Abstract: A tunneling system for use with a catheter includes an elongate tunneling member defining a longitudinal axis along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The elongate member has a first end and a second end. The tunneling system further includes a connector configured for releasably engaging the second end of the elongate tunneling member to the catheter.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for controlling the flow of fluid from wounds are disclosed herein. The medical device can have an adhesive pad defining a catheter-receiving opening, a flexible elongate tensioner, and a tensioner retainer. The tensioner retainer is configured to hold the flexible elongate tensioner such that the adhesive pad applies sufficient pressure to a subject's skin to press the subject's tissue toward a catheter when the catheter is positioned in the catheter-receiving opening and the adhesive pad is adhered to the subject's skin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter apparatus for cranial cavities which exhibits the advantage of a conventional catheter structure in that a medicine and a bodily fluid are transferred along different paths, uniformizes the outer diameter of a catheter to easily use stereotactic equipment, and facilitates tunneling of the rear end of the catheter in a bypass space between the skull and the skin, so as to allow an operation to be simply and easily performed and thus to increase safety in operation. The catheter apparatus is advantageous in that no protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the catheter and thus the end of the catheter may be easily and accurately located in a cerebral ventricle using the stereotactic equipment, the catheter may be easily bent through the bypass space, and the rear end of the catheter may be easily exposed to the outside through a perforated part.

Abstract: A shieldable needle device includes a hub with and a needle cannula having a puncture tip extending from a forward end thereof, and a shield member in telescoping association with the hub. At least one of the hub and the shield member are adapted for relative axial movement with respect to the other between a first position in which the puncture tip of the needle cannula is exposed from a forward end of the shield member and a second position in which the puncture tip of the needle cannula is encompassed within the shield member. A drive member extends between the hub and the shield member, biasing the hub and the shield member axially away from each other. A packaging cover may further extend about the needle cannula, applying external pressure between the cooperating portions of the hub and the shield.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to multi-segment intraluminal guide wires including an elongate distal portion comprising a first metallic material (e.g., nitinol), an elongate proximal portion comprising a second metallic material (e.g., stainless steel). The distal and proximal portions may be directly joined together end to end by a solid-state weld joint. A diameter of the weld region surrounding the weld joint on either side of the weld joint may be reduced (e.g., ground down) relative to the diameter of the distal and proximal portions of the guide wire on either side of the weld region. A stiffness adjusting sleeve may be disposed over the weld joint so that a transition profile of bending stiffness across the weld region is gradual, rather than abrupt across the distal portion of the guide wire to the proximal portion of the guide wire. A polymer jacket may cover the sleeve and distal portion.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire having a polymer jacket applied over communication lines and a core member, where the communication lines have been wrapped around the core member. For example, in some implementations a sensing guide wire includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including: a core member; a plurality of communication lines wrapped around the core member; a polymer jacket formed around the core member and the plurality of communication lines; and a sensing element positioned distal of the polymer jacket and communicatively coupled to the plurality of communication lines. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for treating hydrocephalus using a shunt, the shunt having one or more CSF intake openings in a distal portion, a valve disposed in a proximal portion of the shunt, and a lumen extending between the one or more CSF intake openings and the valve, the method comprises deploying the shunt in a body of a patient so that the distal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within a CP angle cistern, a body of the shunt is at least partially disposed within an IPS of the patient, and the proximal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within or proximate to a JV of the patient, wherein, after deployment of the shunt, CSF flows from the CP angle cistern to the JV via the shunt lumen at a flow rate in a range of 5 ml per hour to 15 ml per hour.

Abstract: Methods for treating hydrocephalus using a shunt, the shunt having one or more CSF intake openings in a distal portion, a valve disposed in a proximal portion of the shunt, and a lumen extending between the one or more CSF intake openings and the valve, the method comprises deploying the shunt in a body of a patient so that the distal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within a CP angle cistern, a body of the shunt is at least partially disposed within an IPS of the patient, and the proximal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within or proximate to a JV of the patient, wherein, after deployment of the shunt, CSF flows from the CP angle cistern to the JV via the shunt lumen at a flow rate in a range of 5 ml per hour to 15 ml per hour.

