substantially rectangular shape in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Moreover, the cross section of the shaft has a projection that projects arcuately.

Abstract: A wound dressing for an aspirated wound dressing system, with a wound interface region for contacting or facing a wound site; an aspiration port for receiving suction for aspiration of wound exudate; a liquid permeable pressure barrier disposed between the wound interface region and the aspiration port for substantially preventing application of negative pressure from the aspiration port to the wound interface region; at least one atmospheric vent for equalizing with atmosphere the pressure at the wound interface region; and a liquid sensor for sensing liquid within the wound dressing for controlling application of suction by the aspiration unit.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus for a balloon dilation catheter having a shaft with a dilation balloon attached to the distal end of the shaft and an inflation/deflation lumen for inflating and deflating the balloon includes a pressure relief port formed through the wall of the inflation/deflation lumen with a pressure relief member secured across the pressure relief port to form a fluid tight seal such that the fluid tight seal formed by the pressure relief member fails at a predetermined pressure to release pressure from the inflation/deflation lumen through the pressure relief port. A splash guard is positioned across the pressure relief port, the splash guard being formed from a fluid permeable body defining a plurality of flow passages therethrough, whereby the splash guard partially obstructs fluid flow through the pressure relief port to prevent a direct uncontrolled release of the fluid from the pressure relief port.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a brachytherapy array having a planar base which includes a working area comprising at least one planar major surface defining a first array of apertures, and a holding mechanism for holding a planar surgical mesh over the working area of said planar base. Also, a method for forming a brachytherapy array using this device.

Abstract: A tattooing apparatus, which have a tattoo needle traveling back and forth to a skin to allow a staining solution for tattoo contained in the apparatus to penetrate into the skin and thus to get a tattoo and which can adjust a concentration of the staining solution for tattoo, is disclosed. The tattooing apparatus includes a chamber pressure adjusting member to adjust a degree of opening and closing an inlet of a storing chamber in which the staining solution for tattoo is stored, thus to adjust a pressure in the storing chamber.

Abstract: A cannula includes a first clamping surface on a closing portion of the cannula, a second clamping surface on a base of a cannula, a connecting structure that connects the closing portion and the base. The connecting structure may allow the closing portion to be rotated around the second clamping surface. The cannula may include a repeatably removable handle.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first polymeric connector having a first passageway and a second passageway fixed relative to the first passageway; a first polymeric conduit having a third passageway in fluid communication with the first passageway; and a polymeric member extending over a gap between the first connector and the first conduit and at least portions of outer surfaces of the first connector and the first conduit. The first passageway is in fluid communication with the third passageway.

Abstract: There is provided an enteral feeding assembly having a base and a connector. The base has a catheter with a lumen for communication with a body lumen. The base also has an opening with a predetermined shape on its proximal side that also communicates with the catheter lumen. The connector has a key configured to complement the predetermined shape of the opening in the base, which occurs desirably in one position only, so that the connector and base may be joined together. The connector is also connected to a feeding tube that provides a nutrient solution from a replaceable feeding bag. Once the connector is in position in the base, liquid may from the bag to the body lumen. Once in position, the connector may rotate 360 degrees relative to the base before being again in the installation/removal position.

Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the medical valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a rigid member movably mounted within the housing, and a resilient member with a sealing portion. The housing also has at least one relief zone that is in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve is in the closed mode. The rigid member may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a flow channel. The relief zone may be radially outward from the sealing portion. The sealing portion may seal the valve and prevent fluid from passing through the valve when in the closed mode.

Abstract: In some examples, an anchor for a therapy delivery element includes a body portion including a lumen extending through the body portion. The body portion includes a first configuration in which the lumen is linear, the body portion in the first configuration being configured to receive the therapy delivery element within the lumen. The body portion also includes a second configuration in which the lumen is non-linear, wherein the lumen of the body portion in the second configuration frictionally engages the therapy delivery element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable electronic device, including: providing a silicon wafer; building a plurality of layers coupled to the wafer including an oxide layer coupled to the silicon wafer; a first reactive parylene layer coupled to the oxide layer, an electrode layer coupled to the first reactive parylene layer, and a second reactive parylene layer, coupled to the electrode layer, that chemically bonds to the first reactive polymer layer, and a second polymer layer coupled to the second reactive parylene layer; coating the plurality of layers with an encapsulation, and modifying the encapsulation and at least one of the plurality of layers to expose an electrode site in the electrode layer.

