Abstract: In a remote control system and method for use in intraluminally or intravascularly located operations, an invasive element to which a remote control unit (RCU) is attached is introducible into a lumen. An elongated tube, to which an activation device is affixed near a distal end, is feedable into the lumen via the invasive element. The RCU is positionable within transmission range of an actuator for the activation device. An operator manipulating the tube with one hand to receive a tactile sensation and engaging the RCU with another hand simultaneously views the tube distal end on a monitor, and depresses an RCU button to actuate the activation device after determining that a body portion is in need of a corrective action. In one embodiment, the RCU comprises a shell for securing the invasive element, facilitating application of a reactive force to the shell by a finger during an operation.

Abstract: A catheter having an internal advancing mechanism that can advance stiffening wires or other devices, has a catheter with a catheter body, a tip section distal the catheter body, a device extending through at least the catheter body, and a control handle proximal the catheter body, where the control handle has an advancing mechanism with a threaded member, an adjustment member, and a guided member to which the device is connected, and the advancing mechanism is configured to advance and retract the device along the catheter body as controlled by a user. Each of the threaded member and the adjustment member has a generally cylindrical configuration. The threaded member has an outer surface configured with a helical guide channel. The adjustment member is configured to guide the guided member to move within the helical guide channel to advance and retract the device. The adjustment member can be rotatable over the threaded member by the user to control advancement and retraction of the device.

Abstract: A catheter navigation system includes a handle (100) which is operated by a user; a tube (200) which is configured to be connected to the handle (100) and is inserted into a human body; a tube navigation unit (300) which pushes one side of the tube (200) while pulling the other side so as to bend the tube (200) and thus navigate a direction of the tube; a plastic optical fiber (400) which is built in the tube (200) to transmit a light, with one end of the plastic optical fiber being exposed from a distal end of the tube (200); and a cap (500) which is connected to the distal end of the tube (200) to close the distal end of the tube (200).

Abstract: A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The plug is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the plug to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell.

Abstract: An anchor device to simplify catheterization procedures, particularly for insertion and maneuvering of large catheters in tortuous arteries, vessels, or other lumen is disclosed. In some embodiments, the anchor device includes an anchor stent formed from a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire elements that are coupled together. The device further includes a plurality of connector struts attached at a proximal end of the anchor stent, the connector struts coalescing to form a strut tip. A guide device, such as a guidewire, is attached to the anchor stent at the strut tip and may be used to guide the anchor stent into the arteries or other vessels and toward a target treatment site.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor sleeve that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) though a working channel of the anchor sleeve. The anchor sleeve may include a first actuator that controls the extension of one or more subcutaneous tines into the subcutaneous region under the skin. The anchor sleeve can also include a second actuator that can cause the anchor sleeve to lock onto an outer portion of the catheter (or other medical instrument) arrange in the working channel.

Abstract: Catheter adapters and vascular access device including catheter adapters are discloses. The catheter adapter tip opening has an internal curvature defining a tapered region in the lower portion, but not the upper portion, to support a flexured portion of the catheter to prevent kinking and occlusion.

Abstract: An IV catheter system may have a catheter component and a needle component. The catheter component may have a catheter hub, a cannula extending distally from the catheter hub, and a push feature extending outward from the catheter hub. The push feature may have an outer surface that receives contact from a digit to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration, in which the needle is within the cannula, to a fluid delivery configuration, in which the needle is outside the catheter hub. The needle component may have a needle hub and a needle extending distally from the needle hub along an axis. The push feature may be formed of a flexible material that causes the push feature, in response to pressure exerted on the outer surface by a dressing securing the catheter component to a patient, to deflect the outer surface toward the cannula axis.

Abstract: Catheter systems comprising independent fluid paths are disclosed. The catheter systems can include a catheter adapter that has a catheter hub with a chamber. A catheter extends from a distal end of the catheter hub and is in fluid communication with the chamber. A stabilization platform with a first wing and a soft push tab are also part of the catheter hub. The catheter system includes a needle hub with a needle that slidably fits within the catheter. In an insertion configuration, a proximal extension of the catheter hub is removably coupled within a distal opening of the needle hub. After the catheter is placed, the needle hub is retracted from the catheter adapter to slidably remove the needle from the catheter.

