Abstract: A device for extending a lead according to some embodiments includes a body, a coil element coupled to the body, the body configured to cover the coil element during use, the coil element comprising an inner lumen sized to receive an outer surface of a lead, the coil element is movable between a first configuration in which the coil element slides over the lead, and a second configuration in which at least some coils grip the outer surface of the lead; an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the coil element, the actuation mechanism configured to move the coil element between the first and second configurations; and a tether coupled to the lead via the body, the coil element, and/or actuation mechanism, the tether configured to extend further proximally than a proximal-most end of the lead and configured to transfer tension force applied to the tether to the lead.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems and methods for treating an ischemic brain injury. Certain aspects include delivering the treatment substrate to a therapy region in a patient's brain. In addition, certain aspects of the disclosure can include using a number of electrodes arranged with a deep brain stimulation lead to identify the therapy region.

Abstract: An electrode for use with a cochlear implant system includes an electrode array with electrode contacts distributed along the electrode array, and an electrode lead adjacent to the electrode array. The electrode lead has (1) a flexible region configured to allow the electrode lead to bend, (2) an attachment mechanism with an internal portion positioned within and along a longitudinal direction of the electrode lead, and an external portion configured to be bent and secured to bone, the external portion having an attachment element configured to secure the attachment mechanism to the bone, and (3) a securing element extending from the electrode lead and located further back from the flexible region toward a rear end of the electrode lead, the securing element configured to secure the electrode lead to the bone. A method of securing the electrode to bone is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trans mucosal neuromuscular electrical stimulation device (1) including a mouthpiece (3, 103) and electrodes (32a, 33a, 132a, 133a) associated with the mouthpiece (3, 103). The device (1) and/or mouthpiece (3, 103) incorporates electrical circuitry operatively connecting the electrodes (32a, 33a, 132a, 133a) to a power source and is configured to provide, in use, electrical stimulation to one or more palate and/or tongue muscles via the electrodes (32a, 33a, 132a, 133a) through the oral mucosa. The treatment regime, including the location of stimulation and the parameters used, is designed to increase resting muscle tone and/or muscle tone during sleep.

Abstract: An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.

Abstract: A method to treat a patient having a pelvic floor dysfunction or disorder by establishing a neurostimulator having a processor and an electrical signal generator to generate a stimulation signal. The processor is set to one or more parameters effective in the treating of the patient's pelvic disorder or dysfunction when the stimulation signal is applied to a saphenous nerve of the patient. The neurostimulator is configured to provide the stimulation signal to a stimulator in accordance with a stimulation protocol. The stimulator is positioned below or at the level of the patient's knee and next to a portion of the saphenous nerve. The processor is operationally activated to provide the stimulation signal to the stimulator for treatment of the patient.

Abstract: At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating diseases by altering body mass composition in a human subject through application of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) using electrodes placed in electrical contact with the subject's scalp at a location corresponding to each of the subject's left and right vestibular systems. The methods may be used to treat obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. GVS may be applied for a predetermined period of time at regular intervals.

Abstract: A stimulation probe includes a proximal end connector and a flexible wire coupled to the end connector. A handle is coupled to the wire and a needle extends from the handle and terminates at a conductive tip.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for altering body mass composition in a human subject by applying galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) using electrodes placed in electrical contact with the subject's scalp at a location corresponding to each of the subject's left and right vestibular systems. The current source includes a feedback loop for measuring a resistance across the subject's scalp and adjusting a voltage output to maintain a constant current across the subject's scalp. GVS may be applied for a predetermined period of time at regular intervals.

Abstract: An exemplary targeted channel selection system may determine a target stimulation rate for a user of a cochlear implant system, determine a pulse width value that is representative of one or more pulse widths that are to be used for stimulation pulses applied by the cochlear implant system to the user during a stimulation session, and determine, based on the target stimulation rate and on the pulse width value, a value for N that is specific to the user. In this example, N represents a total number of analysis channels that are to be selected from M available analysis channels for presentation by the cochlear implant system to the user during a stimulation frame of the stimulation session.

Abstract: A method, including the action of operating a sense prosthesis, such as a retinal implant, according to a first operating regime while the recipient has a first fatigue level, and operating the sense prosthesis according to a second operating regime while the recipient has a second fatigue level that is greater than the first fatigue level.

