Abstract: A medical article securement system comprising a bracket and a flap for securing a medical article. The bracket can include a base, and an arm coupled to the base and extending generally parallel to the first major surface of the base. The arm can be spaced a distance from the first major surface of the base to define a channel under the arm that can be dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the medical article. The flap can include a fixed end, and a free end that is movable with respect to the bracket between a first position in which the flap is not positioned over the bracket, and a second position in which at least a portion of the flap is positioned over the bracket to further inhibit movement of the medical article. The fixed end of the flap can be coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: A balloon including a laminated film of at least two layers including a polyamide elastomer layer and a polyamide layer wherein the polyamide elastomer layer is formed at the inner side of the polyamide layer and a molecular weight distribution of the polymers as a whole of the balloon (weight-average molecular weight MW/number-average molecular weight Mn) ranges from 3 to 10.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an inner catheter that is coupled to a handle and defines a lumen configured to receive a guidewire. An outer catheter is movably coupled to the handle and defines a first lumen in fluid communication with a distal opening and that is configured to introduce a therapeutic agent through the distal opening and into a target pancreatic artery(ies). The outer catheter defines a second lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the inner catheter. An actuator is coupled to the handle and configured to move the outer catheter relative to the handle. A first occlusion element is coupled to the inner catheter and a second occlusion element is coupled to the outer catheter and disposed proximal to the first occlusion element. A distance between the first occlusion element and the second occlusion element is adjustable when the outer catheter is moved relative to the handle.

Abstract: A blood clot removal device for removing blood clots from the vascular system of a patient is implantable in the patient's body. The blood clot removal device comprises a blood flow passageway to be connected to the patient's vascular system to allow circulation of the patient's blood through the blood flow passageway, a filter provided in the blood flow passageway for collecting blood clots occurring in the blood flowing through the blood flow passageway, and a cleaning device for moving blood clots collected by the filter out of the blood flow passageway. By means of such blood clot removal device, the risk of blood clots reaching sensitive areas of the patient's body, such as the brain, is reduced.

Abstract: Methods of treatment are described. More particularly, methods of providing access to a bodily passage, such as a salivary duct, are described herein. For example, methods of providing access to a salivary duct and introducing a sheath and wire guide are described herein. In addition, various methods of treatment are described herein. For example, methods of treating a stone located within a salivary duct are described herein.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for treating hypertension of a subject. The apparatus includes an implantable element which has a non-circular shape and which is configured to reduce the hypertension by facilitating an assumption of a non-circular shape by a blood vessel in a vicinity of a baroreceptor of the subject, during diastole of the subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A set of sinus balloon catheters are provided for treating a patient's paranasal sinus system, including dilating prepared openings, and natural ostia and ducts and excising sinus cavities. These include a balloon catheter with a bend placing a distal segment at 90° to a proximal segment and a balloon catheter which is substantially straight. The catheters have sufficient stiffness and column strength that the balloon carrying distal segment of the catheter can be pushed into the prepared opening, natural ostium or duct, or sinus to be excised. The catheters have appropriate inflated working diameters and appropriate outer diameters with the balloon deflated that will enable the catheter to be pushed into the respective prepared opening, natural ostium or duct, or sinus cavity to be excised. The methods use the balloon catheters to dilate prepared openings to selected parts of the sinus system, to dilate natural ostia and ducts of the sinus system, and/or to dilate sinus cavities to remove them.

Abstract: Implantable devices and methods for controlled drug delivery are provided. The device includes a device structure deformable between a retention shape and a low profile shape for deployment in the bladder of a patient and has a drug reservoir lumen in which a drug formulation is housed. The device also includes a buoyancy retention portion, which includes a volume of entrapped air or a gas-generating or effervescent powder which will generate a volume of entrapped air following contact with urine in the bladder. The buoyancy retention portion may include a water permeable and/or biodegradable wall, which can release the entrapped air following drug release, to cause the device to sink into the bladder neck to facilitate device expulsion without the need for a device retrieval medical procedure.