Abstract: A biological sampling platform includes a substrate and a first through hole disposed in the substrate to receive a first sample and to provide the first sample to a biological system in response to the biological sampling platform being disposed in the biological system, the substrate being cleavable to provide a discrete layer having a thickness effective for analysis of the discreet layer by transmission microscopy. A process for collecting a biological sample includes disposing a first through hole in a substrate; disposing a first sample in the first through hole to form a biological sampling platform; disposing the biological sampling platform in a biological system; providing the first sample to the biological system in response to the biological sampling platform being disposed in the biological system; and receiving a first biological sample from the biological system in the first through hole to collect the first biological sample.

Abstract: A system (10) for combined vacuum and instillation treatment of wounds on the human or animal body. The system (10) has a vacuum unit (14) with a housing (18) of a first housing type and an instillation unit (30, 30a, 30b) with a housing (34, 34a 34b) of a second housing type. The housing (34, 34a, 34b) of the second housing type has an openable and closable cover (46, 46a, 46b) through which a conduit passage area (42) is accessible. The housing (18) of the first housing type has a first securing mechanism (50) which can be connected to a second securing mechanism (52, 52a, 52b) of the housing (34, 34a, 34b) of the second housing type with a form fit, a snap fit, a latching fit, a fit engaging behind with a form fit or with a clamping fit.

Abstract: An implement for applying a volume of liquid to a treatment surface includes a support onto which is mounted a receptacle. The receptacle defines a reservoir space which receives the liquid. The receptacle includes a wall having a working surface that is used to spread the liquid over the treatment surface. The wall is resiliently deformable such that in use the working surface maintains contact with the treatment surface when spreading the liquid. The implement is used in applying a transdermal lotion to the axilla area of a user. A system for transdermal administration of a physiological active agent from a liquid composition and a method of conducting the same are also provided.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery system including a first passive portion containing a substance for delivery in a reservoir and a second active portion that includes an ultrasonic source. The ultrasonic source includes piezoelectric element(s) that receive electrical stimulation and move radially. A support member fixed to one side of the piezoelectric element(s) restricts movement at that side, so the opposite side expands and contracts. A fulcrum attached to the support member opposite of the piezoelectric element(s) provides an anchor point about which the piezoelectric element(s) bends and flexes upon electrical stimulation. This provides a low ultrasound frequency with a smaller sized transducer than previously known. The active portion is applied to provide electrical stimulation for a certain length of time and removed, whereas the passive portion may remain for a longer duration. A feedback loop also monitors and adjusts the electrical stimulation to maintain a uniform or constant resonance frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) for delivering pharmaceutical active ingredients. The TTS includes a cover layer and at least one active-ingredient-containing carrier material. At least one retaining element is located between the active-ingredient-containing carrier material and the cover layer, with the retaining element fixing the active-ingredient-containing carrier material onto the cover layer. The invention further relates to a method for fastening an active-ingredient-containing carrier material to a cover layer of a TTS in the presence of hook-and-loop strip segments and the use of a hook-and-loop strip in transdermal or iontophoretic administration of pharmaceutical or therapeutic active ingredients to patients.

Abstract: A wound care dressing is provided, including a hydrophobic base fabric, a plurality of electrode pairs, a plurality of hydrogel layers, and a waterproof thin film. The hydrophobic base fabric has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The electrode pairs are arranged in an array and disposed on the first surface of the hydrophobic base fabric. The hydrogel layers are not in contact with one other, and each hydrogel layer covers a top surface and side walls of each electrode in the electrode pairs. After the hydrogel layers are in contact with a wound and absorb tissue fluid from the wound, the hydrogel layers form a restrictive electronic cycling channel with the electrode pairs to establish a plurality of bioelectric fields promoting wound healing on a surface of the wound. The waterproof thin film is disposed on the second surface of the hydrophobic base fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses, methods, and systems for simulating low and/or high intensity exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise mimetic device for simulating low and/or high intensity exercise using low intensity electrical stimulation to generate low intensity muscle contractions such as a wearable garment that preferably imitates exercise by eliciting low grade muscle contractions in several of the larger skeletal muscle groups in the body. The apparatus of various embodiments of the present invention is a neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) device/garment with a control unit that is wirelessly connected to and controls a stimulator unit that generates and transmits a low intensity electrical stimulation within certain unique parameters.

