Patents Issued in March 22, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180078747
    Abstract: This invention relates to an ingestible drug delivery device configured for wireless communication with other ingestible drug delivery devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Randice Lisa ALTSCHUL, Neil David THEISE, Razvan Andrei ENE, Myron RAPKIN, Rebecca O'BRIEN
  • Publication number: 20180078748
    Abstract: This invention relates to an ingestible drug delivery device configured for wireless communication with other ingestible drug delivery devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Randice Lisa ALTSCHUL, Neil David THEISE, Razvan Andrei ENE, Myron RAPKIN, Rebecca O'BRIEN
  • Publication number: 20180078749
    Abstract: A cannula apparatus including an outer tube with an elongated body and a groove, an inner tube disposed inside the outer tube and being manipulable through the groove, and a cap including a hole, the cap mounted at one end of the outer tube through the hole, in which the inner tube is freely slidable relative to the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicants: National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center
    Inventors: Muhammad Ovais ASLAM, Muhammad Arqam AWAIS, Minahil AWAIS
  • Publication number: 20180078750
    Abstract: A septum for a port is provided, the septum having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall can include, a pressure-activated valve element for regulating the flow of fluid across the valve. The curvature of the side wall and the geometry of the sidewall and the housing can be tailored to bias the valve, element to open at different pressures during infusion and aspiration. The side wall can also include an extended portion that can function as a suture wing for securing the port within a pod pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcia Nardone, Damon Casiello
  • Publication number: 20180078751
    Abstract: A low-profile access port for subcutaneous implantation within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a receiving cup that provides a relatively large subcutaneous target to enable catheter-bearing needle access to the port without difficulty. In one embodiment, a low-profile access port comprises a body including a conduit with an inlet port at a proximal end, and a receiving cup. The receiving cup is funnel shaped to direct a catheter-bearing needle into the conduit via the inlet port. The conduit is defined by the body and extends from the inlet port to an outlet defined by a stem. A bend in the conduit enables catheter advancement past the bend while preventing needle advancement. A valve/seal assembly is also disposed in the conduit and enables passage of the catheter therethrough while preventing fluid backflow. The body includes radiopaque indicia configured to enable identification of the access port via x-ray imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Brenda L. Fedor, Jason R. Stats, Ian N. Thomas, Manikantan Shanmugham, David M. Cise
  • Publication number: 20180078752
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a connector or connector assembly for attaching a nasal cannula with a gas delivery hose includes a sensor port for a sensor probe positioned near an end of a nasal cannula, which can allow the sensor probe to be placed closer to the patient's nostrils than previous connector parts allowed. The connector can be configured to advantageously allow the nasal cannula to rotate relative to the gas delivery hose, thereby allowing a patient or healthcare provider to untangle or otherwise straighten the hose or the cannula. The connector assembly can be configured to automatically align locking protrusions on a first component with locking recesses on a second component, where insertion of the second component within the first component causes the second component to rotate relative to the first component, thereby aligning the locking protrusions with associated locking recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Laurence Gulliver, Michael Paul Ronayne, Charles William Douglas Irving
  • Publication number: 20180078753
    Abstract: A fluid connection system and a method of attaching the same are provided to create a sterile fluid-flow path. The connection system includes a fluid access device having a female connector with a female elastomeric member disposed at a proximal end thereof and is coupled to an internal surface of the fluid access device. A male connector is coupled to an external surface of the female elastomeric member. Additionally, a male elastomeric member is disposed within the distal end of the male connector and seals a distal opening thereof. At least one aperture is disposed through a sidewall of the distal end of the male connector. An internal cannula is exposed out of the female connector to open the female elastomeric member upon engagement with the male connector. The male connector is sealed to the female connector by the male elastomeric member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Cameron C. Jones
  • Publication number: 20180078754
    Abstract: The disclosed electrical stimulation system generates interventions to assist patients in complying with a diet. The wearable device includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one electrode configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the epidermis, through a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm of the dermis, of a T2 dermatome to a T12 dermatome or meridian of the patient, a C5 to a T1 dermatome across the hand and/or arm, and/or the upper chest regions. The device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient and generate interventions. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Raul E. Perez, Peter I. Hong, Steven Diianni, Luis Jose Malave, Brad Stengel
