Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed that includes a valve seat and a valve member movable with respect to the valve seat. An adjustment circuit assembly includes a resistive element that is coupled to the valve member and operable to position the valve member relative to the valve seat so as to alter the pressure setting in response to a current applied to the resistive element.

Abstract: Dilators and sheaths for use in minimally invasive vascular therapy are disclosed. In some embodiments, the dilators include a slot that accesses a guidewire lumen within the dilator. These slots facilitate rapid exchange of one dilator for another. In another embodiment, a dilator is sufficiently stiff to facilitate entry, but also designed to facilitate placement of the dilator along a tortuous path.

Abstract: A recanalization catheter assembly and method for establishing a subintimal pathway around an occlusion in a blood vessel. The recanalization catheter assembly an inflatable balloon structure including a distal anchoring portion configured to expand within a true lumen portion of the blood vessel distal of the occlusion to anchor the recanalization catheter from unintentional movement during expansion of a stent in the subintimal pathway. The expandable stent, such as a bioabsorbable stent, may be configured to promote native tissue regrowth around the stent to create a superficial intimal layer along the subintimal pathway.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for locally increasing arterial diameter and providing local anesthesia in a subject. The methods include applying to a skin site of the subject a topical composition that includes a vasodilation agent and an anesthetic agent in a manner sufficient for locally increasing arterial diameter and providing local anesthesia in the subject. In some embodiments, the method includes inserting a cannula into an artery at the skin site of the subject. Also provided are topical compositions that find use in performing the subject methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dermatological drug injecting device, and more particularly, to a dermatological drug injecting device that can use a needle to treat wrinkles, dry skin, scars, freckles, hair loss, etc. on human skin, or to use ink to inscribe images or characters. To achieve said technical aims, a dermatological drug injecting device of the present invention installed on a skin maintenance apparatus comprises: a body portion installed on a fixing portion of a drug injecting device of the skin maintaining apparatus; a connecting driveshaft portion installed on the body portion and moved linearly; an actuating portion installed on the body portion and moved linearly by means of the connecting driveshaft portion; and a needle fixing portion installed on the actuating portion.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally treating tumor cells in a patient under conditions that affect tumor stem cells and tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an implantable subcutaneous port for anchoring a transcutaneous treatment component. The implantable subcutaneous port comprises a body portion and one or more frangible lines formed within the body portion. The body portion is adapted for receiving the transcutaneous treatment component beneath the point of entry into the physiology of a patient and routing the transcutaneous treatment component. The body portion is produced from a deformable material and has an area footprint and defines a support wall through which the transcutaneous treatment component enters the body portion. Fracturing the one or more frangible lines formed within the body portion enables removal of the body portion from the physiology of a patient through a transcutaneous opening defining an area of less than thirty percent of the area footprint of the body portion.

Abstract: Tube connector including two conductive elements and a resistor and/or capacitor electrically connected therebetween, the two elements arranged such that an electrical circuit including the two conductive elements and the resistor and/or capacitor will be closed when the tube connector mates with a device connector of a medical device.

Abstract: A coupling includes a first input port and a photoluminescent portion associated with the first input port. The first input port may be one or more of a gastric port, a jejunal port, or a balloon port. The first port may have a first glow-in-the dark feature and a second port may have a second glow-in-the-dark feature, which may be different from one another. The coupling may include means for orientation that assists a user in properly orienting a connector to be mounted in the first port in proper orientation and a first connector for coupling to the first port.

Abstract: A pressure-maintaining valve assembly can be coupled to the tubing of an infusion pump system. The valve assembly includes an element that regulates fluid flow through the tubing. This element may also act as a one way or check valve.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for implanting and testing multi-conductor electrical leads are disclosed. An illustrative implant tool for use with an implantable lead includes a main body, a plurality of spring contact members, and a knob mechanism. The main body of the implant tool includes a distal clamping mechanism with an opening adapted to frictionally receive a terminal boot of the implantable lead. The spring contact members are configured to provide an interface for connecting electrical connectors from a Pacing System Analyzer (PSA) or other testing device to the terminal contacts on the implantable lead. A knob mechanism coupled to the main body can be actuated to engage a terminal pin of the implantable lead, allowing an implanting physician to engage a fixation helix into body tissue by rotating the mechanism.

