Patents Issued in December 28, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170368298
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a manual or automated face plunge comprising a water reservoir, and optionally a chilling apparatus comprising one or more thermoelectric coolers to chill the water, and a controller to electronically control the chilling apparatus. The disclosure further describes methods for chilling the face, triggering the central nervous system, promoting human health, promoting human beauty, and promoting aesthetic benefits to a human in need thereof, comprising immersing the face of the person in the face plunge in accordance to various immersion regimens. In various aspects, the face plunge comprises ice-cold water for the facial immersions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Dinka Bojanova
  • Publication number: 20170368299
    Abstract: For the purpose of improving sleep satisfaction for different human subjects individually, a sound source control device (20) includes: an acquirer (202) configured to acquire a biorhythm of a human subject; an estimator (204) configured to estimate sleep depths of the human subject from the acquired biorhythm of the human subject; a controller (230) configured to control a sound source (240) to play a sound in accordance with the acquired biorhythm of the human subject, the sound being defined using a prescribed parameter set; and an evaluator (220) configured to evaluate a sleep state of the human subject based on the estimated sleep depths of the human subject, and based on the evaluation, instruct the controller (230) to change at least a part of contents of the parameter set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Takehiko KAWAHARA, Kiyoshi YAMAKI, Atsushi ISHIHARA, Morito MORISHIMA
  • Publication number: 20170368300
    Abstract: A system for soothing an agitated patient, including a motor, a linkage operationally connected to the motor, an armature operationally connected to the linkage, and a lifelike hand connected to the armature. Energization of the motor enables the lifelike hand to move in a generally circular, rubbing motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Dorothy Ungerleider, John Harrison Ungerleider
  • Publication number: 20170368301
    Abstract: A guidewire retention assembly is disclosed. The assembly may include a body member extending between a first end and a second end and defining a retention lumen, a connector defining a connector lumen, a vent, and a continuous outside surface, the vent comprising an opening extending radially from the connector lumen, and the connector releasably coupleable to the first end of the body member and the second end of the body member, such that the connector releasably couples the first end of the body member to the second end of the body member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Newbold, Neil Peterson, Jason Reber, Keith Denney
  • Publication number: 20170368302
    Abstract: Medical device kits for use in placing, maintaining, altering, and/or removing medical devices in, on, and/or from the body of a patient are disclosed. Such medical device kits can include one or more wrap assemblies for use in the placement/maintenance procedure. In accordance with present embodiments, the one or more wrap assemblies of the medical device kit can include various features to assist the clinician performing the particular procedure. In one embodiment, a medical wrap assembly is disclosed, comprising a foldable wrap body that includes a front surface, wherein the front surface is configured to define a sterile field. A plurality of pockets is included on the front surface of the wrap body. The pockets are configured to contain therein a plurality of medical components. The medical components are arranged in the pockets in a predetermined order of use for the medical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Brooks, Lyndsay Sweeney, Kelly J. Christian, Jennifer Stryker, Matt Loui
  • Publication number: 20170368303
    Abstract: A catheter that does not require a fixing tool for fixing an end of a reinforcing body to an inner layer and does not require a separate marker to allow a user of the catheter to visually recognize a position of the catheter during procedures. The catheter includes a catheter main body having an inner layer that is a hollow tubular body, a braid that covers an outer periphery of the inner layer from a proximal end of the inner layer to a distal end of the inner layer, and an outer layer that covers an outer periphery of the braid. At least one end portion of the braid is folded under itself to form a folded part, and an end of the braid is in contact with the inner layer and is arranged in a lowest layer of the folded part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyuki NAKAYAMA, Masaaki NIHONMATSU
  • Publication number: 20170368304
    Abstract: A pre-curved steerable catheter includes a catheter body (102) having a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a permanently curved flexible end portion (110). A pull wire (108) is disposed in a pull wire lumen within the catheter body. The pull wire extends from the distal end portion to a proximal end portion of the catheter body wherein the pull wire, when tensioned, provides a change in an angle of the curved flexible end portion of the catheter body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: GREGORY COLE, HAO SU, VIJAY PARTHASARATHY, REX YUNG
