Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a valve having a first end and an opposite second end; a sheath fixedly secured to and extending axially from one of the first and second ends of the valve; a dilator extending through the valve and sheath; and a lock knob rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to releasably axially lock the tool relative to the sheath without causing corresponding rotation of the tool therewith.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors.

Abstract: A medical balloon includes at least one internal wall dividing the balloon into a plurality of separate chambers which may be separately inflatable and deflatable. The at least one internal wall is impregnated with heat conductive particles. The heat conductive particles enable heat produced during the balloon blowing process to pass through the polymer material of the balloon and specifically into the internal wall or walls, enabling these to soften and stretch during the process. This improves the integrity of the balloon and also balloon flexibility. The radiopaque particles embedded in the internal wall or walls of the balloon can also, in preferred embodiments, be of radiopaque material, providing the balloon with imaging visibility during deployment thereof in a patient.

Abstract: A method for treating a target vascular portion of a subject including: providing an angioplasty balloon system including a balloon, the balloon carrying a first polymer, a second polymer, and at least one active agent on a surface of the balloon, the at least one active agent being at least partially contained within at least one of the first polymer and the second polymer, wherein the first polymer and the second polymer having different stereoisoisomeric forms that can co-crystalize to form a stereocomplex between the first and second polymers; positioning the balloon proximate the target vascular portion; expanding the balloon to engage the target vascular portion; thereby delivering at least a portion of the active agent to the target vascular portion; and withdrawing the balloon from the subject.

Abstract: A cage can be positioned around a medical balloon, such as an angioplasty balloon, to assist in a medical procedure. The cage can include a plurality of strips, each extending between a set of rings including first and second rings. As the balloon expands, the first and second rings move closer together and allow the strips to expand outward. The cage may have wedge dissectors on the strips.

Abstract: A device for sustained delivery of a poorly water soluble drug is described. A drug reservoir within the device, when in operation, contains an aqueous suspension of the drug mixed with a suspension of an excipient that, in one embodiment, generates acidic groups for a sustained period of time to maintain a desired pH in the aqueous suspension that in turn provides a constant concentration of a soluble form of the drug.

Abstract: The invention concerns a transdermal delivery system for controlled dispensing of an active substance to and through a porous surface. A certain amount of fluid comprising at least one active substance and at least one solvent is dispensed into an administration reservoir. In the administration reservoir the at least one solvent is separated from the administration reservoir by a solvent recovery means such that the active substance achieves a certain level on an interface device which is permeable for the one active substance. Thereby the active substance is absorbable via diffusion from the interface device by a porous surface to be treated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing the administration of compounds with the human body's natural circadian rhythms and addiction rhythms to counteract symptoms when they are likely to be at their worst by using an automated and preprogrammable transdermal or other drug administration system.

Abstract: The body has a number of sensitive surfaces that are subject to injury by physical, chemical and biological agents. The results of injury are, for example, signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, feeling of heat, pain and loss of function, and discomfort such as itching, irritation, burning sensations, and dysesthesia. The nasal membranes, the ocular surface, the lips and gingiva, and the genital surfaces are examples of such sensitive surfaces. Topical agents can be delivered to these surfaces using pre-medicated single unit applicators, such as swabs, wipes, or cotton-tips attached to handles, but for high frequency use, there is an advantage to using a reservoir bottle of medicated solution together with a packet of single applicators. In this invention, an apparatus embodiment for topically delivering a pharmaceutical comprises a specially designed container, together with a package of single applicators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pen-type, pressurized cosmetic applicator with a tubular applicator tip.

Abstract: A luer connection device is disclosed having a housing including a side wall having an inside surface defining a lumen with a central axis, an proximal end, and a distal end including a male luer tip within the lumen having a central flow diverter extending outwardly from the central axis to direct a fluid to a circumferential dead space distal to the male luer tip. A luer connection device is also disclosed having a flow expansion channel disposed in the lumen tapering outward from the wall of tubular housing and partially extending along a longitudinal axis from the tip opening toward the base opening for increasing mixing and flow through a circumferential dead space in the fluid path distal to the male luer tip.

Abstract: The fluid delivery system includes a pressurizing device for delivering a pressurized injection fluid, a low pressure fluid delivery system, and a pressure isolation mechanism adapted for fluid communication with the pressurizing device and low pressure fluid delivery system. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a housing defining an inlet port, an isolation port, and an internal cavity. The housing defines a seal seat in the internal cavity between the inlet port and isolation port. A valve member is disposed in the internal cavity. The valve member is free floating in the internal cavity and is adapted to engage the seal seat. The valve member has an open position permitting fluid communication between the inlet port and isolation port, and is fluid flow responsive to fluid flow in the inlet port to engage the seal seat and attain a closed position preventing fluid flow between the inlet port and isolation port.