Abstract: An IV catheter system may have a catheter component with a catheter hub, a cannula extending distally from the catheter hub, and a push feature protruding outwardly from the catheter hub. The IV catheter system may also have a needle component with a needle hub, a needle extending distally from the needle hub along an axis, and a grip extending from the needle hub, generally parallel to the axis, with a pull feature. In the insertion configuration, the needle may be positioned within the cannula and the distal end of the needle hub may be seated in a needle port of the catheter hub. In the fluid delivery configuration, the needle may be positioned outside the catheter hub. The push and pull features may be positioned to facilitate manipulation with a single hand to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration to a fluid delivery configuration.

Abstract: An IV access device can include a needle hub having an angled paddle grip to facilitate insertion of the catheter at a low angle. The angled paddle grip can also minimize any interference that an extension tube or stabilization platform may cause during insertion. By employing an angled paddle grip, the catheter can be inserted while maintaining the stabilization platform in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the patient's skin. Also, in cases where the extension tube may run parallel with the stabilization platform, the angled paddle grip can prevent the extension tube from extending into the patient's skin during insertion. This will prevent the stabilization platform and/or the extension tube from catching on the patient's skin or otherwise inhibiting a smooth insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: An integrated vascular access device can include strain relief features to minimize the likelihood of the extension tubing becoming kinked during use. These strain relief features can be configured at both ends of the extension tubing to minimize the likelihood of kinking at the interfaces to the catheter adapter and luer adapter. To provide strain relief at the catheter adapter end of the extension tubing, an interface formed of a flexible material can be aligned with an extension of the catheter adapter into which the extension tubing inserts. The interface can be integrated into a stabilization platform or formed separately from a stabilization platform. To provide strain relief at the luer adapter end of the extension tubing, a flexible spacer can be coupled to a distal end of the adapter and have a distal portion that is positioned around the extension tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peripheral intravenous catheters, and in particular to an integrated peripheral intravenous catheter having a low profile securement platform, a needle hub having an interior compartment and further comprising a paddle grip, and an extension tube coupled to the catheter and stored within the interior compartment of the needle hub prior to catheterization.

Abstract: A compliant catheter adapter may include a catheter adapter body formed of a compliant material. The catheter adapter body may have a generally elongate shape and an inner chamber. The catheter adapter body may include a compression resistant septum disposed toward the proximal end of the catheter adapter body. The compression resistant septum may have a lumen configured to receive an elongate object. The compression resistant septum may also be coupled to a compression cap that imparts a compression force on the compression resistant septum such that the lumen narrows and seals when the elongate object is removed from the lumen.

Abstract: An IV catheter system may have a catheter component with a catheter hub, a cannula extending distally from the catheter hub, and a push feature adjacent to the catheter hub. The IV catheter system may also have a needle component with a needle hub, a needle extending distally from the needle hub along an axis, and a grip extending from the needle hub, generally parallel to the axis, with a pull feature. In the insertion configuration, the needle may be positioned within the cannula and the distal end of the needle hub may be seated in a needle port of the catheter hub. In the fluid delivery configuration, the needle may be positioned outside the catheter hub. The push and pull features may be positioned to facilitate manipulation with a single hand to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration to a fluid delivery configuration.

Abstract: An IV access device can include a needle hub that incorporates a flash chamber. The flash chamber can be used to provide visual confirmation of proper catheter placement within a vein. The flash chamber can include a path-defining structure to facilitate identifying whether blood is continually flowing into the flash chamber. The flash chamber may also be removable from the needle hub. In some cases, the needle hub may include a paddle grip that facilitates insertion of the catheter and separation of the needle hub from the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A guidewire is disclosed, which includes a core member that is an elongated member having flexibility, and a coil member that is disposed so as to cover a distal portion of the core member and that is formed by helically winding a strand, the coil member being fixed to the core member in a distal portion of the guidewire. The core member includes a body portion in a proximal portion thereof and a flat portion in the distal portion thereof. At least one projection is formed on at least one of two side surfaces of the flat portion extending in a longitudinal direction, the at least one projection projecting into a space between adjacent turns of the strand and being in contact with the strand.

