Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve system for an inflatable portion of an indwelling medical device and more particularly to a valve system for fluid regulation of a catheter comprising a fluid inflatable portion that undergoes pressure changes within the body during use.

Abstract: The composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump applies a vacuum pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed. The vacuum pump is tethered to the wound dressing and is portable, preferably, carried by the patient in a support bag, which permits patient mobility. Moreover, the patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.

Abstract: A dilation catheter system includes a body and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly extends passed a distal end of the body. The shaft assembly includes a fixed guide member, a catheter shaft, a dilator, a removable guide member, and a guidewire. The fixed guide member is fixed relative to the body. The dilator is fixed to the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft is operable to expand the dilator. The removable guide member is operable to selectively attach to the body. The catheter shaft is slidably disposed along the removable guide member such that the catheter shaft is configured to translate along the removable guide member. The guidewire is slidably disposed within the removable guide member.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are directed to a hemostatic medical device including an applicator having a receptacle with an output end and a moveable piston configured to move at least partially within the receptacle, and a plurality of liquid expandable articles disposed within the applicator, wherein each liquid expandable article has a volume greater than 50 mm3.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ingestible drug delivery device configured for wireless communication with other ingestible drug delivery devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for administration of small volume sufentanil drug dosage forms to the sublingual mucosa of a subject using a device are disclosed. The dispensing device includes a lock-out feature and a means to retard or prevent saliva and/or moisture ingress such that the drug dosage forms in the device remain dry prior to administration.

Abstract: A facial mask tray includes a plate-like plastic base. An accommodating socket is formed on the base for holding essences. The accommodating socket includes compartments positionally corresponding to sites of a user's face that need focused skincare treatments. When filled with different essences according to the user's skincare needs, the compartments limit the essences in local sites on the base, so as to prevent the essences from diffusing inside the base and permeating to the whole base. When a substrate of a facial mask is placed into the accommodating socket, the substrate absorbs the essences in the compartments at its different parts locally, so that when put on a user's face, the facial mask provides focused skincare treatments specific to different facial skin parts, thereby improving the overall skincare effects.

Abstract: A device includes a basal portion and a plurality of blade portions disposed on the basal portion. The blade portion has a thin shape, and a distal end portion of the blade portion has a convex shape.

Abstract: This document describes an electrode assembly for use with a defibrillator, the electrode assembly comprising at least one electrode including a first surface that can be affixed to either of a pediatric patient and an adult patient and a second surface, wherein a majority of the second surface includes pictorial instructions related to use of the electrode assembly; and a chest compression sensor attached to the at least one electrode, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to be used on an adult patient when the electrode assembly is in a first orientation, and wherein the at least one electrode is configured to be used on a pediatric patient when the electrode assembly is in a second orientation.

Abstract: A method of forming a medical device contact element includes annealing an elongated rod of Ti-15Mo alloy material to form an annealed rod having a Young's Modulus of less than 13.5 Mpsi and an elastic range or strain of at least 0.7%. Then forming a contact ring element from the annealed rod and assembling the contact ring element into a medical device. Contact rings and lead receptacles including the same are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided including shaping a thermoplastic material on a dental arch of a subject and utilizing the shaped thermoplastic material to facilitate inserting of a steerable implantable neural stimulator into a greater palatine foramen of the subject. The method further includes advancing the stimulator through a greater palatine canal of the subject to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the subject. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A delivery systems for an intravascular electrode lead of an intravascular neurostimulation device, as well as corresponding delivery methods and catheters.

Abstract: An acupuncture stimulation system comprises a skin overlaying component and a strap having hook-and-loop fastener material, the strap can be wrapped around the skin overlaying component to snugly secure a portion of the system.

