Abstract: A fluid infusion device, for delivery of a medication fluid to the body of a user, includes a housing, a fluid reservoir for the medication fluid, a dosing mechanism, an infusion component, and a mechanical actuator. The fluid reservoir and the dosing mechanism are located in the housing, and the dosing mechanism is coupled to receive the medication fluid from the fluid reservoir. The dosing mechanism has an adjustable fluid chamber that defines a variable dosage volume. The infusion component is coupled to the dosing mechanism to receive the medication fluid from the adjustable fluid chamber. The mechanical actuator is coupled to the dosing mechanism such that operation of the mechanical actuator causes the medication fluid to be expelled from the adjustable fluid chamber to the infusion component.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device includes a generally elongated tubular housing having opposite proximal and distal parts; a needle shield sleeve slidably and coaxially arranged inside the housing with a proximal part of the sleeve protruding a distance outside the proximal part of the housing; a syringe carrier mechanism having a syringe carrier slidably and coaxially arranged within the needle shield sleeve, a syringe having a stopper, a medicament, and a needle, the syringe being coaxially arranged within the syringe carrier; and a holding member connected to the syringe carrier; a first activator member an a second activator member; a drive mechanism adapted to accumulate a drive force for moving the syringe carrier mechanism in a first step and a second step. The second activator member is arranged within an information device for producing audible, visual, and/or tactile feedback to a user about a completed injection.

Abstract: An injection device 110 is described having a housing 112 that receives a syringe 114 having a needle 118, wherein the syringe is supported in a syringe carrier 150. The syringe 114 and syringe carrier 150 are biased by a return spring 126 from an extended position in which the needle 118 extends from the housing 112 through an exit aperture 128 to a retracted position in which it does not. A drive spring 130 acts via a drive to advance the syringe 114 from its retracted position to its extended position and discharge its contents through the needle 118 and a return spring 126, brought into play when the drive has reached a nominal return position, restores the syringe 114 to its retracted position. The syringe carrier 150 is designed to restrict rearward movement of the syringe so that the injection device is less prone to failure and damage to is components than prior art devices.

Abstract: Provided is a cassette unit suitable for use with an auto-injector having an electrically powered drive unit. The cassette unit comprises a cassette unit housing defining a cassette unit housing cavity, a rearward entrance to said cavity and a forward needle projection aperture. The housing cavity may receive a syringe comprising a barrel; a needle at a front end of the barrel; and a plunger that is axially movable within the barrel. The cassette unit also comprises in capping relationship with the rearward entrance of the cassette unit housing, a cassette unit end-cap, said cassette unit end-cap defining a drive rod-receiving opening for receipt of a drive rod for providing forward axial drive to said plunger; and a biasing element defining a biasing relationship between the cassette unit end-cap and an end flange of the syringe barrel, thereby urging the syringe forwards in relation to the cassette unit end cap.

Abstract: A syringe having a syringe body defining an elongate cavity therein with a non-circular internal cross-sectional profile, and a syringe plunger operable to selectively travel within the hollow cavity with a non-circular external cross-sectional profile that substantially mirrors the syringe body's internal cross-sectional profile for mating engagement thereof. The enteral syringe may also have venting features and support features for hanging from a support structure.

Abstract: A substance delivery device for delivering a substance from a container includes a body, and a plunger movable with respect to the body so as to expel at least a portion of a substance from the container, a trigger mechanism, a latch member latched in a stationary position at least along the longitudinal axis of the device before use, and a lockout shroud movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the latch mechanism. User manipulation of the trigger mechanism causes the latch mechanism to become unlatched and move along the longitudinal axis and to cause movement of a plunger relative to the body, and in a first position of the lockout shroud along the longitudinal axis relative to the latch member, the lockout shroud prevents the trigger mechanism from unlatching the latch member, whereas in a second position the lockout shroud allows the trigger mechanism to unlatch the latch member.

Abstract: Provided is a cassette unit suitable for use with an auto-injector having an electrically powered drive unit. The cassette unit comprises a cassette unit housing defining a housing cavity, a rearward entrance to the cavity and a forward needle projection aperture. The housing cavity may receive a syringe. Axially movable within the barrel of the syringe for forward movement into contact with the syringe plunger, there is a plunger slaving part defining a circumferential wall arranged for frictional sliding relationship with the inner wall of the barrel, a rear drive-receiving face and a front plunger-contacting face. In capping relationship with the rearward entrance of the cassette unit housing there is an end-cap defining a drive rod-receiving opening for receipt of a drive rod for providing forward axial drive to the plunger slaving part. In a pre-use configuration, the plunger slaving part is shaped for releasable engagement with the end-cap.

