Abstract: Disclosed herein is a removable cap for connection to an input port of a catheter, comprising a proximal end having a lumen configured to house a guidewire therethrough; a distal end configured to reversibly mate with a luer lock of the input port of a catheter, the distal end having a lumen configured to house the guidewire therethrough; and a tubular body between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the tubular body comprises an anti-migration feature transformable between a first configuration to allow slidable movement of the guidewire within the cap in a first direction toward the patient, and a second configuration to prevent slidable movement of the guidewire within the cap in the first direction toward the patient. Systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical balloon has a strengthening sleeve formed of circumferential fibres and longitudinal fibres. The circumferential fibres have a greater thickness than the longitudinal fibres and preferably have a greater cross-sectional area or volume. In one embodiment, the circumferential fibres are twice as thick as the longitudinal fibres. The use of thinner longitudinal fibres reduces the thickness of the strengthening sleeve and as a result enables a thinner balloon wall, whilst still retaining the circumferential strength of the balloon. Reduced balloon wall thickness improves the foldability and wrappability of the balloon for deployment purposes, and therefore provides a balloon with a smaller diameter for deployment purposes, with improved trackability through a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating biliary disease including an inflatable shunt configured for deployment between one of a lumen of a gallbladder or gallbladder duct and a second body lumen.

Abstract: An applicator 270 includes a stem 174 having an axially-formed slot delivery passage 200. A slot 350 is formed transaxially through the stem 174 and is in communication with the slot delivery passage 200. An extended side wall 350b is formed on one side of the slot 350. A flat surface 354, which is formed in the stem 174, is spaced and extends angularly away from an opposite side of the slot 176 and from the extended side wall 350b to provide for direct and lateral dispensing of a cream 280 onto a tissue 242 of a patient.

Abstract: The device includes a handle configured to be grasped by a user. The handle has a proximal end nearest the user's hand and a distal end opposing the proximal end. The device also includes an applicator with an applicator tip at the distal end of the handle. The applicator tip fits within the depression formed by a skin wrinkle to apply treatment to at least one side wall and bottom area of the wrinkle without applying treatment to surface skin around the wrinkle. The applicator tip may be pre-medicated with medicine, applied to the tip by a user, or provided medication from a chamber in communication with the applicator tip such that the chamber holds medication. Also disclosed is a method for applying wrinkle treatment that includes aligning the applicator tip with the wrinkle and moving the applicator tip along the length of the wrinkle to apply treatment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-resilient tattooing needle and a tattooing device using the same. The needle comprises a barrel, a needle body, a needle base, a first connecting rod and a first connecting part. The first connecting part of the present invention reciprocates under an external force and thus drives the needle body, via the first connecting rod and the needle base, to reciprocate linearly in the barrel. The advantageous effects of the present invention are as below: instead of using a spring, a rubber band or a rubber ring to provide a resilient force, the needle of the present invention is driven by an external force directly which enables the needle to retract quickly; such a problem is avoided that resilient forces diminish or even disappear after long-term use of the spring, the rubber band or the rubber ring which causes the needle cannot retract.

Abstract: A tattoo needle tip (10) with a capillary ink reservoir (13) and combined device thereof are provided. The tattoo needle tip (10) includes a needle tip body (11). A needle passage (100) is defined inside the needle tip body (11) for placing a tattoo needle (20). The needle opening (12) is communicated with the needle passage (100). A capillary disposed ink reservoir (13) directly connected to the needle opening (12) whereby can directly feed ink to the sharp end of the tattoo needle (20).

Abstract: Apparatus for the transdermal administration of a product in the fluid state comprising a handpiece provided with a support structure within which a laser source is positioned, the handpiece comprising a cartridge positioned in proximity to a first end thereof and containing said product in the fluid state, preferably in gel form, the cartridge having a tubular external casing perforated on its bottom, and a piston sealingly slidable in said tubular casing; the casing, on the side opposite said bottom, having a ball-shaped applicator for distributing the contents of said cartridge, said ball and said piston being made of a material that is transparent or semi-transparent for the light of said laser.

