Abstract: Guidewires, actuators and methods of using the guidewires and actuators are described. These tools and methods allow a user to select and maintain different guidewire stiffness characteristics such that a single guidewire can address a range of access capabilities.

Abstract: A guidewire includes a linear portion, a curved portion that is provided distally of the linear portion, a boundary portion that is provided between the linear portion and the curved portion, a lubricant portion that is provided on a surface of the linear portion, and a low lubricant portion that is provided at least on a surface of the boundary portion disposed on a side of the guidewire opposite of a direction toward which the curved portion is curved, a lubricating ability of the low lubricant portion being lower than that of the lubricant portion.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a first wire disposed on the distal side, and a second wire disposed on the proximal side and made from a material having an elastic modulus larger than that of the first wire. The first wire and the second wire are joined to each other by welding. The second wire has, in the vicinity of the welded portion, a small cross-sectional area portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of a proximal end portion of the first wire. The outer diameter of the small cross-sectional area portion is gradually reduced in the direction toward the distal end. The first wire may be made from a superelastic alloy, whereas the second wire may be made from a stainless steel. The first wire and the second wire may be welded to each other by a butt resistance welding process. Since the change in rigidity of the guide wire becomes smooth in the longitudinal direction, the operationality and kink resistance of the guide wire are improved.

Abstract: Torque devices are disclosed for controlling insertion of medical devices into a lumen of a patient. The torque devices allow for modulation of the speed of rotation of the medical devices. Methods related to the torque devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter system including a collection member having an occlusion member and collection ports. At least one collection port being located distal to the occlusion member, and least one collection port being located proximal to the occlusion member.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for selectively applying fluids (particularly anesthetics) to a target tissue from within a blood vessel while minimizing the amount of fluid applied to non-target tissue. The injection catheters described herein may include an elongate body, a directional injector, and one or more holdfasts for securing the catheter before extending the injector. The methods of selectively applying anesthetic to a target structure generally include the steps of inserting an injection catheter into a body vessel, positioning the injection catheter within the body vessel near the target structure, anchoring the injection catheter before extending a directional injector from the injection catheter, and applying anesthetic from the injection catheter to the target structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for accessing the wall of a body lumen while simultaneously providing zone isolation and fluid bypass capability, the apparatus comprising: an erectable proximal isolation barrier capable of making a sealing engagement with the wall of the body lumen; an erectable distal isolation barrier capable of making a sealing engagement with the wall of the body lumen; a bypass channel secured to, and extending between, the proximal isolation barrier and the distal isolation barrier, the bypass channel comprising a lumen communicating with the region proximal to the proximal isolation barrier and with the region distal to the distal isolation barrier; and a working catheter passing through the proximal isolation barrier and terminating short of the distal isolation barrier, the working catheter providing a central lumen for providing access to the wall of the body lumen between the proximal isolation barrier and the distal isolation barrier.

Abstract: A fluid supply body for supplying a fluid to a balloon formed of a material having elasticity and inflating the balloon, the fluid supply body includes a cylinder, a plunger, an adjusting portion that is attached to the plunger and adjusts the movement amount of the plunger so that the balloon is inflated with to a predetermined inflation diameter, and a fixing portion that is provided at the cylinder and fixes the plunger at a position within the cylinder corresponding to the movement amount adjusted by the adjusting portion, wherein the adjusting portion has a plurality of engaging portions that specify movement amounts corresponding to a plurality of different inflation diameters of the balloon, and the fixing portion has an engaged portion, and a converting portion.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A cerebrospinal fluid drainage. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: An introducer assembly (10) includes a balloon catheter (12) for deploying a medical device (19) in a body lumen or for dilating a body lumen at a range of diameters from a minimum deployment diameter to a maximum deployment diameter. The balloon catheter includes an outer balloon (42) and an inner balloon (40) located within the outer balloon (42). The outer balloon (42) has an unstretched diameter equivalent to the minimum deployment diameter and the inner balloon (40) has an unstretched diameter equivalent to the maximum deployment diameter. The outer balloon (42) is made of an elastic material able to stretch from the minimum deployment diameter to the maximum deployment diameter, while the inner balloon (40) is preferably of an non-compliant material.