Abstract: A medication injection pen is provided comprising a housing (218), for housing a dose set knob (220), a leadscrew (226), a driver (224), a setback member (222), and a dose stop member (228). The dose set knob (220) is rotatable with respect to said housing (218) to set a desired injection dose, and comprises at least one internal thread (291). The leadscrew (226) includes a thread element by which it is advanceable in a first direction via a corresponding thread engagement, said first direction being that which expels medication from a cartridge (36). The driver (224) is rotationally fixed to said leadscrew (226) for preventing relative rotation therebetween, said driver (224) being rotatable in a first direction to rotate and advance said leadscrew (226) in said first direction. The setback member (222) is rotationally fixed to said driver (224) for preventing relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A drug administration instrument including a syringe including: a tubular surrounding periphery portion forming a drug chamber configured to store a drug; a discharge part disposed at a first axial end of the surrounding periphery portion; and a flange portion disposed at a second axial end of the surrounding periphery portion; and a sheath member having a tubular shape, surrounding an outer circumference of the surrounding periphery portion of the syringe, and holding the syringe. The sheath member includes a fitting part configured to support at least one of the surrounding periphery portion and the discharge part of the syringe.

Abstract: Barrel adapters for safety syringes include a barrel and a plunger assembly adapted to move within the barrel, a barrel tip adapted to be sealingly engaged with a distal end of the barrel and a needle retraction mechanism barrel having a needle subassembly and an actuator subassembly. The needle subassembly includes a needle, and a needle-over-mold (NOM) through which the needle extends. The needle subassembly is disposed at least partially within the barrel tip, and adapted to move from an injection position in which the needle extends from a distal end of the barrel tip to a retracted position in which the needle is disposed within at least one of the barrel tip or the barrel. The actuator subassembly includes a needle seal, a push-bar, and an actuator surface. The needle retraction mechanism barrel includes a biasing member and an actuable locking arrangement. A syringe includes such barrel adapters.

Abstract: Novel nebulizers and methods are provided for a nebulizer including a dialable negative pressure threshold valve that actuates in response to different negative pressures corresponding to different negative pressure threshold settings of actuation of the valve to influence inhalation effort, aerosol entrainment, and aerosol delivery.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the risk of a thromboembolic event, and a related drug delivery system are provided. In some embodiments, a dose of acetylsalicylic acid can be provided in powder form to a patient using a dry powder inhaler. The dose can be effective to reduce a risk of a thromboembolic event in a patient. A dry powder inhaler used for the method can have a mouthpiece, a reservoir for receiving the dose of acetylsalicylic acid, and an actuation member for making available the dose of acetylsalicylic acid for inhalation by a patient through the mouthpiece.

Abstract: Devices and methods for allowing for improved assisted ventilation of a patient. The methods and devices provide a number of benefits over conventional approaches for assisted ventilation. For example, the methods and devices described herein permit blind insertion of a device that can allow ventilation regardless of whether the device is positioned within a trachea or an esophagus. In addition, the methods and device allow for timed delivery of ventilations based on a condition of a thoracic cavity to increase the amount and efficiency of blood flow during a resuscitation procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that provides a continuous source of medical grade air. A substantially tubular housing includes a first end, an aperture extending through the housing, and a second end, opposite the first end. A valve extends from the first end of the housing for dispensing medical grade air to a patient.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a patient disconnecting from a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy device are disclosed. A cyclical pressure difference signal is derived based upon measurements from a patient interface pressure sensor and from a source pressure sensor. The pressure difference signal is integrated to generate a resultant integral signal for each respiratory cycle, which is comprised of at least one inspiratory phase and at least one expiratory phase as represented by the corresponding portions of the pressure difference signal. A pressure source of the CPAP therapy device is deactivated in response to a disconnect condition being evaluated from the integral signal. In one embodiment, the disconnect condition is the integral signal exceeding a predefined disconnect threshold. In other, it is a slope value corresponding to a rate of increase of the integral signal exceeding a predefined threshold for a predefined duration.