  • Publication number: 20170368305
    Abstract: The invention relates to, amongst other things, a catheter device comprising a catheter (24) in which a rotating shaft (25) which is made at least partially from a magnetic material is arranged, and a separating device which contains an annular body (27) surrounding the rotating shaft and having a cavity containing a magnetic body (13?), the magnetic body being arranged downstream from a point at which the shaft (25) exits the catheter (24) which it surrounds with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid through the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Sami Er, Cornelia Simon, Joerg Schumacher, Reiner Liebing
  • Publication number: 20170368306
    Abstract: Microcatheter for delivering a substance (e.g., infusion agent including embolization material and/or contrast enhancing material) in a small blood vessel towards a target bodily part. Includes a single lumen surrounded by tubular wall having outer diameter and opened at both ends; tubular wall proximal portion is connectable to a pressure source and reservoir containing infusion agent, and tubular wall distal portion ends with a tip; the tubular wall distal portion includes an infusion agent flow disruption section configured to disrupt passage therethrough of incoming retrograded flow of infusion agent, during continuous delivery of infusion suspension from the reservoir to the tip. Disclosed are methods using the microcatheter for performing local embolization in a small blood vessel feeding a (for example, cancerous) target bodily part, and for delivering infusion agent in a small blood vessel towards such target bodily part. Also disclosed are devices and methods for filtering non-target infusion agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Accurate Medical Therapeutics Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Gabriel TAL, Eran MILLER
  • Publication number: 20170368307
    Abstract: There is provided a microcatheter having a proximal solution lumen and a distal tip portion with a guidewire lumen. The microcatheter and methods of use thereof allows for introduction of solution into a vessel while manipulating the guidewire and/or the microcatheter itself. The solution may be a contrast solution, for viewing of the vessel, a therapeutic or diagnostic solution, or any other type of solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: RONALD JAY SOLAR, YOAV SHAKED, GLEN LIEBER
  • Publication number: 20170368308
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are used to decouple proximal movement of a catheter supply lead or tubing from the tissue-embedded catheter. A catheter decoupling device comprises a catheter hub, sled and track, wherein the hub comprises a proximal end configured to receive a catheter fluid supply device, and a distal end configured to receive a catheter, the sled receives and retains the hub, the track receives and retains the hub; and, the hub has a limited range of back-and-forth motion relative to the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Jonathan Hofius, Chunyuan Qiu, Manish Kothari
  • Publication number: 20170368309
    Abstract: A system of devices for treating an artery includes an arterial access sheath adapted to introduce an interventional catheter into an artery and an elongated dilator positionable within the internal lumen of the sheath body. The system also includes a catheter formed of an elongated catheter body sized and shaped to be introduced via a carotid artery access site into a common carotid artery through the internal lumen of the arterial access sheath. The catheter has an overall length and a distal most section length such that the distal most section can be positioned in an intracranial artery and at least a portion of the proximal most section is positioned in the common carotid artery during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michi E. Garrison, Tony M. Chou
  • Publication number: 20170368310
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the dressing has a base which is to be adhered to a patient about a catheter site, an aperture in the base to pull a catheter line through and a cover with a window that is folded over and onto the base in a sealed manner. In another embodiment, the dressing has two covers with windows for folding over separate sections of a base to seal in the components of a catheter assembly with multiple catheters extending from a common housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael J. Vaillancourt, Marshall Kerr, Michael Pfefferkorn
  • Publication number: 20170368311
    Abstract: A catheter holder assembly for selectively holding a portion of a one or more catheter tubes to a head of a user. Comprising head mount assembly, a one or more catheter holders, said one or more catheter tubes, a catheter. Said one or more catheter holders comprise a first catheter holder. Said one or more catheter holders are attached to said head mount assembly. head mount assembly is configured to releaseably attach to said head of said user. Said one or more catheter holders releaseably hold said one or more catheter tubes. Said one or more catheter tubes each comprise said catheter at a first end being a downstream of said one or more catheter holders and an IV bag at a second end being an upstream of said one or more catheter holders. Said catheter is configured to attach to a portion of said user at an insertion point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Ehrlich