  • Publication number: 20180078755
    Abstract: An electrode connectable to a pulse generator is disclosed. The electrode includes therapeutic terminals configured to deliver the pulse to a patient, first and second electrical pulse inlet holes, and a first pulse input terminal. The first pulse input terminal is in the first electrical pulse inlet hole and is spaced apart from an entrance to the first electrical pulse inlet hole by more than about 2.5 cm. Also, first pulse input terminal is connected with one or more of the therapeutic terminals. The electrode also includes a second pulse input terminal, where the second pulse input terminal is in the second electrical pulse inlet hole and is spaced apart from an entrance to the second electrical pulse inlet hole by a distance greater than about 2.5 cm. Also, the second pulse input terminal is electrically connected with one or more of the therapeutic terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: PULSE BIOSCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark P. Kreis, David J. Danitz, Cameron Dale Hinman, Sean Nicholas Finson
  • Publication number: 20180078756
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating chronic pain occurring secondarily to subacromial impingement syndrome in a human body. A system is provided to deliver percutaneous electrical stimulation through at least one electrode to neurological motor points of the posterior and middle deltoid muscles to mediate such pain. One-time, continued and/or periodic dosing of treatment methods according to the present invention may result in a change to central nervous system maladaptive neuroplasticity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Maria E. Bennett, Joseph W. Boggs, II, John Chae
  • Publication number: 20180078757
    Abstract: A system and method for improving limb function through the use of percutaneous mechanical and neural interfaces. The system generally uses a hollow long bone axial rod that is inserted into the long bone medullary cavity. A transfer rod with a central channel is mounted to the long bone axial rod. An exterior body attachment is connected to the transfer rod and attachment rings attach muscle groups, fascia layers and dermal layers to the transfer rod. Additionally, the system is configured to collect and transmit nerve signaling data to an external processor and additionally configured to transmit data from the external processor to the plurality of nerves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Madeira
  • Publication number: 20180078758
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for bilateral renal neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Douglas Sutton, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Publication number: 20180078759
    Abstract: An insertion tool for a paddle lead includes an insertion tool body having a receiving end portion; a stylet channel extending along the insertion tool body; a stylet disposed in the stylet channel; and an actuator assembly disposed along the handling end portion of the insertion tool body and coupled to the stylet. The actuator assembly controls transitioning of the stylet between a first position and a second position. In some instances, the stylet can be a wire stylet that is inserted into a lumen in the paddle body of the paddle lead. In some instances, the stylet of the insertion tool pushes lead bodies of the paddle lead out of the insertion tool to release the paddle lead. In some instances, the insertion tool includes a paddle envelope to hold the paddle lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: James Robert Black, Anne Margaret Pianca, Joshua Dale Howard, Carolyn Madeleine Nohejl
  • Publication number: 20180078760
    Abstract: Anchoring devices and methods for affixing an implanted lead of a neurostimulation system at a target location in a patient are provided herein. Such anchoring devices includes a helical body having a plurality of tines extending laterally outward from the lead when deployed that engage tissue to inhibit axial movement of the implanted lead. The plurality of tines are biased towards the laterally extended deployed configuration and fold inward towards the lead to a delivery configuration to facilitate delivery of the lead through a sheath. The tines may be angled in a proximal direction or in both proximal and distal directions and may include various features to assist in visualization and delivery of the lead. The anchor may be formed according to various methods, including laser cutting of a tubular section along with heat or reflow to set the material with the anchor in the deployed configuration and injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Henry Lee, Alexander Hwu
  • Publication number: 20180078761