Abstract: An anti-reflux catheter includes a central support body having an inner longitudinal passage chamber; a cannula extending out of one end of the central body and connected to the inner chamber; a transverse opening which extends through the central body and communicates with the inner chamber; an outwardly extending mouthpiece of the transverse opening; a flexible sleeve longitudinally accommodated in the inner chamber at the transverse opening and having an outer surface facing such transverse opening, the mouthpiece having a pressure system associated therewith, which act upon the sleeve and is movable between an idle position or an operating pressed position, and vice versa.

Abstract: A safety device is described wherein drug delivery systems and methods involve associating unique keys to patients that prevent the interconnection between a drug delivery device and non-complimentary patient key. Medication in a drug delivery device intended for a patient may only be accessed via a particular unique key associated with the intravenous access device of that patient.

Abstract: A needleless connector comprises a lid, a containing seat, and a flexible valve. One end of the lid is connected to one end of the containing seat, the interior of the lid and the interior of the containing seat form a space. The flexible valve is disposed in the space, and the flexible valve has a closed end and an opening end. The closed end is disposed in the inserting hole of the lid, and the opening end toward the closed end is formed inward with a groove. The flexible valve is defined in sequence as a head portion, a shoulder portion, a bending portion, and a supporting portion from the closed end to the opening end. The outer diameter of the head portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the bending portion. A shoulder portion is connected between the head portion and the bending portion.

Abstract: An antimicrobial IV access cap having an inner surface for retaining an antimicrobial agent, and further configured to receive a portion of an access port of an intravascular device.

Abstract: Provided is a wearable smart drug-delivery system, including a power supply, a drug sac structure, a repository, and an electrode structure. The wearable smart drug-delivery system can accurately and precisely control the dosage and delivery time of an ionized pharmaceutical agent, reducing and preventing uncontrolled doses of transdermally delivered drugs. A plurality of drugs may be stored in one repository or a plurality of repositories in the wearable smart drug-delivery system, and may, at the same time or at different times, be delivered into the body by means of one or a plurality of power supplies; furthermore, storing the plurality of drugs in the plurality of repositories can prevent reactions and interferences between drugs.

Abstract: The electrical stimulation belt includes an electrical stimulator, a flexible substrate, a plurality of electrical connectors, a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of locators. The electrical stimulation is applied to the trunk or waist of a patient by the electrical stimulator belt through the placement of the plurality of electrical connectors in contact with the plurality of electrodes on the belt. A plurality of locators releasably fastened to the belt assist the user in locating the electrodes on the belt.

Abstract: The electrode set for a stimulation device, such as a TENS or EMS stimulation device comprises at least a plurality of neighboring electrically active zones close to each other said active zones forming a succession of poles of alternating polarity or being grouped to form groups of poles of alternating polarity, wherein at least one of said active zone or group of zones has a lateral size (D2) of approximately 1 mm to 40 mm, wherein at least one of spacing (D1) between neighboring active zones or groups of zones is approximately of 1 mm to 40 mm, and said set further comprises contacting means connected to said active zones or groups of active zones.

Abstract: A connector to couple an electrical stimulation lead to a lead extension can include lead terminals and extension connector contacts that interlock with each other. Another connector can include lead terminals and extension connector contacts that form a hook and loop fastener. Yet another connector defines a lumen for receiving a proximal portion of an electrical stimulation lead and a side-loading slit extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal surface of the connector and extending inwardly to the lumen for side-loading the electrical stimulation lead into the lumen through the side-loading slit.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead has electrode contacts that are configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. A sheath extends along a longitudinal axis. The sheath defines a lumen into which the stimulation lead can be inserted. A distal end of the sheath includes a plurality of base segments that are separated from one another. A plurality of fixation structures are located on the base segments, respectively. In a first configuration, the fixation structures are each disposed proximate to the sheath. In a second configuration, the fixation structures each extend radially outward from the sheath. In a third configuration, the base segments deflect radially inward toward the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A medical device lead connector includes electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by an electrically insulating ring and in axial alignment. The electrically conducting contact ring and the insulating ring having an interface bond on an atomic level.

Abstract: A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed herein and can be in the form of an implantable medical lead or a leadless pulse generator. The implantable medical device includes a body, at least one electrode and a tube-cut helical fixation anchor. The body includes a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The at least one electrode is supported on the body. The tube-cut helical fixation anchor distally extends from the distal end. The tube-cut helical fixation anchor may be fixed or extendable/retractable relative to the distal end. The tube-cut helical fixation anchor may be a result of a manufacturing process comprising cutting the tube-cut helical fixation anchor from a thin-walled tubular body.

