Abstract: The invention generally relates to microneedle devices, methods of making same, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, and methods of treating a disease comprising administering same. Specifically, the disclosed microneedle devices comprise a plurality of biocompatible microneedles having one or more of: (i) a curved, discontinuous, undercut, and/or perforated sidewall; (ii) a sidewall comprising a breakable support; and (iii) a cross-section that is non-circular and non-polygonal. The microneedles may also be tiered. Alternatively, the microneedles may be tiered. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A thermic infusion system includes a thermal tubing system and a control system. The thermal tubing system has a tubal body with at least one tubal segment. The tubal segment includes a thermal element that may receive energy, such as electrical energy, to increase temperature within the tubal body. The control system may regulate the amount of energy received by the tubal segment using one or more sensors positioned within the tubal body.

Abstract: A delivery adapter which may be used as an interface between a syringe and a catheter hub is described.

Abstract: A male luer (10) is surrounded by a hood (20). A lever (30) is connected to a base end portion (13) of the male luer via a base (15). The lever includes a locking portion (31) and an operating portion (35). A locking claw (32) protrudes from the locking portion toward the male luer. The locking portion is disposed in a cut-out (23) that is formed in the hood. The lever is elastically pivotable so that when an outer surface of the operating portion is pressed, the locking claw moves away from the male luer. When viewed along a central axis (3a), a connector main body (3) has a major axis (15a) in the direction in which the male luer opposes the lever.

Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillation (WCD) system includes one or more flexible ECG electrodes. The WCD system may have a support structure that is dimensioned to be worn so as to press the electrodes towards the body of the patient. The electrodes may be made from appropriate material so as to flex in order to match a contour of the body of the patient. An advantage over the prior art is that the flexible electrode may make better electrical contact with the patient's skin, and therefore provide a better ECG signal for the WCD system to perform its diagnosis.

Abstract: Medical leads include a lumen body at an end of the lead, and the lumen body includes multiple filar lumens. The lumen body is joined to a lead body, and electrical connectors are longitudinally spaced along the lumen body. Filars within the filar lumens are directed through filar passageways within the lumen body to attach to the electrical connectors on the lumen body. The filar passageways may be aligned with the filar lumens, and slots within the electrical connectors may be aligned with the filar passageways to facilitate assembly. The lumen body may provide additional stiffness to the end of the lead where the lumen body is located to facilitate lead insertion into the medical device. The filar lumens of the lumen body may have a longitudinally straight configuration so that the portions of filars within the filar lumens are held in a longitudinally straight configuration.

Abstract: Various fixation techniques for implantable medical device (IMDs) are described. In one example, an assembly comprises an IMD; and a set of active fixation tines attached to the IMD. The active fixation tines in the set are deployable from a spring-loaded position in which distal ends of the active fixation tines point away from the IMD to a hooked position in which the active fixation tines bend back towards the IMD. The active fixation tines are configured to secure the IMD to a patient tissue when deployed while the distal ends of the active fixation tines are positioned adjacent to the patient tissue.

Abstract: Various fixation techniques for implantable medical device (IMDs) are described. In one example, an assembly comprises an IMD; and a set of active fixation tines attached to the IMD. The active fixation tines in the set are deployable from a spring-loaded position in which distal ends of the active fixation tines point away from the IMD to a hooked position in which the active fixation tines bend back towards the IMD. The active fixation tines are configured to secure the IMD to a patient tissue when deployed while the distal ends of the active fixation tines are positioned adjacent to the patient tissue.

Abstract: An implantable lead protector, comprising, an upper surface; a lower surface; a spool disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface; and, a protective channel disposed at least partially therethrough the spool, the protective channel further comprising a curved outer wall and a curved inner wall; whereby a least a portion of a lead can be slidably received into the protective channel and at least a portion of the lead may be wound around the spool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photosensitive implant comprising at least one pixel (10) having at least one diode (12, 12?), a stimulating electrode (14), a counter electrode (1 8), and a resistor (1 6), wherein the resistance of the resistor (1 6) is chosen according to a predetermined relation of resistance, a size of the stimulating electrode (14), and a size of the diode (12, 12?). Further, the present invention concerns a method to provide such an implant.

Abstract: Method and systems for determining a set of stimulation parameters for an implantable stimulation device include receiving a set of stimulation parameters including at least one electrode for delivery of stimulation and a stimulation amplitude for each electrode; determining, using the set of stimulation parameters, an axial stimulation field for neural elements oriented axially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the lead; and outputting the first axial stimulation field for viewing by a user; receiving, by the computer processor. The methods and systems can be used to model other neural elements oriented non-orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lead and determine a non-orthogonal stimulation field.

