Abstract: Drainage systems for excess body fluids and associated methods are disclosed herein. A drainage system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, a drainage catheter, a first reference line, a second reference line, and a pressure sensor assembly. The catheter can include a flexible interface member and an inlet can be placed in fluid communication with a site of excess body fluid within a patient. A first flexible region of the first reference line can be in pressure communication with the flexible interface member, and a second flexible region of the second reference line can be in pressure communication with the surrounding atmosphere. The pressure sensor assembly can be spaced apart from the flexible regions, and measure the pressures of the first and second reference lines. This information can be used to determine the pressure at the site of excess body fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic orthodontic appliance, comprising: an actuation structure forming a hollow tube filled with a supersaturated solution; a dental aligner structure mounted on the actuation structure for fixing the actuation structure on teeth; and a pumping structure connected one end of the hollow tube, comprising a semipermeable device and a supporting structure. The osmotic orthodontic appliance of the present invention could provide steady movement and force output; it is a solution for the periodic actuation problem of conventional orthodontic appliances.

Abstract: A medical connector for providing a sterile connection between a multi-use portion and a single-use portion of a fluid delivery system is provided. The medical connector includes a fluid inlet port configured for removable engagement with a connection port of a multi-use disposable set (MUDS) to establish a fluid connection therewith and a waste outlet port configured for removable engagement with a waste inlet port of the MUDS to establish a fluid connection therewith. A patient fluid line is connected, at a first end, to the fluid inlet port and connected, at a second end, to the waste outlet port. Fluid flow through the patient fluid line is unidirectional from the first end to the second end. The patient fluid line is configured for being disconnected from the waste outlet port for delivering fluid to a patient. A multi-fluid delivery system having the medical connector and MUDS is also provided.

Abstract: An external programmer, such as an external clock synchronization tool, can be used to update or modify the stimulation protocol and/or parameters on an implanted electrical stimulator. In particular, described herein are external clock synchronization tools that can be used to calibrate a low-power clock of the implanted electrical stimulator. These tools may also be used to provide command overrides, including suspending or delaying neurostimulation, stopping neurostimulation, and/or on-demand neurostimulation.

Abstract: An implantable peripheral neurostimulation lead for head pain is adapted for implantation in the head for the therapeutic purpose of treating chronic head and/or face pain. The lead may include a lead body, a plurality of internal electrically conducting metal wires individually connecting to a proximal surface contact and a distal surface electrode; a distal extended metal surface electrode array; and a proximal in-line connector. The lead may be operable to provide medically acceptable therapeutic neurostimulation to multiple regions of the head, including the frontal, parietal, and occipital regions of the head simultaneously. The lead may include a supraorbital electrode array with electrodes of 3 to 5 mm in length spaced apart at 4 to 6 mm intervals. The lead may also include a temporal electrode array with electrodes of 4 to 6 mm in length spaced apart at 8 to 12 mm intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for implanting and securing an implanted medical device in a recipient. The implantable medical device of the generally includes an electrode assembly that comprises an elongate carrier member having at least one stimulating electrode positioned thereon. The carrier member further has a fixation structure positioned thereon configured to interact with a portion of the rigid structure to longitudinally secure the carrier member in the recipient.

Abstract: A method of making a therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body is disclosed. A conductor structure is coiled around a mandrel. A segment of the conductor structure is secured to the mandrel. After this, an outer tubular structure is positioned around the conductor structure. Portions of the conductor structure that are not secured are free to expand to an inside surface of the outer tubular structure. A lumen is formed by removing at least a portion of the mandrel.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for providing therapies and/or diagnostics with an implanted system. Some embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for modulating tissues with conventional methods and/or new methods using mechanical forces. Some embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for minimally invasive delivery of implanted systems. Some embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for extensions of the implanted system that can expand, unroll, unfold, and/or unfurl.