Abstract: A transcranial neurostimulation system for a vehicle, the transcranial neurostimulation system comprising at least one electrode formed into an article of vehicle furniture such as a headrest of a seat.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for enhancing vision for a vision impaired user. The method comprises, for a point in an input image, determining (210) a weight for the point based on visual importance of the point in the input image; comparing (220) the weight for the point to a threshold; and if the weight for the point meets the threshold, determining (230) a first output value for an imaging element of a vision enhancement apparatus so that a difference between the first output value and an intensity level of a portion of the input image neighbouring the point increases with the weight, wherein the difference is at least one Just-Noticeable-Difference of the vision enhancement apparatus, such that when the first output value is applied to the imaging element of the vision enhancement apparatus to create a first visual stimulus, the first visual stimulus is substantially perceivable by the vision impaired user.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating at least one of a condition or a symptom of a patient by positioning a stimulation device at a target site adjacent to or near a nerve within a patient. The stimulation device comprising an antenna and one or more electrodes. Transmitting electrical energy to the antenna and generating electrical impulses within the stimulation device with the electrical energy and applying the series of electrical impulses to the nerve via the electrode. The electrical impulses sufficient to modulate the nerve and treat the condition or symptom of the patient; and which have on periods where the electrical impulses are generated and applied to the nerve and off periods between the electrical impulses, where the electrical energy is transmitted to the antenna.

Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient having a medical condition comprises delivering electrical stimulation energy to the spinal cord of the patient in accordance with a stimulation program that preferentially stimulates dorsal horn neuronal elements over dorsal column neuronal elements in the spinal cord. The delivered electrical stimulation energy generates a plurality of electrical fields having different orientations that stimulate the dorsal horn neuronal elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve (“TNS”). More specifically, cutaneous methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein.

Abstract: In some examples, a system may include a plurality of electrodes, electrical stimulation circuitry, and a controller. The controller may be configured to select one or more parameters of therapy to be delivered to a brain of a patient and to control the electrical stimulation circuitry to deliver the therapy to the brain of the patient based on the selected parameters and via a first one or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes. The parameters may be defined based on a first plurality of electrical signals sensed at a plurality of different positions within the brain of the patient when electrical stimulation is not delivered at each of the positions and a second plurality of electrical signals sensed at each of the plurality of different positions within the brain of the patient in response to electrical stimulation delivered at each of the positions at a plurality of different intensities.

Abstract: Electrical stimulation of a target (e.g., nervous tissue) is performed, wherein balance phases are automatically determined, and at least one of the electrodes is indirectly monitored during therapy delivery. The stimulation system is further configured to generate correction currents when a voltage accumulated at associated double layer capacitances crosses pre-defined thresholds so as to reduce or cancel the accumulated voltages without therapy interruption. A finer automatic determination of balance phases permits minimizing the stimulus artifact for evoked response sensing. Closed-loop neurostimulation may be performed based on such evoked responses.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for disrupting neuronal oscillations. A neurostimulation system includes a stimulation lead comprising at least one contact, and an implantable pulse generator (IPG) communicatively coupled to the stimulation lead and configured to cause stimulation to be applied to a patient using no more than two contacts of the stimulation lead by causing a first burst of stimulation to be delivered, and causing a second burst of stimulation to be delivered within a neuronal refractory period that follows the first burst of stimulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.

Abstract: A device is provided for stimulating neurons that includes an implantable stimulation unit that generates stimuli in multiple stimulation elements. The stimulation unit generates the stimuli to stimulate a neuron population in the brain and/or spinal cord of a patient using the stimulation elements. Moreover, the device includes a control unit that controls the stimulation unit to repeatedly generates sequences of the stimuli with the order of the stimulation elements in which stimuli are generated within a sequence being constant for 20 or more successively generated sequences before it is varied.

Abstract: A premodulated interferential current, particularly for spinal cord stimulation, is generated using a pulse generator having multiple electrodes. The premodulated current, which is delivered through at least one of the electrodes, includes a train of biphasic pulses having a repetition frequency, wherein each biphasic pulse includes a stimulating phase and a balancing phase. The premodulated current includes an amplitude modulation envelope having an envelope beat frequency smaller than the repetition frequency of the biphasic pulses, wherein the modulation envelope is generated in the pulse generator.