    Abstract: A method including chronically implanting a nerve cuff electrode on a portion of a hypoglossal nerve, chronically implanting a respiration sensing lead subcutaneously in a thorax of a patient, the respiration sensing lead having a plurality of bio-impedance electrodes defining at least one bio-impedance vector. The method may also include sensing a bio-impedance signal corresponding to respiration via a bio-impedance vector on an anterior side of the thorax, analyzing the bio-impedance signal to identify onsets of expiration, predicting an onset of a future expiratory phase, and delivering a stimulus to the portion of the hypoglossal nerve via the nerve cuff electrode, wherein the stimulus is delivered as a function of the bio-impedance signal; wherein stimulus delivery is initiated before the onset of the future expiratory phase and continued during an entire inspiratory phase, and wherein the method is performed without identifying an onset of an inspiratory phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: CYBERONICS, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Bolea, Thomas B. Hoegh, Bruce J. Persson, Robert E. Atkinson, Scott T. Mazar
  • Publication number: 20180078762
    Abstract: A system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject comprises a stimulus device which is implantable in the subject and adapted to apply an electrical stimulus to a tissue of a gastrointestinal system of said subject, and a detection device which is implantable in the subject and adapted to continuously monitoring at least one of a mechanical characteristic and an electrical characteristic of the subject to detect an ingestion of food by said subject, wherein the detection device cooperates with the stimulus device such that the stimulus device applies said electrical stimulus in response to a detected ingestion of food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Toralf Bork, Rocco Crivelli, Mathilde Miguras, Martin Pfleiderer, Yanik Tardy, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Ortiz, Alessandro Pastorelli, Michele D' Arcangelo
  • Publication number: 20180078763
    Abstract: Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles and/or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators and/or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. The assembly affords maximum patient mobility and comfort through differentiated components having minimal profiles and connected by way of detachable and adjustable connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph W. Boggs, II, Robert B. Strother, Kathryn W. Stager, Jonathan L. Sakai, Amorn Wongsarnpigoon, Matthew deBock, Devin Sell, Meredith McGee
  • Publication number: 20180078764
    Abstract: Information can be stored in a cochlear stimulation system by determining an item of patient specific information, transferring the item of patient specific information to an implantable portion of the cochlear stimulation system, and permanently storing the item of patient specific information in the implantable portion of the cochlear stimulation system. The item of patient specific information can comprise a parameter for use in generating a stimulation current. The implantable portion of the cochlear stimulation system also can be configured to permanently store one or more items of patient specific information in an alterable fashion. Further, an item of patient specific information can be retrieved from the implantable portion of the cochlear stimulation system. Additionally, an item of non-patient specific information for use in processing a received acoustic signal can be determined and permanently stored in an external portion of the cochlear stimulation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. Faltys, Timothy J. Starkweather, Anthony K. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20180078765
    Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a cochlear implant module configured to be implanted within a patient and including cochlear implant circuitry configured to apply electrical stimulation representative of one or more audio signals to the patient, 2) a first connector assembly coupled to the cochlear implant module and configured to be implanted within the patient, the first connector assembly including a first set of induction coils, 3) an implantable module configured to be implanted within the patient, and 4) a second connector assembly coupled to the implantable module and configured to be implanted within the patient, the second connector assembly including a second set of induction coils. The first and second sets of induction coils are configured to form a multi-channel inductive link between the implantable module and the cochlear implant module. Corresponding systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Abhijit Kulkarni, Wantjinarjo Suwito
  • Publication number: 20180078766
    Abstract: A pixel cell circuit comprises an electrode, one or more main photosensitive elements electrically coupled to the electrode for outputting a stimulation signal to the electrode responsive to light illumination, and a shunt arrangement comprising a shunt switch electrically coupled in parallel across the one or more photosensitive elements, and a control arrangement operatively coupled to the shunt switch and configured for placing the shunt switch in an open state responsive to incident light received at the pixel cell and placing the shunt switch in a closed state if no incident light is received at the pixel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel MATOLIN, Christoph POSCH, Benjamin Ryad BENOSMAN
  • Publication number: 20180078767
