Abstract: The invention is a method of identifying a preferred location for an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual subject. The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from subject to subject and array location to array location. Measure of impedance may be used to predict the electrode height from the neural tissue and, thereby, predict the preferred location. Alternatively, electrode height may be measured directly to predict the preferred location.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an oral care implement includes a housing, a power source, and a plurality of conductive protrusions extending from a surface of the housing. Also disclosed are methods of using the oral care implement, for example, for treating conditions in the oral cavity.

Abstract: A shoe insole has a cavity configured to provide an internal pocket open to a face of said insole, conveniently the lower face, the cavity having a length greater than its width and being directed generally along the length of the insole. A segmented structure is slideably insertable into said cavity within it is removably retained, the segments being disposed along the cavity and housing a pressure sensor, sensor state monitoring circuits, a wireless transceiver and a battery, adjacent segments being electrically connected together and hinged together by pairs of laterally spaced connector bars each mechanically connected together by links configured to maintaining the spacing between segments while permitting flexion between adjacent segments under loads encountered during walking.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating focused currents in biological tissue is provided. The apparatus comprises an electric source capable of generating an electric field across a region of tissue and means for altering the permittivity of the tissue relative to the electric field, whereby a displacement current is generated. The means for altering the permittivity may be a chemical source, optical source, mechanical source, thermal source, or electromagnetic source.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating focused currents in biological tissue is provided. The apparatus comprises an electric source capable of generating an electric field across a region of tissue and means for altering the permittivity of the tissue relative to the electric field, whereby a displacement current is generated. The means for altering the permittivity may be a chemical source, optical source, mechanical source, thermal source, or electromagnetic source.

Abstract: A method and system of remotely stimulating the midbrain area is disclosed. Transcranial direct current stimulation is applied via a cathode attached to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and an anode attached to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. These regions are either directly connected or indirectly connected to the midbrain region. The stimulation allows non-invasive stimulation of neurons in the midbrain region to address brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, depression and addiction.

Abstract: In a patient suffering from neural impairment, stimulation is provided to sensory surfaces of the face and/or neck, or more generally to areas of the body that stimulate the trigeminal nerve, while performing an activity intended to stimulate a brain function to be rehabilitated. The simulation may then be continued after the performance of the activity has ceased. It has been found that the patient's performance of the activity is then improved after stimulation has ceased. Moreover, it tends to improve to a greater extent, and/or for a longer time, when the post-activity stimulation is applied, as compared to when postactivity stimulation is not applied.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor (104) 1) identifies a stimulation site within a cochlea of a patient that is to be stimulated in order to represent acoustic content presented to the patient, the stimulation site included within a plurality of stimulation sites associated with a stimulation channel corresponding to a plurality of electrodes, 2) determines a target excitation field width associated with the stimulation channel and 3) dynamically sets, based on the identified stimulation site, an amplitude and a polarity of current to be applied to each electrode included in the plurality of electrodes in order to represent the acoustic content so that an excitation field created by the current has a width that roughly matches the target excitation field width. A system and a corresponding method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Presented herein are intra-operative techniques for setting the angular insertion depth of a stimulating assembly during implantation into a recipient's cochlea. In certain embodiments, the angular insertion depth is monitored in real-time and advancement of the stimulating assembly is terminated when a selected angular insertion depth is achieved. In further embodiments, a linear insertion depth that corresponds to a selected angular insertion depth is intra-operatively calculated and advancement of the stimulating assembly is terminated when the calculated linear insertion depth is achieved.

Abstract: In a patient suffering from neural impairment, stimulation is provided to sensory surfaces of the face and/or neck, or more generally to areas of the body that stimulate the trigeminal nerve, while performing an activity intended to stimulate a brain function to be rehabilitated. The simulation may then be continued after the performance of the activity has ceased. It has been found that the patient's performance of the activity is then improved after stimulation has ceased. Moreover, it tends to improve to a greater extent, and/or for a longer time, when the post-activity stimulation is applied, as compared to when postactivity stimulation is not applied.

Abstract: Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient.

Abstract: The disclosure describes devices, systems, and techniques for checking synchronization between two or more modules of a system. In one example, a first module is configured to output a therapy, and a second module distinct from the first module is configured to receive an alternating current (AC) power signal from an AC power source, monitor a characteristic of the AC power signal, determine, based on the characteristic of the AC power signal, a period of time during which the first module is expected to one of output the therapy or refrain from outputting the therapy, and check, during the period of time, a synchronicity between the first module and the second module.