Abstract: A wireless electrostimulation system can comprise a wireless energy transmission source, and an implantable cardiovascular wireless electrostimulation node. A receiver circuit comprising an inductive antenna can be configured to capture magnetic energy to generate a tissue electrostimulation. A tissue electrostimulation circuit, coupled to the receiver circuit, can be configured to deliver energy captured by the receiver circuit as a tissue electrostimulation waveform. Delivery of tissue electrostimulation can be initiated by a therapy control unit.

Abstract: Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in an implant device capable of being configured by an external hospital interrogator device when the external hospital interrogator device is authenticated, and capable of communicating data regarding a patient when paired with an external home interrogator device. The implant device includes RF communications circuitry, one or more sensors configured to measure and/or collect data regarding the patient, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive instructions from the external hospital interrogator device for configuring the implant device when the external hospital interrogator device is authenticated, and receive identification data from the external hospital interrogator device for pairing the implant device with the external home interrogator device.

Abstract: A process, method, and devices thereof for the rapid destruction of cancer tumor(s) which are made up of thousands to millions of living malignant cancer cells.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling non-paresthesia stimulation of neural tissue of a patient. The method delivers a non-paresthesia stimulation waveform, senses sensory action potential (SAP) signals from the neural tissue of interest, and analyzes the SAP signals to obtain SAP activity data for at least one of an SAP C-fiber component or an SAP A-delta fiber component. The method determines whether the SAP activity data satisfies a criteria of interest and adjusts at least one of the therapy parameters to change the non-paresthesia stimulation waveform when the SAP activity data does not satisfy the criteria of interest.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator includes an AED body having a pair of defibrillation pads applied to a chest of a rescuee to apply an electric shock to the rescuee; and a pulse wave sensor unit connected to the AED body to detect a pulse wave in a head of the rescuee.

Abstract: Systems and methods involve an intrathoracic cardiac stimulation device operable to provide autonomous cardiac sensing and energy delivery. The cardiac stimulation device includes a housing configured for intrathoracic placement relative to a patient's heart. A fixation arrangement of the housing is configured to affix the housing at an implant location within cardiac tissue or cardiac vasculature. An electrode arrangement supported by the housing is configured to sense cardiac activity and deliver stimulation energy to the cardiac tissue or cardiac vasculature. Energy delivery circuitry in the housing is coupled to the electrode arrangement. Detection circuitry is provided in the housing and coupled to the electrode arrangement. Communications circuitry may optionally be supported by the housing. A controller in the housing coordinates delivery of energy to the cardiac tissue or cardiac vasculature in accordance with an energy delivery protocol appropriate for the implant location.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, easy-to-use treatment for pain that does not involve medication. Methods and devices herein use repetitive magnetic fields that desensitize the spinal nerve, thereby affecting transmission of pain signals from the treatment location to the brain.

Abstract: An optical stimulation lead including a lead body including a distal portion and a proximal portion; an optical fiber disposed within the lead body to emit light from a distal portion of the optical fiber; and at least one flex zone disposed along the distal portion of the lead body. Each flex zone includes an elastomeric structure that is made of a flexible material different from the lead body. Optical stimulation leads can alternatively or additionally include filters or stabilizers. In addition, optical stimulation leads can utilize light sources, such as laser diodes, LEDs, or OLEDs, instead of optical fibers.

Abstract: A system for entraining a circadian rhythm of a living organism. A lighting system with at least one lighting element emitting light substantially concentrated in a narrow range between 360 NM-400 NM to be absorbed by neuropsin. A controller having a timing mechanism to provide the light substantially concentrated in the narrow range between 360 NM-400 NM at intervals during a day. The controller configured to set the intervals during the day based on a local time to entrain the circadian rhythm of the living organism.