Abstract: A full-face mask system for delivery of a supply of gas at positive pressure to a patient for medical treatment includes a shroud, a cushion module adapted to form a seal with the patient's nose and mouth, an elbow, and headgear. The cushion module includes a frame and a cushion. The frame includes an opening that releasably receives a distal end of the elbow with a snap-fit, wherein an inner edge of the opening and the distal end of the elbow together form a retention structure to retain the elbow to the frame.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a frame and a mask releasably engaged with the frame. The mask includes a body portion defining a mask internal space and a sealing portion structured to engage a patient's face. The body portion includes a plurality of outlet openings for gas washout.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure in an intestine of a patient is provided. The method comprises providing a system comprising: a catheter for insertion into the intestine, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a distal portion; and a functional assembly positioned on the shaft distal portion and comprising at least one treatment element. The catheter is introduced into the patient, and target tissue is treated with the at least one treatment element. The target tissue comprises mucosal tissue of the small intestine, and the medical procedure can be configured to treat at least one of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes numerous example medical instruments that include an elongated portion having a proximal end and a distal end, and a passage defined therethrough and a soft tip coupled to the distal end of the elongated portion. The tip may be formed from a soft material. In some instances, the soft material may have a hardness less than the material forming the elongated portion. The tip may also include a passage that may be of a substantially equivalent size as the passage of the elongated portion. The tip may be coupled to the distal end of the elongated portion at an engagement site having a surface area greater than a cross-sectional area of the elongated portion.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a medical device having a longitudinal axis, and including a handle and a catheter. The handle can include a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an actuator moveably coupled to the body, and a handle control member coupled to the actuator, wherein the actuator can be configured to move relative to the body to move the handle control member. The catheter can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the body can be configured for releasable coupling. The catheter can also include a steering section located along the shaft and a catheter control member coupled to the steering section, wherein the catheter control member can be configured to move relative to the shaft to move the steering section relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An MR compatible steerable sheath is provided. The MR compatible steerable sheath includes a steerable shaft that receives first and second longitudinal movement wires at a distal end thereof and audible or tactile means for indicating to a user the degree of deflection of the distal tip of the steerable shaft. A control handle is coupled to a proximal end of the first and second longitudinal movement wires and causes longitudinal movement of the wires.

Abstract: A barrier system is provided for use in reducing infections associated with a percutaneous medical device, such as a catheter, that is disposed within a percutaneous incision. Such a barrier system can include: a barrier device having a skin-contacting surface and a catheter-receiving surface; and an adhesive composition configured for adhering to skin, the barrier device, and/or the catheter so as to form a barrier at or adjacent to an incision in the skin where the catheter is percutaneously inserted through the skin. The barrier device can include a conduit configured to receive the catheter. Alternatively, the barrier device can include a groove in a base surface that is configured to receive the catheter. A system that includes a medical device, the barrier device, and adhesive can also be provided.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device includes a housing, a needle, a catheter, and a guide wire. The needle has a proximal end positioned in the housing and a distal end extending beyond a distal end of the housing. The catheter is positioned coaxially over the needle, and includes a flexible tube and a catheter hub on a proximal end of the flexible tube. A proximal portion of the flexible tube and the catheter hub are positioned in the housing. the guide wire has a proximal end positioned in the housing and a distal end positioned in a lumen of the needle. The catheter insertion device also includes a handle coupled to the catheter, wherein movement of the handle relative to the housing moves the catheter hub from a position in the housing to a position outside of the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a dilator and catheter introducer systems. The dilator system includes a dilator including a dilator lumen, and one or more cores for positioning in the dilator lumen. The catheter introducer systems further include a sheath including a sheath lumen operable to receive at least a portion of the dilator therein. Each core imparts a curvature to the dilator; modify the bending resistance of the dilator, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for capturing a guidewire being progressed along the lumen of a bodily duct and to direct it into a catheter. In one aspect a catheter-based eccentric cone capture structure is used to engage and direct a guidewire oppositely approaching the capture structure.