Abstract: Example kits of parts, apparatus and methods for liposuction and lipofilling of adipose tissue are disclosed. An example kit includes an extraction unit comprising a liposuction device having a cannula coupled to a handpiece, which imparts movement to an inlet end of the cannula. The example kit includes a separation unit, a re-injection unit, a vacuum pump, a re-injection pump, and tubing for connecting the elements of the kit of parts to form an apparatus for liposuction and lipofilling of adipose tissue. The example handpiece imparts to the inlet end of the cannula a vibrational movement comprising a first, linear component and a second, orbital component. The example kit also includes a three-way valve having an aspiration position to bring a retentate volume of the separation unit in communication with the re-injection pump, and an injection position to bring the re-injection pump in communication with the lipofilling device.

Abstract: A wearable therapeutic device that includes a garment configured to contain an external defibrillator. The garment is configured to house at least one of an alarm module and a monitor and to house a first therapy electrode and a second therapy electrode. The garment is also configured to releasably receive a receptacle that contains a conductive fluid proximate to at least one of the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode, and to electrically couple the receptacle with the garment.

Abstract: Electrode systems have been developed for use in perfusion systems to measure the electrical activity of an explanted heart and to provide defibrillation energy as necessary. The perfusion systems maintain the heart in a beating state at, or near, normal physiological conditions; circulating oxygenated, nutrient enriched perfusion fluid to the heart at or near physiological temperature, pressure and flow rate. These systems include a pair of electrodes that are placed epicardially on the right atrium and left ventricle of the explanted heart, as well as an electrode placed in the aortic blood path.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping a brain electrode extending through a burr hole formed in a skull of a patient. The clamp includes a first retainer element having a flange extending around an outer end for engaging an outer table of the skull and a jaw extending across the inner end. The clamp includes a second retainer element shaped complementarily to the first retainer element. The second retainer element has a flange extending around an outer end for engaging the outer table of the skull and a jaw extending across the inner end for cooperating with the jaw of the first retainer to clamp the electrode. The clamp has a cap for maintaining the jaws of the first and second retainer elements in cooperation to clamp the electrode adjacent an inner table of the skull. The cap includes an opening for receiving the electrode to hold the electrode against movement.

Abstract: An implantable lead may have a distal assembly including a coupler, a terminal pin and a conductive member rotatably secured to both the coupler and the terminal pin. The conductive member may be a fine-wire, multiple-filar coil. The conductive member may be welded to the coupler and/or the terminal pin by welding through banded portions formed within the distal and proximal ends, respectively, of the conductive member.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system includes a first implantable medical device configured to monitor a patient's heart rhythm and provide therapy if appropriate, and a second implantable medical device that is configured to monitor the patient's heart rhythm and provide therapy if appropriate. The first implantable medical device is configured to detect a magnetic field indicative of an MRI machine and, upon detecting a magnetic field indicative of an MRI machine, is further configured to communicate the presence of the magnetic field indicative of the MRI machine to the second implantable medical device. The second implantable medical device may then enter an MRI-safe mode.

Abstract: Several needle assemblies and intracellular delivery devices that are used for the delivery of prophylactic and/or therapeutic material (i.e., delivered agents) into a tissue of a subject are disclosed. Preferably, the needle assemblies and/or the intracellular delivery devices comprise needles and/or needle electrodes, which are disposed in an array (e.g., a Y-type array having three outer needles and a center needle), wherein each needle in the array has a closed end and a plurality of apertures along each needle barrel, and the apertures on the needle barrels of the outer needles of the array are positioned to deliver the delivered agent toward the apertures of the center needle and/or an adjacent needle, but not outside of the active zone defined by the area within the needle array and the apertures on the needle barrel of the center needle are positioned to deliver the delivered agent toward the outer needles.

Abstract: An electromedical implantable or externally applicable device allows healing processes to be excited in diseased organs. The device comprises a programmable generator and receiver unit (3) which generates and receives electrical microcurrents and electromagnetic power and is connected in a conducting manner to electrodes (4, 5), a telemetry unit (6) that is integrated into the generator and receiver unit (3) and is provided with a transmitter and a receiver for exchanging data with extracorporeal devices, and a power supply unit (7).