  • Publication number: 20170368312
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical system include a subcutaneous anchor device that extends outwardly from side wall of an intravenous cannula so as to secure the intravenous cannula in a position relative to a skin penetration point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael S. Rosenberg, Mark R. Christianson
  • Publication number: 20170368313
    Abstract: A handheld vascular access device for gaining access to a patient's vessel includes a hub, a plurality of access needles and a manifold. The hub has an inner wall and side walls that define a plurality of ports. Each of the plurality of ports has a proximal port end and a distal port end. The proximal port ends define a proximal cross-sectional area and the distal port ends define a distal cross-sectional area. The proximal cross-sectional areas are greater than the distal cross-sectional areas. Each of the plurality of ports taper from the proximal port end to the distal port end. The plurality of hollow access needles is arranged along a plane and fixedly coupled to the distal end of the hub. Each of the plurality of needles has a tip. The manifold removably engages the hub at the proximal end of the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Curtis J. FRANKLIN, Luke William FISHER, Elijah ATKINSON, Todd J. KRUMMENACHER, Jonathan L. ELIASON
  • Publication number: 20170368314
    Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly, including a flexible catheter and a catheter hub having an outer surface portion. The assembly includes an introducer needle disposed in the catheter, a needle shield having a resilient clip adapted to flex between first and second positions. The resilient clip includes a cantilevered arm with a pawl. In the resilient clip's first position, the cantilevered arm is flexed so that the pawl frictionally contacts the catheter hub's outer surface portion to retain the needle shield with the catheter hub. In the second position, the pawl no longer frictionally contacts the hub's outer surface, thereby permitting needle shield displacement relative to the catheter hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: S. Ray Isaacson, Siddarth Shevgoor, Jeff O'Bryan, Yiping Ma
  • Publication number: 20170368315
    Abstract: A catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the catheter so that a venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Karl R. LEINSING, Matthew R. Shute
  • Publication number: 20170368316
    Abstract: A guide wire including a core shaft, a coil body that covers an outer periphery of the core shaft, and a distal end joint that joins the core shaft and the coil body, The distal end joint includes tin-zinc based solder. The guide wire has secured joining strength between the core shaft and the coil body no matter the material used for the core shaft and the coil body, and especially when the core shaft and/or the coil body are formed of tungsten.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi YONEZAWA
  • Publication number: 20170368317
    Abstract: Torque devices for navigating a guidewire through a body lumen are disclosed. The devices have a variable speed transmission design, including at least a first transmission region along a first position of the device, and a second transmission region along a second position of the device. The first and second transmission regions have different diameters, thereby allowing rotational control of the guidewire between at least two different stroke angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Torbjörn Lundh, Oliver Oppers Aalami, Nathan Koji Itoga
  • Publication number: 20170368318
    Abstract: Provided is a catheter system for intraluminal passages, including blood vessels, which includes a guidewire incorporating a work element, and an inflatable balloon enveloping the work element. The work element includes a lesion-smoothing member which in a work configuration projects radially from a longitudinal axis of the balloon. The work element may be configured to allow for controllable rotation about the longitudinal axis, such that the rotation thereby substantially defines a closed ellipsoid-like surface. When the balloon is inflated with a fluid and is inside an intraluminal passage, rotation of the work element causes the lesion-smoothing member to rotate along a surface of the balloon and simultaneously push against the balloon surface. The pushing against the balloon surface exerts force against the walls of the intraluminal passage, thereby allowing for smoothing lesion material located on the walls of the intraluminal passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Amram ASHER
  • Publication number: 20170368319