Abstract: Surgery is performed on a patient with a novel device by: excising tissue from tissue mass within a patient to create a cavity within the tissue mass; inserting a novel device of this invention into the cavity; shaping a flexible expandable component of the device to adjust dimensions on the flexible expandable component; providing a liquid into the component through the liquid input port; and controlling pressure or flow rate of the liquid in the component to move the liquid through the multiple openings and into the cavity. The device has a liquid inlet port, an exterior surface having length, width and depth, and multiple openings in the surface distributed throughout the length, width and depth to act as liquid delivery ports; the exterior surface of the liquid delivery device being shapeable by internal pneumatic pressure or hydraulic pressure to better fit inside dimensions of a surgical cavity; the multiple openings deliver the liquid through the multiple openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent, an antioxidant, and an additive. In certain embodiments, the additive has a hydrophilic part and a drug affinity part, wherein the drug affinity part is at least one of a hydrophobic part, a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by hydrogen bonding, and a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by van der Waals interactions. In some embodiments, the additive is a liquid. In other embodiments, the additive is at least one of a surfactant and a chemical compound, and the chemical compound has one or more hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, acid, amide or ester groups.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for auto-retroperfusion of the cerebral venous system. In an exemplary embodiment of a catheter for controlling blood perfusion pressure of the present disclosure, the catheter comprises a body having a proximal open end, a distal end, a lumen extending between the proximal open end and the distal end, and a plurality of orifices disposed thereon, each of the orifices in fluid communication with the lumen, at least one expandable balloon, each of the at least one expandable balloons coupled with the body, having an interior that is in fluid communication with the lumen and adapted to move between an expanded configuration and a deflated configuration, and at least one sensor coupled with the distal end of the body, each of the at least one sensors adapted to gather data relating to a fluid flowing through the lumen, wherein the catheter is configured to be coupled to a flow unit for regulating the flow and pressure of a fluid.

Abstract: A drug dosage form is provided in the form of a solid tablet which is greater than 50% by weight the local anesthetic agent. The local anesthetic agent may be selected from the group consisting of an aminoamide, an aminoester, and a combination thereof. The drug tablet may be in the form of a mini-tablet which is greater than 70 wt % drug, with the balance being excipient. For example, the anesethetic agent may include lidocaine, in a salt or base form, combined with binder and lubricant excipients. Implantable drug delivery devices including the tablets are also provided, e.g., one or more of the drug tablets may be contained in a biocompatible housing. The drug tablets may be substantially cylindrical with flat end faces, and the device may have from 10 to 100 drug tablets aligned in the housing with the flat end faces of adjacent tablets abutting one another.

Abstract: A blood coagulating device can include an absorbent body; and a hemostatic lysine composition associated with the body. The body can have a cylindrical or conical member having a first end having the hemostatic composition, the first end being configured for insertion into a nasal passageway. A method for coagulating blood can include providing a powdered hemostatic lysine composition; and applying the powdered hemostatic lysine composition to blood so as to cause the blood to coagulate and form a clot. The coagulation can occur in a nasal passageway away from a blood vessel. The method can include providing at least one absorbent member having the powdered hemostatic lysine composition; and applying the at least one absorbent member to the blood so that the powdered hemostatic lysine composition causes the blood to coagulate and clot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade within the wall to release the drug to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be coupled to an actuator having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: An applicator for insertion and lubrication of a body lumen is disclosed having an elongate, hollow, cylindrical outer sheath including a receiving cup at a distal end for receiving a lubrication capsule; and a plunger slidingly received within the elongate, hollow cylindrical outer sheath, the plunger including a piercing element at a distal end adapted to extend into the receiving cup. A liquid-filled soft gel capsule is placed in the receiving cup, and the piercing element is used to puncture the capsule located in the receiving cup prior to insertion of the applicator into the body lumen, and wherein the plunger can be depressed once the applicator is inserted into the body lumen to eject the pierced capsule into the body lumen.

Abstract: The dispensing device includes a hollow tube having an open upper end and an open lower end, as well as a horizontal bar disposed between the walls of the hollow tube adjacent to the open lower end. A disc is movably positioned within the hollow tube, the disc having a central aperture defined therein. A string or other flexible member has one end secured to the disc. The other end of the string is drawn downward in the tube, looped around the horizontal bar, then drawn upward through the central aperture in the disc and out the open upper end of the tube. A semi-solid medication is loaded in the tube between the disc and the open lower end of the tube. When the string is pulled out of the upper end of the tube, the disc is drawn downward, dispensing the medication.

