Abstract: The present invention generally relates to device and system for facilitating vascular access into a vessel of a patient and to a method of using such a device or system. In one embodiment, the vessel is a vein and the device is used to facilitate obtaining a blood sample.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping flexible tubing is disclosed. The clamp includes a body having a first portion, a second portion, a first passage through the first portion, and a second passage through the second portion. The first passage is configured to compress a first length of the flexible tubing. The second passage is configured to compress a second length of the flexible tubing that does not overlap the first length.

Abstract: A substantially planar device intended to be secured to the skin of a user is disclosed. The device includes components and electrical connection means defining at least one rigid zone of the device. The electrical connection means have, in the plane of the device, a surface corresponding to at least one component and the means are disposed such as to cover the at least one component in order to protect the component mechanically.

Abstract: A cutaneous electrode device intended for being connected to an electrical pulse generator including a planar body and an electrically insulating material on which at least one electrode, at least one means for connecting to the electrical pulse generator and at least one conductive element electrically connecting said electrode to said connection means are formed. The at least one electrode ends at an inner surface of the body and the at least one connection means ends at an outer surface of the body. The body also has at least one projecting portion that is mechanically connecting an electrode and a connection.

Abstract: A device for extracting an elongated implanted structure from an obstruction within a vessel of a patient includes an inner sheath assembly and an outer sheath assembly. The inner sheath assembly includes an inner sheath and a tip, each having a passageway therethrough for receiving the implanted structure. The tip is configured for cutting and/or disrupting the implanted structure from the obstruction. The outer sheath assembly includes an outer sheath and a tip, each having a passageway therethrough for receiving the inner sheath assembly. The outer surface of this tip includes a plurality of raised elements circumferentially disposed therealong. The raised elements are configured for stabilizing the tissue of the vessel as the device is advanced through the vessel.

Abstract: A shaft of an interventional medical system catheter has a distal end formed by opposing elastically deformable retention features that protrude into a lumen of the shaft, and that define an expandable distal opening of the lumen. The retention features secure an implantable medical device to the catheter by an interlocking engagement within a gap defined by a necked-in portion of a device holding member. Each retention feature includes a distal-facing surface defining the distal opening, and, when an elongate release member of the catheter, which extends within the shaft lumen, applies a push force against proximal-facing surfaces of the features, the distal opening expands from a constricted to an open configuration, wherein the open configuration allows passage of the device holding member through the distal opening, and the constricted configuration allows for the interlocking engagement with the device.

Abstract: An electrostimulator implant comprises (i) an implant body, the implant being injectable into tissue of a subject along a longitudinal axis of the implant body, (ii) first and second electrodes, disposed on respective first and second portions of the implant body; (iii) circuitry, disposed inside the implant body, and configured to drive the electrodes to apply current to the tissue; and (iv) a mesh, disposed over at least 50 percent of the implant body, and configured to serve as an anchor of the implant. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrode assemblies that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Also disclosed are various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A system including an implantable medical device (IMD) configured to be programmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) settings for use during an MRI scan, a server configured to receive MRI settings associated with the IMD, and configured to store the MRI settings associated with the IMD, and a portable retrieval programmer. The portable retrieval programmer includes a housing configured for portability by a user, a first communication module in the housing configured to communicate with the server to retrieve the MRI settings associated with the IMD, and a device communication module connectible to and disconnectible from the housing and configured to communicate with the IMD to retrieve the identity data and program the IMD with the MRI settings.

Abstract: A direct current delivery device includes a direct current source or a device for connecting to a direct current source, and a first electrode and a second electrode for connecting to the direct current source, wherein the first electrode is configured as a plurality of needles and the second electrode is configured as a planar electrode, as a needle or a plurality of needles directly connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner. The direct current delivery device includes one or more devices configured to maintain the current intensity constant during the individual delivery of direct current through the needles of the first electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for the treatment of bone, cartilage and other types of hard tissue. The treatments, which are suitable for extended treatment, include the treatment and prevention of pathologies through the controllable use of silver, iron, zinc, or magnesium ions. These pathologies may include a pathology which is at least partially induced or aggravated by an infectious disease, for example a bacterial disease. In this case the electrically released ions are silver ions, which are known to have antibacterial properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for safe personal aesthetic skin treatment including a carrier with a plurality of voltage applying electrodes arranged so that at least one electrode operative to contact the skin at any one time, an electrode-to-skin contact detecting mechanism, and a controller communicating with and operative to receive information from the mechanism regarding the status of the electrode-to-skin contact and limit the number of simultaneously activated electrodes such as to enable safe skin treatment and avoid skin ablation.