Abstract: A method for stimulating vagal neurons as demonstrated by generation of action potentials on these same neurons, wherein electrical pulse trains are periodically applied to electrodes implanted on the anterior and posterior vagus nerve at an entrance of a diaphragm, wherein each electrical pulse train is formed by a plurality of monophasic pulses having a frequency of at least 13.0 kHz.

Abstract: A method includes determining sleep cycle information related to a sleep cycle of a patient based on body parameter data. The method also includes adjusting a cranial nerve stimulation parameter based on the sleep cycle information.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for multifocal direct brain stimulation to enhance cognitive processing, such as but not limited to stimulation-induced modulation of memory.

Abstract: Devices and methods can be used for artificial cardiac pacing and/or resynchronization. For example, this document provides improved electrodes for stimulating and sensing electrical activity of the heart, and provides pacing and resynchronization systems incorporating such electrodes. While the devices and methods provided herein are described primarily in the context of pacing, it should be understood that resynchronization can additionally or alternatively be performed in an analogous manner, and that the scope of this disclosure includes such subject matter.

Abstract: An adaptive cognitive prosthetic that learns to replace neural function that was lost due to a brain injury or disease is described herein. In some embodiments, an adaptive cognitive prosthetic comprises a processing unit for converting input data from an input assembly into a cognitive variable and selecting a stimulation pattern for conveying the cognitive variable. The processing unit employs an adaptive algorithm to assemble the stimulation pattern by combination of subset stimulation patterns, the combination of subset stimulation patterns learned by the adaptive algorithm through error analysis.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed having measurement circuitry for measuring one or more currents in the IMD, such as the currents drawn from various power supply voltages. Such currents are measured without disrupting normal IMD operation, and can be telemetered from the IMD for review. Switching circuitry in line with the current being measured is temporarily opened for a time period to disconnect the power supply voltage from the circuitry being powered. A voltage across a capacitance in parallel with the circuitry is measured when the switching circuitry is opened and again closed at the end of the time period, with the circuitry drawing power from the charged capacitance during this time period. The average current drawn by the power supply voltage is determined using the difference in the measured voltages, the known capacitance, and the time period between the measurements.

Abstract: An algorithm programmed into the control circuitry of a rechargeable-battery Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed that can adjust the charging current (Ibat) provided to the rechargeable battery over time (e.g., the life of the IMD) in accordance with one or more of the parameters having an effect on rechargeable battery capacity, such as number of charging cycles, charging current, discharge depth, load current, and battery calendar age. The algorithm consults such parameters as stored over the history of the operation of the IMD in a parameter log, and in conjunction with a battery capacity database reflective of the effect of these parameters on battery capacity, estimates a change in the capacity of the battery, and adjust the charging current in one or both of trickle and active charging paths to slow the loss of battery capacity and extend the life of the IMD.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator system includes a nerve stimulation unit providing vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) pulses; an autonomic tone sensor which determines the patient's autonomic status; and a control unit connected to the nerve stimulation unit and the autonomic tone sensor. The control unit controls the nerve stimulation unit to generate VNS with varying intensity, depending on the autonomic status (which is evaluated in a moving window). The control unit gradually increases VNS intensity when the autonomic status indicates a shift toward more sympathetic dominance, and it gradually decreases VNS intensity when the autonomic status indicates a shift toward more parasympathetic dominance, wherein the gradual increase and the gradual decrease of the VNS intensity follow two different paths.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern delivering electrical stimulation to the brain at a plurality of different levels of a stimulation parameter and sensing a bioelectrical response of the brain to delivery of the electrical stimulation for each of the plurality of different levels of the stimulation parameter. A suppression window of the stimulation parameter can be identified as having a suppression threshold as a lower boundary and an after-discharge threshold as an upper boundary based on the sensed bioelectrical responses. A therapy level of the stimulation parameter can be set for therapy delivery based on the suppression window. The therapy level of the stimulation parameter may be set closer to the suppression threshold than the after-discharge threshold within the suppression window. Data for hippocampal stimulation demonstrating a suppression window is presented.