Abstract: A system includes an introducer sheath having a sheath wall and a longitudinal axis, an electrode lead including a lead body and at least one electrode at a distal end of the lead body. The distal end of the lead body is received within the sheath. At least one anchor wire is within the sheath and has a proximal end attached to the distal end of the lead body. The a least one anchor wire moves through at least one opening in the sheath wall responsive to movement of the lead body relative to the introducer sheath.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for pacing a heart of a subject. The apparatus includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG) and a coiled lead connected to the IPG, The coiled lead includes a smaller-diameter coiled portion, a lumen of which having a first coil-lumen-diameter, and a larger-diameter coiled portion electrically in series with the smaller-diameter coiled portion, a lumen of the larger-diameter coiled portion having a second coil-lumen-diameter that is larger than the first coil-lumen-diameter. A perpendicular distance from a central longitudinal axis of the smaller-diameter coiled portion to the lumen of the larger-diameter coiled portion is greater than an outer radius of the smaller-diameter coiled portion, when the central longitudinal axis of the smaller-diameter coiled portion is parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the larger-diameter coiled portion, Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A protective equipment having thermotherapy and electrotherapy functions includes a main body and a control mainframe; the main body includes an inner layer, an outer layer, a heating layer and two electrode layers. The heating layer is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, and the two electrode layers are fastened in the inner layer; and the control mainframe is detachably installed on the main body and respectively and electrically connected to the heating layer and the two electrode layers. Accordingly, the main body includes the heating layer and the electrode layers thereby enabling the protective equipment to have both thermotherapy and electrotherapy functions and allowing the operation convenience of the protective equipment to be increased.

Abstract: A lead for an implanted medical device is disclosed in which the lead is adapted for electrical communication with an electrical signal source and has a distal tip with an electrode. The lead comprises a wire adapted to be placed in electrical communication with electrode. The wire includes: (i) a core comprising a polymeric material, and (ii) a metallic layer surrounding an outer surface of the core. The metallic layer includes a first section having a first thickness and a second section having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The lead is substantially transparent to radio frequency waves in clinically-applicable magnetic resonance environments to reduce radio frequency absorption and avoid substantial heating effects.

Abstract: A device for electrostimulation and/or iontophoresis. The device comprises a support having a first face intended to be placed opposite the skin and carrying electrodes configured so as to be in contact with the skin, and a second face opposite to the first, on which an electronic module is intended to be disposed, wherein the support comprises, on its first face, an electrical circuit connecting the electrodes, and a connector intended to connect the electrical circuit to the electronic module, and in that the device comprises a flexible partial-detachment mechanism carrying at least part of the connector and configured so as to make it possible to fold by flexing the connector beyond the first face towards the second face.

Abstract: Methods for modulating immune function in a patient are provided. Methods include improving an immune response in a patient suffering from a condition resulting or caused by a deficient immune system. A step in such a method includes positioning a therapy delivery device on a neural target site of a maladaptive sympathetic reflex of the patient. An additional step includes activating the therapy delivery device to deliver a therapy signal to the neural target site to improve the patient's immune response.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying light to an area of skin and for simultaneously electrically stimulating that area of skin, the apparatus including at least one flexible pad adapted to be placed onto or over the area of skin to be treated, the or each pad including a flexible circuit board providing, in use, electrical power to an electric muscle stimulation (EMS) electrode and an array of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) interspersed therebetween whereby to simultaneously electrically stimulate the area of skin beneath the pad and also provide light to that area from the LEDs.

Abstract: A sensory supplement medical device, including a stimulation device configured to implement a first functionality of the sensory supplement medical device corresponding to the providing of sensory supplement to a recipient to evoke a sensory percept, wherein the sensory supplement medical device is configured to implement a secondary functionality different from the first functionality, and the sensory supplement medical device is configured to migrate the second functionality to a device remote from the sensory supplement medical device.

Abstract: A cochlea hearing aid device for helping users to hear includes a cochlea electrode and a driver circuit. The driver circuit has a casing for installing at a through hole on an eardrum of the user. The cochlea electrode is installed within the cochlea of a user. The driver circuit is connected to the cochlea electrode in order to signal process a voice data and provides a corresponding driving signal for cochlea electrode. Therefore, the neural cells in the cochlea of the user will be stimulated and helped the user to hear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hearing auxiliary device for helping a person with hearing impairment to obtain hearing information. The hearing auxiliary device includes a bone conduct transceiver, a receiver and a driver. The bone conduct transceiver converts a sound raw data to a bone conduct signal. The receiver is installed to an inner ear portion of the person with hearing impairment, and the receiver receives the bone conduct signal and converts the bone conduct signal to a sound restoration signal. The driver sends out a physical signal according to the sound restoration signal, in order to let the person with hearing impairment to obtain a hearing signal.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a stimulation management facility configured to direct an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) system to concurrently apply acoustic stimulation to a patient by way of a loudspeaker and electrical stimulation to the patient by way of an electrode, and 2) a fitting facility communicatively coupled to the stimulation management facility and configured to detect an interaction between the acoustic stimulation and the electrical stimulation, and set one or more control parameters governing an operation of the EAS system based on the detected interaction. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable device with a hermetic electronics package that houses electronics. The hermetic package is attached to a flexible circuit electrode array having its electrodes arranged in a trapezoidal electrode array field that is suitable to stimulate the visual cortex. The hermetic electronics package is provided with a fixation structure that secures, protects and dissipates heat from the electronics package. The entire implantable device can be entirely implanted within the head.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved visual prosthesis including a video processing unit with user controls optimized for use by blind individuals. The controls include easily identifiable shapes. The controls are programmable to provide improved usability with a simple tactile interface.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for regulating the expression and clearance of proteins in neural tissue using electrical stimulation. The techniques may be used for treating and/or preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. The treatment involves implanting an electrode within the neural tissue of a human or animal subject, and using the electrode to deliver an electric current to the neural tissue. The voltage, pulse width, frequency, duration, and other parameters of the electrical stimulation may be controlled to provide different effects on protein expression and/or clearance. The position of the electrode may also be selected to control protein expression and/or clearance in a selected neural region.