Abstract: An example device for repairing a nerve is described herein. The device can include a flexible carrier layer made of a biologic material, and a metallic support member including a plurality of micro-protrusions extending therefrom. The metallic support member can be at least partially integrated with the flexible carrier layer. Additionally, the flexible carrier layer can be configured to cover at least a portion of the nerve, and the micro-protrusions can be configured to attach to a superficial tissue of the nerve.

Abstract: A system to deliver current to an area of interest of a subject is described that includes a power source, a controller electrically coupled to the power source, at least one first electrode electrically coupled to the controller, and at least one second electrode electrically coupled to one of the power source and the controller, with the area of interest positioned between the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. A method of stimulating at least one of bone growth, tissue healing and pain control within an area of interest of a patient is described that includes inserting first and second electrode spaced at a predetermined distance, and further includes directing an electric current between the first and second electrodes so that at least a portion of the electric current passes through the area of interest positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for conditioning surfaces of a body in vivo includes providing an electrical energy source, coupling the electric energy source to the surface, and delivering electropositive current from the electrical energy source to the surface so as to generate a sub-threshold current density on the surface. In preferred embodiments, the sub-threshold electropositive current density is between about 0.001 and about 1.0 mA/cm2.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and systems for the biphasic iontophoretic transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents. An embodiment of a method for such delivery comprises positioning at least one electrode assembly in electrical communication with a patient's skin. The assembly includes a solution comprising a therapeutic agent which passively diffuses into the skin. A dose of agent is delivered from the assembly into the skin during a first period using a first current having a characteristic e.g., polarity and magnitude, to repel the agent out of the assembly. During a second period, a second current having a characteristic to attract the agent is used to retain the agent in the assembly such that delivery of agent into skin is minimized. A dose of agent may be delivered on demand by an input from the patient. Embodiments may be used for delivery of agents which cause adverse effects from unwanted passive diffusion.

Abstract: Described is a low voltage, pulsed electrical stimulation device for controlling expression of, for example, follistatin, a muscle formation promotion protein, by tissues. Epicardial stimulation is especially useful for heart treatment. Follistatin controlled release is also useful for treating other ailments, such as erectile dysfunction, aortic aneurysm, and failing heart valves.

Abstract: A technique for workload processing includes receiving a request to process a workload by a scheduler. A determination is made whether multiple stages of processing are needed to process data of the workload. If so, a determination is made of a process needed for each stage and historical processing data is accessed to determine historical execution statistics associated with previous processing requests for a corresponding type of the workload. At each stage, a determination is made whether the data of the workload is available for processing and, if so, whether the respective process of the workload is available. If available, a determination is made as to resource availability on a computing platform for processing the workload and whether the resources available are sufficient to process the workload based on the historical execution statistics. If sufficient resources are available, processing of the workload is initiated for the respective stage.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating erectile dysfunction are disclosed. Methods are aimed at reducing blood outflow from penile tissue by delivering energy to specific penile tissue that controls blood outflow from the penile tissue and causing remodeling of the specific penile tissue. Devices may be configured to generate RF energy and to apply the generated RF energy to a penis to thereby elevate a temperature of internal penile tissue above a predetermined temperature value while maintaining a penile surface below a predetermined temperature threshold. The predetermined temperature value may be set to initiate synthesis and/or a regeneration of collagen fibers in a collagen-rich penile connective tissue and/or to increase oxygenation of endothelial cells, initiate angiogenesis and neovascularization in a vascular penile tissue. Additionally, electrical penile stimulation is disclosed, possibly applicable in conjuncture with the erectile dysfunction treatment.

Abstract: A system for preventing obstruction of an airway includes an internal component and an external component in embodiments described herein. The internal component can include an electrical coupling configured to extend to a muscle or nerve, and an access port electrically connected to the electrical coupling. The external component can include an access port counterpart configured to engage with the access port to provide an electrical connection, and a power supply. The power supply can provide power to the access port counterpart and the electrical connection, thereby powering the electrical coupling at the muscle or nerve to prevent obstruction of an airway due to obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating migraine headaches and other conditions by non-invasive electrical stimulation of nerves and other tissue. A hand-held device includes a housing with a controller having a signal generator, an electrode for delivering electrical signals, and a conductive surface configured as a return path for the electrical signals. In certain implementations, the electrode is repositionable with respect to the housing. The patient can self-apply the hand-held device by pressing it against areas in need of pain relief. The device may include a pressure-sensitive gating switch to control delivery of the stimulation therapy. In certain embodiments, the electrode is a rollerball electrode. The device may include a chamber for retaining and dispensing conductive gel to the therapy site. In certain approaches, the device includes an electrode support for coupling an electrical stimulation system to the head for hands-free electrical stimulation therapy.

Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.

Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.

Abstract: Described herein are electrical stimulation patterns and methods of use thereof for treating dry eye disease, tired eye, or other forms of ocular discomfort. The methods generally include applying patterned stimulation to an anatomical structure located in an ocular region or a nasal region to increase tear production.

Abstract: Delivering stimulation includes delivering temporal patterns of stimulation pulses to respective transducers of an array of transducers, wherein the delivery of the pattern to a particular transducer of the array is different from at least some of the deliveries of the patterns to the other transducers of the array at least according to a time delay. The patterns delivered may include regular temporal patterns each having a respective constant inter-pulse interval. The constant inter-pulse intervals may be about the same. The patterns may be staggered. The transducers may deliver electrical, optical, acoustic, thermal or magnetic stimulation.

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

Abstract: Communication and charging assemblies for medical devices are disclosed herein. A communication and charging assembly in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a support element, with a communication antenna and a charging coil coupled to the support element. The charging coil can include wire loops having a plurality of wires and the support element can include a mounting surface shaped to match the charging coil and the communication antenna. In one embodiment, the communication and charging assembly are mounted in a header of an implantable signal generator.

Abstract: An external controller/charger system for an implantable medical device is disclosed, in which the external controller/charger system provides automatic switching between telemetry and charging without any manual intervention by the patient. The external controller/charger system includes an external controller which houses a telemetry coil and an external charging coil coupled to the external controller. Normally, a charging session is carried out using the external charging coil, and a telemetry session is carried out using the telemetry coil. However, when a patient requests to carry out telemetry during a charging session, the external charging coil is used instead of the internal telemetry coil.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods for conducting cardiac resynchronization therapy and systems implementing the method. Various embodiments may include generating, using a processing unit, a three-dimensional (3D) activation map showing the propagation of electrical signals through a heart of a patient, identifying a stimulation point on the heart for cardiac resynchronization; generating real-time images of the heart, displaying, on a display unit, the stimulation point on the real-time images as a virtual stimulation point, implanting a pacing device into the patient at the identified stimulation point, such that the pace maker is aligned with the virtual stimulation point in the real-time images, and stimulating the heart using the pacing device.

Abstract: A novel therapeutic biphasic or multiphasic pulse waveform and method are provided. The novel therapeutic biphasic or multiphasic pulse waveform may be used in a defibrillator, or in another medical device that delivers therapeutic electrical stimulation pulses to a patient.

Abstract: A method and medical device for detecting a cardiac event that includes sensing cardiac signals from a plurality of electrodes forming a first sensing vector sensing a first interval of the cardiac signal during a predetermined time period and a second sensing vector simultaneously sensing a second interval of the cardiac signal during the predetermined time period, identifying each of the first interval and the second interval as being one of shockable and not shockable in response to first processing of the first interval and the second interval and in response to second processing of one or both of the first interval and the second interval, the second processing being different from the first processing, and determining whether to deliver therapy for the cardiac event in response to identifying each of the first interval and the second interval as being one of shockable and not shockable in response to both the first processing and the second processing of the first interval and the second interval.

Abstract: A system includes a communication interface for receiving information that includes data collected from an array of neural activity sensors that were placed on a patient during a session of applied stimuli. A processor is configured to analyze the received information to obtain a frequency spectrum for each sensor for a given stimulus of the applied stimuli. Neural network frequencies that correspond to an indicated impaired functionality of the nervous system of the patient are selected. For each selected frequencies, a spatial map of neural activity is generated. Each of the generated spatial maps is compared with retrieved corresponding spatial maps to identify treatment frequencies from among the selected neural network frequencies. A treatment protocol is generated for input into an electromagnetic field generator to cause the generator to apply to the patient an electromagnetic field at each identified treatment frequency.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method of regenerating a nerve fiber in a damaged neural tissue of a patient, the method comprising the steps of: administering an aqueous formulation comprising superparamagnetic particles to the damaged neural tissue in the patient; applying a magnetic field in an orientation which is parallel to the nerve fiber; using the magnetic field for aligning the superparamagnetic particles; forming one or more aligned chains of the superparamagnetic particles in the magnetic field as a scaffold to guide directional growth of regenerating nerve cells; and reconnecting damaged nerve ends in the damaged neural tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A transcranial magnetic stimulation coil which is location-specific for medial brain regions or lateral brain regions is designed with multiple spaced apart stimulating elements having current flow in a first direction, and multiple return elements having current flow in a second direction which is opposite the first direction. The multiple stimulating elements are distributed around a central axis of the coil.