Abstract: An applicator assembly may include a body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, an actuator operatively coupled to the body, a container disposed within the body, an application member attached to the distal end portion, and a valve disposed between the container and the application member. Actuation of the actuator opens the valve and places the interior of the container in fluid communication with the application member by way of a compressive force applied to the body. A method of applying a solution to a surface may include actuating the actuator, wherein actuation of the actuator applies a compressive force to the body that opens the valve and places the interior of the container in fluid communication with the application member, and contacting the application member to the surface, thereby applying the solution to the surface.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an applicator (1) for inserting an implant, in particular a rod-like implant (2) containing an active substance, under the skin of a human or animal, comprising a housing (3), a cannula (6), a cannula holder (9), an implant (2) accommodated inside the cannula (6) and/or the cannula holder (9), a protective cover (7) for the cannula (6), and a mechanism (22, 23, 7) which, at least after the cover (7) has been removed from the cannula (6), secures the implant (2) inside the cannula (6) and/or cannula holder (9). The mechanism (22, 23, 7) disengages the implant (2) during insertion of the cannula (6) or after the cannula (6) has been inserted. Substantially no lateral force will be exerted during the expelling of the implant from the cannula.

Abstract: An electrode for an iontophoretic drug delivery system includes a retainer having a malleable characteristic. The retainer and a conductor are connected to a platform. The conductor and a dose controller are electrically coupled to the iontophoretic drug delivery system. A drug delivery matrix is operably connected to the platform and proximate the conductor wherein the conductor, the drug delivery matrix, and the dose controller cooperate to deliver a drug to a user when the electrode is affixed to the user and operably connected to the iontophoretic drug delivery system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substantially rigid base and a flexible substrate. The substantially rigid base has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and is configured to be coupled to an electronic device. The flexible substrate has a first surface and a second surface, and includes an electrical circuit configured to electronically couple the electronic device to at least one of an electrode a battery, or an antenna. The flexible substrate is coupled to the base such that a first portion of the second surface is in contact with the first protrusion. A second portion of the second surface is non-parallel to the first portion.

Abstract: Pre-molded cylindrical sub-assemblies for inclusion in an implantable medical lead are described. The pre-molded cylindrical sub-assemblies comprise a cylindrical conductive element formed from a conductive material to define a substantially continuous interior surface and a substantially continuous exterior surface, and an insulative element formed from an insulative material molded onto the interior surface of the cylindrical conductive element. An interior surface of the insulative element defines a lumen of the pre-molded cylindrical sub-assembly configured to receive one or more elongated conductors of the implantable medical lead, and the cylindrical conductive element is configured to be electrically connected to one of the elongated conductors with the elongated conductors within the lumen. The cylindrical conductive element may act as an electrode, e.g., on a distal portion of the lead, or a connector, e.g., on a proximal portion of the lead.

Abstract: An electrode for use with an implantable medical device includes a titanium surface, and a titanium nitride layer formed on at least a portion of the titanium surface. At least some titanium of the portion of the titanium surface is removed from the titanium surface prior to forming the titanium nitride layer. The textured titanium nitride layer is formed by reacting nitrogen proximate to the portion of the titanium surface with titanium at the portion of the titanium surface.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the stimulation of the dorsal column of the spinal cord is disclosed. The method includes providing a stimulating electrode array and a frame element. The frame element is configured to couple to the stimulating electrode array and guide the stimulating electrode array to a desired position proximate the dorsal column of the spinal cord of a subject.

Abstract: An AIMD includes a conductive housing, an electrically conductive ferrule with an insulator hermetically sealing the ferrule opening. A conductive pathway is hermetically sealed and disposed through the insulator. A filter capacitor is disposed within the housing and has a dielectric body supporting at least two active and two ground electrode plates interleaved, wherein the at least two active electrode plates are electrically connected to the conductive pathway on the device side, and the at least two ground electrode plates are electrically coupled to either the ferrule and/or the conductive housing. The dielectric body has a dielectric constant less than 1000 and a capacitance of between 10 and 20,000 picofarads. The filter capacitor is configured for EMI filtering of MRI high RF pulsed power by a low ESR, wherein the ESR of the filter capacitor at an MRI RF pulsed frequency or range of frequencies is less than 2.0 ohms.

