Abstract: A robotic surgical system configured for the articulation of a catheter comprises an input device, a control computer, and an instrument driver having at least one motor for displacing the pull-wire of a steerable catheter wherein the control computer is configured to determine the desired motor torque or tension of the pull-wire of a catheter based on user manipulation of the input device. The control computer is configured to output the desired motor torque or tension of the pull-wire to the instrument driver, whereby at least one motor of the instrument driver implements the desired motor torque to cause the desired pull-wire tension to articulate the distal tip of the catheter. The present embodiment further contemplates a robotic surgical method for the articulation of a steerable catheter wherein an input device is manipulated to communicate a desired catheter position to a control computer and motor torque commands are outputted to an instrument driver.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter apparatus having a needle having a needle shaft, a needle tip at the distal end of the needle shaft and a needle hub mounted to the proximal end of the needle shaft, an intravenous catheter tube mounted to a catheter hub and a needle guard movable on the needle shaft. The needle guard having a base portion having a needle passage extending in an axial direction from a proximal side of the base portion through the base portion to a distal side of the base portion, first and second arms extending substantially in the axial direction from the distal side of the base portion and a distal wall which is transversely arranged at a distal region of the first arm. A recess is provided in the needle guard that receives a stopping element for stopping movement of the needle shaft relative to the needle guard.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for joining initially separate members of different metallic materials, e.g., as in joining segments of a multi-segment intravascular guide wire, as well as multi-segment intravascular guide wires so formed. Initially separate members are provided, which members comprise different metallic materials relative to one another (e.g., stainless steel and nitinol). The members are aligned with one another, and a first force is applied to the members while delivering electrical current through the members to solid state weld the separate members to one another. A follow up force that is greater than the first force is applied as solid-state deformation occurs and a weld nugget forms between the members. The weld nugget so formed is thinner and of a larger transverse cross-sectional area than would be produced without application of the follow up force.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for eluting an agent at a treatment site are disclosed. The devices include an expandable frame and at least one membrane. The membrane may carry an agent to elute at the treatment site. The membrane may allow blood flow at the treatment site during agent delivery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in monitoring treatment of pressure-related conditions, such as hydrocephalus, include an implantable vessel, and a meter including one or more microfluidic channels connected to the vessel. The microfluidic channels may be configured to detect at least one of pressure and fluid flow rate through the vessel and to be read out remotely by a wirelessly coupled external device. The meter may include a passive resonant (LC) circuit. A dynamic flap may be included in the microfluidic channel that may act as part of the LC circuit. An external device may also be configured to inductively couple remotely to the LC circuit, with-out physical connections to the implantable vessel or pressure meter, and to display a pressure acting on the pressure meter and/or a fluid flow through the meter.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and medicaments that include a drug are provided for use in the treatment of the prostate by locally administering the drug into the bladder of a patient to achieve a sustained concentration of the drug in urine in the bladder sufficient to produce a therapeutic concentration of the drug in the prostate. The drug may be delivered into the bladder from an intravesical drug delivery device inserted into the bladder, wherein the device continuously releases the drug into the urine in the bladder over an extended period of hours or days.

Abstract: A single-piece, injection molded, hand-held liquid dispensing applicator. The single-piece applicator comprising a source of fluid and a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, the fluid flows from the source to an absorbent member attached to the applicator tip to spread the liquid on a surface. The frangible tip may comprise a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element, and a frangible region therebetween. The tongue element may comprise ribs for reinforcement. The frangible tip may comprise a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid. The dispensing applicator may be used in various medical applications.

Abstract: A microneedle and a microneedle array, which have both aspects of safety and easiness to use and can administer a predetermined dose of a medical agent without causing a pain by smoothly running into the skin surface layer of a patient, includes a frustum and a forward end portion thereon, the forward end portion having a forward end apex angle in the range of 15 to 60° and a forward end diameter in the range of 1 to 20 ?m and satisfying the expression H/D?5, where H is a total height of the microneedle, and D is a diameter of a bottom surface of the frustum).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are unique needle cartridges for use with transdermal microneedling devices, and prevent backflow of liquid(s) from the skin of a patient. One embodiment may comprise a base portion and a sleeve coupled to the base portion. The needle cartridge may also comprise a needle unit disposed at the distal end of the base portion and within the sleeve, wherein the needle unit comprises at least one needle ending therefrom. Also, the needle cartridge comprises a drive shaft disposed through the base portion and coupled to the needle unit, and configured to be driven reciprocally along a longitudinal axis of the base portion and thereby move the needle unit reciprocally such that the needles of the needle unit extend beyond and retract within the sleeve. Such needle cartridges would include an absorbing barrier disposed within the base portion to prevent the backflow of liquid(s) from the needle unit by absorbing such liquid(s).

