Abstract: A housing tool suppresses rotation of a tubular body in a winding direction that holds an elongated medical body in a packaging body, and suppresses deformation of a distal end portion of the elongated medical body. The housing tool includes a tube-shaped holder that is wound in a circular shape for holding a guide wire, a fastening member that fixes adjacent portions of the wound holder, and a mounting member that includes engagement portions and to be engaged with the fastening member, reaches an outer side of a circle of the holder wound in a circular shape, and covers an end portion of the holder from which the guide wire is derived.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a collar, and an extension tube assembly. The catheter includes a leading end portion and a trailing end portion. The collar is supported on the trailing end portion of the catheter. The extension tube assembly includes a first section and a second section, each section independent of the other section and including a substantially rigid body portion and a compressible extension tube portion. The body portion of each of the first and second sections is independently engageable with the trailing end portion of the catheter. The collar is configured to engage the first and second sections of the extension tube assembly to secure the extension tube assembly to the trailing end portion of the catheter.

Abstract: An obturator can include antimicrobial features which assist in sterilizing or maintaining the sterility of fluid contained within a vascular access device while the device is not being used for infusion or other access to the patient's vasculature. These antimicrobial features include antimicrobial coatings applied to various surfaces of an obturator and antimicrobial components bonded or otherwise secured to an obturator. Various combinations of antimicrobial coatings and/or components can be used on an obturator as necessary to provide a desired amount of antimicrobial agents within a particular enclosed volume of a vascular access device.

Abstract: An antimicrobial lubricant applied to an outer surface of an introducer needle as part of a catheter assembly device. The catheter assembly device further includes a blood control septum having a slit through which the introducer needle is threaded. The antimicrobial lubricant is squeegeed, or removed from the outer surface of the introducer needle as the needle is removed from the slit following catheterization. The removed antimicrobial lubricant forms a deposit on the septum at a location proximate to the slit, thereby preventing colonization and growth of pathogens on the septum and other adjacent components and surfaces of the catheter assembly device.

Abstract: A peripheral catheter having a catheter tip diffuser for reducing an exit velocity of an infusant within the catheter. Pluralities of diffusion side holes are provided on the tip portion of the catheter. Some examples further include pluralities of annularly arranged, staggered diffusion holes provided on the tip portion of an intravenous catheter to streamline infusant issued from the diffusion holes. An inner surface of each diffusion hole is further angled relative to the inner surface of the catheter lumen such that an infusant within the lumen exits the catheter though the diffusion holes at an angle less than 90°.

Abstract: A catheter tip having a spring element that imparts longitudinal flexibility, pushability and radial rigidity to the catheter tip, thereby improving deliverability, is provided. The spring element also provides radial support to the distal edge of the catheter tip. The spring element may taper distally, but may have a substantially constant inner luminal diameter. The spring element may be partially covered or embedded, leaving its distal end exposed. The spring element may also include spaced coils in a proximal region. The apparatus may be used with any interventional catheter system, but is particularly suitable for use with balloon-expandable stent systems and balloon-angioplasty systems, where flexibility of the catheter tip and minimal flaring of the distal edge of the catheter tip is desirable.

Abstract: A urinary catheter is configured to avoid sliding contact between the outer surface of a catheter tube and the urethra wall. A flexible tubular membrane extends through the catheter tube and has a proximal end secured to an anchor outside the urethra as the catheter tube moves into the urethra, pulling the membrane through the proximal end of the tube so it inverts and covers the outer surface of the tube. Alternatively, a catheter tube of flexible material has a proximal end secured to the anchor, and the catheter tube turns inside out as it is inserted, forming a double wall reflected tube with a proximal reflection point. The sterile interior surface of the membrane or tube becomes the external surface facing the urethral wall as the catheter is deployed, and this external surface maintains static contact with the urethral wall as the catheter is advanced or retracted.

Abstract: A robotic catheter system including a first drive mechanism configured to interact with an elongated medical device to cause the elongated medical device to move along its longitudinal axis. A wiper assembly includes a first wiping surface moving toward and away from the longitudinal axis. A controller provides a signal to a motor to move the first wiping surface toward the longitudinal axis when the elongated device is being withdrawn from a patient.

Abstract: An active catheter device is provided. At least one elongate catheter segment includes an elongate flexible tube member defining an axis, and a pair of ferrule members operably engaged with and spaced apart along the tube member. The ferrule members are not rotatable about the axis relative to each other. At least one articulation member is operably engaged with and extends at least between the ferrule members along the tube member. Each articulation member is configured to be actuatable to cause a change in a distance between the ferrule members so as to articulate the tube member. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A head mounted catheter holder assembly is disclosed comprising a head mount assembly and an one or more catheter holders. Said one or more catheter holders comprises a first catheter holder. Said one or more catheter holders attach to said head mount assembly. Said head mount assembly releasably attaches to a head of a user. Said one or more catheter holders releasably hold a one or more catheter tubes.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors.