Abstract: Various system embodiments comprise a lead having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a plurality of electrodes. The lead is configured to be fed into a dorsal epidural space of a human to a desired region of a spinal column and to be fed laterally to at least partially encircle a spinal cord in the desired region to place at least one stimulation electrode in position to stimulate a dorsal nerve root and at least another stimulation electrode in position to stimulate a ventral nerve root. The desired region may include cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, or lumbar vertebrae. Some embodiments stimulate the spinal cord in the T1-T5 region.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating pain or other conditions while minimizing possible complications and side effects. Treatment typically includes electrical stimulation and/or delivery of pharmacological or other agents with the use of a lead or catheter. The devices, systems and methods provide improved anchoring which reduces migration of the lead yet allows for easy repositioning or removal of the lead if desired. The devices, systems and methods also provide for simultaneous treatment of multiple targeted anatomies. This shortens procedure time and allows for less access points, such as needle sticks to the epidural space, which in turn reduces complications, such as cerebral spinal fluid leaks, patient soreness and recovery time. Other possible complications related to the placement of multiple devices are also reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode, such as an SCS paddle electrode, having a lead attached thereto along an interior portion of the electrode. The lead and electrode are configured such that the lead may be positioned generally coplanar with a top surface of the electrode, and may likewise be erected from such coplanar orientation up and away from the top surface of the electrode. Thus, the lead can maintain the typical configuration of emerging from the back end of the electrode, but because at least portions of the lead are not permanently bonded into the electrode paddle, the lead (when desired) can be pulled upward, with or without surrounding strain relief material, to emerge from the top surface of the paddle at an angle or curve to such top surface. This allows the base of the paddle to engage a bony opening, such as when the electrode is inserted into a patient's spine, skull, plane of fascia, etc.

Abstract: This disclosure describes generation of electrical stimulation pulses for electrical stimulation therapy. The stimulation pulses have a pulse current level and pulse width, and may be generated by a current regulator. The pulse voltage level may be a voltage level delivered by the current regulator while maintaining regulation of the pulse current level. During delivery of a pulse, a supply voltage level may decrease due to discharging of a supply capacitance, and the pulse voltage level may increase due to charging of a load capacitance. The pulse current level may be controlled to decrease during the pulse width such that a sum of the pulse voltage level and a headroom voltage of the current regulator does not exceed the supply voltage level. In some examples, the pulse may include sub-pulses with different sub-pulse current levels, where an earlier sub-pulse has a higher pulse current level than a later sub-pulse.

Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for increasing the functional residual capacity of lungs of a subject by electrically stimulating tissue associated with the diaphragm or phrenic nerve of the subject.

Abstract: An improved external trial stimulator provides neurostimulation functionality for implanted medical electrodes prior to implantation of an implantable neurostimulator. The external trial stimulator is housed in a four-part housing that provides mechanical and electrostatic discharge protection for the electronics mounted in a central frame of the housing. Connectors attached to leads from the electrodes connect to contacts that are recessed in the housing through ports that are centered for easy access. Multiple indicators provide information to users of the external trial stimulator.

Abstract: Various system embodiments comprise an implantable lead, an implantable housing, a neural stimulation circuit in the housing, and a controller in the housing and connected to the neural stimulation circuit. The lead has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is adapted to deliver neural stimulation pulses to the ventral nerve root and the dorsal nerve root. The proximal end of the lead is adapted to connect to the housing. The neural stimulation circuit is adapted to generate neural stimulation pulses to stimulate the ventral nerve root or the dorsal nerve root using the implantable lead. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulation circuit to deliver a neural stimulation treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing functional electrical stimulation to an individual for altering a mood or emotional parameter associated with a mood or emotional state is provided. The method involves providing functional electrical stimulation to facial muscles of the individual so as to elicit a detectable contraction in said muscles associated with a facial expression associated with a desired mood or emotional parameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of determining electrode configuration and positioning for neurostimulation. A virtual representation of an implant lead is provided. The implant lead is configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a patient via one or more of a plurality of electrodes located on the implant lead. A predefined electrode activation pattern is provided. The electrode activation pattern identifies a plurality of subsets of the electrodes that can be activated one subset at a time. The electrodes in each subset are programmed with their respective electrical stimulation parameters. The subsets of the electrodes are activated one subset at a time. Each activated subset of electrodes delivers electrical stimulation to a different region of a spine of the patient.

Abstract: Techniques are described for generating electrical stimulation current pulses for delivery of electrical stimulation therapy via a current-controlled system that emulates voltage pulses generated via a voltage-controlled system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.