Abstract: A mirror function display apparatus includes an imager that captures an image of a user, a display that displays the captured image of the user captured by the imager, a light source that emits light including treatment light toward a front side of the display, the treatment light producing a treatment effect, and a controller that controls the display, the light source, and the imager. The controller controls the light source and the imager to capture a first captured image of the user when the treatment light is emitted, and a second captured image of the user when the treatment light is not emitted. The controller corrects, in terms of a hue, the first captured image based on the second captured image so as to cause the display to display a corrected first captured image obtained by correcting the first captured image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of inhibiting proliferation of a cancer cell or inducing apoptosis of a cancer cell, which does not overexpress N—CoR. Also disclosed herein are methods of inhibiting proliferation or inducing apoptosis of a cancer cell that overexpresses TCTP and methods for determining whether a compound is effective in inducing cell death.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically generating radiation therapy treatment plans including one or more processors configured to capture geometries of organs at risk and a target volume specific to a subject, and use a shape-based algorithm to mine (152) a knowledgebase (38) of previously constructed treatment plans for similar geometries to the subject. The system and method interfaces (154) dosimetric information from a plan with a similar geometry as a patient specific starting point for a progressive tuning optimization algorithm resulting in fewer iterations. The progressive tuning algorithm (156, 158, 162) generates an optimized treatment plan. The optimized plan is evaluated against treatment goals. Trade-off plans are generated (164) create alternative plans according to unmet treatment goals.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a contour of a treatment region in a patient includes a computer processor to receive input regarding a contour of at least one organ-at-risk (OAR) adjacent to the treatment region; receive input regarding an initial contour of the treatment region; predict a radiation toxicity to the at least one OAR based on the contour of the at least one OAR, the initial contour of the treatment region, and a radiation treatment regimen; determine whether the predicted radiation toxicity exceeds a threshold; and determine a contour of the treatment region by iteratively modifying the initial contour of the treatment region, and any subsequent modified contours of the treatment region, until a stopping condition is satisfied. The stopping condition can be a preselected number of iterations or that the predicted radiation toxicity using the contour in place of the initial contour is first calculated is below said threshold.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for directing protons to a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) holding a patient with a patient support; (2) providing an imaging system comprising: a rotatable unit at least partially surrounding an axial perimeter of the patient support, a translation guide rail, an imaging source attached to the rotatable unit, and an imaging detector attached to the rotatable unit; (3) translating and rotating the imaging source and the imaging detector relative to the patient support using the translation guide rail and the rotatable unit; and (4) providing an attachment section connected: on a first end to a robotic arm positioning system and on a second end to the patient support and the imaging system, the robotic arm positioning system repositioning, relative to a nozzle system linked to the synchrotron, the attachment system supporting the patient support system and the imaging system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for using a single robotic positioning arm to simultaneously move, relative to a proton beam path entering a treatment room containing the patient, both: (1) a patient support and (2) an imaging system. The robotic arm moving the imaging system and patient independently from movement of a nozzle system directing protons into the treatment rooms allows: simultaneously translating past the patient and rotating around the patient an X-ray source of the imaging system; translating a rotatable unit, of the imaging system, longitudinally past the patient on a translation guide rail; moving the patient support and the imaging system through at least four degrees of freedom relative to a movable proton beam; and/or simultaneous or alternating movement of the proton treatment beam and the imaging system relative to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transiently disrupting a region of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) of a human using ultrasounds in the presence of an ultrasound contrast agent, and uses thereof. The method comprises the application of at least one ultrasound (US) beam with a pressure level higher than 1 MPa and a resonance frequency ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 MHz.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition for the treatment of keratin fibres, particularly human keratin fibres such as hair, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, one or more organosilanes, one or more cationic polymers having charge density greater than or equal to 4 meq/g and one or more cationic surfactants. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process for treating keratin fibres using said cosmetic composition. The present invention finally relates to the use of said composition for the cosmetic treatment of keratin fibres.

Abstract: A respiration-based body temperature modifying apparatus including an air temperature modifying element producing temperature-altered air and a respiration zone that, in use, communicates with the respiratory system of the user and receives the temperature-altered air so that the user can draw the temperature-altered air from the respiration zone into the lungs to alter body temperature.