Abstract: A method for implanting a neurostimulation lead within a patient includes measuring impedances of electrodes on the lead in order to correctly position the lead relative to a target tissue region. The electrodes are circumferentially segmented electrodes that are spaced from each other about the longitudinal axis of the lead. When the difference between the impedances of the electrodes exceeds a threshold value, the lead is in the correct position. In accordance with another embodiment, impedance measurements are used to select which one of the electrodes is closest to the target tissue region. By determining which electrode has the highest impedance and which electrode has the lowest impedance, the type of tissue adjacent to each electrode can be determined based on the conductivity properties of the tissue. The target tissue region may be a spinal cord, a posterior longitudinal ligament, white matter, or gray matter.

Abstract: Catheter devices can include an elongate housing extending along a major axis, the elongate housing comprising a first end an opening. The catheter devices can also include an electrode assembly disposed in the elongate housing and including deformable electrodes with respective electrode distal ends, where the electrode distal ends each consist of respective member portions and respective tip portions. The electrode assembly is slidably movable within the housing along the major axis to allow the electrode distal end portions to transition between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The catheter device is configured such that an average distance between the tip portions in the second position is configured to be greater than an average distance between the tip portions in the first position the tip portions are positioned substantially in a same plane when the electrode assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: An electric stimulator includes a housing, a control circuit board, and at least two electrode plates. The housing includes an internal space formed therein and an outside surface in which at least one electrode plate retention slot is formed. The control circuit board is mounted in the internal space of the housing to control intensity and frequency of a current output. The electrode plates are electrically conductive and are received in the electrode plate retention slot of the housing and are in electric connection with the control circuit board. The electrode plates have an outside surface including a large-area contact surface and a small-area contact surface connected to the large-area contact surface. The large-area contact surface has a surface area greater than that of the small-area contact surface. The large-area contact surface and the small-area contact surface define therebetween an inclined angle that is not equal to 180 degrees.

Abstract: An exemplary auditory prosthesis system includes a sound processor apparatus having 1) an interface assembly that includes at least a first contact that facilitates interchangeable connectivity of a plurality of external components to the sound processor apparatus, the plurality of external components including a programming system, and 2) a control module communicatively coupled to the first contact and that communicates with each of the plurality of external components by way of the first contact. The exemplary auditory prosthesis system may also include a wireless module configured to be interchangeably connected to the interface assembly in place of the programming system, wherein, while the wireless module is interchangeably connected to the interface assembly, the wireless module is communicatively coupled to the control module by way of the first contact. Corresponding auditory prosthesis systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: Presented herein are stimulation techniques for implantable tissue-stimulating systems. The stimulation techniques generate and deliver sets of micro-charge pulses to a recipient. The micro-charge pulses within a set collectively cause the firing of a recipient's nerve cell(s).

Abstract: There is provided a hearing assistance system comprising a cochlear implant device for neural stimulation of the cochlea of one of the patient's ears and a fitting device for adjusting the cochlear implant device.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient having a dysfunction using a stimulation lead within the brain of a patient is provided. The stimulation lead carries a plurality of electrodes adjacent to a plurality of brain regions. Pulsed electrical waveforms having different sets of stimulation parameters are generated and then concurrently delivered to the plurality of electrodes, thereby concurrently stimulating the plurality of brain regions to treat the dysfunction.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body has a programmable signal generator that can generate the signals based on stored signal parameters without any intervention from a processor that controls the overall operation of the IPG. While the signal generator is generating the signals the processor can be in a standby mode to substantially save battery power.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for applying stimulation therapy to a patient includes an implantable medical device (20) and a remote controller (50) for inductively powering the medical device and communicating with the medical device. The remote controller (50) includes a feedback portion (220) for helping to establish a communication link between the remote controller and the implantable medical device (20).