Abstract: A muscle supporter includes a sheet member that is to be closely attached to skin covering a muscle, a muscle strength condition detector, a muscle contraction timing detector, and a muscle assist movement provider. The muscle strength condition detector disposed on the sheet member detects information related to muscle strength condition of the muscle. The muscle contraction timing detector disposed on the sheet member, in operation, detects a muscle contraction timing of the muscle. The muscle assist movement provider disposed on the sheet member, in operation, assists the muscle to contract in response to the detected information and the detected muscle contraction timing.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising (1) a breathing sensor, configured to detect a breathing-related factor of a subject; (2) at least a first electrode configured to be placed in a vicinity of a respective first hypoglossal nerve, and to be driven, in response to the detected breathing-related factor, to apply a first electrical current to the first hypoglossal nerve; (3) at least a second electrode configured to be placed in a vicinity of a respective second hypoglossal nerve, and to be driven, in response to the detected breathing-related factor, to apply a second electrical current to the second hypoglossal nerve; and (4) circuitry configured to, in response to a detected symmetry-related factor indicative of a degree of symmetry of the subject, configure at least one current selected from the group consisting of: the first current and the second current. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: According to various method embodiments, a person is indicated for a therapy to treat a cardiovascular disease, and the therapy is delivered to the person to treat the cardiovascular disease. Delivering the therapy includes delivering a vagal stimulation therapy (VST) to a vagus nerve of the person at a therapeutically-effective intensity for the cardiovascular disease that is below an upper boundary at which upper boundary the VST would lower an intrinsic heart rate during the VST.

Abstract: A therapeutic window for at least one electrode of a medical system may be determined based on a volume of tissue expected to be activated (“VTA”) by electrical stimulation delivered by the at least one electrode. In some examples, a processor determines the therapeutic window for a particular electrode by at least determining an efficacy threshold based on the VTA expected to result from the delivery of electrical stimulation according to a set of electrical stimulation parameter values including the stimulation parameter at the efficacy threshold, and determining an adverse-effects threshold based on the VTA expected to result from the delivery of electrical stimulation according to a set of electrical stimulation parameter values including the stimulation parameter at the adverse-effects threshold.

Abstract: An implantable baroreflex activation device administers a special electrotherapy program that causes the device to apply electrotherapy to limit a rate of change of blood pressure increase associated with a blood pressure surge event such as a morning blood pressure surge (MBPS).

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods, systems, and computer program products for coordinating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular hemodynamics. In some embodiments, a heart pacing signal causes heart contractions to occur with an essentially constant time relationship with respect to rhythmic musculoskeletal activity. In other embodiments, prompts (e.g., audio, graphical, etc.) are provided to a user to assist them in timing of their rhythmic musculoskeletal activity relative to timing of their cardiovascular cycle. In further embodiments, accurately indicating a heart condition during a cardiac stress test is increased.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing CRT therapy to a patient with an implanted multi-site pacing medical device. In one example, an intrinsic electrical delay associated with each of two or more left ventricle electrodes may be determined. The intrinsic electrical delay associated with each of the two or more left ventricle electrodes may be compared to an electrical delay threshold. If the electrical delay associated with one or fewer left ventricle electrodes is greater than the electrical delay threshold, a single left ventricle electrode may be selected for use during subsequent CRT therapy. If the electrical delay associated with more than one left ventricle electrode is greater than the electrical delay threshold, two or more of the left ventricle electrodes may be selected for use during subsequent CRT therapy.