Abstract: Techniques using electrical stimulation for treating an Autoimmune Disease by means of an implantable pulse generator and at least one electrode. An electrode lead is surgically implanted in a region of the insular cortex to deliver electrical stimulation. The at least one electrode lead and implantable pulse generator contain features that allow the electrical stimulation to be directed to specific volumes of the insular cortex, and ensure that non-therapeutic volumes do not receive electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A conductive implantable stimulation device for implantation at the head of a subject to treat a neurological disease, comprising a first passive conductive member, wherein the first member is sized and configured for being implanted under the skull bone of the patient, and wherein the first member comprises a conductive interface adapted for extracranial stimulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing or terminating seizures, by stimulating a brain with at least two implanted electrodes, each implanted in a different one of at least two regions of the brain, with a frequency to emulate and/or disrupt neuronal synchrony. Upon detecting a potential or actual seizure occurrence, the frequency is electrically applied to the brain upon the detection to preempt or terminate the potential or actual seizure occurrence.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating selection of at least one vector from among a plurality of vectors for pacing a chamber of a heart. In one example, a method includes presenting, by a computing device, a plurality of criteria by which each of the plurality of vectors may be prioritized, selecting at least one criterion from among a plurality of criteria by which each of the plurality of vectors may be prioritized, measuring the at least one selected criterion for each of the plurality of vectors, and automatically prioritizing, by the computing device, the plurality of vectors based on the measurement of the at least one selected criterion.

Abstract: A closed loop control system automatically ensures that an output of a device is constant. The system can receive an input to set a fixed value for a variable (e.g., a current, a heart rate, a tissue perfusion, an ion level, etc.), and this variable can be delivered to a feedback component. The system can also include the device to deliver the variable to a load. The feedback component can be coupled to the delivery device to sample the output of the delivery device at different times. Based on the sampling, the feedback component can vary a property of the delivery device related to the delivery of the variable to the load to ensure that the variable remains constant at the fixed value. In some instances, the system can be implemented as a stimulator that delivers the constant current of a current source and has a low output impedance of a voltage source.

Abstract: A method, electrical tissue stimulation system, and programmer for providing therapy to a patient are provided. Electrodes are placed adjacent tissue (e.g., spinal cord tissue) of the patient, electrical stimulation energy is delivered from the electrodes to the tissue in accordance with a defined waveform, and a pulse shape of the defined waveform is modified, thereby changing the characteristics of the electrical stimulation energy delivered from the electrode(s) to the tissue. The pulse shape may be modified by selecting one of a plurality of different pulse shape types or by adjusting a time constant of the pulse shape.

Abstract: In some examples, an implantable medical device includes an implantable housing, a neurostimulator within the housing, a plurality of electrodes, an implantable lead coupled to the housing, and an actuator formed with the housing. The implantable lead includes at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes and one or more conductors coupling the at least one electrode to the neurostimulator. The actuator is configured to cause at least a portion of the implantable lead to deflect.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a device including a hollow body, an inner volume and a surrounding volume. The inner volume includes an electronic component and the hollow body encloses the inner volume and includes a first component, a second component and an electrode. The first component is electrically conductive and the second component electrically insulates the electrode from the first component. The electrode includes a cermet, connects the inner volume to the surrounding volume in an electrically conductive manner, and includes a contact surface. The contact surface contacts eukaryotic tissue and has a maximum distance from the electronic component of less than 80 mm.

Abstract: A system for performing a neurostimulation trial comprises an external trial stimulator capable of delivering stimulation energy to a plurality of electrodes carried by one or more stimulation leads. The external trial stimulator is configurable to operate in a plurality of stimulation energy delivery modes to respectively emulate one of different neurostimulator types. The system may further comprise a programmer capable of configuring the external trial stimulator to operate in one of the stimulation energy delivery modes. The programmer may be capable of generating a first programming screen capable of allowing a first set of stimulation parameters to be defined for the first neurostimulator type, and a second programming screen capable of allowing a second set of stimulation parameters to be defined for a second neurostimulator type.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting leadwire stimulation parameters includes a processor iteratively performing, for each of a plurality of values for a particular stimulation parameter, each value corresponding to a respective current field: (a) shifting the current field longitudinally and/or rotationally to a respective plurality of locations about the leadwire; and (b) for each of the respective plurality of locations, obtaining clinical effect information regarding a respective stimulation of the patient tissue produced by the respective current field at the respective location; and displaying a graph plotting the clinical effect information against values for the particular stimulation parameter and locations about the leadwire, and/or based on the obtained clinical effect information, identifying an optimal combination of a selected value for the particular stimulation parameter and selected location about the leadwire at which to perform a stimulation using the selected value.