Abstract: Described are needleless injection systems and methods that involve features including one or more of a tissue tensioner and a fitting that includes or attaches to a shaft, exemplary embodiments including: an elastic sleeve sized to fit under tension about the distal end of a flexible scope, such as an endoscope; a non-metal, polymeric tube-like device being optionally attached to the elastic sleeve for delivering a therapeutic fluid to a treatment site within a patient wherein the elastic sleeve may include an integral balloon (tissue tensioner) feature that can be used to position the injection orifice of the tube-like device proximate a treatment area.

Abstract: Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the first inner fluid flow channel having a diameter of approximately d1 increasing at a connection point between the first inner fluid flow channel and the secondary female section to form a neck N the secondary female section having an internal diameter of d2 at a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector, where d1 is smaller than d2, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel ex having an internal diameter of approximately d1.

Abstract: A connector assembly has a connector (10) with a fluid leadthrough (20) and a contact device (14). The contact device has an essentially planar contact surface (16) and a fluid leadthrough opening (18) passing through the contact surface (16). A sterile covering (64) sterilely covers at least part of the contact surface (16) and/or an end of the fluid leadthrough opening (20) adjacent the contact surface (16). A coupling device (22) is provided in proximity to the contact surface (16) outwardly from the fluid leadthrough opening (18). The connector assembly further includes a complementary connector (12) with a complementary coupling device (34) that can engage with the coupling device (22) along a coupling direction (40) that is essentially parallel to the contact surface (16).

Abstract: Implantable physiological shunt systems and related fluid flow control devices and accessories for use therewith. Devices, systems and methods relating to implantable medical fluid flow control devices, rotors and magnets with increased resistance to inadvertent setting changes. Devices, systems and methods relating implantable medical fluid flow control devices, rotors and magnets which provide improved magnetic coupling to fluid flow control device accessories such as adjustment tools.

Abstract: A self-closing twisted slit valve which is opened by compression inside a receiving tapered female orifice. For luer fittings, internal taper of a female luer fitting provides sufficient distortion of an asymmetrical valve to distort a closed, preferably planar slit to a patent fluid pathway. The slit may be opened by valve displacement into a female connector orifice or by being pierced by a blunt cannula. The valve may be effectively used for both needleless connectors and for needleless connector adapters.

Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead conductor having a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A self-resonant inductor is connected in series along a portion of the length of the lead conductor. The self-resonant inductor includes a single length of conductive material including a dielectric coating substantially surrounding the single length of conductive material. The self-resonant inductor includes a first coiled or spiral conductor disposed along an inductor section spanning in a first direction from a first location to a second location. A second coiled or spiral conductor is disposed along the inductor section spanning in a second direction from the second location to the first location, where the second direction is opposite the first direction. A third coiled or spiral conductor is disposed along the inductor section spanning in the first direction from the first location to the second location.

Abstract: Strain relief loops are forced by being formed into medical leads such that a body of the lead imposes a force to regain the loop if the loop has been disturbed. Because the strain relief loop is forced, the surgeon implanting the medical lead is not required to create the strain relief loop as a step in the implantation procedure. Forcing the strain relief loop ensures that the strain relief is achieved. The forced strain relief loop also ensures that the loop is present to reduce heating at the electrodes of the medical caused by exposure to excessive radiofrequency energy. The forced strain relief loop may be created by heating the lead body while held in the loop configuration by a mold to cause the loop configuration to persist once the medical lead is removed from the mold.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method of making a stimulation lead that includes providing a pre-electrode assembly comprising a plurality of segmented electrodes and a plurality of raised connectors. Each of the segmented electrodes is coupled to at least one other of the segmented electrodes by at least one of the raised connectors. The method further includes forming the pre-electrode assembly into a tube with the tube defining a longitudinal axis. Each of the raised connectors is disposed at a radius with respect to the longitudinal axis that is greater than a radius of any of the segmented electrodes with respect to the longitudinal axis. The method also includes forming at least a portion of a lead body around the segmented electrodes of the pre-electrode assembly; and grinding the tube comprising the pre-electrode assembly and portion of the lead body to remove the plurality of raised connectors leaving the plurality of segmented electrodes and the portion of the lead body.