Abstract: An integrated individual package and an introducer needle or wire for placing a catheter in a patient's vasculature, wherein the package doubles as a grip for placing the catheter. Prior to activation, the catheter is coaxially and slidably disposed over the introducer needle and the catheter and introducer needle assemblies are contained within the integrated package grip. The device is activated as the catheter and introducer needle assemblies are simultaneously transitioned from a closed position to an open position wherein the catheter and introducer needle assemblies are oriented for insertion into a patient's vasculature. Following placement of the catheter in a patient's vasculature, the device is deactivated as the introducer needle is withdrawn and transitioned from the open position to resume the closed position. The package grip comprises a sharps shuttle to protect a clinician from needle stick injuries.

Abstract: An implantable drainage device is provided. The device is adapted to move body fluid from one part of the body of a patient to another part of the body. The invention also extends to a filter adapted to filter particles from a drained fluid.

Abstract: A system for bypassing an anastomosis site in a hollow organ is provided. The system includes a sleeve configured for spanning the anastomosis site at an internal surface of the hollow organ and a band configured for attachment to an external surface of the hollow organ and limiting migration of the sleeve beyond the anastomosis site.

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder marked by progressive memory and cognitive impairments that eventually result in death. Currently, there are no effective therapies or cures that slow or halt the relentless progression of Alzheimer's disease. The invention teaches that the underlying mechanism responsible for the initiation of Alzheimer's disease is due to the insufficient flow of cerebrospinal fluid through apertures in the cribriform plate. The cribriform plate is a flat bony structure at the top of the nasal cavity directly below the olfactory bulbs. Naturally occurring apertures in the cribriform plate provide conduits for cranial nerve 1 fibers passing from the olfactory epithelium below, into the olfactory bulb above. Cerebrospinal fluid in the extracellular compartment above seeps through these apertures and into the nasal submucosa below, where it is removed by lymphatic vessels.

Abstract: A medical device including an elongate member having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a medial portion disposed between the distal end portion an the proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to be disposed within a bladder of a patient. A portion of the proximal end portion is configured to contact an inner wall of the bladder to help retain the bladder in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are cardiac shunts and method of delivery, and in particular, to a shunt to reduce elevated left atrial pressure (LAP). The methods include forming a puncture hole between the left atrium and the coronary sinus, widening the puncture hole, and placing an expandable shunt within the widened puncture hole. A first catheter having a side-extending needle may be used to form a puncture into the left atrium. A second catheter extends along a guidewire and an expandable shunt with distal and proximal flanges is expelled therefrom into the puncture. The shunt defines a blood flow passage therethrough that permits shunting of blood from the left atrium to the coronary sinus when the LAP is elevated. The shunt is desirable formed of a super-elastic material and manipulated with control rods. The shunt defines a tilted flow tube that facilitates collapse into the catheter.

Abstract: Methods to provide customized skin care by using specimen dispensing device to dispense specimens from removable dispensers for the purpose of treating skin of a user are presented. Methods to utilize the embedded memory and electrical interface of the dispensing device and dispensers to produce customizable skin care products that give better skin treatment results are also presented. The invention may also be applied to health care and personal care needs.

Abstract: A hand-held dispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid, a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and an absorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, fluid flows from the source to the absorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface. Preferably, the frangible applicator tip comprises a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly of the support element, and a frangible region therebetween. Preferably, the tongue element comprises ribs for reinforcing the tongue element to resist unintentional breaking of the frangible region, and the applicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover disposed around the frangible region to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member. Adaptive embodiments allow the generation of designs applicable to a particular medical purpose.

Abstract: Liquid applicators wherein the applicators include a lever having a hinge, grip and foot integrally formed with a hollow body suitable for receiving a liquid-filled ampoule. The foot is positioned adjacent the ampoule and crushes the ampoule when the lever is depressed.

Abstract: Silver and/or zinc ion releasing implants, systems and method of operating, inserting and activating/inactivating them are described. In some variations the implant is configured as a bone implant that includes a bone-screw or intramedullary rod like body configured to receive a treatment cartridge having a plurality of ion-releasing members configured as an anode that can controllably engage with a catheter to turn galvanic release of ions on/off as desired. These devices may be configured to release silver ions (and/or zinc ions) above a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time and may maintain a concentration of ions over a relatively large volume of tissue. The ion-releasing members may be configured to reduce or prevent implant movement.