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing migration of precursor cells in a desired direction, comprising applying a biphasic monopolar electrical field to the precursor cells. The method and system can be used to treat injury or disease of neural or skin tissue.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for detecting or confirming fibrillation are discussed. In one example, a method for detecting a cardiac arrhythmia of a patients' heart comprises receiving, by a leadless cardiac pacemaker fixed in the patients' heart, an indication from a remote device that a cardiac arrhythmia is detected, monitoring by the leadless cardiac pacemaker a signal generated by a sensor that is located within the patients' heart, and based at least in part on the monitored signal, confirming whether a cardiac arrhythmia is occurring or not. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, if a cardiac arrhythmia is confirmed, delivering a therapy to treat the cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating cardiac malfunction are disclosed, which according to an embodiment, may involve delivering a stimulation pattern of stimulation pulses to at least one cardiac chamber of a heart, with at least one of the stimulation pulses having a first stimulation setting configured to reduce at least one of end systolic volume (ESV) and end diastolic volume (EDV) in the heart and at least one of the stimulation pulses having a second stimulation setting different from the first stimulation setting, and with the stimulation pattern being configured to reduce the at least one of end systolic volume (ESV) and end diastolic volume (EDV) by at least 5% and maintain the at least one of end systolic volume (ESV) and end diastolic volume (EDV) on average at such reduced volume for a time period of at least one hour.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cardiac pacing system. The cardiac pacing system includes a right atrial ring electrode, a right atrial tip electrode, a right ventricle ring electrode, and a pacing integrated circuit (IC) including a first pace output node electrically coupled to the right atrial ring electrode, a pace return node electrically coupled to the right atrial tip electrode, and a second pace output node electrically coupled to the right ventricle ring electrode, wherein the pacing IC has a fast discharge configuration that facilitates reducing or eliminating a DC rectification current generated from RF interference during a fast discharge phase.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured to be implanted within a patient. The IMD may include a controller configured to adjust a communication frequency, a housing formed of an electrically common material, and an insulating cover coupled to the housing. The insulating cover may include one or both of at least one opening or at least one thinned area over portions of the housing. Multiple sub-electrodes are formed in the housing through the opening(s) or the thinned area(s).

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system includes an electrical stimulation lead; stimulation circuitry to generate stimulation signals; a substrate with the stimulation circuitry disposed on the substrate and the electrical stimulation lead permanently affixed to at least one of the stimulation circuitry or the substrate or an optional housing; a power source electrically coupled to the stimulation circuitry; and an antenna electrically coupled to the stimulation circuitry to receive at least one of a) power for charging the power source or b) signals for programming the stimulation circuitry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a parameter set and programming a neuromodulation system with the parameter set are disclosed. The system includes a user interface having a display screen to display simplified graphical representations (SGRs) of the lead with at least one virtual electrode (VE) that represents one or more electrodes, and control elements. The SGRs of the lead can provide longitudinal and circumferential representations of the VE, respectively representing longitudinal or circumferential position, size, shape, or spread of the VE. The control elements may include longitudinal and circumferential control elements to enable the user to respectively adjust the longitudinal or circumferential position, size, shape, or spread of the VE. The system may generate the neuromodulation parameter set using the longitudinal and circumferential representations of the VE, and program the neuromodulation system with the neuromodulation parameter set.

Abstract: A wearable cardiac defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments the WCD system includes a microphone. The WCD system might be ready to deliver a shock, but may first wait before doing so until it hears from a bystander a preset ready word, such as: “CLEAR”.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high-frequency thermotherapy device comprising: an impedance sensing module configured to measure impedances of normal and abnormal muscles; a control module configured to receive the measurement impedance from the impedance sensing module and to determine whether the abnormal muscle is detected; a frequency and output adjustment module configured to automatically generate a frequency adjustment signal to enable a about 2 to 5 MHz frequency to be generated upon determination that the abnormal muscle is detected.

Abstract: A system, device and method are provided for exposing a patient to therapeutic resonant frequency patterns (RFP) for therapy and treatment of a patient, for example, biological tissue such as muscle, tendon, ligament, and nerve tissue. The resonance frequencies originate from many bioactive substances, pharmaceuticals or other compounds, and key frequencies of the RFP of a compound can be replicated and then delivered to a patient using an electromagnetic catalyst to provide therapeutic benefits. RFPs can be imprinted in a separate device using a plasma imprinting device and method. This separate device can be actively excited by a delivery mechanism that uses electromagnetic or mechanical waves to interact with the device. The actively excited device transmits the RFPs or therapeutic resonant frequency patterns to the patient for similar enhancements and therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure resembling the double helix most commonly associated with DNA is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for health applications and/or medical applications.