Abstract: In some examples, a method may include delivering an electrical stimulation therapy to a patient, the electrical stimulation therapy comprising a first electrical stimulation pulse delivered to the patient via a first electrode and a second electrical stimulation pulse delivered to the patient via a second electrode, wherein the first electrical stimulation pulse and second electrical stimulation pulse are delivered as paired pulses with respect to each other and a combination of the first electrical stimulation pulse and the second electrical stimulation pulse evoke a compound action potential within the patient; sensing the compound action potential evoked by the combination of the first electrical stimulation pulse and the second electrical stimulation pulse; and adjusting one or more parameters of the electrical stimulation therapy based on the sensed compound action potential.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modulating a physiological process are provided to enable precise delivery of signals to a predetermined treatment site. The systems may comprise an implantable device and an electrical lead body. The electrical lead body may comprise a plurality of transducer contacts in close proximity to an end of the electrical lead body, and a control unit positioned within the lead body in close proximity to the plurality of transducer contacts.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other embodiments, systems and related methods for selecting electrode combinations to be used during nerve pacing procedures. A first set of electrode combinations of a nerve pacing system, such as a phrenic nerve pacing system for diaphragm activation, may be mapped (or tested) to determine the location of the electrode combinations relative to a target nerve. Once the general location of the target nerve is known, a more localized second set of electrode combinations may be tested to determine the most suitable electrode combinations for nerve stimulation. At various stages of the mapping process, electrode combinations that are non-optimal may be discarded as candidates for use in a nerve pacing procedure. The systems and methods described herein may allow for the selection of electrode combinations that are most suitable for stimulation of the left and right phrenic nerves during diaphragm pacing.

Abstract: A chronically implanted medical device, connected to a medical electrical lead that includes a sensor, is used to detect diastolic dysfunction. A LV accelerometer signal is sensed through the sensor. Based on the LV accelerometer signal, a determination is made as to whether diastolic dysfunction data exists.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and associated method to determine an optimal control parameter setting for controlling a cardiac therapy that includes a therapy delivery module to deliver cardiac pacing signals at a plurality of pacing rates, and an admittance measurement module to determine admittance signals associated with each of the plurality of pacing rates. A control unit determines metrics of hemodynamic performance corresponding to each of the plurality of pacing rates in response to the determined admittance signals, identifies pacing rates of the plurality of pacing rates as rejected rates in response to the determined metrics of hemodynamic performance, and determines a pacing rate of the plurality of pacing rates as an optimal rate for delivering the cardiac therapy in response to the identified pacing rates.

Abstract: Methods for optimizing an atrioventricular (AV) pacing delay interval based upon ECG-based optimization such that an AV pacing delay interval value can be dynamically adjusted in an ambulatory subject. Ends of P-waves are determined. An operating atrioventricular interval is modified to maintain intervals between the determined ends of P-waves and beginnings of corresponding following QRS complexes above a predetermined certain value. The value may be between 30 and 60 milliseconds.

Abstract: An intracardiac pacemaker is configured to filter a raw cardiac electrical signal received by the pacemaker to produce a filtered cardiac electrical signal, analyzes the filtered cardiac electrical signal to establish cardiac event sensing criteria that discriminate P-waves from T-waves and R-waves all present in the raw cardiac electrical signal, and sense the P-waves from the filtered cardiac electrical signal when the established cardiac event sensing criteria are met. Sensed P-waves may be used for controlling atrial-synchronized ventricular pacing delivered by the pacemaker.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to epicardial heart rhythm management. In some embodiments a method is provided for managing heart rhythm by implanting a pa device within the pericardial space of a patient. In some embodiments, an implantable device is provided for pacing the epicardial surface of a patient. The device may include a first module coupled to a second module by a tether. The first and second modules may be selectively placed for bi-ventricular pacing or for dual chamber pacing in some embodiments. Optionally the modules may be separate and may wirelessly communicate with one another and may also communicate with a heart stimulation device programmer. Optionally, a plurality of devices may be implanted in the pericardial space. A delivery device for delivering the implantable device to the pericardial space is also provided. Further embodiments provide implant retrieval devices and methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods may facilitate selection of a vector for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient's heart. One illustrative method may include delivering electrical stimulation at a first voltage to each vector in a first set of two or more vectors of a multi-vector medical system, determining whether the delivered electrical stimulation at the first voltage resulted in capture for each of the vectors in the first set of two or more vectors, identifying those vectors of the first set of two or more vectors that were determined to result in capture as a second set of vectors, delivering electrical stimulation at a second voltage that is lower than the first voltage to each vector in the second set of vectors, and determining whether the delivered electrical stimulation at the second voltage resulted in capture for each of the vectors in the second set of vectors.