Abstract: A medical connector includes a housing with a central axis, a hollow bore, and a narrowed passage. The connector further includes a rigid valve member configured to move along the axis of the connector as the connector moves between an open and closed configuration. The connector includes a resilient member coupled to the valve member and the housing.

Abstract: A connector for a fluid handling system includes a body defining a plurality of internal passages that connect single-lumen tubes to lumens of a multi-lumen tube. Openings located along an internal edge of connector provide fluid communication between the internal passages and openings located along a curved outer surface of the multi-lumen tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element, in particular for connecting vessels and for producing a fluidic connection between vessels or elements joined to the connecting element. The invention also relates to an elastic spring element as a valve element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible electric field capacitive coupled energy transfer means formed from a conductive metal coated flexible material or flexible metallic net. The improved energy transfer means is flexible, porous, light and easy to manipulate treatment electrode and is used in non-invasive electrical field hyperthermia.

Abstract: The artificial percept of light may be created by electrically stimulating the neurons of the retina. While a photolithographed array internal to the retina provides superior resolution, an array external to the retina provides easier implantation and improved manufacturability. Therefore it is advantageous to supply a high-resolution electrode array internal to the sclera, near the fovea and a lower-resolution electrode array eternal to the sclera near the periphery of the retina. It is advantageous to encourage current to flow through the retina by providing a physically separate and distinct electrode array and return electrode. The high-resolution electrode array and lower-resolution electrode array may be return electrodes for the other, or completely separate return electrodes may be provided.

Abstract: Electrical stimulation is applied to a patient at least in part via a pulse generator. A motor fiber component of an action potential that is evoked in response to the electrical stimulation is measured. A sensory fiber component of the action potential is also measured. A relationship between the motor fiber component and the sensory fiber component is determined. For example, a ratio between the sensory fiber component and the motor fiber component may be calculated, or the absolute sizes of the sensory fiber component and the motor fiber component may be compared. Based on the determined relationship between the motor and sensory fiber components, a paresthesia of the patient is estimated.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes an anchor body having a first end, a second end, at least one least one lateral portion, and a medial portion. The anchor body defines at least one lead channel extending longitudinally from the first end to the second end. A wedge element is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the at least one lead channel and is configured and arranged to move between an open position and an engagement position. In the engagement position, the wedge element engages a lead disposed in the at least one lead channel to hold the lead within the lead anchor, and in the open position, the wedge releases the lead to move relative to or be released from the lead anchor. The lead anchor further includes an actuator configured and arranged to move the wedge element from the open position to the engagement position.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a guidewire and a fixator catheter. The fixator catheter comprises a tubular body with a distal portion and a proximal portion, and further includes a distal opening, a fixator secured to the distal portion, and a body opening arranged between the fixator and the proximal portion. The guidewire passes through the body opening and the distal opening of the fixator catheter. The fixator is movable between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration and, in the expanded condition, is capable of anchoring the guidewire and fixator catheter in a lumen of a blood vessel.

Abstract: Active surveillance of potential lead anomalies in implanted medical leads utilizes test signal(s) delivered through an output current pathway and induced signals monitored via an independent monitor current pathway to detect for any reactions to the test signals in the induced signals. Various specific responses can be initiated if a potential insulation breach or anomaly in the implanted medical lead is identified due to detection of a “positive” test result in the induced signals on the monitor current pathway in reaction to a test signal applied to the output current pathway.

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: An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a vagal stimulation therapy to a vagus nerve, including delivering a neural stimulation signal to non-selectively stimulate both afferent axons and efferent axons in the vagus nerve according to a predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy, and selecting a value for at least one parameter for the predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy to control the neural stimulation therapy to avoid physiological habituation to the vagal stimulation therapy. The parameter(s) include at least one parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of a predetermined therapy duration parameter for a predetermined therapy period, and a predetermined intermittent neural stimulation parameter associated with on/off timing for the intermittent neural stimulation parameter.