    Abstract: An inflation device includes a syringe body containing a bore. The bore holds a fluid that is used to inflate a separate device such as a dilation balloon. A plunger assembly slides within the syringe bore and contains a sealing member that forms a fluid tight seal with the syringe body. A shut-off valve is disposed within the distal end of the syringe body. The distal end of the syringe body has a fluid bypass channel fluidically coupled to the aperture of a connector. The shut-off valve has a spring-biased moveable piston with a bypass lumen contained therein, wherein the bypass lumen forms a fluid path between the bore and the fluid bypass channel when the pressure of the fluid is below a threshold value. The fluid path between the bore and the fluid bypass channel is interrupted when the pressure of the fluid is above the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: ENTELLUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. Lesch, JR., Paul A. Vajgrt, Timothy B. Petrick
  • Publication number: 20170368320
    Abstract: A balloon catheter system includes a tube and a dilator detachable from the tube after the tube is inserted into a cavity in the patient. The cavity may be filled with gas or liquid to expand the viscera surrounding the cavity and the guidewire may be inserted using a trochar, for example. The tube includes one or more lumen to expandable balloons that are inflatable by fluid inserted through the lumen and into the balloon or balloons, which are formed by elastic film sealed on opposite ends to the external diameter of the tube. The dilator is held in place during insertion, such as by a stainless steel shaft and a sheath portion of the dilator extending over the end of the tube being inserted into the cavity. A portion of the sheath may extend over and protect the balloon. A retractor net may be used to capture and remove the dilator or the dilator may be designed as a bioabsorbable or digestible material or of a material that passes safely through the digestive tract of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Iyunni Venkata Sesha Sayi Nath
  • Publication number: 20170368321
    Abstract: Disclosed is a micro-needle including a tip formed using medicine that penetrates into the skin and melts therein; and at least one guide groove each in a stepped shape inward from the outer surface of the tip, and provided to the tip. The micro-needle configured as above may be used to administer a fixed quantity of medicine within a relatively short period of time. Also, since a guide space stepped based on the tip is provided to a base that supports the tip, a large amount of medicine may easily penetrate into the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Sun Young BAEK
  • Publication number: 20170368322
    Abstract: A drug administration device includes a substrate having a first surface, a projection extending from the first surface, and a solid drug. One direction that intersects with the first surface is a first direction, and one direction that extends along the first surface is a second direction. A groove serving as a receiving section is formed in the projection. The groove defines a cavity recessed in the first direction toward the substrate and extends in the second direction to open to a section of the peripheral surface of the projection. The drug is received in the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroyuki KATO, Tomoya SUMIDA, Yoshihiro KODAMA, Seishiro NAITO
  • Publication number: 20170368323
    Abstract: A device for delivering a drug depot into a patient via a cannula is provided. The device includes a housing with a coupling mechanism. A drug cartridge is positioned within the housing and includes a cartridge depot channel having an occluding device that includes a ramp and a plateau. The occluding device occludes the cartridge depot channel to prevent the drug depot from moving beyond the occluding device without force applied to the drug depot sufficient to deflect the occluding device an amount to allow the drug depot to move beyond the occluding device. The drug cartridge includes an alignment boss with an end channel coaxial with the cartridge depot channel. A push rod is slidably receivable in the housing and the drug cartridge to move the drug depot beyond the occluding device, into the cartridge depot channel, through the cannula and into the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Lloyd M. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20170368324
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a vascular port comprising: first and second portions that are not monolithic with each other; wherein: (a)(i) the first portion includes a first arcuate surface to contour to a first portion of a vessel and the second portion includes a second arcuate surface to contour to a second portion of the vessel; (a)(ii) the first and second portions couple to one another around the vessel when implanted to form a central chamber that houses the vessel; (a)(iii) the first portion includes a port that includes a funnel with a funnel surface that narrows as the funnel surface approaches the central chamber; (a)(iv) the central chamber includes a central longitudinal axis and the funnel includes a central vertical axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; (a)(v) the second portion includes a hardened, non-compliant surface that intersects the vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Alan Glowczwski, Robert Smith, Peter Smith, Nathan Borgfeld