Abstract: A flow control clamp having a first member and a second member movable from a first open position to a second irreversibly closed position wherein flow through a tube associated with the clamp is irreversibly prevented and cannot be restored. Systems and methods using such clamps are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elongated guide sheath for delivering at least one medical instrument to a body lumen. For reliable and cost effective implantation of an electrode at the AV septum the inventive guide sheath forms a first guiding sleeve and a second guiding sleeve at least partly separated by a shared wall section, wherein the longitudinal axis of the first guiding sleeve and the longitudinal axis of the second guiding sleeve run parallel to a longitudinal guide sheath axis, wherein the wall of the first guiding sleeve and/or of the second guiding sleeve each comprises a slit which runs along at least part of the length of the respective guiding sleeve. Further, a system including the above guide sheath, a first catheter and/or guide wire and a second catheter or electrode is proposed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes various modular electrode assemblies. For example, an implantable modular electrode assembly may include a hub including a plurality of electrical contacts configured to receive electrical signals from an implantable medical device, a first electrode module including a first substrate and a first plurality of electrodes on the first substrate, and a second electrode module including a second substrate and a second plurality of electrodes on the second substrate. The first and second electrode modules may be connectable to the hub, where the plurality of electrical contacts electrically communicate with the first and second plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a left ventricular lead for tracking over a guide wire into a coronary sinus and providing active fixation in, or adjacent to, the coronary sinus. The guide wire is configured for coronary sinus lead implantation and has an outer diameter. In one embodiment, the lead includes a tubular body including a proximal end, a distal end and a central lumen through which the guide wire is extendable. The lead also includes a lead connector end proximally projecting from the proximal end and comprising at least one electrical contact. The lead also includes a fixed helical anchor comprising a wire member having a diameter of between approximately 0.22 mm and approximately 0.27 mm. The wire member distally extends away from the distal end in a helical arrangement including an inner helical coil diameter that is sufficient to allow the guide wire to extend through the fixed helical anchor.

Abstract: An engagement subassembly of a catheter, for retrieving an implanted medical device, may include at least three segments or, alternately, capture members being spring biased outward from a longitudinal axis of the subassembly, wherein a device receptacle of the catheter forces the capture members/segments, against the spring bias thereof, toward the axis. Each capture member includes a spring-biased wire and a grip, which is located between proximal and distal portions of the corresponding wire, and which is configured to interlock within a gap between a device attachment feature and housing; a length of each wire distal portion may be approximately equal to that of the device housing. An interlocking edge of each segment interlocks within the gap between the attachment feature and housing, when a distal-facing surface of each segment, which tapers outward from the axis in a distal direction, comes into confronting engagement with the device housing.

Abstract: Example implantable cardiac stimulation devices, pulse generators, and methods providing enhanced cardiac pacing energy are disclosed herein. In an example, an implantable cardiac stimulation device may include a pulse generator having a pacing output node providing cardiac pacing pulses to be applied to a heart of a patient. The pulse generator may include a pulse voltage regulator that receives a pacing signal and generates cardiac pacing pulses at an output of the pulse voltage regulator according to the pacing signal. The pulse voltage regulator may receive a supply voltage to generate cardiac pacing pulses at the supply voltage, gated by the pacing signal.

Abstract: Bacteria, cancer cells, fungus and other harmful cells located beneath the surface of a mammal body can be effectively destroyed by passing an electrical current through the area to be treated. Electrodes are positioned on either side of the area to be treated, for example, gums, fingers, arms, legs, feet and torso, and an electric current is caused to flow between the electrodes and through the area to be treated. The electric current will destroy the bacteria, cancer cells, fungus or other harmful cells.

Abstract: A flexible device having a layered structure for delivering electrical stimulation and one or both of light and ultrasound to a skin surface is provided. The device is flexible so as to form a non-planar contact surface against the skin surface, and includes one or both of (a) a flexible light emitter layer positioned between two flexible conductive layers that emits light when driven by a power source and (b) a flexible ultrasound emitter layer positioned between two flexible conductive layers that produces ultrasound when driven by a power source. The device also includes a flexible electrical stimulation layer that functions as an electrode and is configured to provide electrical stimulation when driven by a power source.