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of generating visual percepts using conformal electrode arrays. The electrode arrays can be placed into the ventricular system or cerebral venous sinuses, which function as minimally invasive techniques for precise spatial and temporal localization of electrical activity within the brain, and precise electrical stimulation of brain tissue, to diagnose and restore function in conditions caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The disclosure further comprises a system for using these arrays to generate time-varying electric fields to stimulate the visual pathways of the brain, including the optic radiations and the occipital cortex, in ways that lead to visual perception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin I. Rapoport, Demetrios Papageorgiou, Jason Chen
  • Publication number: 20180078768
    Abstract: An example of a pain management system may include a heart sound sensor, a heart sound sensing circuit, a heart sound detector, a parameter generator, and a pain analyzer. The heart sound sensor may be configured to sense a heart sound signal. The heart sound sensing circuit may be configured to process the heart sound signal. The heart sound detector may be configured to detect heart sounds using the processed heart sound signal. The parameter generator may be configured to generate parameter(s) using the detected heart sounds. The pain analyzer may be configured to analyze the parameter(s) for a quantitative indication of pain, and include a signal metric generator that may be configured to generate a signal metric using the one or more parameters and a pain score generator that may be configured to generate a pain score indicative of a degree of pain using the signal metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Jianwen Gu, David J. Ternes, David L. Perschbacher, Bryan Allen Clark, James John Kleinedler
  • Publication number: 20180078769
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems for delivering and adjusting stimulation therapy. In one example, a method comprising delivering, by a stimulation electrode, electrical stimulation as a candidate therapy to a patient according to a set of candidate therapy parameters, the stimulation electrode located in proximity to the dorsal column of a patient; sensing, by a sensing electrode, an electrically evoked compound action potential (eECAP) signal in response to the delivery of the electrical stimulation; and classifying, by a processor, the sensed eECAP signal generated in response to the application of the candidate therapy relative to an eECAP baseline is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: David A. Dinsmoor, Timothy J. Denison, Xin Su
  • Publication number: 20180078770
    Abstract: A brain stimulation method and system are provided, wherein neuronal signals of a patient are continuously sensed by at least one sensor device and based on the sensed signals, stimulation signals are applied to the patient by at least one stimulation device, wherein the sensed signals are transmitted to a body-external, portable processing device wherein the sensed signals are evaluated, and based on the evaluated signals stimulation control signals are generated and transmitted to the stimulation device where based on the stimulation control signals the stimulation signals are generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Jörn RICKERT, Christian STOLLE, Martin SCHÜTTLER
  • Publication number: 20180078771
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) may be configured to be deployed subcutaneous, submuscular, or substernal at a position that enables the ICM to detect cardiac activity. In some cases, the ICM includes a housing that includes a body portion and a tail portion. A first electrode may be disposed adjacent a first end of the body portion, a second electrode may be disposed adjacent a second end of the body portion and a third electrode may be disposed adjacent a tail end of the tail portion. A controller may be disposed within the housing and may be operably coupled to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode. The controller may be configured to select a pair of the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode to use for sensing cardiac electrical activity and to communicate information about the sensed activity to a second medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Brendan Early Koop, Lance Eric Juffer, Michael J. Kane, Benjamin J. Haasl, Keith R. Maile, Arthur J. Foster
  • Publication number: 20180078772
    Abstract: A guiding catheter and method of its use are presented wherein the catheter includes an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal region and a distal region and a length. The shaft defines a distal region and includes a distal tip. The distal region defines an arc of approximately 180 degrees and having a radius of 0.3 inches to 0.6 inches. The distal tip forms a half turn of a left-hand helix having a pitch of 0 inches to 0.4 inches. The unique shape of the distal region allows the distal tip be perpendicularly aligned with the septal wall of the right atrium at the His bundle location when the catheter is advanced therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Terrell M. Williams, Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman
  • Publication number: 20180078773