Abstract: An implantable assembly is described for acquisition of neuronal electrical signals at a selected location which propagate along at least one nerve fiber contained in a nerve fiber bundle, as well as for selective electrical stimulation of the at least one nerve fiber, having: an implantable electrode assembly (E) which is disposed on a biocompatible support substrate which can be positioned around the nerve fiber bundle in a cuff, which has a cylindrical support substrate surface (i) which in the implanted condition is orientated facing the nerve fiber bundle, on which a first electrode assembly for locationally selective acquisition of the neuronal electrical signals and selective electrical stimulation of the at least one nerve fiber, and on which a second electrode assembly is disposed to record an ECG signal, and an analysis and control unit (A/S) which can be electrically conductively connected or is connected to the implantable electrode assembly (E), in which the locationally selective acquired neuron

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body includes a timing generator and high frequency generator. The timing generator generates timing signals that represent stimulation signals for multiple channels. The high frequency generator determines whether to modulate the timing signals and modulates them at a burst frequency according to stored burst parameters if the decision is yes. As such, the IPG provides the ability to generate both the low frequency and high frequency stimulation signals in different channels according to user programming.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for performing automated Electrocochleography (ECoG) testing using ambient sound signals received by a hearing prosthesis during normal operation (i.e., outside of a clinical setting). In particular, the hearing prosthesis analyzes ambient sound signals to identify portions of the sound signals that are conducive/suitable to the performance of an ECoG measurement (i.e., an ECoG measurement structure). When an ECoG measurement structure is identified, the hearing prosthesis itself performs an ECoG measurement using one or more implanted electrodes.

Abstract: Method and systems for determining a set of stimulation parameters for an implantable stimulation device include performing the following steps or actions: receiving a stimulation target; determining a target stimulation field based on the stimulation target; receiving a weighting for a plurality of spatial regions defined relative to a lead including a plurality of electrodes, where a weighting for at least one of the spatial regions is different from a weighting for another one of the spatial regions; and determining, using the weightings for the plurality of spatial regions, a set of stimulation parameters to produce a generated stimulation field that approximates the target stimulation field.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system that includes a pulse generator to generate therapeutic electrical pulses and at least one lead inserted through an intercostal space in the region of a cardiac notch of the left lung of a patient, the lead having a distal end configured to transmit the therapeutic electrical pulses generated by the pulse generator to pace the heart of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plug-in accessory for operating a mobile device as an external controller for an Implantable Medical Device (IMD). The accessory includes a connector insertable into a port on the mobile device. Accessory circuitry can be powered by a battery or by the mobile device. An application on the mobile device in conjunction with the accessory configures the mobile phone for immediate use as an IMD external controller. When the accessory is inserted into the port or a switch on the accessory pressed, the application operates to validate the accessory; to unlock the phone; to secure the mobile device; and to render a graphical user interface on the mobile device for communicating with the IMD. The accessory can additionally include telemetry circuitry and an antenna for communicating with the IMD, rather than using short-range communication means provided in the mobile device itself.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present system allows for custom definition of waveforms and waveform segments for neurotherapy. Such custom definition is achieved by using a waveform composer with a user interface that makes it possible for the user to perform the custom definition of potentially very complex patterns of neurostimulation waveforms by creating and editing graphical representations of relatively simple individual building blocks for each of the patterns.

Abstract: An external control device, a neurostimulation system, and a method for providing therapy to a patient are provided. A plurality of stimulation parameter sets are defined, electrical stimulation energy is serially conveyed to tissue of the patient in accordance with the plurality of stimulation parameter sets, a historical log file is stored, and the plurality of stimulation parameter sets are logged in the historical log file.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for centralized management and servicing of medical equipment such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are described herein.

Abstract: An electroshock device for delivering an electrical discharge to a target includes an electrical discharge circuit, and an electrode coupled to the electrical discharge circuit and having an attachment feature attachable to the target. Upon attachment the electrode is enabled to monitor a physiological condition of the target, generate a signal based on the physiological condition, and deliver the electrical discharge to the target. The electroshock device also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the electrical discharge circuit and the electrode. The controller is configured to modulate delivery of the electrical discharge based on the physiological condition of the target.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator includes a first pad at least partially colored in a first color, a second pad at least partially colored in a second color, and a main unit to which the first pad and the second pad are connected. The main unit has a first guidance surface that indicates how to attach of the first pad and the second pad. The first guidance surface has a first marker in the first color at a position corresponding to an attachment position of the first pad and a second marker in the second color at a position corresponding to an attachment position of the second pad.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for aesthetic skin treatment. The system includes an array of RF electrodes assembled on a flexible or rigid substrate. A plurality of RF voltage generators configured to address individually each of the RF electrodes of the array and supply to each pair of RF electrodes RF voltage. The amplitude of the RF voltage applied to inner pair of RF electrodes is lower than the RF voltage applied to outer pair of RF electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for rejuvenating a region of skin or mucosal tissue, comprising: a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator; a plurality of electrodes in communication with the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator and an RF tissue diathermy device. The electrodes apply the pulsed electromagnetic power and the RF tissue diathermy to the tissue, heating it such that one portion of the region of mucosal tissue is maintained at a predetermined temperature range T1 while another portion of the region of mucosal tissue is at least temporarily maintained at predetermined temperature range T2.