Abstract: A device for regulating energy delivery to an implanted circuit is disclosed. The device may include at least one implantable circuit and at least one pair of implantable electrodes in electrical communication with the circuit. The at least one pair of implantable electrodes may be configured to modulate at least one nerve. The at least one implantable circuit may be configured deliver a signal to the at least one pair of implantable electrodes. The signal may have at least one of a power level or a duration determined based on a severity of a detected physiologic condition.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes a first paddle assembly and a flexible housing. The first paddle assembly includes an assembly housing, an actuator, and at least one pivotable paddle attached to the housing and operably coupled to the actuator. The at least one pivotable paddle is suitably arranged to pivot out of the assembly housing when a user operates the actuator. The lead anchor also includes a flexible housing disposed around the first paddle assembly and defining at least one lead lumen extending adjacent to the first paddle assembly so that the at least one pivotable paddle pivots into a one of the at least one lead lumen to constrain any lead disposed within the one of the at least one lead lumen.

Abstract: A releasable contact connection arrangement for electrodes on an electromedical device, in particular for electrodes of active implants, such as neurostimulator devices, includes a contact end, which is provided on the electrode and comprises at least one electrical contact, a device-side connector head on the electromedical device, a connector opening on the connector head for anchoring the contact end of the electrode so as to produce an electrical contact connection and releasable mechanical fixing, and an anti-kink device at the exit of the contact end from the connector opening, wherein the anti-kink device includes a flexible anti-kink sleeve sitting on the contact end of the electrode before the at least one electrical contact, said anti-kink sleeve being slid via its fixing end facing the connector head into a receiving recess that is enlarged compared to the connector opening and being fastened therein.

Abstract: Methods, kits, apparatus, and compositions for inhibiting a cerebral neurovascular disorder, a muscular headache, or cerebral inflammation in a human patient are provided. The apparatus includes an electronic neural stimulator capable of stimulating a dorsonasal nerve structure associated with pain in a subject, thereby inhibiting the pain, and includes a power supply for providing the neural stimulation; and at least one electrical conduit coupled between the power supply and a dorsonasal nerve structure associated with the cerebral neurovascular disorder in a manner to transmit the neural stimulation to the dorsonasal nerve structure associated with the pain to thereby inhibit the pain. Cerebral neurovascular disorders include migraine and cluster headache. Muscular headaches include tension headaches and muscle contraction headaches.

Abstract: An implantable lead for electrical stimulation of a spinal cord is disclosed. The implantable lead has a paddle having a surface and a first and a second end, an electrode array positioned and arranged on the surface of the paddle, and at least one tether having an end that extends from one of the first and the second end of the paddle. The electrode array has at least one electrode contact configured to communicate with a corresponding electrode and a conductor. The implantable lead may be included in a kit that also has a securing device and instructions for implanting the implantable lead into the spinal cord. A method of making the implantable lead configured for electric stimulation of a spinal cord is also disclosed. A method of implanting the implantable lead in a spinal canal is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for an implantable device can be made from PEEK and can incorporate one or more radiopaque agents and one or more elutable drug components into a polymeric lead tip. The assembly can be machined or injection molded and can be configured, for example, as a housing for an active fixation lead or as an electrode base supporting a foil electrode.

Abstract: A method and system are provided that provide feedback regarding lead stability for a candidate target vessel, and provide guidance on a type of lead to be used. The method and system utilize a surgical navigation system and information regarding patient anatomy to predict lead stability within the patient anatomy. The method and system provide patient-specific force measurements for one or more vessels of a patient.

Abstract: A method and device for updating a frequency of determining whether a lead condition is occurring in a medical device that includes sensing a cardiac signal, determining whether a lead condition is occurring in response to the sensed cardiac signal, determining whether a first patient characteristic is satisfied during a plurality of predetermined update periods, performing a first update of a virtual lead days value associated with a number of days since implant of the lead in response to the first patient characteristic being satisfied, determining whether a patient characteristic update is satisfied in response to a second patient characteristic, different than the first patient characteristic, being satisfied, performing a second update of the virtual lead days value in response to the patient characteristic update being satisfied, and updating a frequency of determining whether the lead condition is occurring in response to the updated virtual lead days value.

Abstract: A stimulation lead is configured to be implanted into a patient's body and includes at least one distal stimulation electrode and at least one conductive filer electrically coupled to the distal stimulation electrode. A jacket is provided for housing the conductive filer and providing a path distributed along at least a portion of the length of the lead for conducting induced RF energy from the filer to the patient's body.

Abstract: An electro-therapeutic stimulator provides an output signal having a first controllable main pulse periodic-exponential signal and a second background pulse periodic-exponential signal. The main pulse signal is controllable, preferably to a digital numerical value of 1 to 500 pulses per second, to a digital, numerical value of duty cycle, and to a digital numerical value of balance. The signal is produced using a class D amplifier and with a transformer optimized for the background pulse (such as at 10 kHz) rather than for the main pulse. The electro-therapeutic stimulator includes a counter which forces purchasing of durations of signal time for ongoing use of the stimulator, and a challenge code procedure for facilitating additional time purchases.