Abstract: A device includes an antenna, a parasitic element, and a telemetry control module. The parasitic element modifies a radiation pattern of the antenna. The parasitic element has an impedance value that is adjustable, and the radiation pattern of the antenna depends on the impedance value of the parasitic element. The telemetry control module is configured to transmit data to a medical device using the antenna, receive data from the medical device using the antenna, and detect communication errors using data that is received from the medical device. Additionally, the telemetry control module is configured to adjust the impedance value of the parasitic element in response to detection of communication errors.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system configured for providing neurostimulation therapy to a patient. A user customizes a pulse pattern on a pulse-by-pulse basis. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to at least one electrode in accordance with the customized pulse pattern.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices include connector enclosure assemblies that utilize conductors electrically coupled to feedthrough pins that extend into a can where electrical circuitry is housed. The conductors may be coupled to the feedthrough pins and to capacitor plates within a filter capacitor by an electrically conductive bonding material and as a single bonding event during manufacturing. The base plate of the connector enclosure assembly may also include a ground pin. Ground capacitor plates may be present at a ground aperture of the filter capacitor where the ground pin passes through so that the ground pin, a ground conductor, and the ground capacitor plate may be coupled. A protective cover may be provided for the connector enclosure assembly to enclose the conductors intended to extend into the can prior to the assembly being joined to the can. Conductors may be attached to a common tab that is subsequently removed.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system provides stimulation therapy to a patient. The system includes a neurostimulation lead that contacts patient tissue and couples with an implantable stimulation device, such as an implantable pulse generator, that receives stimulation parameters for providing stimulation therapy to a patient. The implantable stimulation device includes a header with a plurality of connector assemblies that receive an end of the neurostimulation lead, and a case containing a charging coil and a telemetry coil coupled to programming circuitry on a printed circuit board, which is in turn coupled to the connector assemblies via a feedthrough assembly. The telemetry coil receives data from an external programmer and transmits the data to the programming circuitry, which in turn uses the data to communicate to the connector assemblies and the neurostimulation lead to provide stimulation therapy to a patient.

Abstract: In order to treat hypertension, an implantable receiving device is connected to implantable leads, which are adapted to deliver electrical energy to the carotid body or bodies of the patient. The receiving device is arranged to receive electrical energy from an external generator. The device thus enables the delivery of electrical currents, which modify the function of neural tissue, particularly where repeated treatments are needed or where positioning of a percutaneous needle is difficult.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a medical implant that includes a receiving coil. A transmitting device includes a first transmitting coil, and a second transmitting coil disposed with respect to the first transmitting coil such that a shortest distance from an edge of the second transmitting coil to an edge of the first transmitting coil is within 20% of a length of the receiving coil. A control unit is configured to transmit power to the medical implant by driving a current source to drive a current in a clockwise direction through one of the transmitting coils, and drive a current in a counterclockwise direction through the other one of the transmitting coils. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, comprising an implantable component having a rechargeable power supply and an external wireless charger. The wireless charger has a rechargeable power supply, and an inductive coil configured to transcutaneously transfer power from the charger power supply to the implantable power supply, and configured to detect and receive, via the inductive coil, power from an auxiliary charger for recharging of the charger power supply.

Abstract: In one example, an external medical device is provided. The external medical device includes a memory, at least one sensor to detect a cardiac condition in a patient monitored by the external medical device, and circuitry, in communication with the memory, to receive information indicative of the cardiac condition, detect whether the patient is asleep, and issue at least one alarm responsive to both receiving the information and detecting that the patient is asleep.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) (10) having a treatment decision processor (28) is described which follows a “shock first” or a “CPR first” rescue protocol after identification of a treatable arrhythmia, depending upon an estimate of the probability of successful resuscitation made from an analysis of a patient parameter measured at the beginning of the rescue. The invention may also follow different CPR protocols depending on the estimate. The invention also may use the trend of the measured patient parameter to adjust the CPR protocol either during a CPR pause or after the initial CPR pause. The AED (10) thus enables an improved rescue protocol.

Abstract: A medical device coupled to extracardiac electrodes is configured to analyze a cardiac electrical signal over a signal analysis segment to determine if shockable rhythm classification criteria are met, determine that TWOS detection criteria are met for the signal analysis segment when a predetermined number of TWOS analysis windows are classified as TWOS, and classify the signal analysis segment as non-shockable in response to determining that the TWOS detection criteria are met.