Abstract: A magnetic field therapy apparatus includes a magnetic field generation device for generating a magnetic field that can be applied to a patient, and a control device for controlling an intensity of the magnetic field in such a way that the magnetic field intensity increases incrementally during a first interval T1 and is set to a constant level during a second interval (T2), the ratio of the first interval T1 to the second interval T2 corresponding to the golden section +/?0.1, preferably +/?0.01.

Abstract: An interventional therapy system (100, 200, 300, 900) may include at least one catheter configured for insertion within an object of interest (OOI); and at least one controller (102, 202, 910) which: obtains a reference image dataset (540) comprising a plurality of image slices which form a three-dimensional image of the OOI, defines restricted areas (RAs) within the reference image dataset, determines location constraints for the at least one catheter in accordance with at least one of planned catheter intersection points, a peripheral boundary of the OOI and the RAs defined in the reference dataset, determines at least one of a position and an orientation of the distal end of the at least one catheter, and/or determines a planned trajectory for the at least one catheter in accordance with the determined at least one position and orientation for the at least one catheter and the location constraints.

Abstract: Disclosed is an applicator or handpiece configured to apply treatment energy to a segment of skin located in a tissue or skin treatment plane. The treatment energy could be RF energy, applied by a pair of bipolar RF electrodes or optical energy. The applicator includes an optical system configured to form a rectangular spot and homogenize the optical energy distribution.

Abstract: There is provided a phototherapy apparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through one or more massage components. The massage component provides mechanical massage to the subject biological tissue and modifies the properties of the subject tissue in thickness, density, etc. to facilitate the absorption of the therapeutic light and enhance the effect of the phototherapy procedure. The light source of the phototherapy apparatus is actively cooled by a synthetic jet cooler.

Abstract: A portable irradiation device is disclosed including: a hollow squeezing part operable to squeeze air therein out; a sucker having a first end opening portion and a second end opening portion, the first end opening portion being hermetically connected with the squeezing part, the second end opening portion being attachable to a human body by means of a difference in air pressure between inside and outside the sucker; and a blue light irradiation unit located in a space surrounded by the squeezing part, the sucker, or the squeezing part and the sucker. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a portable irradiation device.

Abstract: A method for destroying cells and/or microorganisms in an organism includes the following steps: (a) administering to the organism a composition including a photodynamic compound containing at least one transition metal; and (b) irradiating the photodynamic compound in the organism with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation includes ionizing radiation and is effective to activate the photodynamic compound to destroy at least one of the cells and the microorganisms in the organism. The ionizing radiation is preferably X-rays and/or gamma rays. The non-ionizing radiation is preferably light in the range from 600-950 nm.

Abstract: An X-ray irradiating apparatus according to an embodiment is an X-ray irradiating apparatus that can transmit a maintenance electric current for suppressing the motion of a diaphragm in a subject, and includes an electric current outputting unit, electrode units, an electric current output controlling unit and an operating unit. The electric current outputting unit outputs the maintenance electric current for maintaining the contraction of the muscle. The electrode units, which are disposed on a skin surface of the subject, transmit the maintenance electric current. The electric current output controlling unit controls the electric current outputting unit to switch between a state in which the maintenance electric current is output to the electrode units and a state in which the maintenance electric current is not output to the electrode units. The operating unit performs the operation of the electric current output controlling unit.

Abstract: Provided is an irradiation planning apparatus including: a three-dimensional CT value data acquisition unit (36); a prescription data input processing unit (32) which acquires prescription data; a stopping power ratio conversion unit (37) and a nuclear reaction effective density conversion unit (38) which respectively generate first conversion data (41) and second conversion data (42) on the basis of three-dimensional CT value data; and a calculation unit (33) which calculates a dose distribution on the basis of the prescription data, the first conversion data (41), and the second conversion data (42), wherein the stopping power ratio conversion unit (37) and the nuclear reaction effective density conversion unit (38) perform correction processing for correcting data obtained from the three-dimensional CT value data, using a physical quantity indicative of a likelihood of spalling particles of incident charged particle beam (3), and then determine the dose distribution.