Abstract: A method improving or restoring neural function in a mammalian subject in need thereof, the method including: using an input receiver to record an input signal generated by a first set of nerve cells; using an a encoder unit including a set of encoders to generate a set of coded outputs in response to the input signal; using the encoded outputs to drive an output generator; and using an output generator to activate a second set of nerve cells wherein the second set of nerve cells is separated from the first set of nerve cells by impaired set of signaling cells. In some embodiments, the second set of nerve cells produces a response that is substantially the same as the response in an unimpaired subject.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for automated optimization of muscle stimulation energy. In some embodiments the disclosure optimizes stimulation parameters and/or stimulation location.

Abstract: A surface NMES stimulation device the device has a control processor, a voltage regulator connected to a high voltage supply, a bridge of control switches, and electrodes or electrode terminals connected in the bridge to receive drive signals via the control switches. The processor directs a drive scheme for the bridge control switches in which charge build-up on a user's skin is allowed to dissipate to ground in an inter-pulse interval. An isolation capacitor isolates the high voltage supply from the electrodes, and charging of the capacitor only occurs if a switch allows it. Sensors senses supply voltage and bridge current and the processor monitors there to determine further stimulation and faults.

Abstract: An exemplary intraneural stimulation system may include an auditory prosthesis configured to be implanted within a patient, an intracochlear electrode array communicatively coupled to the auditory prosthesis and configured to be inserted into a cochlea of the patient, and an intraneural electrode array communicatively coupled to the auditory prosthesis and configured to be inserted into an auditory nerve of the patient. In this configuration, the auditory prosthesis may stimulate the auditory nerve by applying electrical stimulation by way of the intracochlear electrode array and/or the intraneural electrode array.

Abstract: The present invention is a visual prosthesis adapted for implantation in the brain, and more particularly with an electrode array adapted for implantation in the Calcarine Sulcus of the visual cortex. The electrode array of the invention has electrodes on each side and spaced appropriately for the Calcarine Sulcus and driven by an electronic circuit within a hermetic package small enough to be implanted with a skull.

Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and IPG control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery.

Abstract: A method includes determining sleep cycle information related to a sleep cycle of a patient based on body parameter data. The method also includes adjusting a cranial nerve stimulation parameter based on the sleep cycle information. The method further includes applying a cranial nerve stimulation therapy to treat depression based on the adjusted cranial nerve stimulation parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for selection of stimulation parameters for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may include a processor that displays in a display device and in relation to a displayed model of a leadwire including model electrodes, a current field corresponding to a first stimulation parameter set, provides a user interface for receipt of user input representing a shift of the current field, in response to the user input, moves, in the display device, the current field with respect to the displayed model, determines a second stimulation parameter set that results in the moved current field, and outputs the second stimulation parameter set and/or sets a stimulation device with the second stimulation parameter set, where the stimulation device is configured for performing a stimulation using the leadwire in accordance with the second stimulation parameter set.

Abstract: A system includes an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required.

Abstract: A system of non-linear feedback control for spinal cord stimulation is provided. The system comprises a lead adapted to be implanted within an epidural space of a dorsal column of a patients spine, and a pulse generator (PG) electrically coupled to the lead. The PG is configured to deliver spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy. The system also comprises a sensing circuitry configured to sense an evoked compound action potential (ECAP) response that propagates along the neural pathway. The system also comprises a processor programmed to operation, in response to instructions stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium, to obtain a baseline ECAP response when the lead and spinal cord tissue properties are in baseline states; analyze ECAP responses relative to the baseline ECAP response to obtain an ECAP feedback difference indicative of a change in at least one of the baseline state of the lead and the baseline state of the spinal cord tissue properties.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a portion of a spinal cord of a patient includes identifying an arrangement of electrodes including a relative placement of each electrode within the arrangement; identifying a vertebral level for implantation of the arrangement and a position of the arrangement with respect to the spinal cord; determining by calculation, for a selection of at least one cathode from the electrodes, at least two anode guard electrodes from the electrodes including in the calculation an estimated thickness of cerebrospinal fluid at the vertebral level; and stimulating the portion of the spinal cord of the patient at the vertebral level using the at least one cathode and the at least two anode guard electrodes.