Abstract: A flexible light treatment head comprising one or more light source modules interconnected by a hinge apparatus along a flexing edge thereof. The light source modules have light emitting elements, such as LEDs or LASERs. The hinge apparatus comprises one or more hinges. Each hinge has a head wiring channel disposed to form a continuous wiring channel along the hinge apparatus. A head wiring channel is also provided for routing wires into the light source module.

Abstract: Described is a dermal system which contains at least one light source and at least one pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active ingredient. The dermal system can be employed in order to enhance the penetration and action of the pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active ingredient. The at least one light source is a thin light source comprising at least one inorganic light emitting diode (LEDs) and/or at least one organic light emitting device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an applicator or handpiece configured to apply treatment energy to a segment of skin located in a tissue or skin treatment plane. The treatment energy could be RF energy, applied by a pair of bipolar RF electrodes or optical energy. The applicator includes an optical system configured to form a rectangular spot and homogenize the optical energy distribution.

Abstract: A rapid range stacking for particle beam therapy includes a position and tracking module used for a patient position and locating a region of interest, and a scanning routine module used for targeting a target voxel within the region of interest by accessing a treatment plan characterization while providing a prescribed amount of dose to the target voxel. The scanning routine module determines a prescribed amount of dose for the target voxel by incrementing a position location of horizontal indexes on a single vertical index. Further, a beam delivery module used for controlling a beam device delivers ion particles to the target voxel within the region of interest. The beam delivery module controls a power supply for a horizontal magnet and a vertical magnet by retrieving information from the scanning routine module, and also controls a power supply for an accelerator energy selection.

Abstract: A particle beam scanning irradiation system includes a computer establishing a scanning sequence for irradiation of a tumor portion in a patient; and a particle beam irradiation device irradiating the tumor portion in accordance with the established scanning sequence of the particle beam. The computer selects all conceivable combinations of pairs of irradiation spots among the plurality of irradiation spots arranged in the tumor portion, and determines whether each path for the particle beam to shift between two spots constituting the selected pair passes through the tumor portion; determines a penalty matrix expressing whether each path passes through the tumor portion on the basis of the determination result; evaluates a function for the shift paths on the basis of an optimizing algorithm, and establishes the scanning sequence of the particle beam by an optimized solution of the function.

Abstract: Provided herein are pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations and methods for regional adiposity reduction and treatment of body contour defects such as abdominal bulging; comprising an injectable formulation, said formulation comprising: an active ingredient that consists essentially of an adipose tissue-reducing amount of one or more lipophilic long-acting selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, or salts, solvates, or polymorphs thereof; and one or more subcutaneously acceptable inactive ingredients.

Abstract: A wearable breathing apparatus includes a thermal capacitor that a user inhales and exhales through. Inhaled air is cooled as it passes through the thermal capacitor, and exhaled air cools the material of the thermal capacitor for the next breathing cycle. The breathing apparatus may be used by a firefighter, for example, as a lightweight apparatus to enable the firefighter to safely breathe dangerously heated air, for example while in a fire shelter, that may otherwise cause injury to the user. The breathing apparatus advantageously does not require external power for cooling. The thermal capacitor may also be used as a part of a rebreather that uses a scrubber that removes carbon dioxide from exhaled air, for rebreathing. Further, the thermal capacitor may be used for other purposes, such as in recirculation of building air.

Abstract: A fire suppression system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a high pressure inert gas source configured to provide a first inert gas output and a low pressure inert gas source configured to provide a second inert gas output. A distribution network is connected with the high pressure inert gas source and the low pressure inert gas source to distribute the first inert gas output and the second inert gas output throughout a confined space. A volume reduction system is positioned within the confined space and includes a seal member. The seal member is selectively deployable between a first position and a second position to isolate a first volume of the confined space from a second volume of the confined space and reduce an amount of the first inert gas output and the second inert gas output required to respond to a fire threat within the confined space.

Abstract: An initiator with fuse device for an automatic self-contained fire suppressor and method are provided herein. Stovetop fires are a well-known residential and commercial hazard. An initiator with fuse device provides a reliable activation of an automatic stovetop fire suppressor. A device and method which provides a secure and robust attachment of an initiator to a fire suppressor, while reducing required component parts, manufacturing time, and labor, is provided herein. An initiator cup with integral cylindrical extension affords a thermoform attachment of the cup to the fire suppressor container while providing a secure mechanical attachment of the fuse to the initiator cup.