Abstract: An implantable electrode arrangement for a cochlear implant system is described that prevents post-surgical retraction of the electrode. The arrangement includes at least one retraction limiter having an extracochlear portion located at a distal end of the extracochlear electrode lead and an intracochlear portion located at a proximal end of the intracochlear electrode array and made at least in part of a swellable material that expands in response to fluid contact. The intracochlear portion of the retraction limiter is adapted for deformation away from an outer surface of the array proximal end in response to exposure of the swellable material to perilymph fluid within the cochlea after surgical insertion of the electrode array into the implanted cochlea so as to form an anti-retraction projection preventing post-surgical retraction of the array proximal end back through the electrode opening in the outer surface of the implanted cochlea.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a medical system. The medical system an implantable lead configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. The lead includes an elongate lead body that is configured to be coupled to a pulse generator that generates electrical stimulations pulses as part of the electrical stimulation therapy. The lead also includes a paddle coupled to the lead body. The paddle contains a plurality of electrodes that are each configured to deliver the electrical stimulation pulses to the patient. The plurality of electrodes is arranged into at least three columns that each include a respective subset of the electrodes. The plurality of electrodes each includes a unique centerline, wherein the centerlines extend in directions transverse to the columns.

Abstract: An implantable lead for sensing mechanical activity of a human heart has an insulating polymeric tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the lead, an electrical conductor provided in the lumen of the polymeric tube, and a sensor connected to the conductor at the distal end thereof. The polymeric tube is provided with a conductive surface layer along the inner face between the polymeric tube and the electrical conductor, the conductive surface layer being in electrical contact with this conductor. Accumulation of electrical charges between the electric conductor and the polymeric tube is thereby prevented.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern an implantable lead having a coil electrode, configured to deliver defibrillation therapy, made from filars wound in a helical pattern to have a pitch. An end of the coil electrode can be received within a lumen of a tubular fitting, the lumen having threading that corresponds to the pitch of the filars. A wall of a polymer sleeve extending over the coil electrode can be pinched between the threading of the lumen and the filars to mechanically couple the polymer sleeve to the tubular fitting. The polymer sleeve can be porous to permit delivery of the defibrillation through the wall to tissue. Reception of the polymer sleeve within the lumen of the tubular fitting can allow the entire coil electrode to be within the polymer sleeve to prevent direct contact between tissue and the coil electrode.

Abstract: A bioelectronic medical method and system for rapidly destroying living cancer cells and the tumors they create including metastatic off-spring of such tumor(s) regardless of their location within a human or animal body. Calcium ions can be inserted into a nucleus of a cancer cell(s). The nucleus of the cancer cell(s) is then fragmented among many cancer cells (e.g., in a tumor) simultaneously with the transmission of a destructive analog electrically encoded signals to provide a medical cancer treatment thereof. A first target of medical cancer treatment is aimed principally into the nucleus and mitochondrion bodies of a malignancy associated with the cancer cell(s).

Abstract: Devices are used to receive sound so as to enhance directionality in a single microphone auditory prosthesis. A tube including a plurality of openings directs sound into a microphone located on the auditory prosthesis. Directionality of such a system is based on a constructive and destructive interference between added sound components as sound enters the openings on the tube. The spacing and size of the openings can be configured such that sounds coming towards the recipient from a predetermined direction are received, while sounds from less desirable directions are cancelled out due to sound wave phase differences.

Abstract: A cochlear implant arrangement includes an implant electrode having electrode contacts for delivering to adjacent neural tissue electrode stimulation signals for a defined frequency band reflecting tonotopic organization of the cochlea. An implantable stimulation processor is coupled to the implant electrode for producing the electrode stimulation signals. At least one of the electrode contacts is deactivated based on current spread overlap and an electrode masking function of long term average spectra data to avoid delivering electrode stimulation signals to an electrode contact masked by an adjacent electrode contact.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for reducing the clinical presentations of a neurological movement disorder in a subject. Aspects of the methods include measuring cortical local field potentials (LFPs) from the subject's brain, calculating a modulation index related to brain synchronization from the LFPs, and administering deep brain stimulation to the subject if the calculated modulation index is outside of a threshold range. Also provided are devices, systems, and kits that may be used in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 100 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address headache pain without creating paresthesia in the patient.

Abstract: Methods for automatically programming a signal generator in a patient therapy system and associated systems are disclosed. A representative method comprises retrieving data including therapy program parameters, level of efficacy, and medication use corresponding to a plurality of time periods; identifying from the data a target time period having a corresponding level of efficacy; determining from the data if medication was used during the target time period; determining from the data if medication was used during a prior time period immediately before the target time period; calculating a lead position confidence factor; and programming the signal generator to repeat therapy with the therapy program parameters corresponding to the target time period if the confidence factor is greater than a threshold value and medication was used during the prior time period and not during the target time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that resulted in blocking an action potential in a nerve.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for performing procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include an elongated member, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the elongated member. The flow sensor includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one heating element having a cavity. At least a portion of the at least one temperature sensor is housed in the cavity. A temperature measurement of the temperature sensor provides an indication of the flow rate of a fluid proximate to the flow sensor.