Abstract: A radiation therapy planning apparatus performs dose calculation at high speed and with high accuracy for radiation therapy in a scanning irradiation method. The apparatus includes a display, an arithmetic processing apparatus, a memory, and a data server, which is connected to a particle beam irradiation apparatus. A dose calculation unit of the arithmetic processing apparatus calculates dose distribution by a simplified Monte Carlo algorithm, and corrects the dose distribution by a decreasing rate stored in a particle number decreasing rate table of the memory, and stores the corrected dose distribution in an integrated dose distribution table. By using the simplified Monte Carlo algorithm and the particle number decreasing rate that corrects the simplified Monte Carlo algorithm, the dose distribution is calculated, and thereby, it is possible to realize a radiation therapy planning apparatus that performs dose calculation at a high speed with high accuracy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for verifying radiation source delivery in brachytherapy by allowing for the radiation source location and dwell time to be determined via real-time measurement. In an embodiment, a radiation detector may be disposed proximate to a radiotherapy target. The radiation detector is configured to provide real-time information indicative of ionizing radiation emitted by a radiation source. A controller may perform operations including receiving, from the radiation detector, real-time information indicative of at least one of: a particle flux rate, an energy fluence, or an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation emitted from the radiation source. The operations may also include determining, based on the received information, at least one of: a location of the radiation source or a dwell time of the radiation source.

Abstract: A radiation dosage monitoring system comprising a 3D camera operable to obtain images of a patient undergoing radiation treatment, the 3D camera being operable to detect Cherenkov radiation and any subsequent secondary and scattered radiation originating due the initial Cherenkov radiation emitted from a surface of the patient when the patient is irradiated by a radiation beam; and a processing module operable to process the images obtained by the 3D camera utilizing data indicative of chromophores present in a patient's skin to apply a correction factor to such images to account for absorption of Cherenkov radiation by chromophores in the skin when utilizing the images to generate a representation of radiation applied to the surface of the patient.

Abstract: A method and device is taught to improve the appearance of cellulite by combining mild exfoliation of the skin, various wavelengths of low level light, ultrasound, and a vacuum or suction. The device is intended to increase the metabolic rate of the fat cells and reduce their size, while increasing the extensibility or length of the septae. Such increased activity will promote blood flow to the affected area thereby increasing cell nutrients and removing cellular exudates while stimulating the growth of new collagen thereby alleviating the cellulite.

Abstract: A flue for use with an ultrasonic surgical tip, comprising protrusions or bumps on its inner surface with improved protrusion pattern, density and location. The flue has enhanced cooling effect for the ultrasonic surgical tip.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for thermal therapy in a male prostate patient. The apparatus includes a long tubular element that is to be inserted into a patient's urethra so that a first tip end of it reaches up into the patient's diseased prostate. The elongated portion includes a narrow cylindrical tube within which an ultrasonic array is disposed along the long axis of the cylinder. Fluid is pumped into and out of a treatment zone of said patient as needed to control a temperature of a region in said treatment zone. A motorized driver is used to controllably rotate said elongated portion and the ultrasound array therein about the long axis of the apparatus so as to deliver acoustic energy to said diseased tissue. Various control and monitoring components may be used in conjunction with the present apparatus to design, control, and terminate the therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blue complex powder including a flat-shaped fine powder and a coating layer coated on the flat-shaped fine powder and a composition for improving skin transparency which includes the blue complex powder as an active ingredient. The complex powder may provide improved naturalness, gloss and transparency by reflecting, emitting or amplifying blue light. In addition, the complex powder may provide uniform applicability on skin and uniform interference by restricting the particle size distribution of the complex powder to 1-16 ?m. The complex powder is useful because it may be used in a cosmetic composition for base makeup.

Abstract: A composition, in particular a cosmetic composition, for making up and/or caring for keratin materials, including at least one aqueous phase gelled with at least one non-starchy hydrophilic gelling agent; at least one oily phase gelled with at least one non-cellulose-based lipophilic gelling agent other than apolar hydrocarbon-based waxes with a melting point of greater than 75.0° C. and silicone polyamides; the phases forming therein a macroscopically homogeneous mixture; the composition also including at least one UV-screening agent.