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for providing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) to a patient using a leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) and an extracardiac device (ED). The system is configured to have available for use a plurality of modes for managing the timing of the CRT pacing delivery by the LCP acting in cooperation with the ED. The system is further configured to use various metrics to determine whether and when to switch from one of the CRT timing modes to another of the timing modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Qi An, Krzysztof Z. Siejko, Yinghong Yu, Stephen J. Hahn
  • Publication number: 20180078774
    Abstract: An encapsulation configuration for electronic components in a flexible implantable medical device, including at least one set of folded circuit boards and a filler material, the set of folded circuit boards including a plurality of circuit boards and a plurality of connection cables, each one of the circuit boards including at least one electronics component, each one of the circuit boards having a generally rectangular shape, the connection cables electrically coupling adjacent ones of the circuit boards and the circuit boards being folded over one another in a pleated manner, the filler material surrounding the set of folded circuit boards, the filler material and the set of folded circuit boards together having a cylindrical shape, the set of folded circuit boards being positioned lengthwise in the cylindrical shape and the electronics component being positioned on the set of folded circuit boards to achieve optimal volume consumption in the electronics encapsulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Gera Strommer, Avi Broder, Moti Mocha, Robert S. Fishel, Nahum Natan
  • Publication number: 20180078775
    Abstract: Implantable medical devices such as leadless stimulation devices that may provide longer battery life while minimizing device size. In some cases, having the outer housing of the implantable medical device serve multiple roles, such as the battery case for an internal battery, may permit reduced device size by eliminating one or more layers or components within the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Linder, Keith R. Maile
  • Publication number: 20180078776
    Abstract: A method for determining a set of stimulation parameters for an electrical stimulation lead or steering electrical stimulation includes receiving a target geometrical parameter describing a stimulation field; receiving a first programming state; determining a first stimulation parameter for the first programming state that achieves the target geometrical parameter within at least 10% of the target geometrical parameter; and outputting set of stimulation parameters to be received by an electrical stimulation device for delivery of electrical stimulation to a patient via an electrical stimulation lead, wherein the set of stimulation parameters comprises the first stimulation parameter and represents the first programming state. In other embodiments, the target geometrical parameter is determined from either i) a first set of stimulation parameters or ii) a starting programming state and starting first stimulation parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Mustakos, G. Karl Steinke
  • Publication number: 20180078777
    Abstract: A method and device for managing establishment of a communications link between an external instrument (EI) and an implantable medical device (IMD) are provided. The method stores, in a memory in at least one of the IMD or the EI, a base scanning schedule that defines a pattern for scanning windows over a scanning state. The method enters the scanning state during which a receiver scans for advertisement notices during the scanning windows. At least a portion of the scanning windows are grouped in a first segment of the scanning state. The method stores, in the memory, a scan reset pattern for restarting the scanning state. Further, the method automatically restarts the scanning state based on the scan reset pattern to form a pseudo-scanning schedule that differs from the base scanning schedule and establishes a communication session between the IMD and the EI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Yongjian Wu, Jyoti Bhayana, Chao-Wen Young, Tejpal Singh, Samir Shah
  • Publication number: 20180078778
    Abstract: Systems and methods for auditing an operation of an ambulatory medical device (AMD) are described. A system may include an auditor device and an analyzer circuit communicatively coupled to each other. The auditor device can sense from the patient, independently of and during the operation of the AMD, information about the operation of the AMD including sensed electrostimulation and a physiological signal in response to the electrostimulation. The analyzer unit may generate a device audit indicator indicating the functionality and performance of the AMD using the sensed physiological signal and the sensed AMD operation information. The system may output the device audit indicator to a user or a process, or to program device therapy for the AMD based on the device audit indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: David J. Ternes, Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Stephen B. Ruble
  • Publication number: 20180078779
    Abstract: A medical system for sensing and regulating cardiac activity of a patient may include a cardioverter that is configured to generate and deliver shocks to cardiac tissue and a leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) that is configured to sense cardiac activity and to communicate with the cardioverter. The cardioverter may be configured to detect a possible arrhythmia and, upon detecting the possible arrhythmia, may send a verification request to the LCP to help conform that the possible arrhythmia is occurring. The LCP, upon receiving the verification request from the cardioverter, may be configured to activate one or more of a plurality of sensors to attempt to help confirm that the possible arrhythmia is occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Qi An, Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Yinghong Yu, Michael J. Kane