Abstract: An example of a method embodiment may place a set of stimulation electrodes on tissue containing the baroreceptor region, and may test bipolar configurations of the electrodes. Each of the bipolar configurations of the electrodes includes at least one of the electrodes configured to function as an anode and at least one other of the electrodes configured to function as a cathode. Testing the bipolar configurations may include stimulating the tissue using each of the bipolar configurations. For each of the tested bipolar configurations at least one physiological parameter may be monitored for a baroreflex response to stimulation of the tissue, and the baroreflex response may be recorded for each of the tested bipolar configurations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating an arrhythmia in a patient using an electrotherapy device such as a subcutaneous pacing device. The device applies a series of electrotherapy pulses in response to the presence of the arrhythmia. Various provisions are disclosed for mitigating pain or discomfort as a result of the electrotherapy pulses.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system having a pulse generator for generating therapeutic electric pulses, a lead electrically coupled with the pulse generator having an electrode, a first sensor configured to monitor a physiological characteristic of a patient, a second sensor configured to monitor a second physiological characteristic of a patient and a controller. The controller can determine a pacing vector based on variables including a signal received from the second sensor, and cause the pulse generator to deliver the therapeutic electrical pulses according to the determined pacing vector. The controller can also modify pacing characteristics based on variables including a signal received from the second sensor.

Abstract: An implantable medical device detects conditions such as a lead failure which may result in oversensing a physiologic condition. In response, the IMD automatically adjusts sensing thresholds, such as the number of intervals to detection in order to mitigate the effect of oversensing in the delivery of extraneous therapy.

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

Abstract: To recharge an implanted medical device, an external device, typically in the form of an inductive charger, is placed over the implant to provide for transcutaneous energy transfer. The external charging device can be powered by a rechargeable battery. Since the battery is in close proximity to the charge coil, the large magnetic field produced by the charge coil induces eddy currents that flow on the battery's metallic case, often resulting in undesirable heating of the battery and reduced efficiency of the charger. This disclosure provides a means of shielding the battery from the magnetic field to reduce eddy current heating, thereby increasing efficiency. In one embodiment, the magnetic shield consists of one or more thin ferrite plates. The use of a ferrite shield allows the battery to be placed directly over the charge coil as opposed to outside the extent of the charge coil.

Abstract: Techniques for retrieving information from an implantable medical device (IMD) having a depleted internal energy source such as a non-rechargeable battery are disclosed. The IMD is powered by and communicates with an external interrogation device to access a memory location of the IMD and for transfer of the information in the memory location to the external interrogation device subsequent to depletion of the internal energy source. In an embodiment, the memory location is included in a non-volatile memory component of the IMD to maintain the information stored in the memory component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for a defibrillator that specifies treatment protocols in terms of number of chest compressions instead of time intervals. The defibrillator includes a connection port that is configured to attach with a plurality of electrodes that are capable of delivery of a defibrillation shock and/or sensing one or more physical parameters. An energy storage device capable of storing a charge is attached to the plurality of electrodes. A controller is coupled to the plurality of electrodes and the energy storage device, the controller is configured to provide CPR chest compression instructions in terms of the numbers of CPR chest compressions.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) configured to transmit a tissue conduction communication (TCC) signal includes a TCC transmitter module configured to generate the TCC signal and transmit the TCC signal via a plurality of electrodes. The TCC signal comprises a biphasic signal having an amplitude and a frequency, wherein at least one of the amplitude and the frequency are configured to avoid stimulation of tissue of the patient. The TCC transmitter module comprises protection circuitry coupled between a current source and the plurality of electrodes, wherein the protection circuitry is configured to protect the signal generator from an external anti-tachyarrhythmia shock delivered to the patient.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an extravascular ICD system and method for defibrillating a heart of a patient. The extravascular ICD system includes multiple extravascular electrical stimulation leads or lead segments located in close proximity to one another and having respective defibrillation electrodes. The ICD system utilizes the multiple defibrillation electrodes to form an extravascular electrode vector that may result a reduction in the shock impedance and/or a reduction in the DFT compared to extravascular ICD systems that include only a single extravascular defibrillation electrode. An ICD of the system may, for example, deliver a defibrillation shock using an electrode vector in which a first polarity of the electrode vector is formed by electrically coupling first and second defibrillation electrodes of first and second leads, respectively, to the therapy circuitry and a second polarity of the electrode vector is formed by electrically coupling a housing of the ICD to the therapy circuitry.