Abstract: A medical device and method for the treatment of a sinus opening includes a handle, a guide catheter, a guide wire, a balloon catheter, a guide wire movement mechanism and a balloon catheter movement mechanism. The handle has proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal axis along the length of the handle. The guide catheter is attached to the distal end of the handle and has a catheter lumen. The guide wire and balloon catheter are both disposed at least partially in the handle and catheter lumen. The guide wire movement mechanism and the balloon catheter movement mechanism are both operatively disposed on the handle. In addition, the guide wire movement mechanism is configured for advancement and retraction of the guide wire through the handle and catheter lumen by user operation of the guide wire movement mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a grounding member and an actuator. The grounding member includes a first grounding feature and a bending channel. The first grounding feature is configured to engage a dilation instrument. The bending channel is configured to receive a malleable member of the dilation instrument. The actuator is pivotably coupled with the grounding member. The actuator has a bearing surface. The bearing surface is configured to cooperate with the bending channel to thereby bend the malleable member of the dilation instrument as the actuator is pivoted relative to the grounding member.

Abstract: A device, for atraumatically elevating the Schneiderian membrane during a sinus lift procedure with positive, real-time indication of the amount of lift occurring, may include: a first conduit; a first balloon coupled to a first end of the first conduit and in fluid communication therewith; a second conduit; a second balloon coupled to a first end of the second conduit and in fluid communication therewith; and means for infusing a fluid into the first and second conduits to cause inflation of the balloons. The balloons may be constructed the same, or may be individually tailored. The first balloon is configured to be received within the implant socket and. apply pressure to the membrane. The second balloon, expanding against atmospheric pressure only, is configured of a different material and wall thickness. An integral scale behind the second balloon provides indication of the inflation and lift provided by the first balloon.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood, from subjects, e.g., from the skin and/or from other tissues of the body. In some cases, the device may contain a substance transfer component such as needles or microneedles, which can be inserted into the skin or another organ to deliver and/or receiving fluid or other substances from the subject. In some embodiments, the device may include an activator constructed and arranged to insert one or more substance transfer components into the skin or other organ. In certain cases, the device may also include a storage chamber for receiving a fluid received from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood, from subjects, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a fluid transporter (for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to receive blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may then be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood, alone or with an external apparatus.

Abstract: A micro needle driving device comprises: a main body having a receiving space formed therein; a drive motor provided in the receiving space; a rotating unit axially coupled to and rotating with the rotating shaft of the drive motor and having a guide projection formed on an outer peripheral side surface thereof; and a moving cam unit having the micro needle unit coupled to a side thereof and the rotating unit received therein, having a guide portion formed in a curved line along a lengthwise direction on an inner peripheral side surface thereof, and reciprocally and linearly moved according to the rotation of the rotating unit. The guide portion has the guide projection connected thereto in a slidably movable manner.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery apparatus includes a housing for being fastened to a user, a microneedle assembly for being engaged against the skin of the user, a first force provider for providing a first force for forcing the microneedle assembly outwardly from the housing and against the skin, a reservoir movably carried by the housing for containing the fluid and for being in fluid communication with the microneedle assembly, and a second force provider for providing a second force for causing at least some of the fluid to flow from the reservoir to the microneedle assembly after the reservoir has moved into fluid communication with the microneedle assembly.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of: preparing a mold and a liquid filling device; and filling needle-like recessed portions with a liquid medicine by repeating the following: a filling operation in which the liquid medicine is supplied to the mold from the liquid filling device and the needle-like recessed portions are filled with the liquid medicine while a nozzle tip is brought into pressed contact with a surface of the mold; and a moving operation in which a nozzle is relatively moved with respect to the mold while the nozzle tip and the surface of the mold are in contact with each other, wherein the nozzle is held in a Z-axis drive unit configured to vertically move the nozzle while an elastic body is provided in the Z-axis drive unit, while the nozzle tip is brought into pressed contact with the surface of the mold.