Abstract: A medical glove for electrical stimulation provides electrodes, supplying low voltage electric current for the purpose of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for patients with chronic pain in their hands, or Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to assist stroke patients in regaining motor skills. The glove is battery-powered, fits tightly on the user's hand, and is preferably manufactured from nylon fabric.

Abstract: An implantable curved shaping part for externally shaping an implantable electrode line or a catheter, wherein the shaping part has a continuous first lumen to allow a portion of the electrode line or of the catheter to pass through, wherein the shaping part has an extruded tube formed from two materials, each coextruded over a predetermined wall segment, having different shrinkage behavior or has a portion of an extruded spiral tube, wherein one of the coextruded materials or the material of the spiral tube has a high Shore hardness, in particular, of 60 Shore or more.

Abstract: Example implantable cardiac electrotherapy leads are disclosed herein. In an example, a lead may include a plurality of cable conductors within an insulating jacket. A first one and a second one of the conductors include a proximal end at a proximal end of the jacket, the second conductor extends to at least the distal end of the jacket, and the first conductor includes a distal end at an intermediate location between the proximal end and the distal end of the jacket. The lead may also include a crimp connector connected to the first one of the cable conductors at the intermediate location, as well as a conductive element that may be connected to the crimp connector. A number of conductors along the proximal portion of the jacket may be greater than a number of conductors along at least a segment of the distal portion of the jacket.

Abstract: A fixation tool for applying torque to a terminal pin of an active fixation medical electrical lead includes a first handle, a second handle, an elastic member, a first jaw, a second jaw, and an insert. The insert is disposed at an end of the tool slot proximal to the elastic member. The insert includes an insert slot configured to align with the tool slot. The fixation tool is configured such that pressing the first handle and the second handle toward each other causes a movement of the first jaw and the second jaw relative to each other to change a width of the insert slot. The first jaw and the second jaw are comprised of a first material. The insert is comprised of a second material. The first material is harder than the second material.

Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient implanted with an array of electrodes is provided. A train of electrical stimulation pulses is conveyed within a stimulation timing channel between a group of the electrodes to stimulate neural tissue, thereby providing continuous therapy to the patient. Electrical parameter is sensed within a sensing timing channel using at least one of the electrodes, wherein the first stimulation timing channel and sensing timing channel are coordinated, such that the electrical parameter is sensed during the conveyance of the pulse train within time slots that do not temporally overlap any active phase of the stimulation pulses.

Abstract: Neuroprosthetic device for restoring daily-life action movements of upper limbs in patients suffering from motor impairments. The neuroprosthetic device comprises several non-invasive electrodes adapted to be fixed on a patient body, in a way as to stimulate at least two separate muscles which participate to the movement execution of the upper limb, an electrical stimulation device for injecting electrical current into said electrodes and a controller unit for regulating said currents through said electrodes. The neuroprosthetic device is characterized by the fact that the controller unit comprises transducing means which are adapted to convert an input current. The input current is regulated according to the intention to execute a movement, into a plurality of electrical currents defined in a way as to generate and modulate the movement execution, in order to generate complex goal-oriented movements for performing daily-living activities.

Abstract: A system and method for treating anorectal and/or genitourinary dysfunction includes implanting, in a minimally invasive manner, an electro-medical device for stimulation of two or more anatomical or histological structures of the anorectal region and/or genitourinary region. Electrodes operably connected to the device are positioned proximate the target anatomical or histological structures. The device provides either the same or different stimulation algorithms to each anatomical or histological structure, which may be the same or different. The varied stimulation parameters, such as pulse width, pulse amplitude, and pulse frequency, are defined such that after an application of the electrical pulses, an abdominal leak pressure, an abdominal leak volume, or a urine volume increases or a number of incontinent episodes or a mean incontinence volume per episode decreases relative to said parameters prior to the application of the electrical pulses.