Abstract: Provided is an electrical stimulation device including a first to fourth electrodes, and an electrical stimulation generation section which supplies an electrical stimulation signal to each of the first to fourth electrodes. The electrical stimulation generation section supplies, to the first and second electrodes, an electrical stimulation signal according to a first stimulation pattern, and supplies, to the third and fourth electrodes, an electrical stimulation signal according to a second stimulation pattern. The first stimulation pattern is set so that an electrical stimulation signal for changing stimulation intensity according to a first waveform is supplied to the first electrode, and an electrical stimulation signal for changing stimulation intensity according to a second waveform is supplied to the second electrode, the second waveform being increased and decreased in conjunction with the first waveform.

Abstract: Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for control using electrical signals recorded from clinically paralyzed muscles and nerves are presented. The discomplete neural prosthesis system and method for clinically paralyzed humans utilizes a controller. The controller is adapted to receive a volitional electrical signal generated by the human that is manifest below the lesion that causes the clinical paralysis. The controller uses at least the volitional electrical signal to generate a control signal that is output back to a plant to change the state of the plant, which in one aspect is one or more of the user's paralyzed muscles to achieve a functional result or to devices in the environment around the user that are adapted to receive commands from the controller.

Abstract: Methods for improving cancer symptoms in a subject are provided. Methods include positioning a therapy delivery device on a neural target site that contributes to immune activity of the subject. The therapy delivery device is activated to deliver a therapy signal to the neural target site to improve the subject's cancer symptoms.

Abstract: Methods for improving infection in a subject are provided. Methods include positioning a therapy delivery device on a neural target site that contributes to immune activity of the subject. The therapy delivery device is activated to deliver a therapy signal to the neural target site to improve the subject's infection.

Abstract: A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits.

Abstract: Methods for bridging brain sites between which there is substantially no effective communication, and associated neural prosthetic devices, are provided. A neural spike in a first neural site in a subject is detected, and a stimulus to a second neural site in the subject is delivered within a defined period of time after the detection of the neural spike, wherein there is substantially no effective communication between the first and second neural sites. The method forms an artificial bridge between the two neural sites, and establishes lasting communication between the two sites. The present disclosure provides, among other things, a neural prosthetic device comprising an integrated circuit that comprises a recording front-end comprising a plurality of recording channels; a processor unit; and a stimulus delivering back-end comprising a plurality of stimulation channels.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulator-implemented method for managing tachyarrhythmias through vagus nerve stimulation is provided. An implantable neurostimulator, including a pulse generator, is configured to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation in a manner that results in creation and propagation (in both afferent and efferent directions) of action potentials within neuronal fibers of a patient's cervical vagus nerve. Operating modes of the pulse generator are stored. A maintenance dose of the electrical therapeutic stimulation is delivered to the vagus nerve via the pulse generator to restore cardiac autonomic balance through continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic electrical pulses. A restorative dose of the electrical therapeutic stimulation is delivered to prevent initiation of or disrupt tachyarrhythmia through periodic electrical pulses delivered at higher intensity than the maintenance dose.

Abstract: A method includes displaying, on a display coupled to a computer processor, a two-dimensional representation of an arrangement of electrodes of a lead having one or more segmented electrodes; displaying, by the computer processor and on the display, a three-dimensional clinical effects map with two of the dimensions of the clinical effects map corresponding to the two-dimensional representation of the arrangement of the electrode and a third dimension corresponding to a stimulation parameter; and displaying, by the computer processor and on the display, at least one marking on the clinical effects map. Each marking represents a stimulation instance and is displayed at a position corresponding to the electrode used for stimulation in the stimulation instance and a value of the stimulation parameter used for stimulation in the stimulation instance. Each marking has a graphical characteristic representing a therapeutic effect or a side-effect resulting from the stimulation instance.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for limiting the duration of elevated pacing rates in an implantable medical device. An illustrative device may include a housing, a plurality of electrodes connected to the housing, and a controller within the housing and connected to the electrodes. The controller may deliver pacing pulses to the electrodes at a base pacing rate, detect a measure of elevated metabolic demand which may vary over time, deliver pacing pulses at an elevated pacing rate based on the measure of elevated metabolic demand. The controller may change a heart stress tracking value (HSTV) when the pacing rate is elevated and may be changed faster during times of relatively higher elevated pacing rates than times of relatively lower elevated pacing rates. The elevated pacing rate may be reduced back toward the base pacing rate after the HSTV crossed a predetermined heart stress threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for cardiac stimulation. A cardiac stimulation device includes a plurality of electrodes, and a pulse circuit electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes, the pulse circuit including a capacitor configured to charge to an initial charge level, deliver a test pulse having a first amplitude to the plurality of electrodes by only partially discharging, and subsequently deliver a backup pulse to the plurality of electrodes, the backup pulse having a second amplitude that is larger than the first amplitude.