Abstract: A phototherapy device includes a shell having an outer side, and an opposing inner side configured to face a treatment surface; a plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation that are supported by the shell and arranged to illuminate the treatment surface with the electromagnetic radiation; a holder that is connected to the shell; as well as a spacer having a head configured to adjustably connect to the holder, and a leg extending from the head and configured to abut the treatment surface for supporting the phototherapy device at an adjustable distance from the treatment surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting melatonin synthesis in a horse comprises a blinker having an internal surface of which at least a part is diffusing. A source of light is positioned for direction into the horse's eye by the diffusing-surface. The light source and diffusing surface are configured such that the light directed into the horse's eye is blue.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a particle beam treatment system has: a CT device that is a three-dimensional image acquisition part installed in a treatment room for acquisition of a three-dimensional internal image on a day of treatment; a dose distribution display part that displays a dose distribution in the three-dimensional image acquired on the day of treatment and a dose distribution in treatment plan data designed in advance; a treatment management device that is a selection part to select whether or not to change the treatment plan data based on the dose distribution in the three-dimensional image acquired on the day of treatment and the dose distribution in treatment plan data designed in advance; and an irradiation part that irradiates an affected part with a particle beam according to the treatment plan data based on selection made by the treatment management device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, A movable part tracking and treatment apparatus, includes: an acquisition unit adapted to acquire a three-dimensional moving image by imaging an inside of a body of a patient; a first projection image generation unit adapted to generate a first projection moving image by projecting the three-dimensional moving image on a two-dimensional surface from a fixed direction, the three-dimensional moving image including a tracing target and an affected part area that are part of internal organs in a displaced state, an affected part image extraction unit adapted to extract the displaced affected part area from the first projection moving image, a tracing target image extraction unit adapted to extract the displaced tracing target from the first projection moving image, a first parameter derivation unit is adapted to derive a first parameter indicative of position information on a beam irradiation point selected from the displaced affected part area in the first projection moving image, an

Abstract: A system update method for a particle beam therapy system, includes: a step of providing a new beam transport system in such a manner as to be branched off from an existing beam transport system of the particle beam therapy system; and a step of providing new installation connected to the new beam transport system, in which the branch is provided in a linear section of the existing beam transport system.

Abstract: A therapeutic device is provided, including a cylindrical gantry; a pedestal, a particle beam irradiation device, a first rail, and a second rail all disposed in the gantry; the first rail including an arc-shaped portion and a straight portion, the second rail having a same shape as the first rail, a rail motor on the second rail to rotate the second rail in a opposite direction than that of the gantry, first and second moving floors on the rails and respectively including first floor panels rotatably connected to each other and second floor panels rotatably connected to each other, a first end panel of the first floor and a fourth end panel of the second floor being detachably connected to the irradiation device, and a second end panel of the first floor being detachably connected to a third end panel of the second floor.

Abstract: A control system is described which provides a user interface that displays a clear graphical representation of relevant data for a particle radiation therapy system (such as a pencil-beam proton therapy system) for treating multiple beam fields as efficiently as possible. The user interface allows a user to visualize a treatment session, select one or multiple beam fields to include in one or more beam applications, and dissociate beam fields previously grouped if necessary. Further embodiments extend the ability to initiate the application of the generated proton therapy beam and the grouping of beam fields to be performed remotely from the treatment room itself, and even automatically, reducing the need for manual interventions to setup between fields.