Abstract: Various implantable device embodiments may comprise a neural stimulator configured to deliver a neurostimulation therapy with stimulation ON times and stimulation OFF times where a dose of the neurostimulation therapy is provided by a number of neurostimulation pulses over a period of time. The neural stimulator may be configured to monitor the dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy against dosing parameters. The neural stimulator may be configured to declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to both record data fir the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy and declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing communications between an external device and first and second leadless pacemakers (LPs) located in a heart are provided. A method includes receiving first and second event messages from the first and second LPs, the first and second event messages received at different points in time at the external device, determining the signal strengths of the first and second event messages, respectively, as received at the external device, adjusting first and second LP discrimination thresholds based on the received signal strengths of the first and second event messages, respectively, and utilizing the first and second LP discrimination thresholds to identify which of the first and second LP transmits subsequent event messages, in order for the external device to independently communicate with the first and second LPs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabrication an implantable lead for providing electrical pulses to tissue of a patient, the method comprises: (i) providing a sheath of transparent insulative material, wherein the sheath comprises a plurality of lumens; (ii) scanning across the sheath with a confocal displacement meter to generate displacement data; (iii) processing the displacement data, in software executed on a computer system, to generate a representation of an exterior surface and lumens of the sheath; (iv) automatically selecting locations, in software executed on a computer system, on the exterior surface of application of laser pulses to create apertures in the sheath that provide access to respective lumens of the sheath; and (v) applying laser pulses according to the sheath to create the apertures.

Abstract: An implantable medical device including a first generator. The first generator includes a first power source coupled to a first controller. The first header is removably coupled to the first generator and includes a first lead configuration. The device includes a first lead with a lead body having first terminals and at least one electrode on an end opposite the first terminals. The first terminals are removably received and secured by the first lead configuration of the first header and configured to communicate with the first generator.

Abstract: Methods and devices for stimulating nerves are disclosed. In one embodiment adapted for stimulating excitable tissue, the invention includes drive circuitry, an acoustic transducer and a pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A defibrillator system optimizes the timing and manner of applying a defibrillator charge to a patient based upon data provided to the defibrillator from a utility module or one or more external devices. A parameter module on the utility module provides the defibrillator with patient parameter information. Devices external to the utility module may provide the utility module with coaching data that the utility module may pass through to the defibrillator as a proxy to the external devices. The utility module may also provide external devices with patient data that the utility module may pass through to the external devices as a proxy to the defibrillator on a scheduled or other basis. The utility module may additionally provide a reserve of power to enable defibrillators to be used where power is unavailable and to enable defibrillators to deliver multiple charges more readily anywhere, anytime.

Abstract: An ultra-low frequency magnetic stimulating device comprises a control module for generating a stimulating signal with a frequency lower than 20 Hz, an electric level shifting and converting circuit for shifting the electric level of the stimulating signal to form an AC stimulating signal, and an output module for power amplifying the AC stimulating signal and generating an electric current, an electric field or a magnetic field. The output of the ultra-low frequency magnetic stimulating device is a non-pulsed ultra-low frequency (lower than 20 Hz) current, an electric field or a magnetic field. The output current can be used for electrotherapy when being output to an electrode, or for magnetotherapy when being output to a coil, so as to cure or release diseases related to human brains.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved light emitting toothbrush having an angular head removably secured to a base, wherein said base includes an operator for operating the light emitting toothbrush and an electronic power supply for powering said light emitting toothbrush, said angular head adapted for use with a radiation responsive paste applied to a tooth surface for simultaneous removal of bacteria and whitening of the tooth surface a plurality of fiber optic bristles extending from a front brush face of the angular head and in optical communication with a light emitter, said plurality of fiber optic bristles being generally adapted for conducting the emitted radiation from said light emitter towards the tooth surface.

Abstract: A gantry wheel adjustment system and method to adjust a gantry wheel of a proton treatment system, including an estimation unit to estimate a bearing adjustment value for each of the adjustable bearings based on a stiffness parameter of each adjustable bearing, the stiffness parameter being a function of a force applied at each adjustable bearing and a deflection of the gantry wheel associated with the force applied at each adjustable bearing, the bearing adjustment value corresponding to a nominal position value for each adjustable bearing to compensate for gantry wheel flexing when the gantry wheel is rotated from a first angular position to a second angular position, the adjustable bearings being configured to support the gantry wheel on the bearing surface and maintain the proton beam at the isocenter of the gantry wheel during gantry wheel rotation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for initiating stroke treatment “in the field” and/or during the transport of the patient to a care facility. The capability is provided to adjust automatically to the individual “therapeutic window” for each single patient, which is crucial because of the significant differences in skull morphology between humans of different age, gender and race. Further, the methods and apparatuses are based on the use of non-invasive application of ultrasound, as well as the non-invasive application of ultrasound in combination with an acoustically active agent, such as microbubbles, where stable cavitation of the microbubbles caused by the ultrasound may be relied upon as an underlying mechanism for both the therapeutic application as well as its control.