Abstract: An energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder comprising a nanocapacitor connected to at least one carbon nanotube and method of using same are described. An adjustable amount of electric energy is stored within the nanocapacitor so that the energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder delivers either a biologically destructive or a biologically non-destructive electrical charge to target cells in response to biological, chemical or electrical stimuli. An optional biocompatible coating onto the outer surface of the carbon nanotube transponder improves cellular targeting, cellular binding or body tolerance towards the carbon nanotube transponder. Optionally, a molecular label attached to at least one carbon nanotube allows for in vivo tracking of the carbon nanotube transponder.

Abstract: A method of determining desynchronization between a first implantable medical device and a second implantable medical device. The method includes receiving a synchronization query from the first device at the second device, that is transmitted in response to the first device detecting a predetermined transition of a first clock of the first device, the first clock having a first pulse rate. The method further includes determining a number of pulses of a second clock of the second device occurring between reception of the synchronization query and a predetermined transition of a third clock of the second device, the third clock having the first pulse rate. The second clock has a second pulse rate higher than the first pulse rate. The method further includes determining the desynchronization between the first device and the second device based on the determined number of pulses of the second clock.

Abstract: Products, compositions, systems, and methods for modifying a target structure which mediates or is associated with a biological activity, including treatment of conditions, disorders, or diseases mediated by or associated with a target structure, such as a virus, cell, subcellular structure or extracellular structure. The methods may be performed in situ in a non-invasive manner by placing a nanoparticle having a metallic shell on at least a fraction of a surface in a vicinity of a target structure in a subject and applying an initiation energy to a subject thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure directly or via a modulation agent. The nanoparticle is configured, upon exposure to a first wavelength ?1, to generate a second wavelength ?2 of radiation having a higher energy than the first wavelength ?1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical neurological instrument which can be used to improve balance, comprising: (A) a control system for managing energy sources of different nature and (B) an emitter of said energy sources, wherein the emitter is configured to simultaneously apply the different types of energy to a patient by means of transducers, wherein the energies employed are: (i) light energy 18 with a wavelength of between 500 and 700 nm, (ii) light energy 19 with a wavelength of between 701 and 1050 nm, (iii) TENS Energy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) 20 with a maximum amplitude of 200 V.

Abstract: A phototherapy device includes an outlet end to be placed in contact with a person's skin, a heat exchanger, an optical structure arranged between the heat exchanger and the outlet end, and a light source arranged between the heat exchanger and the outlet end, and configured to emit light for delivery to the skin through or adjacent the optical structure. The heat exchanger may include a first heat transfer portion thermally coupled to the light source for dissipating heat from the light source, and a second heat transfer portion thermally coupled to the optical structure for dissipating heat from the optical structure. The first and second heat transfer portions of the heat exchanger may be substantially thermally isolated from each other, e.g., partially or completely physically separated from each other.

Abstract: A light-beam therapeutic apparatus used for a therapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is disclosed, which includes an apparatus body portion having a light source; a light guide rod that guides light from the light source, a connecting socket, a cooling fan, an electronic component that performs control required for a therapy, and a control display panel that displays the contents of therapy; a therapeutic portion including a light guide portion including a plurality of bundled optical fibers, and a pad portion formed of the optical fibers spread out adjacently to one another into a flat-panel shape, and the therapeutic portion is formed into a light-receiving plug insertable into a connecting socket of the apparatus body portion, and the optical fibers positioned on the pad portion are subjected to exposing processing and have a protecting surface layer portion formed of a bag member filled with transparent and highly flexible high-molecular gel.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds, compositions, and methods in the field of medicinal chemistry. The compounds and compositions provided herein relate to spiro-oxindoles which function as antagonists of the interaction between p53 and MDM2, and their use as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Abstract: A particle therapy system is capable of reducing an increase in treatment time caused by the initialization operation of magnets in the execution of the scanning irradiation method successively changing the energy level of a beam extracted from an accelerator. An irradiation control apparatus has a scheme that calculates setting vales of excitation current for bending magnets for a transport system on every irradiation condition (energy condition), and sets appropriate excitation current values according to the irradiation sequence. The irradiation control apparatus 35 prestores in a current supply control table 1 reference current values determined corresponding to energy levels of the ion beam, prestores in current supply compensation value tables 1, 2 compensation current values determined corresponding to energy levels of the ion beam and numbers of times of changing the energy level, and calculates the excitation current value of the magnets by using the values prestored in the tables.