Abstract: A defibrillator device is provided. The defibrillator device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a readout module, a USB interface, a voltage converter and a stimulation module. When the first and second electrodes contact the chest of a patient, the readout module obtains a physiologic rhythm signal of the patient and provides a heart rhythm signal according to the first physiologic rhythm signal. According to a first voltage from a portable electronic device, the voltage converter generates a second voltage when the first USB interface is coupled to the portable electronic device, wherein the second voltage is larger than the first voltage. When the physiologic rhythm signal indicates that cardiac arrhythmia is present in the patient, the stimulation module provides an electric shock energy to the chest of the patient via the first and second electrodes according to the second voltage.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adjusting therapy delivery decisions in an implantable cardiac stimulus device. Some example methods and devices use a first counter to track benign cardiac activity during therapy preparations and a second counter to track shockable cardiac activity once therapy is ready. Therapy can then be delivered if or when the second counter exceeds the first counter.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for treatment of diseases of ageing including immunosenescence, immune dysfunction, inflammation and impairment of early lymphoid lineage differentiation. The invention more specifically relates to the use of granulocyte colony stimulating factors to assist in stem cell mobilization, optionally in combination with the application of a method of delivering precise magnetic field patterns which agree with the body's own natural magnetic field patterns, and further in combination with re-infusion of previously collected autologous cells and/or plasma, optionally including allogeneic (healthy donor) cells and blood plasma.

Abstract: Devices and methods for tissue treatment produce a shock wave therapy and electromagnetic field therapy. The shock wave therapy provides stimulation of the blood circulation and stimulates the treated cells. The electromagnetic field enables thermal treatment of tissue. Combination of both therapies improves soft tissue treatment, mainly connective tissue in the skin area and fat reduction.

Abstract: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is used to modulate permeability of the blood brain barrier in a transient, safe and non-invasive manner. A conventional or deep TMS coil may be placed on a head in a vicinity of a tumor, for example. A series of magnetic pulses is provided to the brain with a tailored stimulation protocol. In one of many possible clinical applications, a pharmaceutical substance may be introduced during a time frame before, during or after providing the magnetic pulses to treat a tumor in the brain.

Abstract: An electrical system including multiple bodies having an underlying structure resembling a double helix may be used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for various 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: A lighting system for initiating change in a mammal's circadian or well-being state includes a computational unit configured to receive state information regarding the mammal's circadian or well-being state, and operational information from a light sensor with spectral and luminosity sensitivity. The computational unit is configured to compare the operational information with the state information, and on the basis of this comparison, the computational unit outputs a control signal to a light control unit which, in turn, adjusts a controllable light source to vary its light output so as to initiate the desired change in the mammal's circadian or well-being state.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a treatment device having a heat source, a power source, a heat applicator and a lighting mechanism. The power source includes at least one nanotech battery, ensuring superior properties such as prolonged electricity production and prompt recharging. The heat applicator includes a heat conductive layer made from nanofibers, providing highly efficient heat distribution to the targeted regions. The lighting mechanism employs light emitting nano fibers to treat targeted regions. The power source provides energy to the heat and light source, which generates heat and light so that the applicator may distribute to an injury site or wound bed of a user. The current device may also be used for cooling, instead of heating applications. In addition to the medical utilizations, the current device may also play a central role in other apparatus that require thermal control capabilities.

Abstract: A method of biostimulating phototherapy is provided. The method comprises illuminating a subject's body portion (1) with light having a first wavelength in the range of 600-900 nm (17) and reducing and preventing hyperthermia of the body portion by illuminating the body portion with light having a second wavelength which is at least one of in the range of 400-600 nm and in the range of 900-2500 nm (19). Further, a phototherapy device (21) is provided which comprises a first light source (25) and a second light source (26). The first light source is configured to emit light (17) having a first wavelength which is in the range of 600-900 nm. The second light source is configured to emit light (19) having a second wavelength which is at least one of in the range of 400-600 nm and in the range of 900-2500 nm.

Abstract: A system, method and device for brachytherapy treatment verification is described herein. The verification may be in real time and may provide verification of one or more of dose, source position, dwell time and source activity. In one embodiment the invention provides a method for verifying a brachytherapy radiation treatment including processing a distribution of exposure to a brachytherapy radiation source of a two dimensional imaging array to determine a region of high exposure; obtaining one or more distribution of exposure profiles through the region of high exposure; determining a region of high value in the one or more distribution of exposure profiles; and using the determined region of high exposure and/or high value to calculate one or more brachytherapy radiation source position and/or one or more brachytherapy radiation source distance to thereby verify at least a part of the brachytherapy radiation treatment.