  • Publication number: 20170368325
    Abstract: A connector includes: a male connector portion; a first female connector portion; and a second female connector portion. The connector defines a flow path therein. The male connector portion is shaped to be connectable to a medical device female connector portion that is equal in shape to the first female connector portion. The male connector portion is shaped to not be connectable to a medical device female connector portion that is equal in shape to the second female connector portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Ueda
  • Publication number: 20170368326
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for applying an anti-pathogenic material to various surfaces of a medical device, wherein the method includes identifying various surfaces of the medical tests which include noncritical dimensions, and limiting the application of the anti-pathogenic material to those surfaces. Some aspects of the invention further include the application of an anti-pathogenic lubricant material to various parts or components of a medical device to reduce friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan Karl Burkholz, S. Ray Isaacson, Marty L. Stout
  • Publication number: 20170368327
    Abstract: A cap is configured to provide antimicrobial protection to a female luer port of an intravenous device. The cap distributes an antimicrobial solution within the intraluminal surfaces of the port when the cap is connected to the port. A cap may also be designed to distribute an antimicrobial solution around the exterior surfaces of the port. Once connected to a port, the cap can form a seal that minimizes the evaporation of the antimicrobial solution from within the lumen of a port. The cap can therefore provide antimicrobial protection against another device that is connected to the port once the cap is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Yiping Ma, Siddarth Shevgoor
  • Publication number: 20170368328
    Abstract: Technologies and implementations for a defibrillator electrode having communicative capabilities are generally disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jennifer Goeman Jensen, Jennifer Elaine HOSS, Mitchell A. SMITH, Kenneth J. PETERSON, Maren Louise NELSON, Andres BELALCAZAR, Daniel W. PIRAINO, John Robert KNAPINSKI, Matthew L. BIELSTEIN, Ethan P. ALBRIGHT, Jeffery S. EDWARDS, Paul S. TAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170368329
    Abstract: Transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) applicators that are wearable and configured to attached to a subject's pinna (ear) and adapted to apply TES to modulate the subject's cognitive and/or physiological state. These apparatuses may be configured so that they can be worn against the ear (e.g., the cymba of the ear) to deliver TES. Also described herein are methods of using them to modulate a subject's cognitive state. These TES applicators may also be adapted to function as audio head-phones for concurrent delivery of TES and audible signals (e.g., music).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: William J. TYLER, Wing LAW, Douglas JEFFERY, Rafal PIERSIAK
  • Publication number: 20170368330
    Abstract: An active skull replacement system including an implant having an area A, an upper surface, and a bottom surface, adapted to be implanted at least in part into a skull of a subject so to substitute a portion of the skull, the bottom surface arranged to face at least in part a cranial cavity, and having a first wireless bidirectional data communication device, a device operably connected to the bottom surface of the implant, the device adapted to at least one of stimulate a physiological response and record a physiological parameter of the subject, and an external reader adapted to be placed on the scalp of the subject and including a second wireless bidirectional data communication device configured to communicate with the first wireless bidirectional data communication device of the implant to operate the device, wherein the external reader and the implant are fixed and aligned among each other through a magnetic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Kanber Mithat Silay, Gürkan Yilmaz, Catherine Dehollain
  • Publication number: 20170368331
    Abstract: Presented herein are dual-function surgical tools for insertion of implantable stimulating assemblies, such as intra-cochlear stimulating assemblies. In addition to facilitating intra-operative positioning of a stimulating assembly within a recipient (e.g., operating to guide the stimulating assembly of an implantable medical device into position), the surgical tool also includes a plurality of electrodes configured to apply an electroporation electrical field to a recipient's nerve cells to enable introduction of treatment substance into the nerve cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Richard Bruce Murphy, Nicholas Charles Kendall Pawsey
  • Publication number: 20170368332
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, James Donald LOUDIN, John WARDLE, Janusz KUZMA
  • Publication number: 20170368333