Abstract: A helmet includes a mask and an air circulation system mounted on the mask, the air circulation system comprising an air blower and a processing system, electronically coupled to the air blower, the processing system comprising a controller, wherein the controller is to receive a first signal representing a light intensity detected by a photo sensor, determine initialization of a welding gun in view of the first signal, and responsive to determine the initialization of the welding gun, issue a first instruction to start an operation of the air blower.

Abstract: A frame, one or more wheels rotationally attached to the frame, two or more end feet attached to opposite ends of the frame, one or more end safety tether attachments, and a flip-pole attachment. The frame straddles the roof peak so the end feet are stably positioned on opposite roof surfaces. The wheels enable the device, when flipped to its inverted position, to be rolled up and down the roof for installation and removal. The flip-pole attachment enables attachment of a flip pole for use in installing and removing the device from a ladder. And the end tether attachments enable workers to couple their safety tethers to the secured device so that if they fall their fall will be arrested for safety. In typical embodiments, an outrigger assembly is included with peak-mounting side feet for nesting on the roof peak and with side tether attachments for side attachment.

Abstract: A fire-fighting system including: a pressurized gas supply; a vessel for storing a solution of water and a foaming agent, the vessel being connected to the pressurized gas supply for pressurizing the vessel in use; and a mixer for mixing gas from the pressurized gas supply with the solution to generate foam, wherein the mixer includes: a solution inlet for receiving the solution from the vessel; a foam outlet; one or more injection ports connected to the pressurized gas supply for injecting gas bubbles into the solution to form a mixture of the solution and the gas bubbles; and a foaming chamber extending between the solution inlet and the foam outlet, the mixture flowing through the foaming chamber to generate foam at the foam outlet, at least one internal surface of the foaming chamber including a shearing structure for shearing the gas bubbles as the mixture flows through the foaming chamber.

Abstract: A dry chemical closed recovery system for servicing fire extinguishers including first and second tanks, ball valves, and a pressure relief valve. The dry chemical closed recovery system accepts the high-pressure discharge from a dry chemical fire extinguisher and refills the fire extinguisher with dry chemical using low pressure. By manipulating the ball valves, the fire extinguisher can be refilled incrementally or all at once.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire extinguisher with a checking function comprises a fire extinguisher body; a through hole is formed in an upper part of a side surface of the fire extinguisher body; a fixing seat is mounted at the through hole; a checking component is arranged inside the fixing seat; a cavity is machined inside the fixing seat; a groove is formed at a front end of the cavity; a rubber ring for fixing the checking component is mounted inside the groove; a cambered surface mated with the checking component is machined inside the fixing seat; and the checking component is a transparent glass bead.

Abstract: A water spraying fan for firefighting. The water spraying fan includes a fan mechanism mounted onto a rotatable surface attached to a base. The fan mechanism has a plurality of fan blades connected to a power source and adapted to rotate quickly, creating a strong air flow when powered on. A cage encloses the fan blades and includes one or more circular manifolds secured to a front side and positioned concentric to the fan blade axis. The manifolds contain a plurality of nozzles that are configured to disperse a liquid, such as water. The manifolds are connected to a water source via a flow control box. When activated, water flows out of the nozzles and is carried across an extended distance via the water pressure and the strong air flow created by the fan mechanism. The water spraying fan can be rotated or tilted to achieve optimal positioning.

Abstract: A fire suppression system in which the water supply line is fitted with repeating arrays or groups of sprinkler heads. Each array is composed of at least two side-discharge sprinklers. The side-discharge sprinklers in each array are aimed so that their coverage areas point in opposite directions. Each side-discharge sprinkler includes a lateral heat shield. The lateral heat shield has a concave heat-concentering side that focuses radiant heat toward the sprinkler's trigger, and a convex heat-scattering side that disperses radiant heat away from the trigger. In some embodiments, the array can include one or more vertical-discharge sprinklers. The vertical-discharge sprinkler may include a heat collector to facilitate early activation of its trigger.