Abstract: A rotatable patient positioning apparatus and method of use thereof is described in combination with a rotatable magnet at a termination of a beamline arc. The rotatable patient positioning system optionally: (1) rotates a median of the person in place about a vertical axis and/or (2) rotates the entire person along a path around a vector, such as a vertical axis, where no part of the person intersects the vector. The rotatable targeting magnet rotates independently of a beamline arc at the end of the beamline arc, where the arc is after an accelerator and before the patient in a cancer therapy system. The rotatable targeting magnet directs the charged particle beam, such as vertically, using applied current to the targeting magnet while rotation of the magnet allows scanning across the tumor. The rotatable patient positioning system and targeting magnet combine to target the tumor in three-dimensions.

Abstract: A gantry structure (16) designed for pivoting about an axis of rotation (18) and for delivering a hadron beam on a target comprises a beam delivery line (24) receiving the hadron beam in a direction essentially parallel to the axis of rotation (18), deviating it away from said axis of rotation (18) and delivering it so that the axis of the beam intersects the axis of rotation (18). The beam delivery line (24) is a self-supporting structure supported by a pivotable support arm (32) in proximity of the center of gravity of the beam delivery line (24). A counterweight (42) is supported by a support arm extension (40) on the other side of the axis of rotation (18) for compensating the moment of force due to the weight of the beam delivery line (24) and the support arm (32).

Abstract: Systems and methods for opening a tissue to a target value are disclosed herein. In an exemplary method, a region of the tissue is targeted for opening, a size range of microbubbles corresponding to the target value is determined, microbubbles of the size range are positioned in proximity to the targeted region, and an ultrasound beam is applied to the targeted region such that the tissue is opened with the assistance of the microbubbles to the target value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that enable a physician to image tissue within the body that is to be ablated, and then to ablate that tissue using a device having an ultrasound imaging system and an aligned high intensity focused ultrasound system.

Abstract: A polymer with good compatibility comprising one or more non-ionic water soluble monomers, such as poly(ethylene glycol)(meth)acrylate (PEGMA), is provided that is suitable for use in aerosol hair styling formulations which have improved clarity. There is also provided a hair styling composition comprising (a) one or more fully soluble polymer, and (b) a solvent mixture, and optional other ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved deodorant formulation having good efficacy and excellent stability. The deodorant formulation comprises propanediol combined with zinc ricinoleate, grapefruit seed extract, and sodium bicarbonate as the principal deodorizing actives. The combination of these deodorizing active ingredients results in a formulation with strong efficacy which lasts at least 24 hours. The deodorant formulation also displays improved stability when formed into a solid stick product. These features combined provide for an improved deodorant formulation having excellent features of efficacy and stability.

Abstract: An automatic fire extinguishing system includes a canister having a central axis, an outlet port disposed on the canister, a dip tube having dip tube side holes and inlet openings, and disposed in the canister about the central axis and in partial fluid communication with the canister and coupled to the outlet port, a propellant gas mixture disposed within the canister and a gaseous fire suppression agent disposed in the canister.

Abstract: A quint configuration fire apparatus includes a chassis, a pump and a water tank coupled to the chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis and having a storage area configured to receive a ground ladder and a fire hose, a ladder assembly including a plurality of extensible ladder sections, the ladder assembly coupled to the chassis with a turntable, a single front axle coupled to a front end of the chassis, and a single rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis. The ladder assembly is extensible to provide a horizontal reach of at least 100 feet and a vertical height of at least 105 feet. The turntable includes a work platform coupled to a subfloor assembly such that a loaded weight of the quint configuration fire apparatus is supportable by the single front axle and the single rear axle.

Abstract: A fire protection system is provided including spray nozzles a pump unit, a control system with pressure-measuring mechanism, and piping for conducting extinguishing medium from the pump unit to the spray nozzles. The pump unit includes pump drives, each of which comprises a pump and an AC electric motor. The AC motor can be connected to an AC electricity network via a contactor device, in which pump unit the AC electric motors are controlled on the basis of the pressure measured in the piping. One of the electric motors is controlled by means of a frequency converter such that the motor steplessly adjusts pressure and the others are started up into the network as steplessly adjusting motors.

Abstract: The present invention regards a method and system for securing a discharge valve to a water line of a fire suppression system with multiple t-connections. The apparatus includes a plate, a chain, a plurality of eyehooks and a plurality of eyehook nuts. The plate has a perimeter and a central aperture sized to receive an elongated cylinder of a hose fitting of a discharge valve. The plate further has a plurality of eyehook apertures along its perimeter, with each eyehook aperture sized to receive the threaded post of an eyehook. The plate is positioned about the elongated cylinder of the discharge valve, through said central aperture, and the chains are positioned about the water line and affixed to the plate by means of eyehooks and eyehook nuts. The chain has a length sufficient to be positioned about the water line and received by the eyehooks so that plate is securely positioned along the elongated cylinder below the discharge valve nut.