    Abstract: Described herein are polymer formulations for facilitating electrical stimulation of nasal or sinus tissue. The polymer formulations may be hydrogels that are prepared by a UV cross-linking process. The hydrogels may be included as a component of nasal stimulator devices that electrically stimulate the lacrimal gland to improve tear production and treat dry eye. Additionally, devices and methods for manufacturing the nasal stimulators, including shaping of the hydrogel, are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: James Donald LOUDIN, Amitava GUPTA, John WARDLE, Christopher William STIVERS, Anand DORAISWAMY, Marie Dvorak CHRIST, F. Richard CHRIST
  • Publication number: 20170368334
    Abstract: A method for optimizing the stimulation of the dorsal column of the spinal cord is disclosed. The method includes providing a stimulating electrode array and a frame element. The frame element is configured to couple to the stimulating electrode array and guide the stimulating electrode array to a desired position proximate the dorsal column of the spinal cord of a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: JOEL D. MacDONALD, KIRK FISHER
  • Publication number: 20170368335
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) can include a cardiac pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Various portions of the IMD, such as a device body, a lead body, or a lead tip, can be provided to reduce or dissipate a current and heat induced by various external environmental factors. According to various embodiments, features can be incorporated into the lead body, the lead tip, or the IMD body to reduce the creation of an induced current, or dissipate the induced Current and heat created due to an induced current in the lead. For example, an IMD can include at least one outer conductive member and a first electrode. The first electrode can be in electrical communication with the at least one outer conductive member. The first electrode can dissipate a current induced in the at least one outer conductive member via a first portion of the anatomical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Mark T. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20170368336
    Abstract: The present invention provides a contactless technique for delivering a charged drug into a body tissue using a replaceable reservoir or cartridge loaded with the charged drug and applying to it an electrical gradient, a high voltage pulses and an electrostatic force, such that the nanonized charged drug moves into the tissue under the influence of these electrical field and force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: DAHSHIARN CHIAO, CHIEN-AN CHANG
  • Publication number: 20170368337
    Abstract: A portable, battery powered apparatus (10) generates an electrical signal between electrodes (15a, 15b) to be applied to the skin of a patient for reduction or prevention of snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea. The signal comprises electrical stimulation at a frequency of 1-100 Hz and the signal comprises a stimulation free period of at least 0.5 seconds every 20 seconds, avoiding muscle fatigue when used for long periods, e.g. overnight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Joerg Sebastien STEIER
  • Publication number: 20170368338
    Abstract: A delivery system for an implantable medical device includes a tool and a tethering member extending side-by-side within an inner shaft thereof; the tool extends within a first lumen, being in sliding engagement therein, and includes a distal end coupling feature that protrudes from a distal end of the inner shaft; and the tethering member has a first segment extending within a second lumen, and a second segment extending from the first segment and distally from the distal end of the inner shaft to an end of the tethering member, which is configured to engage with a holding member of the device, and with which the coupling feature of the tool is configured to couple. A retainer may be joined to another end of the tethering member that protrudes from a proximal port of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Madden, Tomas K. Kelly, John Gallagher, Gwenda Francis, Brendan Patrick Geraghty, Francis Denis McEvoy, Barry O'Connell, Rónán Wood
  • Publication number: 20170368339
    Abstract: The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a burst mode stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder. The burst stimulus comprises a plurality of groups of spike pulses having a maximum inter-spike interval of 100 milliseconds. The burst stimulus is separated by a substantially quiescent period of time between the plurality of groups of spike pulses. This inter-group interval may comprise a minimum of 5 seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Publication number: 20170368340
    Abstract: A method for implanting a stimulator for genital nerves stimulation, including approaching the genital nerves of a patient, defined as the dorsal nerve of the penis/clitoris (DNP), the cavernous nerve (CN) or both the DNP and CN, ventrally by way of the retropubic space to implant a stimulator to contact the genital nerves in this location; and controlling the stimulator to influence at least one of the genital nerves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Dr. Marc Possover
  • Publication number: 20170368341
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
  • Publication number: 20170368342