Abstract: A system for harvesting of natural power of the heart movement to be deployed entirely inside or outside human heart. The means and the method for the system deployment/extraction are provided. The system is implemented as storage “satellite” container/housing/carrier unit for piezoelectric power generator, power storage and spare volume for transported cardio stimulator devices. The piezoelectric power generator comprises embedding circuits containing the diode bridge, controller, capacitor and a number of piezo-electric elastic ceramic rods—“leaflets”, originally strained asymmetrically with accordance to the heart 3D geometry in order to obtain high energy conversion efficiency and high sensitivity to the heart movement. The innovative construction of the piezoelectric generator is applied to piezoelectric transformer based on cantilever bending vibrations.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device provides atrial stimulation for resynchronization of the heart chambers. After a first cycle without stimulation, a premature left atrial stimulation is delivered with application of a short left inter-atrial delay, shorter than the sinus rhythm coupling interval. During the next cycle a non-premature left atrial stimulation is delivered, and the atrioventricular interval between the left atrial depolarization and the ventricular depolarization is evaluated and compared to its value in sinus rhythm to modify as necessary a parameter of the left atrial stimulation, such as the short left inter-atrial delay.

Abstract: An implantable medical device may include a case which houses components of the implantable medical device. The implantable medical device may include an inductive coil coupled to a rechargeable battery. The inductive coil may be operative to inductively couple to an external coil and to transfer energy from the external coil to the rechargeable battery to recharge the rechargeable battery. The implantable medical device may include a cutout formed in the case of the implantable medical device and filled with a dielectric material. The cutout may be operative to reduce eddy currents in the case during recharge of the rechargeable battery. The implantable medical device may include a slot antenna disposed within the case. The slot antenna may be operative to communicate with an external device through the cutout in the case.

Abstract: In supplying energy to a medical device implanted in a mammal patient a first coil system (20) external to the patient's body for wirelessly transferring energy can be used that inductively cooperates with a second coil system (12) that, when implanted in the patient's body, receives wirelessly transferred energy for supplying energy or control signals to the medical device, when implanted in the patient's body. The first and second coil systems comprise each at least two individual coils (50, 51; 60, 61) which are not directly electrically connected to each other and operate basically independently of each other. This may give a very efficient and versatile transfer of energy or control signals. The coils in each of the coil systems can be operating at different frequencies by being connected to respective electric circuits, where each of these respective electric circuits operate basically independently of each other generating e.g. alternating electric current of different frequencies.

Abstract: User interface for external power source, recharger, for an implantable medical device. At least some of patient controls and display icons of an energy transfer unit are common with at least some of the patient controls and the display icons of a patient control unit. An energy transfer unit is operable by the patient with less than three operative controls to control energy transfer from the external energy transfer unit to the implantable medical device. An external antenna having a primary coil can inductively transfer energy to a secondary coil of the implantable medical device when the external antenna is externally placed in proximity of the secondary coil. An energy transfer unit has an external telemetry coil allowing the energy transfer unit to communicate with the implantable medical device through the internal telemetry coil in order to at least partially control the therapeutic output of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: In an example, an apparatus can include an implantable medical device comprising a housing, an implantable telemetry circuit carried within the housing, a dielectric compartment mechanically coupled to the housing, the dielectric compartment including first and second substantially parallel face portions and a third face portion extending between the first and second face portions, and an implantable telemetry antenna, located at least partially within the dielectric compartment. The implantable telemetry circuit can be electrically coupled to the implantable telemetry antenna and configured to wirelessly transfer information electromagnetically using the implantable telemetry antenna. In an example the implantable telemetry antenna comprises a spiral conductor portion extending along the first, second, and third face portions. In an example the spiral conductor includes a cross section having a lateral width that can be greater than a sidewall height of the cross section.

Abstract: A system and method of programming a cardiac rhythm management device (CRM device) using an external programming device are described, where the user is presented with a list of highly-safe parameter adjustments. Input is received from the user selecting one or more of the highly-safe parameter adjustments. A programming session is initiated wherein the programming device establishes communication with the CRM device, and transmits the selected one or more highly-safe parameter adjustments to the CRM device.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.

Abstract: An external control device for use with a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The external control device comprises a user interface configured for receiving input from a user, and including a display screen configured for displaying graphical representations of the electrodes. The external control device further comprises a controller/processor configured for, in response to the input from the user, linking a subset of the electrodes together, and globally assigning at least one of the same stimulation amplitude value and same on/off state to each of the electrodes. The controller/processor may also be configured for, in response to the input from the user, assigning at least one stimulation parameter value to one of the electrodes, copying/cutting the at least one stimulation parameter value from the one electrode, and pasting the at least one stimulation parameter value to the other electrode and modifying current values of other electrodes to maintain 100% current.