Abstract: Methods and devices producing time varying magnetic field have therapeutic uses. The device contains a coil made of insulated wires, an energy storage device, an energy source and a switch. The coil is flexibly attached in a case. The device has at least one blower for cooling the coil. The methods and devices can be used in for example in physiotherapy, neuropsychiatric therapy, aesthetic therapy, urology or urogynecology.

Abstract: An electrical system controlled, driven by and/or based on naturally occurring electrophysiological signals in a patient's body is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for health applications and/or medical applications provided to the patient.

Abstract: A multi-frequency microwave acupuncture and moxibustion apparatus characterized in that its structure comprises a microwave oscillator A, a power amplifier A, circulator A, a power divider A, a microwave radiator A, a microwave oscillator B, a power amplifier B, a circulator B, a power divider B, a microwave radiator B, a controller, a display screen, and a power supply unit. Two types of operating frequencies are set: A at 433 MHz, B at 915 MHz, output waveform has continuous wave and four pulse modulation waves respectively at 1 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz and 100 MHz, which are offered to treat different symptoms. Clinical verification shows that the multi-frequency microwave acupuncture and moxibustion apparatus has pretty good curative effects on knee osteoarthritis.

Abstract: A system and method for using a sonic wave to influence material in a target structure requires using a confined plasma antenna to generate an electromagnetic carrier wave, ?. The confined plasma antenna also pulses the carrier wave at a sonic frequency, f, to create a sonic wave. In detail, pulsing the carrier wave results in a sequential plurality of solitons which are separated from each other by a periodicity p, wherein ?<<p. For the present invention, f is selected to resonate with a material (e.g. a cellular structure) in a target structure (e.g. a patient).

Abstract: Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for implementing a photothermal therapy using nanostructures. In one aspect, a device to produce a photothermal effect includes a particle having a molecular layer functionalized onto the external surface of the particle and structured to attach to one or more targeting molecules capable of binding to a receptor site of a cell, in which the particle is configured to absorb light energy at a particular wavelength to produce a plasmon resonance effect that causes the particle to emit heat energy. In some implementations, the device is deployed in an organism having a tumor that includes a plurality of the cell and binds to the receptor site of the tumor by the targeting molecules, in which the light energy is emitted at a region of the organism that contains the tumor and the heat energy causes cellular death of the tumor cell.

Abstract: An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body for providing photodynamic therapy or diagnosis comprises: a housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 adapted to be fully inserted and secured in the orifice, the housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 enclosing an LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72 and a power source 41, 68, 78, for powering the LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72, wherein the device is independently operational while located within the orifice.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing or preventing myopia is presented. In one mode, a display includes a front surface and a region is provided along at least one area of the front surface. The region provides temporal stimulation to a user viewing the display, which results in the prevention or reduction of myopia in a person viewing the display without the need for accurate accommodation or binocular fixation. In a second mode, a stand-alone device provides temporal stimulation to a user viewing the display, which results in the prevention or reduction of myopia in a person viewing the display. In a third mode, the temporal stimulation is projected into the viewer's field of view, which results in the prevention or reduction of myopia in a person viewing the projection.

Abstract: A variety of methods, devices, systems and arrangements are implemented for stimulation of the peripheral nervous system. Consistent with one embodiment of the present invention, method is implemented in which light-responsive channels or pumps are engineered in a set of motor units that includes motor units of differing physical volumes. Optical stimuli are also provided to the light-responsive channels or pumps at an optical intensity that is a function of the size of motor units to be recruited. In certain implementations, the intensity of the optical stimuli is increased so as to recruit increasingly larger motor units.

Abstract: A system for estimating a dose from a radiation therapy plan includes a memory that stores machine-readable instructions and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, the processor operable to execute the instructions to subdivide a representation of a volume of interest into voxels. The processor also determines distances between a planned radiation field origin and each respective voxel. The processor further computes geometry-based expected (GED) metrics based on the distances, a plan parameter, and a field strength parameter. The processor sums the metrics to yield an estimated dose received by the volume of interest from the planned radiation field.