Abstract: An applicator (100) for applying a microneedle device to a skin surface comprising a first portion (102) comprising a microneedle array (107), and a second portion (104) coupled to the first portion via a connector (106). The connector can be configured to yield or fracture by changing from a first state in which the connector is intact to a second state in which the connector is yielded or fractured when a threshold application force is applied to at least one of the first portion and the second portion in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the first portion. A method can include pressing the applicator in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first portion to press the microneedle array into the skin surface until the threshold application force is met or exceeded and the connector is changed to its second state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve device comprising an elastic valve insert and a reception means for the valve insert. It further relates to a valve insert, an external functional means and a treatment apparatus, as well as a manufacturing method and methods in which the valve device of the invention may be employed.

Abstract: A flow control clamp having a first member and a second member movable from a first open position to a second irreversibly closed position wherein flow through a tube associated with the clamp is irreversibly prevented and cannot be restored. Systems and methods using such clamps are also disclosed.

Abstract: A physiological signal of a patient is sensed with sense electrodes symmetrically arranged relative to a stimulation electrode. In some examples, a member includes a plurality of relatively small electrodes that are configured to function as both sense and stimulation electrodes. One or more of the electrodes may be selected as stimulation electrodes and two or more different electrodes of the member may be selected as sense electrodes that are symmetrically arranged relative to the one or more selected stimulation electrodes. In some examples, a member includes a plurality of levels of segmented sense electrodes and a plurality of levels of stimulation electrodes. The levels of sense electrodes are arranged such that each level of stimulation electrodes is adjacent at least two levels of sense electrodes symmetrically arranged relative to the level of stimulation electrodes.

Abstract: A pad for electrically stimulated wound healing, including a pad configured to be placed on a wound, at least one anode disposed on the pad to contact the wound, and at least one cathode disposed on the pad to contact the wound, the at least one cathode being disposed separately from the at least on anode. The pad wherein the at least one anode and the at least one cathode in contact with the wound provide a flow of electrical current in an intended direction through the wound based on the separate locations of the at least one anode and the at least one cathode.

Abstract: A method of treating hypertension in a patient includes 1) generating, by an electroacupuncture device implanted beneath a skin surface of the patient at an acupoint corresponding to a target tissue location within the patient, stimulation sessions at a duty cycle that is less than 0.05, wherein the duty cycle is a ratio of T3 to T4, each stimulation session included in the stimulation sessions has a duration of T3 minutes and occurs at a rate of once every T4 minutes, and the electroacupuncture device comprises a central electrode of a first polarity and an annular electrode of a second polarity and that is spaced apart from the central electrode; and 2) applying, by the electroacupuncture device, the stimulation sessions to the target tissue location by way of the central electrode and the annular electrode in accordance with the duty cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for production of an electrode structure, including: producing a longitudinal body having a core and at least one layer made of an electrode material surrounding the core; removing a part of the layer made of electrode material while forming a plurality of electrodes that are arranged such as to be distributed in the longitudinal direction and which are separated from each other, and contact paths that extend in the longitudinal direction and adjoin the electrodes, each, as the same part; applying a layer made of a polymeric material while embedding, at least in part, the electrodes and/or contact paths.

Abstract: A system for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient includes a mouthpiece and a controller. The mouthpiece includes an elongated housing, a printed circuit board, control circuitry mounted within the elongated housing, and a cable for connecting to a controller. The controller includes an elongated u-shaped element, an electronic receptacle, and a microcontroller. A method for providing non-invasive neurorehabilitation of a patient including connecting a mouthpiece to a controller, transmitting a numeric sequence to the mouthpiece, generating a first hash code, transmitting the first hash code to the controller, generating a second hash code, comparing the second hash code with the first hash code, enabling electrical communication between the mouthpiece and the controller only if the first hash code matches the second hash code, contacting the mouthpiece with the patient's intraoral cavity, and delivering neurostimulation to the patient's intraoral cavity.

Abstract: Prophylactic stimulation and abortive electrical stimulation are delivered to a cranial nerve, including, e.g. an occipital or trigeminal nerve to treat symptoms of various conditions, including, e.g. occipital neuralgia or migraines.

Abstract: A method of treating a waste evacuation dysfunction comprising administering transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) to at least one lower pelvic and/or sacral region for a specific treatment regimens. Also disclosed is a system for configuring a stimulation device to deliver transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) the system comprising: a computing device storing or having access to a plurality or TES settings and comprising a user interface to enable authorized selection of at least on of the TES settings for provision of TES by the stimulation device according to the at least one selected TES setting and the stimulation device communicatively coupled to the computing device to receive and store the selected at least one TES setting the stimulation device being of a size to be readily carried on a body and configured to selectively provide current to external electrode according to the one TES setting.

Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.

Abstract: An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved.

Abstract: A bionic cochlea includes a fluid filled vessel having a window disposed in one of its walls and a flexible fluid filled tube in fluid communication at one end with the vessel through the window. The other end of the tube has a diaphragm in communication with the ossicles of a mammalian ear. The diaphragm flexes when exposed to an acoustic pulse to produce an acoustic pressure pulse in the fluid inside the tube and vessel. A plurality of piezoelectric nanowires is disposed within the fluid filled vessel. The nanowires vibrate in response to at least one predetermined wavelength in the acoustic pressure pulse transmitting through the fluid and produce electrical signals. Electrical wires in communication with the nanowires receive the electrical signals and pass these signals to the mammalian auditory nerve.

Abstract: A retinal prosthesis system according to an embodiment includes a converter, a retinal prosthesis, and a transmitter. The converter is placed in an eye, and transmits part of light incident on the eye therethrough while converting the energy of the other part of the light into electrical energy. The retinal prosthesis is placed in the eye and includes a photoelectric conversion element array configured to operate with the electrical energy received from the converter to detect the light having transmitted through the converter to generate an electrical signal. The transmitter is used to send the electrical signal generated by the retinal prosthesis to the visual cortex of the brain.

Abstract: Methods and devices to treat discogenic lumbar back pain are disclosed. Electrodes are implanted within the anterior epidural space of the patient. A pulse generator that is connected to the electrodes delivers electrical impulses to sympathetic nerves located within the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) of the lumbar spine and outer posterior annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc. In alternate embodiments, energy directed to nerves in the PLL may be from light or mechanical vibrations, or the nerves may be cooled. The electrodes may also be used diagnostically to correlate spontaneous nerve activity with spinal movement, fluctuations in autonomic tone and the patient's experience of pain. The electrodes may also be used to generate diagnostic evoked potentials. The diagnostic data are used to devise parameters for the therapeutic nerve stimulation. Automatic analysis of the data may be incorporated into a closed-loop system that performs the nerve stimulation automatically.

Abstract: An implantable wireless lead includes an enclosure, the enclosure housing: one or more electrodes configured to apply one or more electrical pulses to a neural tissue; a first antenna configured to: receive, from a second antenna and through electrical radiative coupling, an input signal containing electrical energy, the second antenna being physically separate from the implantable neural stimulator lead; one or more circuits electrically connected to the first antenna, the circuits configured to: create the one or more electrical pulses suitable for stimulation of the neural tissue using the electrical energy contained in the input signal; and supply the one or more electrical pulses to the one or more electrodes, wherein the enclosure is shaped and arranged for delivery into a subject's body through an introducer or a needle.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by cyclically modulating neural activity in peripheral neural structures are disclosed. Neural activity may be modulated cyclically by stimuli delivered via various types of stimulus sources. In an aspect, activity of a sensory nerve is modulated. Neural modulation may be used, for example, to modulate an undesired sensation, such as pain, or an immune or inflammatory response or process. Delivery of stimuli for modulating neural activity may be controlled in part in response to an input from a user input device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for recording the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time.

Abstract: An implantable pacemaker is configured to sense a cardiac electrical signal received by a pair of electrodes coupled to the pacemaker, start a pacing escape interval to control a time that a pacing pulse is delivered in a heart chamber, and detecting if the sensed cardiac electrical signal is a crosstalk event that is an electrical pulse delivered to the patient by a different device than the implantable pacemaker. The implantable pacemaker withholds restarting the pacing escape interval in response to sensing the cardiac electrical signal based on detecting the sensed cardiac electrical signal as the crosstalk event.

Abstract: An example of a system for pacing through multiple electrodes in a ventricle includes a sensing circuit to sense cardiac signal(s), a pacing output circuit to deliver pacing pulses, a heart sound sensor to sense a heart sound signal, and a control circuit to control the delivery of the pacing pulses. The control circuit includes a heart sound detector to detect heart sounds using the heart sound signal, an electrical event detector to detect cardiac electrical events using the cardiac signal(s), a measurement module to measure an optimization parameter using the detected heart sounds, and an optimization module to approximately optimize one or more pacing parameters using the measured optimization parameter. The one or more pacing parameters include an electrode configuration parameter specifying one or more electrodes selected from the multiple electrodes in the ventricle for delivering ventricular pacing pulses to that ventricle.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for monitoring cardiac arrhythmias and delivering electrical stimulation therapy using a subcutaneous device (e.g. subcutaneous implantable (SD)) and a leadless pacing device (LPD) are described. In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes sensing a first electrical signal from a heart of a patient through a SD. The first signal is stored into memory and serves as a baseline rhythm for a patient. Subsequently, a second signal is sensed from the heart through the SD. A cardiac condition can be detected within the sensed second electrical signal through the SD. A determination is made as to whether cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is appropriate to treat the detected cardiac condition. A determination can then be made as to the timing of pacing pulse delivery to cardiac tissue through a leadless pacing device (LPD). The LPD receives communication from the SD requesting the LPD to deliver CRT to the heart.