Abstract: Medical device systems and methods with multiple communication modes. An example medical device system may include a first medical device and a second medical device communicatively coupled to the first medical device. The first medical device may be configured to communicate information to the second medical device in a first communication mode. The first medical device may further be configured to communicate information to the second medical device in a second communication mode after determining that one or more of the communication pulses captured the heart of the patient.

Abstract: Systems, devices, software and methods are provided, for making a decision as to whether to administer an electric shock to a patient. The decision can be made differently, depending on whether the patient has already been shocked or not.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing life support are provided. A life support system includes a first life support device that has a control unit and is configured to apply a life support protocol to a subject. The first life support device also includes a memory unit that can store life support protocol information, and the control unit can provide the life support protocol information to a second life support device. The control unit can also receive operating instructions from the second life support device based on the life support protocol information, and can implement the operating instructions.

Abstract: In embodiments, a WCD system includes one or more transducers that may sense patient parameters from different parts of the patient's body, and thus render physiological inputs from those parameters. First aspects and second aspects may be detected from the physiological inputs. An aggregated first aspect may be generated from the detected first aspects, and an aggregated second aspect may be generated from the detected second aspects. An aggregate analysis score may be determined from the aggregated first aspect and the aggregated second aspect. A shock/no shock determination may be made depending on whether or not the aggregate analysis score meets an aggregate shock criterion. Accordingly, such a WCD system can make shock/no shock determinations by aggregating aspects of multiple patient parameters. Accordingly, multiple inputs are considered in making the shock/no shock determination.

Abstract: A device for generating plasma (1) comprises a high voltage electrode (10) as well as at least one external electrode (11, 12), wherein the high voltage electrode (10) at least in one coordinate direction (34) is arranged between conductive material of at least one external electrode (11, 12). The high voltage electrode (10) is covered with a dielectric (21) at least one side facing an external electrode (11, 12). Between the respective external electrode (11, 12) and the high voltage electrode (10) over its longitudinal extension at least one spacer element (20) is present, which at least in the region of its arrangement electrically insulates the respective external electrode (11,12) from the high voltage electrode (10) and which positions the respective external electrode (11, 12) at a constant distance from the high voltage electrode (10), wherein the spacer element is a gas-permeable foil.

Abstract: A cold plasma treatment device for delivery of a cold plasma to patient treatment area. Gas is fed to a gas compartment where it is energized by an electrode coupled to a pulse source to thereby generate a cold plasma. A dielectric barrier is sandwiched between the gas compartment and the electrode to form a dielectric barrier discharge device. The cold plasma exits the gas compartment via a bottom member having a plurality of holes. Gases that can be used include noble gases such as helium or combinations of noble gases.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to a patient, wherein the apparatus comprises: a head mount for disposition on the head of a patient; and a plurality of magnet assemblies for releasable mounting on the head mount, wherein each of the magnet assemblies comprises a magnet for selectively providing a rapidly changing magnetic field capable of inducing weak electric currents in the brain of a patient so as to modify the natural electrical activity of the brain of the patient; wherein the number of magnet assemblies mounted on the head mount, their individual positioning on the head mount, and their selective provision of a rapidly changing magnetic field is selected so as to allow the spatial, strength and temporal characteristics of the magnetic field to be custom tailored for each patient, whereby to provide patient-specific TMS therapy, to assist in diagnosis or to map out brain function in neuroscience research.

Abstract: A magnetized body wear is configured to be worn on a body part of a user, for example, worn on the wrist or ankle of the feet. The magnetized body wear comprises multiple magnetized spheres coated with a covering material, where the magnetized spheres are removably attached to each other to define a closed loop. One selected pair of the magnetized spheres is detached to open the closed loop and to allow the attached magnetized spheres to be worn and attached around the body part. The closed looped magnetized spheres worn on the body part optimizes bodily conditions of the user.