Abstract: A method of treating a movement disorder using deep brain stimulation, the method comprising the step of inserting a lead having at least one electrode into the brain of a subject, the lead being inserted along a trajectory from the occipito-temporal or occipito-parietal regions, passing laterally to the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle to contact the subthalamic nucleus, the zona incerta or the globus pallidus.

Abstract: An electrically powered device (160) including an insertion component (165) for insertion into the ear cavity of a user, the device (160) including at least one inductor (170) operatively connected to a control circuit (175), the control circuit (175) providing electrical energy to the at least one inductor (170) wherein the insertion component (165) includes the at least one inductor (170) such that when in use, the at least one inductor (170) is in close proximity to the inner ear of the user.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include an external base station with a tethered transceiver, an implanted hub that includes power, telemetry, and processing electronics, and a plurality of implanted satellite that contain reconfigurable front-end electronics for interfacing with electrodes. The system can operate in different modes. In a first mode, called a base boost mode, the external base station is used for closed-loop control of stimulation therapies. In a second, autonomous mode, closed-loop control is performed in the hub without direct influence from the base station. In a third mode, streams of neural data are transmitted to an offline processor for offline analysis.

Abstract: A monitoring system has biomechanical sensors, physiological sensors and a controller which receive sensory inputs from the sensors to provide output signals for the output device, and it detects from the sensory inputs risk of a syncopal event The bio-mechanical sensors include sensors arranged to allow the processor to detect a user postures and posture transitions. The processor operates a finite state machine, in which there is a state corresponding to each of a plurality of user physical postures and to each of a plurality of transitions between said postures, and the processor determines a relevant state depending on the sensory inputs. A device output may be muscle stimulation to prevent syncope, and there are stimulation permissions associated with the finite state machine states.

Abstract: A device includes a pulse generator coupled to a neurostimulation lead placed around the nerve and a set of electrodes individually connected to the generator by a splitter circuit controlled to preferentially stimulate certain regions of the nerve relative to other regions. The device performing an iterative search of an optimal configuration operating by selection of a plurality of different stimulation configurations, storing of a cardiac physiological parameter measured for each selected stimulation configuration, and designation as optimal stimulation configuration of the one of said selected different stimulation configurations, depending on at least the stored values of the physiological parameter measured for different electrode configurations.

Abstract: A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time.

Abstract: Methods and/or devices are disclosed herein for monitoring cardiac impedance signal and delivering therapy to a patient's heart based upon the monitored cardiac impedance.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) has a housing enclosing an electronic circuit. The housing includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion and a joint coupling the first housing portion to the second housing portion. A polymer seal is positioned in the joint in various embodiments. Other embodiments of an IMD housing are disclosed.

Abstract: One aspect provides a feedthrough device for an implantable medical device. The feedthrough includes a ferrule having a metal that is configured to be welded to a case of the implantable device. An insulator is substantially surrounded by the ferrule and shares an interface therewith, the insulator being a glass or ceramic material. Conductive elements are formed through the insulator providing an electrically conductive path through the insulator.