Abstract: A microneedle including a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, at least one piercing projection projecting from the first surface of the substrate and being surrounded by an outer peripheral region of the substrate when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, and surface-defining structures positioned in the outer peripheral region and including three or more surface-defining structures each having a surface-defining section which is one of a surface-defining projection and a surface-defining recess. The surface-defining projection protrudes from the first surface and has a tip which serves as the surface-defining section, the surface-defining recess is recessed from the first surface and has a bottom serving as the surface-defining section, and the piercing projection has a tip that extends beyond a plane including the surface-defining sections of three surface-defining structures among the surface-defining structures.

Abstract: A multi-port connector such as a closed intravenous (IV) access device with a y-port needle-free connector may be provided. The multi-port connector may include a main housing with a longitudinal axis, a needle free connector disposed along the longitudinal axis, and a y-port extending from a sidewall of the main housing at an angle that is non-parallel with the longitudinal axis. The needle-free connector may include a compressible sealing member that, when compressed opens a first fluid pathway from a first port, through a chamber within the housing, and to an output port. The y-port may be fluidly coupled to the chamber and the output port.

Abstract: A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector.

Abstract: Adaptors, cannulas, caps, tube couplers, and systems thereof provide endovascular access through an established ECLS system. Adaptors having curved or angled shafts navigate right angle side ports of standard bypass cannulas and permit hemostatic introduction and direction of an intervention device to the axial flow path of the cannula lumen and bypass system. A modified cannula having an angled side port is also provided for use as an arterial cannula. A cap having an occluding surface may be inserted into the angled side port to prevent blood from stagnating in the angled side port. A tube coupler is also provided having an access port, such as an angled access port, and may be spliced into an established bypass system for vascular access point. Multiple couplers can be used to provide multiple access points. The adaptors and occlusive cap are interchangeable with each other and with secondary circuits.

Abstract: A tubular fitting for medical fluid lines includes a hollow body within which a male connector and an opposite female connector are coaxially housed. The male connector is coupled in rotation with respect to the body in a direction corresponding to a screwing with a female connector of the line, while it is normally freely rotatable in the unscrewing direction, in the same way as the female connector is coupled in rotation with respect to the body in the direction corresponding to the screwing with a male connector of the line, while it is normally freely rotatable in the unscrewing direction. The male connector and/or the female connector can possibly be locked in rotation with respect to the body in the unscrewing direction, only following a positive command.

Abstract: A connecting structure for medical use includes a first connecting portion 1 and a second connecting portion 2. The first connecting portion 1 includes a threadedly engageable portion 22a, a support portion 22b and a sealing portion 14. The second connecting portion 2 includes a threadedly engageable portion 2c and a sealing portion 2b. The threadedly engageable portions are threadedly engageable with each other. The sealing portions are joinable to each other by advancement of a threaded engagement between the threadedly engageable portions. An operating cylinder 30 is mounted on an outer periphery of the support portion 22b. A torque limiting mechanism 40 is disposed between the operating cylinder 30 and the support portion 22b. The sealing portions 14, 2b can be joined by turning the operating cylinder 30 in a threaded engagement advancing direction.

Abstract: Adaptors, cannulas, caps, tube couplers, and systems thereof provide endovascular access through an established ECLS system. Adaptors having curved or angled shafts navigate right angle side ports of standard bypass cannulas and permit hemostatic introduction and direction of an intervention device to the axial flow path of the cannula lumen and bypass system. A modified cannula having an angled side port is also provided for use as an arterial cannula. A cap having an occluding surface may be inserted into the angled side port to prevent blood from stagnating in the angled side port. A tube coupler is also provided having an access port, such as an angled access port, and may be spliced into an established bypass system for vascular access point. Multiple couplers can be used to provide multiple access points. The adaptors and occlusive cap are interchangeable with each other and with secondary circuits.