Abstract: An apparatus including a header mountable to an implantable housing; and an electrically conductive connector block located within the header, wherein the conductive connector block is formed from a substantially non-metallic material.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a sealed package and a method of forming the package are disclosed. The package can include a housing extending along a housing axis between a first end and a second end, and an electronic device disposed within the housing that includes a device contact. The package can also include an external contact hermetically sealed to the housing at the first end of the housing, and a conductive member electrically connected to the external contact and the device contact such that the conductive member electrically connects the electronic device to the external contact. The conductive member is compressed between the external contact and the device contact.

Abstract: An implant system includes an implant, which is configured to be implanted in a body of a subject, and an external controller. The external controller includes a wireless energy transmitter. The implant comprises a wireless energy receiver, which is configured to receive energy from the wireless energy transmitter; and one or more electrical light sources, which are (a) electrically coupled to the wireless energy receiver, and (b) configured to emit light upon being triggered by the wireless energy receiver receiving the energy from the wireless energy transmitter.

Abstract: An electronic medical system is described. The system comprises an external RF power transmitter configured to emit a first power signal via an electromagnetic coupling, said RF power transmitter being configured to emit said first energy signal with a power no greater than 1 W. The system further comprises an implantable medical device comprising: at least one receiver antenna configured to receive said first energy signal via an electromagnetic coupling; an RF power receiver module configured to extract a second energy signal having a power of at least 1 mW and to be powered by said second energy signal; a power actuator module, operatively connected to the RF power receiver module, powered by said second energy signal. The power actuator module is configured to deliver a medical treatment to at least a target tissue of a patient on the basis of a control signal generated by the RF power receiver module.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure may include a device for wirelessly powering an implant unit in a body of a subject from a location outside of the body of the subject, wherein the implant unit includes a secondary antenna for wirelessly receiving energy. The device may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to the body of the subject, a circuit electrically connected to the primary antenna, and at least one processor electrically connected to the primary antenna and the circuit. The at least one processor may determine a resonant frequency mismatch between a first resonant frequency associated with the primary antenna and a second resonant frequency associated with the secondary antenna associated with the implant unit; and apply an adjustment to at least one component of the circuit to cause a change in the first resonant frequency associated with the primary antenna and a reduction in the resonant frequency mismatch.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for determining and/or programming stimulation settings for a pulse generator capable of steering current to a deep brain stimulation array are disclosed. Individual patient brain geometry and lead specific geometry data can be used to generate a maximum activation function curve. Optimization methods can be used to find stimulation settings that are as close as possible to achieving the value of the maximum activation function curve.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a medical system that includes one or more implantable medical devices configured to deliver a medical therapy to a patient. The medical system also includes a portable electronic device on which a touch-sensitive user interface is implemented. The user interface is configured to provide a visual representation of the medical therapy through a hierarchy. The hierarchy includes a lower level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a stimulation program that includes a plurality of configurable stimulation parameters. The hierarchy includes a middle level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a stimulation program-set that includes a plurality of different stimulation programs. The hierarchy includes an upper level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a scrollable collection of stimulation program-sets that are represented by a plurality of digital cards, respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to mixtures of LaFeSiH magnetic nanoparticles having different Curie temperatures useful for improved inductive hyperthermia efficiency, injectable formulations containing the nanoparticles, and methods of raising the temperature of selected cells using the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods for improving metabolic syndrome in a subject are provided. Methods include positioning a therapy delivery device on a neural target site that contributes to immune activity of the subject. The therapy delivery device is activated to deliver a therapy signal to the neural target site to improve the subject's metabolic syndrome.

Abstract: Methods for improving an immune disorder in a subject are provided. The immune disorder can be an autoimmune disorder, a hypersensitivity syndrome, or an immune deficiency syndrome. Methods include positioning a therapy delivery device on a neural target site that contributes to immune activity of the subject. The therapy delivery device is activated to deliver a therapy signal to the neural target site to improve the subject's immune disorder.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating comprises one or more fibers, the one or more fibers including fiber portions meeting at an apex and a bottom location to form a three dimensional cage; a detector attached to each of the fiber portions for receiving light and transmitting light along each of the fiber portions, respectively; and an illumination member situated within the cage. A method for illuminating a hollow member includes the steps of inserting one or more fibers into the hollow member, wherein one or more fibers include fiber portions that meet at a location to form a three-dimensional cage; permitting light to emit from within the three-dimensional cage and towards the fiber portions; receiving light at distinct locations on each of said fibers; and allowing each of the fibers to transmit the light received on each of the fiber portions out of the hollow member.