Abstract: A guide framework for positioning an ultrasonic transducer which emits a focused ultrasound to a target point in carrying out surgery to apply ultrasonic stimulation to a subject's brain, includes a body in a shape of a mask that is laid on the subject's face, and a positioning hole formed through an inner surface and an outer surface of the mask body, the positioning hole into which the ultrasonic transducer is inserted, wherein the inner surface of the mask body is formed to conform a facial contour of the subject, and when the guide framework is laid on the subject's face and the ultrasonic transducer is disposed at the positioning hole, the position of the target point is naturally disposed at a preset stimulation site of the brain. An ultrasonic stimulation device includes an ultrasonic transducer and the guide framework for positioning the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument that can supply mechanical energy and electrical energy to an end effector of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may be operated in a first operating mode in which a transducer of the surgical instrument produces mechanical energy, or vibrations, that are transmitted to the end effector and a second operating mode in which electrical energy, or current, can flow through the end effector to perform electrosurgery. In another general aspect, the surgical instrument may comprise a clamp, or jaw, which can be moved into a closed position to hold tissue against a waveguide, or blade, of the end effector. In the second operating mode of the surgical instrument, current can flow from a power source, through the waveguide, and return to the power source through a path comprising the jaw.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to methods, systems and uses for therapeutic ultrasound, and in particular, to methods, systems and uses for therapeutic ultrasound and contact lenses for treating or alleviating eye conditions. The described embodiments relate to methods, systems and uses that involve an ultrasound device configured for treatment of an eye condition and a contact lens protects ocular tissue of the eye and forms a chamber of air.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to methods, systems and uses for therapeutic ultrasound, and in particular, to methods, systems and uses for therapeutic ultrasound for treating or alleviating eye conditions. The described embodiments relate to methods, systems and uses that involve an ultrasound device configured for treatment of an eye condition, where the device comprises at least one ultrasound transducer for coupling to at least a portion of an eyelid to supply ultrasound waves to an area proximate to the portion of the eyelid according to treatment parameters, wherein the treatment parameters comprise a treatment frequency and a treatment period.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for sealing and cutting tissue is provided. The instrument includes a housing having a plurality of transducers included therein and a waveguide coupled to and extending from the housing. An end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the waveguide includes a pair of opposing jaw members, where at least one of the jaw members includes a transducer. The transducer is configured to receive an acoustic signal from the plurality of transducers in the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. Also provided is a method for promoting proliferation of a dermal papilla cell by incubating the cell with the peptide. Further provided is a method for promoting growth of a hair follicle in a skin by applying the peptide to the skin. Still provided is a method for preventing hair loss of a subject by administering the peptide to the subject. Yet further provided is a method for promoting hair growth of a subject by administering the peptide to the subject.

Abstract: The invention concerns a punch device that includes an actuating member of flat proportions, a penetrating tool with a sharp tip carried by the actuating member, a compressible spacer attached to the surface of the actuating member alongside the penetrating tool and mounting means for mounting the punch device on a glass sheet with the tip of the penetrating tool directed towards the glass sheet. The arrangement is such that a force of sufficient magnitude applied to the actuating member in an axial direction towards the glass sheet compresses the spacer and drives the tip of the penetrating tool into contact with the glass sheet thereby to break the glass sheet. In one application the punch device can be used to break an emergency exit window in a bus.

Abstract: A snow burial survival mask has an exhaust tube connected to a headgear. An intake port of the exhaust tube is positioned adjacent to a breathing portion of the headgear in order to intake exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2)-rich air. An air pump connected to the exhaust tube pump the exhaled air from the intake port to an exhaust port away from the user's face, extending survival time in a snow burial situation. At least one burial detection sensor such as a motion sensor, light sensor and/or CO2 sensor is configured to activate the air pump based on detection of a burial event.

Abstract: Wearable Air Purifier consists of two arms behind the ears and the third support point in the area between the nostrils and the upper lip. It allows use of different types or combination of UV light sterilization, filter capturing particles suspended in the air and air ionization as well as capability of monitoring and notifying about air quality and/or sending the data to a personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Air flow can occur naturally by the force of human lungs during inhalation and exhalation or forced air flow provided by air blowing device powered by a battery inside the enclosure to supply cleaned air into the space under the nostrils. Enclosure and arms forms, shapes, colors and materials can be a matter of fashion, depend on combination of air purification modules, or type of power source such as internal rechargeable battery or removable batteries. The whole structure of the device is made collapsible or foldable for ease of transportation and storage.

Abstract: A photoluminescent safety harness adapter is provided for use with existing body harnesses. The harness adapter includes a backing configured to be wrapped around a shoulder strap of the body harness, an elongated, passive photoluminescent strip attached to the top side of the backing, and one or more light reflectors fixed on the photoluminescent strip. The backing may be inherently flame resistant and acid resistant through aramid fibers, or the backing may be treated with flame retardant. When the safety harness adapter is wrapped around the shoulder strap of the body harness, the top side and bottom side of the backing are fastened together to hold the harness adapter in place. If low light conditions arise, the light reflectors on the photoluminescent strip provide increased visibility, and if sudden darkness occurs, the photoluminescent portions of the elongated strip emit stored light.