Abstract: Rechargeable implantable cardioverter defibrillator including a hermetically sealed can and at least one lead, coupled with the hermetically sealed can, the hermetically sealed can including at least one high voltage capacitor, an electronic circuit, coupled with the high voltage capacitor and a rechargeable battery, coupled with the electronic circuit and the high voltage capacitor, an outer surface of the hermetically sealed can including an active section and a non-active section, the non-active section being electrically insulated from the active section, wherein a surface area of the active section acts as at least one of an electrode with the lead for forming an electric shock vector for applying a high voltage shock and a sensor for sensing electrical activity and wherein a surface area of the non-active section acts as at least one antenna for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly while also receiving electromagnetic energy to inductively charge the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: This application includes systems and techniques relating to wirelessly rechargeable medical apparatus, such as a wirelessly powered medical system including: a wireless power transmitter; and a medical apparatus including a wireless energy harvesting device configured to receive at least one type of wireless power from the wireless power transmitter and be mounted on an exterior surface of a human body, a medical device configured to be implanted in the human body, and one or more electrical conduits configured to couple the wireless energy harvesting device on the exterior surface of the human body with the medical device implanted in the human body, wherein the one or more electrical conduits provide harvested electric power from the wireless energy harvesting device to the medical device.

Abstract: A particular implantable device may include one or more antennas configured to receive a first far field radiative signal and a second far field radiative signal. The one or more antennas may be configured to receive the first far field radiative signal in a first frequency band and to receive the second far field radiative signal in a second frequency band. The implantable device may include a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the received first far field radiative signal and the received second far field radiative signal to provide a rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may further include a charge storage element operative to receive the rectified voltage signal and to store charge responsive to the rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may also include a therapy delivery unit powered by the charge storage element. The therapy delivery unit may be operative to deliver a therapy to a patient.

Abstract: A process, method, and devices thereof for the rapid destruction of cancer tumor(s) which are made up of thousands to millions of living malignant cancer cells. Such an approach seeks to kill said tumor(s) by causing apoptosis or excitotoxicity and/or osmotic-shock within a human or animal for medical treatment.

Abstract: A defibrillator or other patient monitoring device (20) employing an ECG monitor (23) and a controller (25). The ECG monitor (23) monitors an ECG waveform of a heart of a patient. The controller (25) segments the ECG waveform, and for each ECG waveform segment of a series of ECG waveform segments, generates an ECG shock advisory between a shock decision, a no-shock decision and an optional shock indecision. The controller (25) further monitors a consistency of the ECG shock advisories between consistent shock decisions, consistent no-shock decisions, and optional inconsistent shock decisions.

Abstract: Methods and devices providing multiple criteria for use in arrhythmia identification. Based on inputs including defined rules or parameters, one of a more conservative or more aggressive set of arrhythmia identification parameters can be selected. One or the other of the selectable sets of arrhythmia identification parameters may also be adaptive or modifiable during the use of the system, for example, in response to identified nonsustained episodes, the more conservative set of arrhythmia identification parameters can be modified to become still more conservative. Such modification of arrhythmia identification criteria allows reduced time to therapy when indicated, while allowing more deliberate decisions in other circumstances.

Abstract: A WCD system includes a support structure configured to be worn by a patient, a portable antenna coupled to the support structure, a rechargeable WCD battery, and a charger for recharging the WCD battery. The portable antenna is configured to transmit wirelessly to the charger an encoded message from components that are worn by the patient on the support structure. The charger also includes a charger antenna configured to receive the encoded message, and a user interface configured to output a human-perceptible indication responsive to the received encoded message. Accordingly, a message communicated from the WCD system will appear at the location of the charger, which is a more predictable location for a human attendant than the location of the patient.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system includes a support structure that can be worn by a patient, and a defibrillator coupled to the support structure. An ECG input, rendered from an ECG of the patient, may meet a primary shock criterion. One or more sensor modules are further provided, which are worn by the patient at different times. The sensor modules may monitor different physiological parameters of the patient, and transmit signals about them. The WCD system further has a multi-sensor interface to receive the transmitted signals, and a processor to determine from them whether a secondary shock criterion is met. If both the primary and the secondary shock criteria are met, the decision is to shock. The signals increase specificity of the detection, while the patient can wear different modules depending on context.