Abstract: In general, the disclosure is related to characterization of implanted electrical stimulation electrode arrays using post-implant imaging. The electrode arrays may be carried by implanted leads. Characterization of implanted electrode arrays may include identification of the type or types of leads implanted within a patient and/or determination of positions of the implanted leads or electrodes carried by the leads relative to one another or relative to anatomical structures within the patient. In addition, the disclosure relates to techniques for specifying or modifying patient therapy parameters based on the characterization of the implanted electrode arrays.

Abstract: A tube-structured battery to be inserted into a living body is provided. The tube-structured battery includes: a biofuel battery part which generates electric energy by using biofuel in the blood passing through an internal space of the tube structure; a transformer circuit part which adjusts a voltage or current density by using the generated electric energy; and a secondary battery part which is charged with the electric energy by using the adjusted voltage or current density to store the electric energy, wherein the tube-structured battery is inserted into the living body or a blood vessel of the living body.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having a concave ceramic housing component; a concave metal housing component attached to the ceramic housing component to form a hermetically sealed enclosure; and an electronic trans-housing magnetic flux component disposed within the enclosure. Another aspect of the invention provides an implantable medical device having a ceramic housing component; a metal housing component; a circumferential sealing member attached to a periphery of the ceramic housing component and to a periphery of the metal housing component to form a hermetically sealed enclosure; and an electronic trans-housing magnetic flux component disposed within the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic apparatus (100) comprising a charging module (20) for receiving external energy (RF1) and for transferring it to a rechargeable energy storage (10) in a “charging state”. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a processing module which can be operated in a working state that is enabled if the charging module (20) is in the charging state and the apparatus is in a standard operating mode. The processing module may for example be a communication module (30) that can communicate wirelessly in its working state. In the standard operating mode, communication with the apparatus (100) is thus only possible if the apparatus (100) is simultaneously charged. The communication module (30) can therefore be completely switched off during the residual time, thus reducing power consumption and avoiding erroneous communication or misuse.

Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with a rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case is further constructed with a bracket or optional test fixture for a CPR Meter.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for deep tissue laser therapy, in which the phase of the laser light is spatially modulated to produce a modulated laser beam. The modulated laser beam is able to restore its intensity profile even after being scattered by the skin or the superficial layer of the tissue, allowing it to penetrate deep into the tissue to provide efficient therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: Analysis of the production of 11C fragments mainly by projectile fragmentation of a stable monodirectional and monoenergetic primary 12C beam in different decelerating materials are presented and the optimal target choice have been identified to obtain the highest possible beam quality of decelerated 11C beam at arbitrary energies and therapeutic ranges. The optimal 11C-generating target is made of hydrogen preferably followed by a digitally variable decelerator of a hydrogen rich compound, such as polyethylene, to maximize the quality of the 11C beam.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base and an arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support an X-ray applicator having an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube may be configured to generate an X-ray beam. The X-ray applicator may include an exit surface through which the X-ray beam passes in use. The X-ray unit may further include an applicator cap for covering at least the exit surface of the X-ray applicator.

Abstract: A phacoemulsificator for the removal of lens tissue, wherein the phacoemulsificator contains: a power source configured to provide pulsed electrical power, and a pump configured to provide vacuum, characterized in that the phacoemulsificator contains at least one eye ring connectable to the pump wherein the proximal end of said eye ring is suitable to be applied onto an ocular globe and means to generate ultrasound beam connectable to the power source wherein said means are fixed on the distal end of the eye ring.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of crystalline polymers based on hydrophobic monomers, preferably on a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers which contains a crosslinking monomer, particularly side chain crystalline (SCC) polymers. The dispersions are useful for providing coatings on substrates, particularly on seeds (whose dormancy is thus extended) and on fibrous substrates, particularly human hair (which thus becomes heat-settable).

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics are formed by warp and fill yarns having different fiber contents. The fabrics are constructed, for example, by selection of a suitable weaving pattern, such that the body side of the fabric and the face side of the fabric have different properties. The fabrics described herein can be printable and dyeable on both sides of the fabric and are suitable for use in military and industrial garments. Methods of forming flame resistant fabrics, and methods for forming garments from the fabrics, are also described.