Abstract: Adaptors, cannulas, caps, tube couplers, and systems thereof provide endovascular access through an established ECLS system. Adaptors having curved or angled shafts navigate right angle side ports of standard bypass cannulas and permit hemostatic introduction and direction of an intervention device to the axial flow path of the cannula lumen and bypass system. A modified cannula having an angled side port is also provided for use as an arterial cannula. A cap having an occluding surface may be inserted into the angled side port to prevent blood from stagnating in the angled side port. A tube coupler is also provided having an access port, such as an angled access port, and may be spliced into an established bypass system for vascular access point. Multiple couplers can be used to provide multiple access points. The adaptors and occlusive cap are interchangeable with each other and with secondary circuits.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling the flow of fluids in a fluid infusion system. The system may include first and second fluid containers, first and second tubes coupled to the first and second fluid containers, and an external valve coupled to the second tube and configured to be attached to the first tube. The valve may be configured to shape the first tube to form a valve region which is opened or closed by an actuating element in the valve that is driven by hydrostatic pressure from the second tube. A full second container may generate a pressure that is concentrated through a diaphragm onto a pin which presses on the shaped first tube region, closing it to allow only fluid from the second container to flow. When the fluid level in the second line falls reducing pressure, the pin's force reduces until the first tube is opened.

Abstract: A disposable dental valve device is disclosed having a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, a partial opening formed in the valve body, and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to being inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the bore having a tip receiving opening and a hose receiving opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a check valve positioned on the tip receiving opening, and the rotatable valve sealing body having a top and a handle portion connected to the top.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a normally closed tapered fitting valve are disclosed. Each tapered fitting valve comprises a single molded incompressible, but supple part and a skeletal support whereby the tapered fitting valve is opened by insertion into a female tapered fitting. Use of the valve specifically targets use with medical luer fittings. The preferred embodiment of an actuator portion of the valve is preferably elliptical in shape. The valve opens by compressing a slit which is disposed along a major elliptical axis as it is advanced through a tapered circular duct. A stand-alone male adapter comprising the tapered fitting valve is disclosed. Also, a syringe barrel comprising a skeletal support structure for a securely affixed valve to thereby provide a syringe barrel with an integrally affixed male adapter is disclosed.

Abstract: A clamp device for a flexible tube which can minimize the sealing area and prevent leakage of fluid and achieve easy release of the clamp device of a flexible tube.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for performing arthroscopic surgery are provided. In particular, methods and devices are provided for reshaping, unclogging, and vibrating tubing of an aspiration pump in a fluid management system. For example, a fluid management system is provided that includes a valve assembly disposed on a housing and configured to selectively pinch closed tubing disposed within a first pathway and a second pathway. The valve assembly is configured to bias tubing disposed within the first and second pathways to an open position after the tubing is pinched closed by the valve assembly. As another example, a fluid management system is provided that includes a vibratory mechanism coupled to a valve and configured to vibrate the valve so as to facilitate the flow of debris through tubing disposed within first and second tubing pathways.

Abstract: Pinch-style clamps can be designed for use in clamping or occluding plastic tubing, such as intravenous tubing. These pinch clamps can include a soft, polymer material applied to various surfaces of the pinch clamp to prevent abrasion or irritation to the patient, increase friction between the pinch clamp and the user operating said pinch clamp, increase friction between engaged surfaces of the pinch clamp to prevent premature or unintended disengagement of the clamp, or increase friction between the outer surfaces of the tubing and the clamping surfaces of the clamp. Various features or components can be employed to prevent lateral disengagement of the pinch clamp. A pinch clamp may also be configured with rounded outer edges to enhance patient comfort.

Abstract: When electrodes are used to impose an electric field in target tissue within an anatomic volume (e.g., to apply TTFields to treat a tumor), the position of the electrodes can be optimized by obtaining electrical conductivity measurements in an anatomic volume and generating a 3D map of the conductivity directly from the obtained electrical conductivity or resistivity measurements, without segmenting the anatomic volume into tissue types. A location of the target tissue is identified within the anatomic volume, and the positions for the electrodes are determined based on the 3D map of electrical conductivity and the position of the target tissue.