  • Publication number: 20180078780
    Abstract: The invention provides wearable devices for effecting transcranial magnetic stimulation to be used by patients who have suffered brain injuries. Permanent magnets are shifted or rotated to deliver a time-varying magnetic field, preferably about the locus of the injury. In a preferred embodiment, the strong magnetic fields of the permanent magnets are directed to the injured area for therapeutic purposes. A novel mechanism is provided that uses a small battery-powered electromagnet to interact with the weak peripheral magnetic fields of the permanent magnets and to shift the permanent magnets between two or more stable positions. As a result, a lightweight, quiet, wearable device with low power consumption is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Ying Sun, Brian Silver, Tanya Wang
  • Publication number: 20180078781
    Abstract: A system for irradiation of a vascular space and its contents is presented. An adapter device having a vascular access end and an optical interface end can include a waveguide affixed within a waveguide lumen and extending outwardly through the vascular access end. The optical interface end includes a tapered terminus configured to engage with a cavity of an optical connector adapter, creating an optical interface between the waveguide of the adapter device and a waveguide of a light or radiation source. The adapter device enables the simultaneous administration of radiation and exogenous fluids to a patient while maintaining the optical interface isolated from any fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Scot Johnson, Michael Harter, Victor Josef Scheeren
  • Publication number: 20180078782
    Abstract: A light-emitting module includes a carrier, a plurality of light-emitting units, and a protection layer. The carrier has a lighting portion and an extending portion. The plurality of light-emitting units is disposed on the lighting portion. The protection layer covers the plurality of light-emitting units and the lighting portion, and exposes the extending portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Min-Hsun HSIEH, Jai-Tai KUO, Chang-Hseih WU, Tzu-Hsiang WANG, Chi-Chih PU
  • Publication number: 20180078783
    Abstract: A database stores pre-calculated solutions each of which defines a radiation therapy treatment plan for a treatment volume associated with at least one target and at least one organ-at-risk. The pre-calculated solutions are divided into at least two groups each of which includes at least one pre-calculated solution. The pre-calculated solutions in a given group represent radiation therapy treatment plans which share a common beam configuration. A radiation therapy treatment plan (sc) is established based on the pre-calculated solutions as follows. A first user interface receives operator commands specifying criteria for selecting radiation therapy treatment plans from the database, the criteria defining a set of parameters for the treatment volume. In particular, the operator commands jointly specify criteria for selecting radiation therapy treatment plans from more than one of the at least two groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: RaySearch Laboratories AB
    Inventor: Björn HÅRDEMARK
  • Publication number: 20180078784
    Abstract: A method of selecting a radiation therapy treatment plan for a patient. The treatment plan is implemented through a radiation delivery system including a gantry capable of rotating around a couch, in which the couch is movable in a linear direction relative to the gantry. The movement of the couch and the gantry creates a helical delivery path having a pitch. The radiation delivery system further includes a radiation module coupled to the gantry and capable of distributing a radiation beam, where the beam has a beam weight corresponding to a radiation fluence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Eric Schnarr
  • Publication number: 20180078785
    Abstract: An optimized radiation treatment plan may be developed in which the total monitor unit (MU) count is taken into account. A planner may specify a maximum treatment time. An optimization algorithm may convert the specified maximum treatment time to a maximum total MU count, which is then used as a constraint in the optimization process. A cost function for the optimization algorithm may include a term that penalizes any violation of the upper constraint for the MU count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Santtu Ollila, Mikko Vainio, Jarkko Peltola, Janne Nord, Esa Kuusela, Juha Kauppinen, Viljo Petäjä, Marko Rusanen
  • Publication number: 20180078786