Abstract: An external medical device includes at least one therapy electrode configured to be disposed on a patient; and a treatment manager configured to execute a baseline process to determine at least one of a range of values for a discomfort parameter and a patient discomfort threshold value corresponding to the at least one pacing routine, detect a cardiac condition of the patient, execute the at least one pacing routine, the at least one pacing routine being associated with the cardiac condition, monitor the discomfort parameter during execution of the at least one pacing routine, determine whether the discomfort parameter transgresses the at least one of the range of values and the patient discomfort threshold value, and adjust at least one characteristic of the at least one pacing routine upon the discomfort parameter transgressing the at least one of the range of values and the patient discomfort threshold value.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a device operates by comparative morphological analysis of depolarization signals collected in spontaneous rhythm on separate respective channels, with two temporal components combined into a single 2D parametric VGM vectogram characteristic. Similarity quantification methods evaluate a variation over time of a descriptor parameter of a current VGM compared to a stored previous reference VGM. This variation is compared with predetermined thresholds to diagnose an occurrence of remodeling or reverse remodeling in a patient, and/or to detect a lead failure or an occurrence of ischemia. The descriptor parameter is a function of a velocity vector of the VGM, a comparison relating to a correlation coefficient between respective magnitudes of a current VGM velocity vector and of a reference VGM velocity vector, and an average angle between these respective velocity vectors.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. Fitting a visual prosthesis through automated means is challenging and fitting a visual prosthesis manually is tedious for clinician and patent, and provides great opportunity for error. A hybrid of computer controlled and manual fitting provides effective, efficient and controlled fitting process. The process includes testing a group of electrodes in random order by providing a prompt followed by stimulation and the patient responding if they saw a percept. After each set, a maximum likelihood algorithm is used to determine the next stimulation level, or if further stimulation is needed for each electrode.

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 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a medical device to provide neurostimulation therapy to a patient's brain. The device can be surgically implanted and can remain in the patient until end of life. The present disclosure also describes accessories which guide the implantation of the device, and the components that form a leadless stimulator implantation kit.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems for delivering and adjusting stimulation therapy. In one example, a system may include a stimulation generator configured to delivery electrical stimulation therapy to tissue of a patient in accordance with a stimulation therapy program. The stimulation therapy program may include a set of stimulation therapy parameters. The system may include at least one sensor configured to detect a signal including an evoked compound muscle action potential (eCMAP) in response to the application of stimulation according to the stimulation therapy program. The system may also include a processor configured to adjust one or more or the stimulation therapy parameters based on the detected signal that includes the eCMAP.

Abstract: A system embodiment for stimulating a neural target comprises a neural stimulator, a pace detector, and a controller. The neural stimulator is electrically connected to at least one electrode, and is configured to deliver a neural stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to stimulate the neural target. The pace detector is configured to use at least one electrode to sense cardiac activity and distinguish paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity from non-paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity. The controller is configured to control a programmed neural stimulation therapy using the neural stimulator and using detected paced cardiac activity as an input for the neural stimulation therapy.

Abstract: A therapy system for applying an electrical signal to an internal anatomical feature of a patient includes an implantable component and an external component. The medical device can be checked for safety issues by periodically initiating a sequence of tests of an H-bridge circuit, and, during each test, monitoring a current flow through a sensing resistor electrically connected between a sensing connection of the H-bridge circuit and a ground. Current flow through the sensing resistor indicates that both series electrical switches within at least one of the two pairs of series electrical switches are active during that test.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides neurostimulation systems and methods. A neurostimulation system includes at least one anode, at least one cathode, the at least one anode and the at least one cathode configured to apply electrical stimulation to a patient, and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one anode and the at least one cathode, the controller configured to determine when one of the at least one anode and the at least one cathode fails, measure, in response to the determination, a quantity indicative of a charge density of the applied electrical stimulation, compare the measured quantity to a predetermined limit, and perform at least one action when the measured quantity exceeds the predetermined limit.