Abstract: A skin treatment device (100) for locally treating skin with light is provided that comprises a tip (128), a light emission element (106, 108), a safety mechanism comprising an optical element (124) and an optical element positioning structure (122). The optical element receives a converging light beam from the light emission element. The optical element is configured to operate as a diverging lens. The optical element positioning structure positions the optical element in a safety position, or in a treatment position when the tip is in contact with the skin to be treated, and allows movement of the optical element between both positions. In the safety position, the optical element is arranged at a position on the optical axis to generate an eye-safe light beam. In the treatment position, the optical element is arranged at another position on the optical axis to generate a treatment light beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo-activated modulation of smooth muscle (PAMS) technology-based skin adhesive-type low level light irradiator system using a mobile communication device. The present invention can monitor and control the charging state of a battery embedded in a skin adhesive-type low level light irradiator, which is adhered to a specific skin area of a human body using medical double-sided tape and emits and radiates visible light for a given time period, thereby inducing a bioactive substance, such as nitric oxide, to be secreted from an internal organ or tissue of the human body which is connected to the light irradiated skin area by a peripheral nerve, in real time and wirelessly using a mobile communication device.

Abstract: A lighting system includes: an illumination light source which irradiates a user with illumination light; a user interface which receives a user operation; a controller which controls an amount of light of the illumination light source and an irradiation period of the illumination light source; and a storage which stores characteristic information having a negative correlation between the amount of light and the irradiation period. When the user interface receives a user operation which specifies a value of one of the amount of light and the irradiation period, the controller determines a value of the other according to the characteristic information and controls the illumination light source according to the specified value of the one of the amount of light and the irradiation period and the determined value of the other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an herbal extract beverage that in combination with a clear LED lit container will affect the individual's mood depending on the color of light used, the herbal extract compositions used and the wavelength and wavelength frequency of the light used.

Abstract: At least one laser line is projected onto a surface of a patient located on a patient table, and is detected. An evaluation and control apparatus determines initial coordinate points along a laser line projected onto the surface of the patient during an initial radiation procedure based on measurement values associated with the at least one laser line detected through an initial real-time triangulation process. The initial coordinate points are compared with target coordinate points for patient positioning. Whether or not an impermissible deviation exists between the initial coordinate points and the target coordinate points is determined, and a corrective action is executed based on the determination that an impermissible deviation exists. Determining updated coordinate points occurs while corrective action is being executed, and a warning signal is emitted based on the updated coordinate points.

Abstract: A device and method to be used in the calibration process for a linear accelerator (LINAC). The optical water surface detector device allows the accurate determine of the height of the water surface in a tank. The device housing includes a light source and a light receiver. The housing can also include a circuit board. The device is mounted on an arm attached to a vertical position mechanism mounted within the tank. The light source within the device is controlled by a main control unit which also receives signals from the receiver and determines the amount of light striking the receiver. The control unit also controls the position of the vertical position mechanism and thus the arm on which the device is mounted.

Abstract: A method of toning skin on a human patient's neck. The method includes applying a beam to an exterior surface of a portion of the skin of the neck. The beam comprises at least one of infrared light waves, ultrasound waves, and low fluence radiofrequency waves. The beam is configured to tone the portion of the skin. The portion may include a posterior portion of the skin of the neck. In such embodiments, the beam tones the posterior portion causing the posterior portion to pull on and tighten an anterior portion of the skin. The portion of the skin may include a circumferential portion that extends circumferentially completely around the neck. The skin is divisible circumferentially around the neck into a plurality of sections that each extend only partway around the neck. The beam may be applied to each of the plurality of sections separately.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for monitoring, treating, and preventing a pain state of an individual. In an aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to, a deformable substrate; a sensor assembly coupled to the deformable substrate, the sensor assembly including a motion sensor and a physiological sensor, the sensor assembly configured to generate one or more sense signals based on detection of a movement of the body portion by the motion sensor and a physiological parameter of the body portion by the physiological sensor; a processor including circuitry configured to identify a physiological state of the individual subject based on at least one of the movement of the body portion or the physiological parameter; and an effector operably coupled to the processor and configured to affect the body portion responsive to control by the processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for monitoring, treating, and preventing a pain state of an individual. In an aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to, a deformable substrate; a sensor assembly coupled to the deformable substrate, the sensor assembly including a motion sensor and a physiological sensor, the sensor assembly configured to generate one or more sense signals based on detection of a movement of the body portion by the motion sensor and a physiological parameter of the body portion by the physiological sensor; a processor including circuitry configured to identify a physiological state of the individual subject based on at least one of the movement of the body portion or the physiological parameter; and an effector operably coupled to the processor and configured to affect the body portion responsive to control by the processor.