Abstract: A system or apparatus can provide electrostimulations via an electrode configuration that can be selected from multiple electrode configurations, the electrostimulations of the type for inducing a desired heart contraction, or a neurostimulation response. The system or apparatus can allow communicating with an external device to receive an input indicating a degree of patient discomfort with an electrostimulation delivered using a first electrode configuration, and can associate information about the degree of discomfort with information about the corresponding first electrode configuration for use by a controller circuit in determining a second electrode configuration for delivering a subsequent electrostimulation.

Abstract: A bioelectric battery may be used to power implantable devices. The bioelectric battery may have an anode electrode and a cathode electrode separated by an insulating member comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said anode is inserted into said first end of said tube and said cathode surrounds said tube such that the tube provides a support for the cathode electrode. The bioelectric battery may also have a membrane surrounding the cathode to reduce tissue encapsulation. Alternatively, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode surrounding the cathode electrode, a permeable membrane surrounding the cathode electrode. An electrolyte is disposed within the permeable membrane and a mesh surrounds the permeable membrane. In an alternative embodiment, a pacemaker housing acts as a cathode electrode for a bioelectric battery and an anode electrode is attached to the housing with an insulative adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for preventing or reducing the ventricular remodeling that normally occurs after a myocardial infarction using pacing therapy. By pacing sites in proximity to the infarct with appropriately timed pacing pulses, the infarct region is pre-excited in a manner that lessens the mechanical stress to which it is subjected, thus reducing the stimulus for remodeling. If capture by the pacing pulses is not being achieved, the device may be configured to change the pacing pulse energy and/or pacing site as appropriate.

Abstract: A lead system for an implantable medical device and applications for the lead system. Also includes therapeutic systems, devices, and processes for detecting and treating disordered breathing and treating cardiac and breathing issues together with an implantable device.

Abstract: Method and systems related to monitoring right ventricular function during pacing by a cardiac rhythm management device are described. One or more pacing parameters are selected to provide cardiac resynchronization therapy. For example, the one or more pacing parameters may be selected to provide an optimal or improved therapy. The heart is paced using the selected pacing parameters. While pacing with the selected parameters, pressure is sensed via a pressure sensor disposed the pulmonary artery. The sensed pressure is analyzed to determine right ventricular function achieved during the pacing using the selected pacing parameters. A signal, such as an alert signal or control signal, is generated based on the right ventricular function achieved during the pacing.

Abstract: An improved antenna device for BTE devices, such a hearing prostheses, is disclosed. Antenna elements (111, 114) are disposed in the BTE body (101) and in the earhook (102), with dielectric material (112, 113) disposed between, so as to form a capacitive coupling.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing text-based communications from medical equipment such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are described herein.

Abstract: In some examples, a device for delivering electrical stimulation to a medical patient includes an electrical stimulation generator, a coupling circuit, and a processing module. The electrical stimulation generator is configured to generate electrical stimulation. The coupling circuit includes a first node connected to the electrical stimulation generator, a second node configured to deliver the electrical stimulation to the patient, and a capacitor. The coupling circuit is configured to operate in a first state to couple the capacitor between the first and second nodes in a first orientation and operate in a second state to couple the capacitor between the first and second nodes in a second orientation that is opposite to the first orientation. The processing module is configured to set the state of the coupling circuit to one of the first and second states.

Abstract: A device for generating a plurality of output voltages from a single input energy supply source is described. The device includes a switched capacitor voltage converter that provides each of the output voltages having different supply ratios. The supply ratio is defined as a function of the input voltage provided to the switched capacitor voltage converter by the energy supply source. The switched capacitor voltage converter includes a plurality of capacitors selectively coupled to a plurality of switches that dynamically configure the capacitors into a plurality of stacked configurations. Switching between the plurality of stacked configurations may be controlled based on predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A system and method for confirming arrhythmias in an implantable cardiac stimulation device senses electrical events in an intracardiac signal and identifies a potential arrhythmia based on the electrical events. The electrical events may be depolarization events occurring in a heart, such as R-waves or P-waves. The electrical events are high pass filtered and analyzed to confirm or reject the electrical events. The confirmed electrical events are then analyzed to determine whether the electrical events indicate a heart arrhythmia. A therapy may then be applied to the heart for treating the arrhythmia.