Abstract: In general all embodiments relate to implantable medical devices including at least one injectable device and at least one anchor for fixation of the injectable device to body tissue. The anchor of the implantable medical device fulfills the requirement for secure anchoring of the injectable device to body tissue. The medical device includes at least one contrast agent reservoir with an outlet, wherein the reservoir is filled with a contrast agent, which may be released through the outlet into body tissue or cavities. The contrast agent is able to be visible with known imaging methods comprising X-ray or Mill imaging or other well-known techniques to determine if a secure anchoring of the medical has been achieved.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods and systems for treatment of brain disorders using neuromodulation of brain networks. Implantation occurs by selecting sites which modulate the network in selected manners, or are modulated by a stimulus in a particular manner that is relevant to treatment of the network. The candidate locations within a brain region are evaluated in relation to how these are indirectly modulated by stimulation at a different brain region. Treatment of one or more brain networks associated with a brain disorder is realized with a consideration of network dynamics and coupling effects such as indirect stimulation of non-target regions. A brain modulation system (BMS) increases, decreases, or otherwise modulates network regional activity in a differential manner. Therapy and electrode locations are adjusted using sensed data and target implantation criteria related to the brain network model.

Abstract: An electrode array, including a plurality of electrodes, and an electrode carrier carrying the plurality of electrodes, wherein the electrode carrier is made of a viscoelastic material, such as by way of example, a viscoelastic silicone, wherein in some embodiments, the electrode carrier is devoid of non-viscoelastic silicone. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrode carrier is configured to recover to a curved, unrestrained and relaxed state, from a substantially straight state in no less than thirty seconds.

Abstract: A method and system for the diagnosis of anomalies in a lead attached to an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), including an insulation breach resulting in a short circuit of the high-voltage shock pulse. Determination that the defibrillation pathway is shorted may be made by initial analysis of a Reference EGM and Diagnostic EGM and subsequent analysis of Differential Diagnostic EGMs. Upon determining if a specific defibrillation pathway is shorted, the nonessential defibrillation electrode of that pathway may be excluded from the defibrillation circuit, delivering defibrillation current only between functioning defibrillation electrodes. Alternatively, the ICD system can confirm the presence of a lead anomaly with one or more alternative diagnostic approaches. Patient and remote-monitoring alerts may be initiated.

Abstract: Methods for improving an inflammatory disorder 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 inflammatory disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to iontophoretic drug delivery systems for transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents and, more particularly, to packaging such systems for long shelf life and easy assembly for use. The system package includes an iontophoretic skin worn patch component that accommodates a power source, electronics, electrodes and a drug pack component that carries a therapeutic agent which is contained as a separate sealed component. The packaged system further provides for ease of assembly at the time of use.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for identifying a site with a patient for treatment. The method may include engaging a plurality electrodes with an interior wall of the patient at a plurality of locations. The method may also generating a virtual map of a plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of electrodes is displayed with a first indicia. The method may also include displaying each of the plurality of electrodes engaged with the interior wall with a second indicia, measuring electrical activity, identifying at least one site for treatment based on the measured resulting electrical activity, and displaying each of the plurality of electrodes identified for treatment with a third indicia.

Abstract: A method of reducing bronchial constriction in a subject includes delivering energy to create one or more lesions on a main bronchus so as to transect pulmonary nerves sufficiently to reduce bronchial constriction in a lung of the patient distal to the main bronchus.

Abstract: A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. Methods may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes cochlear implant circuitry, which is disposed within a cochlear implant module configured to be implanted within a patient, performing the following: 1) detecting that an implantable antenna is connected to a modular connector coupled to the cochlear implant module, 2) operating in accordance with a radio frequency (“RF”) inductive link communication protocol while the implantable antenna is connected to the modular connector, 3) detecting a disconnection of the implantable antenna from the modular connector and a connection of an implantable sound processor to the modular connector, and 4) dynamically switching from operating in accordance with the RF inductive link communication protocol to operating in accordance with a hard wired baseband link communication protocol in response to the connection of the implantable sound processor to the modular connector.