Abstract: The present invention relates inter alia to functional materials for the treatment and/or prophylaxis and/or diagnosis of diseases and/or cosmetic conditions. The functional materials can be used for the preparation of light emitting devices comprising fibers as light emitting elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a thermal ablation system. The thermal ablation comprises a thermal ablation apparatus configured to perform thermal ablation on a targeted tissue according to plan data of a treatment during a therapy mode of the thermal ablation system, a MR apparatus configured to perform a T2* weighted MR imaging for the targeted tissue to assess a therapeutic response of the thermal ablation during an assessment mode of the thermal ablation system, a control apparatus configured to switch the thermal ablation system between the therapy mode and the assessment mode. The thermal ablation apparatus is activated to perform the thermal ablation in the therapy mode, and the thermal ablation apparatus is deactivated to terminate the thermal ablation and the MR apparatus is activated to perform the T2* weighted MR imaging in the assessment mode.

Abstract: A method and system to direct a plurality of occupants during an evacuation of a building includes receiving at least one occupancy parameter of the plurality of occupants via at least one occupancy sensor, and controlling at least one occupancy actuator in response to the at least one occupancy parameter via an occupancy controller.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a breathing apparatus that comprises a plurality of oxygen sensors, each for sensing an oxygen content of a gas in the breathing apparatus, the controller being configured to control the operation of the breathing apparatus based on the output of one or more of the oxygen sensors and additional information relating to the operation of the breathing apparatus. Also a breathing apparatus comprising the controller and the plurality of oxygen sensors.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, methods and systems for the control of the breathing gas supply from a pressure-leading supply conduit to one or more breathing masks of an oxygen emergency supply device in a passenger aircraft include an on/off valve arranged between the supply conduit and the one or more breathing masks. The valve can be blocked or released to control air supply based upon monitoring mass flow to the breathing masks. The valve, for example, is actuated to an open position until the error between the actual mass flow and a desired mass flow exceeds a maximal error value, whereupon the valve is actuated to a closed position until the error between the actual mass flow and the desired mass flow exceeds a minimal error value whereupon the valve is actuated to the open position and the mass flow monitoring cycle is repeated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hood for a cleanroom gown, the hood comprising a base body defining an outside and an inside adapted to receive a head of an operator, the base body having a visor opening having a lower border and an upper border, wherein the hood includes a visor fixed in the visor opening, wherein the visor comprises a visor circumference with an upper border and a lower border, the lower border comprising a nose cut-out or a nose bulge provided for a nose of the operator, characterized in that the hood further comprises at least one fixing device arranged at an upper end of the nose cut-out or at the front end of the nose bulge for releasably fixing the lower border of the visor opening to the visor.

Abstract: A ventilated hood having an external air flow hose and comprising a filter incorporated in the ventilated hood, and a seal, wherein when the seal is intact, air does not flow through the filter.

Abstract: A remotely deployable fire protection device for remotely deploying a fire resistant panel between a structure and a fire includes a housing that is fire resistant. Each of opposing ends of a shaft is rotationally coupled to a respective one of opposite ends of the housing. A panel that is flexible and fire resistant has a top edge coupled to the shaft. A base is coupled to a bottom edge of the panel. A lock, operationally coupled to the shaft, is positioned in the housing proximate to a respective one of the opposite ends. An actuator, coupled to the housing proximate to the lock and operationally coupled to the lock, comprises a communicator for remote deployment of the panel. A plurality of mounting brackets is coupled to the housing. A cable with a first terminus coupled to the actuator is available for manual deployment of the panel.

Abstract: A display provides optimized situational awareness to firefighting command personnel within a wildfire theatre. Lidar scanning data provides a digital elevation map of the wildfire theatre for the display. Geographic features such as lakes, roads, power lines and structures can be overlaid on the display. Lidar data utilizing multiple reflection signatures can be interpreted to represent fuel density and/or canopy height and such information can also be included upon the display. A burn area and active fire edge can be sensed by infrared scanner data and overlaid upon the display. The display can be utilized for input of firefighting command instructions, such as in the form of vectors or other annotations placed upon the display and correlated with airborne firefighting resources to be dropped at designated locations. Data provided to the display can be periodically updated to reflect the current situation. Firefighting resources are thus most effectively assigned.