Abstract: A control system for delivering energy waveform radiation to influence in vivo tissue is described. For the system, the energy waveform radiation is generated by a radiation unit and is directed along a pathway to the tissue and a registration unit is provided to identify a start place relative to the in vivo tissue. Also, a monitor is provided to compare the start place with a base reference to measure an error signal between the start place and base reference. With this measured error signal, a controller operates the radiation unit using input from the monitor to effectively attain and maintain a zero error signal. More specifically, the controller can provide operational parameter inputs to the radiation unit for configuring the waveform radiation including a radiation frequency, f, and a volume intensity level, v, for the radiation and an exposure time interval, ti.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma source in the form of a pad so that a user discretionally wears the plasma pad, i.e., present invention provides a wearable plasma pad that is conveniently worn by a user for the purpose of a long period of contact to plasma, fabricated discretionally into various shapes and areas and appropriately responds to the body part that requires a plasma therapy. The plasma pad according to the present invention is fabricated with a flexible base plate on which a high voltage electrode coated or layer with dielectric materials and a ground electrode are arrayed. AC voltage is applied to the high voltage electrode so that the plasma pad generates plasma between the electrodes by means of atmospheric discharge. Products such as patch, bandage, cap, hair-band, socks, etc. may be achieved based on the plasma pad thus fabricated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing uni-polar pulsed magnetic field therapies for various medical conditions are disclosed. The apparatus produces the pulsed uni-polar magnetic field by repeatedly moving at least one very strong permanent magnet through a prescribed path (e.g., a circular path) over an anatomic region of interest in the patient. The apparatus includes a housing in which the at least one magnet is located and a body shielding material, e.g., a Mu-metal shield, to shape the field to make it of fectively uni-polar. The movement of the magnet through the path is accomplished by means of a motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (16) for remotely obtaining vital sign information of a living being (14) under phototherapy treatment. The device comprises a detection unit (22) for detecting light of at least one wavelength interval reflected from at least a region of interest (20) of the living being (14) and for generating an input signal from the detected light; a processing unit (24) for processing the input signal and deriving vital sign information of said living being (14) from said input signal by use of remote photoplethysmography and/or motion analysis; and a control unit (26) for controlling at least one of the detection unit (22) and an illumination unit (12) for providing the phototherapy treatment to the living being (14) based on the configuration of the detection unit (22) and based on the configuration of the illumination unit (12). The present invention further relates to a corresponding method as well as to a phototherapy apparatus (10) including a device as described above.

Abstract: An orthopedic infra-red laser medical device and methods of use for applying infra-red energy to an anatomic region of interest located within the body of a patient. The device includes a hollow needle and a housing on which the needle is releasably mounted. The housing includes an infra-red laser source for producing a laser beam and directing the beam through the needle to exit out of the open distal end of the needle. The distal end of the needle is sharp to pierce through the skin of the patient to a position closely adjacent the anatomic region of interest to deliver the infra-red laser beam thereto without any intervening skin and tissue attenuating the infra-red laser beam. The device can be used for various orthopedic purposes and can also be used on fat in a patient to release activated stem cells.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an LED based, skin treatment device designed to physically or wirelessly attach to and be run by an application from a smart device, such as a smart phone or tablet. The treatment device includes a light-emitting diode (LED) array of one or more specific wavelengths within the ultraviolet-visible light range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The treatment device may attaches to the working port of a smartphone and powered and controlled by an application or may alternatively be run by the same application via a wireless connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulating neural tissue are disclosed. An array of optically emissive pixels is configured to deliver light to the neural tissue of a subject. Individual pixels within the array can be addressed to selectively illuminate a portion of the neural tissue when a neurological event occurs. The system can also include an array of microelectrodes in electrical communication with the array of pixels and a power source. A biocompatible substrate can be used to support the microelectrodes pixels, and the power source. A microelectrode circuit and a pixel circuit can also be supported by the biocompatible substrate.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are implemented for controlling stimulus of a cell. One such method is implemented for optical stimulation of a cell expressing an NpHR ion pump. The method includes the step of providing a sequence of stimuli to the cell. Each stimulus increases the probability of depolarization events occurring in the cell. Light is provided to the cell to activate the expressed NpHR ion pump, thereby decreasing the probability of depolarization events occurring in the cell.

Abstract: Aspects disclosed herein include systems, apparatuses, and methods for administration of a one or more wavelengths of UVA light in an effective amount to an area/target for reducing pathogen growth.

Abstract: A medical data processing method for determining a target set comprising at least one irradiation target in a patient's body for radiation therapy treatment by means of a treatment device constituted to treat the at least one target by means of one or more sub-beams during a treatment time, the one or more sub-beams constituting at least one treatment beam which is to pass through the at least one target in accordance with a treatment plan during the treatment time, the method comprising the following steps and being constituted to be executed by a computer: a) acquiring (S 1.1) critical area; b) acquiring (S 1.2) target data; c) acquiring (S 1.3) treatment beam criteria data (S 1.4); and e) determining (S4), based on the critical area data, the target data, the treatment beam constraint data and the treatment beam criteria data, target set data describing spatial information on at least one irradiation region.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a radiopharmaceutical and, in some embodiments, delivery of a pharmaceutical agent are described herein. Various other components for delivery systems including tubing management systems, primer caps, diffusion chambers, radiation shields and syringe shields, and other devices and methods are also described.