Abstract: An electrical neuromodulation system and method of treating an ailment of a patient using a neuromodulation device. Electrical modulation energy is delivered at a first frequency from the neuromodulation device to a first set of electrodes having a first combined electrode impedance. A second set of electrodes having a second combined electrode impedance less than the first combined electrode impedance is automatically selected. The electrical modulation energy is delivered at a second frequency to the second set of electrodes, wherein the second frequency is greater than the first frequency.

Abstract: Some embodiments of devices and methods described herein may, among other uses, favorably cause the activation and/or deactivation vascular baroreceptors in order to achieve a desired impact on physiological condition, including but not limited to baroreflex-regulated conditions, hypertension, hypotension, nervous system disorders, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, renal disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and insulin resistance. The devices and methods may be used in concert with each other and/or other treatments, medications, interventions, or behavioral regimens, and they may also be used in concert with devices and methods that perform or assist with any combination of the following: assessing or measuring a mammal's blood pressure; assessing, measuring, or predicting the impact of the described methods and devices on the patient's condition (including blood pressure); and/or protecting the surrounding anatomy from adverse effects.

Abstract: An implantable curved shaping part for externally shaping an implantable electrode line or a catheter, wherein the shaping part has a continuous first lumen to allow a portion of the electrode line or of the catheter to pass through, wherein the shaping part is formed as an injection molded part or has at least one injection molded portion, and an elongated, rigid yet flexible bend impression element is fixed within the wall or to the inner wall.

Abstract: Designs and methods of construction for an implantable medical device employ an internal support structure. The single-piece support structure holds various electronic components such as a communication coil and a circuit board, and further is affixed to a battery, thus providing a subassembly that is mechanically robust. The support structure further provides electrical isolation between these and other components. A method of construction allows for the subassembly to be adhered to a case of the implantable medical device at the support structure, and possibly also at the battery, without electrically shorting the battery to the case.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides advantageous optical conduit assemblies (e.g., biocompatible and implantable optical conduit assemblies), and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous optical conduit assemblies (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane (“PDMS”)-based optical conduit assemblies) configured to power implantable devices (e.g., neural micro-stimulators or deep brain stimulators or the like) or to be used in optogenetic stimulation. In general, the exemplary optical conduit assemblies can be used for applications where energy needs to be transmitted to deep locations inside the body or brain without using electrical wires. Therefore, implantable devices that need to be powered (e.g., neural prosthetics) can be powered from an external light source using an optical conduit and an optical-to-electrical converter (e.g., a photodiode) attached to the end of the optical conduit on the inside.

Abstract: Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: One or more virtual objects are displayed on an electronic programmer. The virtual objects represent initiating and terminating a delivery of a medical therapy to a patient. An actuation of the one or more virtual objects is sensed. The delivery of the medical therapy is terminated immediately if the actuation of the one or more virtual objects corresponds to terminating the delivery of the medical therapy. The delivery of the medical therapy is initiated in a delayed manner if the actuation of the one or more virtual objects corresponds to starting the delivery of the medical therapy. A battery level of the electronic programmer is monitored. At least one of the following tasks is performed if the battery level is lower than a target battery level: disallowing programming of the electronic programmer; terminating the delivery of an existing medical therapy; and precluding the delivery of a prospective medical therapy.