Abstract: A coil suitable for tissue stimulation and especially for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be used in conjunction with a pulse generator to induce electric field in the brain with less attenuation in depth compared to existing TMS coils. In an example, a coil winding is formed in a solenoid configuration around the head. Various related features, methods, and embodiments are described.

Abstract: A light and bioelectric therapy pad that delivers light and bioelectric stimulation to adjacent tissue. The therapy pad includes an electrical tracing circuit containing elongated, parallel and spaced-apart approximate linear tracings (ALT) that provide current flow in opposite directions along the ALT during alternating positive and negative drive cycles of an alternating current (AC) supply. The ALT includes first and second header tracings wired to a row of light emitting diodes (LEDs), with the anodes of a first group of LEDs wired to the first header tracing, and the anodes of the remaining LEDs wired to the second header tracing. The ALTs are wired into the circuit with current flowing to the first header tracing at one end of the row of LEDs, and to the second header tracing at the opposite end, so that adjacent ALT provide current flow in opposite directions during both positive and negative drive cycles.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to enhance light intensity within useful red to near-infrared spectral ranges, using direct or indirect sunlight, or from other ambient white light, are described. The disclosed devices provide high quantum yield photoluminescent ambient light spectrum conversion to increase the supplied energy primarily in the 590 nm-850 nm spectral range. These devices also pass much of the incident light in the spectral range in which the device's photoluminescent materials emit light, thereby greatly increasing the effective intensity of light available in the targeted 590-850 nm wavelength range. The ambient light conversion devices of the disclosure may be incorporated in apparel, bandage-like patches, converting reflectors, large area converters, awnings, window covers, and other articles, materials, and products.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating cervical and/or uterine cancers in brachytherapy with an intracavitary brachytherapy applicator. The system comprises a tandem adapted for insertion into a cervix of a patient. An ovoid assembly comprises first and second inflatable ovoids and an ovoid support mechanism. The first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted for insertion within fornices of a patient. First and second retractors are adapted to be coupled to the ovoid assembly. The first retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the bladder of a patient during treatment. The second retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the rectum of a patient during treatment. The tandem and the first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted to be coupled to a radioactive source to deliver an implant radiation dose suitable for cancer treatment at a cancerous cervical treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: A method of delivering a radioactive liquid includes, performing an initialization, including; extracting at least a first amount of a radioactive liquid from a source of radioactive liquid, measuring a radioactivity level for the first amount of radioactive liquid, and performing a calibration phase. The calibration phase includes, extracting a second amount of radioactive liquid from the source of radioactive liquid wherein the second amount is calculated based on the radioactivity level of the first amount to provide a total dose of radioactive liquid having a predetermined radioactivity level, and delivering the total dose and performing at least one more calibration and delivery phases.

Abstract: Described is an applicator for RF, ultrasound, and light skin treatment. The applicator allows a protrusion of skin to be formed within a cavity and maintained for a desired time, enables good coupling of the treatment energy with the skin and avoids negative pressure adversely affecting the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to personal care compositions, especially those personal care compositions in the form of a personal care article that is a porous dissolvable solid substrate. The porous dissolvable solid substrate has a surface resident coating comprising a surface resident coating comprising from about 25% to about 70% of a starch derived material, from about 5% to about 60% of a cationic surfactant conditioner, and from about 5% to about 60% of a perfume, that can provide a consumer benefit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the propagation of a flame to or from a refrigerant source and an ignition source in or adjacent to a cooling system, comprising positioning a metal mesh flame arrestor between said refrigerant source and said ignition source. The methods allow the use of flammable refrigerants with reduced risk of fire.

Abstract: A system and method remotely mechanically controls the direction of fluid flow from a firefighting monitor. For example, a control handle mounted in the cabin of a vehicle can be operably mechanically coupled to a pivotable firefighting monitor mounted outside the vehicle (e.g., near the front) by an arrangement of cables. The handle and cables are arranged such that horizontal pivoting of the handle results in a corresponding horizontal pivot of the firefighting monitor, and vertical pivoting of the handle results in a corresponding vertical pivot of the firefighting monitor. The direct mechanical link between the handle and firefighting monitor ensures a rapid and reliable control over the monitor direction and orientation, while providing an intuitive and user friendly operational modality.