Abstract: An example of a system for pacing through multiple electrodes in a ventricle includes a sensing circuit to sense cardiac signal(s), a pacing output circuit to deliver pacing pulses, a heart sound sensor to sense a heart sound signal, and a control circuit to control the delivery of the pacing pulses. The control circuit includes a heart sound detector to detect heart sounds using the heart sound signal, an electrical event detector to detect cardiac electrical events using the cardiac signal(s), a measurement module to measure an optimization parameter using the detected heart sounds, an optimization module to perform an optimization procedure using the optimization parameter in response to an optimization command, and an optimization initiator to generate the optimization command. The optimization procedure includes selection of a single electrode or a plurality of electrodes from the multiple electrodes in the ventricle for pacing that ventricle.

Abstract: Couplings for implanted leads and external stimulators, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A connector in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion pivotably connected to each other. The first housing portion has an elongated fixed stop opening. The second housing portion has a stop element and a plurality of connector contacts positioned to electrically contact a plurality of connection contacts of a spinal cord stimulation lead. The first and second housing portions are pivotably connected to each other to move between a partially-opened position in which the stop element is in a first location in the elongated fixed stop opening, and a closed position in which the stop element has a second location in the elongated fixed stop opening.

Abstract: An external controller is disclosed for communicating with an external trial stimulator (ETS) for an implantable medical device. The external controller is programmed with a battery algorithm able to assist a clinician in choosing a suitable implant for the patient based on battery performance parameters estimated for a number of implants during an external trial stimulation phase that precedes implantation of the implant. The algorithm is particularly useful in assisting the clinician in choosing between a rechargeable-battery implant or a primary-battery implant for the patient.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for supplying wireless energy to a medical device (100) implanted in a patient, wireless energy is transmitted from an external energy source (104) located outside a patient and is received by an internal energy receiver (102) located inside the patient, for directly or indirectly supplying received energy to the medical device. An energy balance is determined between the energy received by the internal energy receiver and the energy used for the medical device, and the transmission of wireless energy is then controlled based on the determined energy balance. The energy balance thus provides an accurate indication of the correct amount of energy needed, which is sufficient to operate the medical device properly, but without causing undue temperature rise.

Abstract: User interface for external power source, recharger, for an implantable medical device. At least some of patient controls and display icons of an energy transfer unit are common with at least some of the patient controls and the display icons of a patient control unit. An energy transfer unit is operable by the patient with less than three operative controls to control energy transfer from the external energy transfer unit to the implantable medical device. An external antenna having a primary coil can inductively transfer energy to a secondary coil of the implantable medical device when the external antenna is externally placed in proximity of the secondary coil. An energy transfer unit has an external telemetry coil allowing the energy transfer unit to communicate with the implantable medical device through the internal telemetry coil in order to at least partially control the therapeutic output of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for wireless recharging of an implanted device. In response to receiving identification information from an implanted device, a charger can set an electrical field to a first field strength and receive first field strength information from the implanted device. The charger can then set the electrical field to a second field strength and receive second field strength information from the implanted device. This information relating to the first and second field strengths can be used to determine whether to recharge the implanted device.

Abstract: A notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer having an automated external defibrillator (AED) capability, and methods of utilizing the notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer defibrillator to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Kits and methods for converting, adapting or retrofitting a common notebook, laptop computer and tablet computer to enable each to be used as an AED to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. A kit including an adjustable case for receiving, encompassing, adapting and converting a common notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer to enable each to be used as an AED. A kit including a slave automated external defibrillator (AED) that is joined to a common notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer to adapt, convert and enable each to be used as an AED.

Abstract: A wearable defibrillation system includes an output device and a motion sensor. The output device emits a sound or a vibration for the patient, who responds by deliberately tapping the system. The motion sensor registers the tapping, and interprets it as a reply from the patient. The reply can be that the patient is conscious, or convey data that the patient enters by tapping the right number of times, or that the patient wants attention, and so on. Since the patient does not need direct access to the wearable defibrillation system for tapping it, he or she can wear it under their other garments, which helps preserve their dignity and privacy.