Abstract: A programmer is configured to effect communication with, and programming of, an implantable medical device configured to deliver neurostimulation therapy. The programmer comprises a display, such as touch screen display, and a processor comprising memory and coupled to the display. An interface is coupled to the processor and configured to receive therapy settings data indicative of current therapy settings operative in the implantable medical device and any modifications made to the therapy settings by a patient. The processor is configured to determine if one or more therapy settings have been modified since the last interaction with the patient, and coordinate displaying of the current therapy settings, the one or more therapy settings modified by the patient, and a previous state of the one or more therapy settings modified by the patient on the display.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for a universally adaptable module for defibrillator monitors are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device for caring for a patient includes a patient utility for measuring a patient parameter or administering a therapy to the patient and an alarm system that has a receiver to accept status information about the medical device. A use detector of the alarm system is structured to determine when the medical device is being prepared for use and a status detector of the alarm system is adapted to determine from the status information that the medical device is in a ready state. The alarm system further includes an alarm that is activated when the medical device is both being prepared for use and not in the ready state. This description also includes methods of generating an alarm when the medical device is both being prepared for use and not in the ready state.

Abstract: A wearable defibrillation system includes an output device and a motion sensor. The output device emits a sound or a vibration for the patient, who responds by deliberately tapping the system. The motion sensor registers the tapping, and interprets it as a reply from the patient. The reply can be that the patient is conscious, or convey data that the patient enters by tapping the right number of times, or that the patient wants attention, and so on. Since the patient does not need direct access to the wearable defibrillation system for tapping it, he or she can wear it under their other garments, which helps preserve their dignity and privacy.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate and a plurality of biological material stimulators positioned on the substrate. Each biological material stimulator forms a fluctuating magnetic field capable of inducing a current in biological material.

Abstract: The inventive technique includes a system, method and device for treating a patient. The device includes a magnetic device having a core created by a binder process having a relatively low temperature. The device further includes a conductor in electrical communication with the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to an UV radiation device, comprising an LED comprising a nitridic material which is arranged to emit first UV radiation in a wavelength range of 200 nm-300 nm and a luminescent material doped with at least one of the following activators selected out of the group Eu2+, Ce3+, Pr3+, Nd3+, Gd3+, Tm3+, Sb3+, Tl+, Pb2+ and Bi3+, wherein the luminescent material is configured to convert at least a part of the primary UV radiation into secondary UV radiation, the primary UV radiation and the secondary UV radiation having a different spectral distribution.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for increased vitamin D3 production during phototherapy treatments, in one embodiment, a phototherapeutic system can include an ultraviolet (UV) source directed toward an irradiation zone and a filter between the UV source and the irradiation zone. The UV source can be configured to deliver a predetermined energy ieve! during a phototherapy session. The filter can at least substantially remove UV radiation outside of a predetermined wavelength spectrum. The predetermined spectrum can have a bandwidth of at most 10 nm and can be focused at a wavelength corresponding to a maximum on a vitamin D3 phototherapy action spectrum for the predetermined energy level.

Abstract: In one example, a system electrically stimulates target cells of a living animal using an elongated structure, a modulation circuit and a light pathway such as provided by an optical fiber arrangement. The elongated structure is for insertion into a narrow passageway in the animal such that an end of the elongated structure is sufficiently near the target cells to deliver stimulation thereto. The modulation circuit is for modulating the target cells while the elongated structure is in the narrow passageway, where the modulation circuit is adapted to deliver viral vectors through the elongated structure for expressing light responsive proteins in the target cells. The light pathway is used for stimulating the target cells by delivering light to the light-responsive proteins in the target cells.

Abstract: An integrated radiopharmaceutical patient treatment system is disclosed including a patient support platform with an associated patient stimulus apparatus, an imager proximate the patient support platform, a radiopharmaceutical fluid delivery system for infusing a radiopharmaceutical fluid into a patient, a patient monitor to be associated with a patient, and an integrated system controller operably associated with the patient stimulus apparatus, imager, radiopharmaceutical fluid delivery system, and patient monitor to control and coordinate their operations. Within the patient treatment system the radiopharmaceutical fluid delivery system may be included comprising a radionuclide supply module, a radiopharmaceutical processing module, a quality control module, a patient injection module, and a controller. A hazardous fluid handling system including a docking station and a hazardous fluid transport device adapted to detachably dock with the docking station is further disclosed.

Abstract: A method for generating a radiotherapy treatment plan for a patient is provided. The treatment plan is optimized using an optimization objective which is at least partly based on an initially planned dose to the patient.