Abstract: A method of diagnosis and treatment of tumors using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is provided. The method of diagnosing the presence of a tumor in a patient comprises the steps of subjecting a tumor to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to cause the tumor cells to release cellular material and evaluating the cellular material for a tumor marker. The method of treating a tumor in a patient can also comprise the step of subjecting a tumor to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to provoke an immune response.

Abstract: A solid exfoliating composition includes a surfactant, sodium bicarbonate, cream of tartar, and a granular exfoliant.

Abstract: This invention provides an effervescent solid form that dissolves in cold water quickly enough to not disappoint consumers yet not so quickly that the visual interest generated during the effervescent reaction is lost. This performance is achieved by forming effervescent particles that are dense enough to retard dissolution and small enough to not take too long to dissolve. The aim of this invention is to provide a beverage in solid effervescent form that takes between about 30 and about 120 seconds to dissolve in warm water. The granules may carry functional additives such as flavors, vitamins, minerals, sweeteners, colors and drugs. The granules may also be compounded of materials intended to provide relief from skin or topical discomfort, as in the form of a wash or bath additive. The granules may also be formulated to provide cleaning agents, such as ceramic cleaners and denture cleaners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminate, comprising at least one first textile layer and a second textile layer, wherein the first textile layer or the second textile layer comprises at least one thermally resistant fiber, also comprising at least one barrier layer which is arranged between the first textile layer and the second textile layer and is connected to the respective first textile layer and the respective second textile layer. The first textile layer is designed in the form of a single-bed knitted fabric or double-bed knitted fabric having tuck loops and the second textile layer is designed in the form of a double-bed knitted fabric having no tuck loops. The invention also relates to protective clothing comprising such a laminate.

Abstract: A knit fabric is provided having a fabric weight of no more than 20 OPSY (ounces per square yard) prepared from a combination of yarns of a fire-resistant rayon yarn, and an aramid yarn; wherein the knit fabric provides a V50 value of at least 600 fps, measured in accordance with MIL-STD-3207, and particularly provides flame resistance properties, antimicrobial properties, high air permeability, and high water vapor transmission, and a garment formed therefrom.

Abstract: A facemask assembly includes one or more airflow vents in a lower front section of the mask as well as within the nasal area. The airflow vent allow for the outflow of exhaled heat and CO2. The airflow vents can be configured to direct inward airflow to strike an interior air filter. In some embodiments the airflow strikes the air filter at an oblique angle. The particulate capturing air filter can be replaceable. In some embodiments the air filter contains biocidal elements. In some embodiments the internal filter design enhances the capture of exhaled H2O which activates silver ions in the filter material creating a biocidal environment. In some embodiments, the facemask has two snap-in zones—one below the nose and one under the chin that can accommodate a wide variety of straps/tubing/O-ring stock and be secured behind the head via tying or various cord locks.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a fall-protection safety harness having breathable padding structures located at harness pressure points, including dorsal and shoulder regions, the lumbar region, and leg regions. The padding structures may be constructed to provide air-flow both through and around comfort pads. To provide air-flow through the comfort pads, the padding structures may be made of a sandwich of breathable materials. For example, the padding structures may be made by sandwiching reticulated foam pads between mesh fabric materials. The foam pads may be captured by the two mesh fabrics by a circumferential stitching. Circumferential stitching may permit the reticulated foam to retain its uncompressed form which may facilitate airflow therethrough. Separate and symmetric pads may be located on both sides of a wearer's spine, both at the lumbar region and at the dorsal region of the back, permitting airflow between pads and along the wearer's spine.

Abstract: A system or method that has an air distribution system configured to provide nitrogen into a room to reduce an oxygen concentration level within the room below a desired oxygen concentration level such that the atmosphere in the room fails to provide sufficient oxygen to sustain combustion.