Abstract: The invention relates to electret implant and to electrotherapy using static electricity of electret coatings for treatment of arthrosis of different joints: knee, hip, and shoulder, including for the arthrosis treatment of small bones of arms and legs. The inventive electret implant includes an extended body with a proximal and a distal end. On surface of the body a dielectric coating in an electret state is formed. The implant, wherein its body is implemented as a rod, at the proximal end of which a frontal surface is formed, and the fixation device of the implant in the hole in the bone can be made at the distal end. The bushing, wherein on its outer surface a thread for its set is made in the hole in the bone, and on its inner surface a thread for fixation of the electret implant in the hole is made.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for treating obstructive sleep apnea in a subject. The system can include a power source and a neuromuscular stimulator in electrical communications with the power source. The neuromuscular stimulator can include a controller and at least one electrode. The controller can be configured to receive certain power and stimulation parameters associated with a therapy signal from the power source. The at least one electrode can be configured to deliver the therapy signal to a target tissue associated with control of a posterior base of the tongue of the subject.

Abstract: A method for providing electrical stimulation to a user as a user performs a set of tasks during a time window, the method comprising: providing an electrical stimulation treatment, characterized by a stimulation parameter and a set of portions, to a brain region of the user in association with the time window; for each task of the set of tasks: receiving a signal stream characterizing a neurological state of the user; from the signal stream, identifying a neurological signature characterizing the neurological state associated with the task; and modulating the electrical stimulation treatment provided to the brain region of the user based upon the neurological signature, wherein modulating comprises delivering a portion of the set of portions of the electrical stimulation treatment to the brain region of the user, while maintaining an aggregate amount of the stimulation parameter of the treatment provided during the time window below a maximum limit.

Abstract: A method, including obtaining data indicative of an ability of a recipient of a hearing prosthesis to discriminate between tokens of respective token pairs of a plurality of token pairs in respective evoked hearing percepts induced by the hearing prosthesis and adjusting one or more but less than all frequency channels of a plurality of frequency channels of the hearing prosthesis based on the obtained data.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of improving the persistence of electrical neural stimulation, and specifically a method of improving the persistence of an image supplied to a retina, or visual cortex, through a visual prosthesis. A continuously stimulated retina, or other neural tissue, will desensitize after a time period in the range of 20 to 150 seconds. However, an interruption of the stimulation on the order of a few milliseconds will restore the retinal sensitivity without the user perceiving the interruption, or with the user barely perceiving the interruption.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.

Abstract: Circuitry for generating a compliance voltage (V+) for the current sources and/or sinks in an implantable stimulator device in disclosed. The circuitry assesses whether V+ is optimal for a given pulse, and if not, adjusts V+ for the next pulse. The circuitry uses amplifiers to measure the voltage drop across active PDACs (current sources) and NDAC (current sinks) at an appropriate time during the pulse. The measured voltages are assessed to determine whether they are high or low relative to optimal values. If low, a V+ regulator is controlled to increase V+ for the next pulse; if not, the V+ regulator is controlled to decrease V+ for the next pulse. Through this approach, gradual changes that may be occurring in the implant environment can be accounted for, with V+ adjusted on a pulse-by-pulse basis to keep the voltage drops at or near optimal levels for efficient DAC operation.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a device operates by comparative morphological analysis of depolarization signals collected in spontaneous rhythm on separate respective channels, with two temporal components combined into a single 2D parametric VGM vectogram characteristic. Similarity quantification methods evaluate a variation over time of a descriptor parameter of a current VGM compared to a stored previous reference VGM. This variation is compared with predetermined thresholds to diagnose an occurrence of remodeling or reverse remodeling in a patient, and/or to detect a lead failure or an occurrence of ischemia. The descriptor parameter is a function of a velocity vector of the VGM, a comparison relating to a correlation coefficient between respective magnitudes of a current VGM velocity vector and of a reference VGM velocity vector, and an average angle between these respective velocity vectors.

Abstract: Methods and/or devices may be configured to monitor ventricular activation times and modify an atrioventricular delay (AV delay) based on the monitored ventricular activation times. Further, the methods and/or devices may determine whether the AV delay should be modified based on the measured activation times before modifying the AV delay.