Abstract: A device including a focused ultrasound probe, a first balloon, and a second balloon. The first balloon can be located at least partially inside the second balloon. The inner balloon can be configured to act as a fluid interface, a mechanism for cooling, and a mechanism for changing tissue depth of a focal point of the probe. The second balloon can be filed with a thermosensitive hydrogel configured to turn from a fluid at room temperature to a gel at physiologic temperatures. The first and second balloons can be configured to create a fluid interface between the probe and targeted tissue of a patient.

Abstract: An emergency entrance tool including a body having a first end and a second end and between the ends is a middle section adapted to be readily held by hand. The first end is configured in generally an S-curve shaped portion and terminates with the sides of the S-curve shaped portion meeting at approximately a point. The second end is configured in the shape of one more hooks. Methods for using the emergency entrance tool to gain entrance to “in swing” and “out swing” doors are also provided.

Abstract: A personal powered air respirator, for example a welding or spraying helmet (10), includes a remote controller (30) for adjusting one or more operating parameters of the helmet and a means of displaying information regarding said parameter in, on or adjacent the interior of the vision panel (12) of the helmet. The invention allows for convenient adjustment in use. The remote controller is adapted to clothing, such as belt, glove or pocket, or may be incorporated in equipment for use with the helmet.

Abstract: A breathing system for an aircraft crew member or passenger comprises a face-fitting device (11), storage means added to a seat headrest (100) for retaining the face-fitting device in a storage position apart from the head, and a back portion (13) for retaining the face-fitting device on the user's head when the breathing system is used. The back portion is retained on the headrest by removable fixing means (21-24) when the face-fitting device is in the storage position, and said removable fixing means are released upon tightening the face-fitting device on the user's head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a respirator without breathing resistance, which has an air inlet duct that passes through an inside and an outside of the respirator and that has asymmetrical electrodes and particle capturing plates formed on an inner surface of the air inlet duct; ozone removing element that removes ozone generated by micro-plasma; and high voltage dc-dc converter that provides high voltage to the asymmetrical electrodes. It employs asymmetrical electrodes and particle capturing plates to filter air without generating breathing resistance. When the respirator according to the present invention is used, safety of a wearer may be maintained in accordance with an environment and breathing may be smoothly performed even while introduction of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, fine dust, or the like included in air may be effectively blocked. Accordingly, the respirator may be widely utilized to maintain the safety of the wearer in various environments.

Abstract: The invention provides a personal filtration apparatus with a multi-stage filter.

Abstract: A fall protection apparatus includes a heavy support base with a pivotal mast having a top member for rotation around the axis of the mast carrying a series of booms pivotal about respective vertical axes, each having an end coupling member for receiving a fall restraint harness. Each boom is formed by a tube which fractures on a fall and an elongate stainless steel strap inside the tube which bends without fracturing. The mast includes a series of telescopic rectangular mast sections with a winch driven cable and pulley arrangement for extending the first section which acts to pull the second inner section to the extended position as the first inner section moves out of the outer section.

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

Abstract: The installed fire fighting apparatus has one or more forwarding pipelines to transfer a fire extinguishing substance composition to a place of use, and one or more spreading devices connected to the output end of the forwarding pipeline, serving for directed discharge of the fire extinguishing substance composition and designed to be fixed to a flammable object. The apparatus includes a storage pipeline to store the fire fighting substance composition, comprising a pipeline with a cross-section exceeding the cross-section of the forwarding pipeline and closed at its ends or closed into itself like a loop, where the storage pipeline is equipped with a feeder pipe end with a pressure-tight shut-off device, a valve on the feeder pipe end, as well as a device to measure pressure in the interior space of the storage pipeline and a safety fitting, preferably a safety valve. The storage pipeline has a forwarding branch-off, to which branch-off the forwarding pipeline is connected by its input end.

Abstract: A device for displaying images or films includes a shell which is made of a translucent, flexible, air-tight and non-flammable material that delimits an interior space. The device further includes a fan for inflating the shell and a plurality of lights in the interior. A fire protection apparatus is provided which is configured to release a fire-extinguishing agent into the interior space if a fire is detected.