Abstract: A portable fire extinguisher includes a housing (3) and a cartridge (4) arranged within the housing (3). The cartridge (4) is fixedly connected at a bottom thereof to the housing (3) via a fastening device (40). This on the one hand facilitates shifting, and on the other hand allows the cartridge (4) to be fixed appropriately in the housing (3), thus not easily rotated or loosened, also, the need of a production site for waiting for silicone solidification by standing for seven to eight hours is avoided when silicone injection for fixing is used, thus improving production efficiency.

Abstract: A pump module mountable to a chassis of a fire truck includes a pump assembly having a water pump and plumbing connected to the water pump. A lower housing defines an enclosure that includes opposed exterior panels, opposed interior panels and a top opening defined by an upper perimeter. At least one of the exterior panels maintains a fluid connection to the plumbing of the pump assembly. At least one of the interior panels includes an interior opening to accommodate the chassis and a connection between the water pump and an engine. An upper housing defines a lower perimeter that can be positioned with respect to the upper perimeter of the lower housing. The upper housing transitions between a first, operating position wherein the lower perimeter engages the upper perimeter, and a second, open position wherein the lower perimeter is spaced apart from the upper perimeter.

Abstract: A device for mounting a fire extinguisher into a ceiling is disclosed. The device incorporates a cutting mechanism to cut an installation hole into an existing ceiling. The device also incorporates tabs for retaining the device in the ceiling and securing a retaining collar to retain the fire extinguisher in the device.

Abstract: A sprinkler assembly including a fluid deflecting structure including a plurality of spaced apart tines defining a plurality of slots. The tines include a first pair of symmetric tines and a second pair of symmetric tines disposed orthogonally to the first pair of symmetric tines. The tines includes outer edges of varying configuration to define tine and slot geometries and patterns.

Abstract: A gas fire-extinguishing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is configured such that a silencer is disposed on an ejection head which ejects fire-extinguishing gas supplied from a fire-extinguishing gas supply source via a conduit pipe, a diverging pipe and a branch pipe. The configuration suppresses ejection sound caused by an ejection flow of the fire-extinguishing gas.

Abstract: A boat including a frame and a diving board mounted to the frame. The diving board includes a base and a board coupled to the base at a pivot location. The board extends from the pivot location to a distal end. An axial spring is interconnected between the base and the board for cancelling out forces which are imparted by a user jumping on the board at the distal end.

Abstract: A self-standing weighted pole system for providing convenient stabilization and additional weight for an exerciser. The self-standing weighted pole system generally includes an elongated pole having a lower end and an upper end, and a base attached to the lower end of the pole. The base includes an outer end that is broader than the pole to support the pole in a substantially vertically orientated self-standing manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a body-building power generation apparatus and a method of generating power using the power generation apparatus, comprising at least one fitness device, an energy storage device connected with the fitness device for transforming and storing the kinetic energy transmitted from the fitness device, wherein the energy stored in the energy storage device can be transformed into kinetic energy and outputted by an output mechanism connected with the energy storage device, a speed changing mechanism, receiving the kinetic energy from the output mechanism and outputting said kinetic energy after adjusting it, and a generator connected to the speed changing mechanism for transforming the adjusted kinetic energy into electric energy.

Abstract: A whole body exercise device comprises an upper body exercise part which comprises an upper body support which supports the upper human body, a mat fixing plate which is disposed at an upper surface of the upper body support, a link which is disposed at one side of a lower surface of the upper body support, a rotary shaft which is disposed at the lower surface of the upper body support for a seesaw motion, a crank cam rod which is disposed between the link and a driven shaft pulley, a main shaft pulley which is connected to the driven shaft pulley by a power transmission part, and a driving shaft pulley which is connected by the power transmission part to the main shaft pulley and a motor; and a waist and hip exercise part which comprises a hip support which supports a hip, a height adjustment cylinder which is connected to a lower end of the hip support, a guide, a rail, a power transmission motor for the parallel movement, a reciprocating rotation crank rod, a cam whose one end is connected to the reciproca