Abstract: A fire protection trolley for securing a burning or flammable article, in particular for the interior of an aircraft or spacecraft, includes a sealable, fire-resistant safety container, and an interface connected to the safety container and formed for connection to a counterpart interface of a smoke gas exhaust line for removing a medium located in the safety container. A fire protection device has a fire protection trolley of this type which may be included in an aircraft or spacecraft.

Abstract: A quint configuration fire apparatus includes a ladder assembly and a single rear axle coupled to a chassis. The single rear axle includes either a single solid axle configuration extending laterally across the chassis or a first axle having a first constant velocity joint and a second axle having a second constant velocity joint. The ladder assembly is extensible to provide a horizontal reach of at least 90 feet and a vertical height of at least 95 feet and configured to support a tip load of at least 750 pounds. A water tank is configured to contain at least 500 gallons of water. The center of gravity of at least one of the chassis, a body assembly, a pump, and the water tank are positioned to counterbalance a moment generated by the tip load with the ladder assembly extended to the horizontal reach of at least 90 feet.

Abstract: To present an injection head having silencing function for gas type fire extinguisher capable of reducing the noise generated upon release of fire extinguishing gas. In a gas type fire extinguisher using a fire extinguishing gas, a silencer 3A is disposed in an injection head 1A installed for releasing a fire extinguishing gas into a fire extinguishing area.

Abstract: A novel flame retardant and fire extinguishing product for preventing and fighting fires in liquids is disclosed herein. The product comprises water, one or more flame retardants, one or more polymers, one or more surfactants, one or more emulsifiers, one or more preservatives, and one or more firming agents. In some embodiments, the product may further comprise one or more stabilizers, one or more binders, and/or one or more fining agents. The product may be used as a fire extinguishing agent in active firefighting and as a flame retardant to prevent fires. The product may be biodegradable in a natural environment, may be readily cleaned off equipment and materials to which it has been applied using water, and may also provide other features which render it safe for the environment as compared to other commonly used products in fire prevention and firefighting.

Abstract: A gym system is described. The gym system includes multiple vertical support members, each support member comprising a set of locking receptacles, and a moveable bar catch having a tubular body adapted to slide along at least one vertical support member, and a pivoting locking feature comprising a protuberance adapted to engage a particular locking receptacle from among the set of locking receptacles. A bar catch including a tubular body adapted to be able to be positioned along a support member of a weightlifting support apparatus is also described. The bar catch includes a solid hook adapted to support a weightlifting bar and to pivot at one end, allowing the solid hook to be placed in a moveable first position and a locked second position, a safety support adapted to provide support to the solid hook and the weightlifting bar, and a handle coupled to the tubular body.

Abstract: An exercise device includes first and second crank arms configured to rotate 180 degrees out of phase with respect to one another about a first axis; a track; first and second foot links, first and second footpads carried by the first and second foot links between the first link portion and the second link portion and first and second front arms. Each of the first and second foot links has a first link portion that moves along the track while pivoting. Each of the first and second front arms has a first arm portion pivotally coupled to one of the foot links and a second arm portion pivotally coupled one of the crank arms. In one embodiment, a disc rotates in response to movement of the first foot link along the track, wherein a magnet facing the disc forms an eddy brake.

Abstract: A suspension training device includes at least one training unit having a support strap extending between a grip and a mounting end, whereby the mounting end can be mounted to a structure (such as a ceiling, door, post, etc.) so that the support strap and grip extend therefrom. The mounting end bears a mounting button which may be removably inserted into an aperture in the support strap, whereby the mounting end of the support strap may be wrapped about an object and the mounting button may be inserted in the aperture to mount the support strap to the object. The grip bears a handle with an arch extending therefrom. A user can easily grasp the handle with his/her hands, or engage a foot within the arch, when performing suspension training exercises.

Abstract: An exercise device including a body and a handle extending from and offset from the body where the handle includes two different pairs of angled gripping portions.

Abstract: A new weight for exercise and physical fitness is disclosed. The invention combines a kettlebell with the dumbbell, so a user can gain the swinging, aerobic benefits of a kettlebell and at the same time utilize the invention as a traditional dumbbell.

Abstract: A connector for a weight plate holder of the type having a weight plate base and attached a vertical upright member upon which weight plates can be stacked is provided. The vertical upright member has at least one hole therein. A connection plate having a first end, a second end and a middle portion between said first end and said second end is provided. The first end has a cable opening therein to allow a cable to be connected. The middle portion has a central opening therein sized larger than the vertical upright member and also has a lock tab protruding partially into the central opening. The connection plate will slide over and onto said vertical upright member when it is a horizontal orientation but when the first end is tipped upwardly away from a horizontal orientation, the lock tab enters a hole in the upright member.