Abstract: A therapy apparatus for producing thermal neutrons at a tumor site in a patient has a plurality of fast neutron sources surrounding a moderator, a fast neutron reflecting media around the fast neutron sources, a gamma-ray and neutron shielding media surrounding the fast neutron reflecting media, and a patient chamber positioned inside the moderator. The fast neutron sources are positioned around the moderator to maximize and direct the neutron flux to said tumor site.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of low-cost intraoperative all field simultaneous parallel microbeam single fraction few seconds duration 100 to 1,000 Gy and higher dose radiosurgery with micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-carbon nanotube based microaccelerators. It ablates cancer cells including the mesenchymal epithelial transformation associated cancer stem cells. Microbeam brachy-therapeutic radiosurgery is performed. Microaccelerators are configured for simultaneous parallel microbeam emission from varying angels to an isocentric tumor. Their additive dose rate at the isocentric tumor is in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 Gy/s. It eliminates most tumor recurrence and metastasis which enhances cancer cure rates. It also exposes cancer antigens which induces cancer immunity. Stereotactic breast core biopsy is combined with, positron emission tomography and computerized tomography and phase-contrast imaging. Parallel microbeam brachytherapy preserves normal breast appearance.

Abstract: A rappelling device that frictionally controls rope flow, thereby allowing adjustable control of a load relative to an anchor is disclosed. For example, a coupling link, such as a carabiner, is clipped into a small hole, a bight of rope is pushed through a separate large hole, and then the rope is clipped into the carabiner. A user may use the rappelling device to increase the friction while the rope is weighted by weaving the rope through one or more openings on the device. In doing so, the user does not need to feed the end of the rope through the one or more openings. The rappelling device provides incremental adjustment of friction while the rope is weighted. Additionally, a gland cut into the inner circumference of the small hole may be added to grip and limit axial movement of the carabiner.

Abstract: An improved protective breathing apparatus having a vent hole or one way valve incorporated into the inhalation duct so that the breathing apparatus can safely vent and release a pressure differential during the opening of the storage bag from vacuum storage. The use of an air pressure relief mechanism prevents the rupture of the duct and preserves the integrity of the device.

Abstract: A rope grab for a vertical fall protection system is provided. The rope grab includes a housing with an elongated member passage. The elongated member passage is configured to receive an elongated member. A locking cam is pivotally coupled to the housing and selectively engages an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A cam spring is coupled between the housing and the locking cam to provide a relatively slight biasing force on the locking cam in a direction towards an elongated member received in the elongated member passage. A locking arm, pivotally coupled to the housing, has a first end that is configured to be coupled to a safety harness of a user and a second end that selectively engages the locking cam to lock the locking cam on an elongated member in the elongated member passage during a fall event.

Abstract: A mounting device and method of mounting an automatic stovetop fire suppressor are provided herein. Stovetop fires are a well-known residential and commercial hazard. Common parts are utilized across the stovetop fire suppressors employed in different stovetop configurations, reducing inventory count. The mount design can be automated for greater efficiency of time and labor and may provide increased production or throughput. A magnet is attached at the factory for the vent hood product, eliminating the need for such assembly by an end user. This attachment also alleviates loss or misplacement of the magnet during unpacking or installation. A threaded insert is staked to the fire suppressor can and affords reliable retention of the magnet to the fires suppressor can. The present designs enables formation of a consistent vent area in the fire suppressor can.

Abstract: An automatic stovetop fire suppressor using a compressed spring to lower a bottom lid upon thermal glass bulb fracture is provided herein. A plastic lid seals on the bottom of a can and forms a closed container. The closed container is filled with a fire suppressing agent. A compressed spring extends when a thermal glass bulb fractures. The extending spring lowers the bottom lid to open the closed container. Fire suppressing agent flows out of the radial opening, suppressing a stovetop fire with minimal or no splashing of cooking oil. A center post is secured to a top wall of the container. A ledge, or bottom support, secured to the container catches the bottom lid to limit the radial opening height. A gradual release of a fire suppressing agent in a desired distribution pattern and method of gradual and spatial agent release can be provided with a cone-shaped bottom lid.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.

Abstract: A deluge fire protection system for tunnels having vehicle traffic including a main water supply pipe and a horizontal spray nozzle arrangement. The horizontal spray nozzle arrangement includes a nozzle device having an inlet portion defining an internal diameter and an external nominal diameter. The horizontal spray arrangement includes a coupling arrangement between the main water supply and the nozzle device. The coupling arrangement defines a multi-direction flow path between the main water supply and the nozzle device. The multi-direction flow path has an effective length of at least eight times a diameter of the inlet portion, and a cross-sectional area along the effective length greater than the cross-sectional area defined by a diameter of the inlet portion of the body of the nozzle device. The coupling arrangement provides for water delivery to the nozzle device at a working pressure ranging from about 10 psi. to about 30 psi.