    Abstract: A device is provided for stimulating neurons that includes a non-invasive stimulation unit that generates stimuli in multiple stimulation channels. The stimulation unit generates the stimuli to stimulate a neuron population in the brain and/or spinal cord of a patient using the stimulation channels in different locations. 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 channels in which stimuli are generated within a sequence being constant for 20 or more successively generated sequences before it is varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Alexander Tass, Magteld ZEITLER
  • Publication number: 20170368343
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods to provide a patient suffering from at least one communication and memory impairment with positive stimuli. In one of such embodiments, the method includes obtaining data indicative of a current condition of a first patient. The method also includes determining, based on prior patient data of the first patient, a first stimulus that triggered a positive response from the first patient while the first patient was in a condition similar to the current condition. The method further includes providing a first recommendation for the first patient to experience the first stimulus for display on an electronic device. The method further includes receiving a first response triggered by the first stimulus. The method further includes storing data indicative of the first response in a storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Paula Marie Jones, Jeffrey Griffin Jones, Saba Ahmed, Hood Harcourt Whitson, Lauren Dunlap Whitson, Brian Scott Youngblood
  • Publication number: 20170368344
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described including a system for electrostimulation. The system includes a patch (22), including a plurality of electrodes (24a, 24b), and a mobile device (28). A processor (30) of the mobile device is configured to receive an input from a subject (20) that indicates that the subject is experiencing a headache, and, in response to the input, while the patch is coupled to the subject, wirelessly communicate a control signal that causes the electrodes to stimulate the subject. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Alon IRONI, Ronen JASHEK, Hamutal RAAB, Amnon HARPAK, Shmuel GOLDFISHER, Ilan OVADIA, Avner TAIEB, Lana VOLOKH, Tomer YABLONKA
  • Publication number: 20170368345
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy to a user, the apparatus comprising: a stimulation unit for electrically stimulating at least one nerve of the user; an electrode array connectable to the stimulation unit, the electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes for electrical stimulation of the at least one nerve of the user; a monitoring unit electrically connected to the stimulation unit for monitoring the on-skin status of the electrode array; an analysis unit for analyzing the on-skin status of the electrode array to determine the effective on-skin time of the electrode array; and a feedback unit for alerting the user when the analysis unit determine that the effective on-skin time exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Xuan Kong, Shai N. Gozani
  • Publication number: 20170368346
    Abstract: An implantable leadless pacemaker (iLP) for a human or animal heart is provided that includes a housing, at least two electrode poles for picking up electrical potentials and/or delivering electrical stimulation, a stimulation control unit in connection with the electrode poles, a sensing unit that is in connection with at least one electrode pole, a signal processing unit in connection with the sensing unit, a signal evaluation unit in connection with the signal processing unit and/or the sensing unit, and an energy source. The sensing unit is configured to sense a first signal associated with an activity of the first heart chamber, and the stimulation control unit is configured to deliver electrical stimulation in the first heart chamber via the at least two electrode poles. The sensing unit is configured to sense a second signal associated with an activity of a second heart chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk MUESSIG, Andrew B. KIBLER, Larry STOTTS
  • Publication number: 20170368347
    Abstract: An implantable leadless pacemaker (iLP) for a human or animal heart, wherein the iLP includes a housing, at least two electrode poles for picking up electrical potentials and/or delivering electrical stimulation, a stimulation control unit in connection with the electrode poles, a sensing unit that is in connection with at least one electrode pole, a signal processing unit in connection with the sensing unit, a signal evaluation unit in connection with the signal processing unit and/or the sensing unit, and an energy source. The sensing unit is configured to sense a first signal associated with an activity of the first heart chamber, and the stimulation control unit is configured to deliver electrical stimulation in the first heart chamber via the at least two electrode poles. wherein the sensing unit is configured to sense a second signal associated with an activity of a second heart chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk MUESSIG, Andrew B. KIBLER, Larry STOTTS