    Abstract: A radiation planning system includes a predictor-corrector optimizer unit which computes a predicted dose based on a collection of control points with a current approximate dose, each control point with a corresponding set of leaf positions, and determines an additional control point with a corresponding set of leaf positions based on a difference of the predicted fluence and the current approximate fluence through a least cost or shortest path in a layered graph structure of realizable leaf positions. Tools are described to help a planner to evaluate the effect of parameter changes to the current plan based on an identified zone of influence. The planner interactively views the current plan based on a visualization of the plan objectives and correlations between the objectives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: TORBJOERN VIK, HARALD SEPP HEESE, DANIEL BYSTROV, JUERGEN WEESE, CHRISTOPH NEUKIRCHEN, ALFONSO AGATINO ISOLA, MATTHIEU FREDERIC BAL
  • Publication number: 20180078787
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a magnetic resonance imaging guided radiation therapy apparatus comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: NICOLE SCHADEWALDT, STEFFEN RENISCH, SVEN PREVRHAL, HEINRICH SCHULZ, THOMAS BLAFFERT
  • Publication number: 20180078788
    Abstract: Multiple tumors are grouped into multiple treatment groups. Tumors in different treatment groups are treated by a radiosurgery in different treatment sessions than the tumors in the same treatment groups. The tumors can be grouped so as to decrease the biologically effective dose received by normal tissue in the treatment area. The radiosurgical planning system can divide the tumors into groups based on their location relative to each other and the radiation the tumors will be treated with and create a plan for treating the tumors according to the treatment groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Douglas A. KELLY
  • Publication number: 20180078789
    Abstract: In a radiation treatment plan that includes a plurality of treatment fields of multiple treatment modalities, such as IMRT modality and dynamic treatment path modality (e.g., VMAT and conformal arc therapy), an optimized spatial point sequence may be determined that optimizes the total treatment time, which includes both the beam-on time (i.e., during the delivery of radiation dose) and the beam-off time (i.e., during transitions between consecutive treatment fields). The result is a time-ordered field trajectory that intermixes and interleaves different treatment fields. In one embodiment, a dynamic treatment path may be cut into a plurality of sections, and one or more IMRT fields may be inserted between the plurality of sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Santtu Ollila, Mikko Vainio, Jarkko Peltola, Janne Nord, Esa Kuusela, Juha Kauppinen, Viljo Petäjä, Marko Rusanen
  • Publication number: 20180078790
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for determining state of a positively charged particle, such as a proton, for use in imaging a tumor of a patient prior to and/or concurrent with cancer therapy. The imaging system comprises: (1) a beam transport path of the positively charged particle sequentially passing through a patient, through a first time of flight detector, and, after traversing a pathlength, at least into a second time of flight detector and (2) a beam state determination system configured to: use elapsed time between detection at the first and second time of flight detectors and the pathlength to determine a residual beam energy, which, when compared to a known incident beam energy, is used in generation of an image of the tumor. An optional beam energy degrading element increases time differences between the time of flight detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: W. Davis Lee, Scott Penfold, Mark R. Amato, Lou Wainwright
  • Publication number: 20180078791
    Abstract: Provided is a therapy method using an ion beam, including injecting the ion beam to a target spot in a body of an examinee, measuring a Bragg peak spot of the ion beam injected into the body of the examinee, and adjusting the target spot using the measured Bragg peak spot, wherein the measuring of the Bragg peak spot comprises measuring a spot of a microbubble generated inside the body of the examinee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Moon Youn JUNG, SooYeul LEE, Jang Hwan CHOI, Jinsun KIM
  • Publication number: 20180078792
    Abstract: Streamlined and partially automated methods of setting normal tissue objectives in radiation treatment planning are provided. These methods may be applied to multiple-target cases as well as single-target cases. The methods can impose one or more target-specific dose falloff constraints around each target, taking into account geometric characteristics of each target such as target volume and shape. In some embodiments, methods can also take into account a planner's preferences for target dose homogeneity. In some embodiments, methods can generate additional dose falloff constraints in locations between two targets where dose bridging is likely to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Santtu Ollila, Mikko Vainio, Jarkko Peltola, Janne Nord
  • Publication number: 20180078793
    Abstract: Aminofunctional silicone compositions are disclosed comprising: an organopolysiloxane having an average formula of (CH3)3SiO[(CH3)2SiO]x[(CH3)RNSiO]ySi(CH3)3 with less than 1 weight % of nitrogen in its formula, where RN is an aminofunctional group, x is ?100, y is ?1 with the proviso the sum of x+y is from 250 to 350; wherein the viscosity of the silicone composition ranges from 1000 to 2500 cP at 25° C. and is measured by a Brookfield RV DV viscometer equipped with Pro CP 52 spindle at 20 RPM; and the aminofunctional silicone composition contains less than 0.1 weight % of D4 and less than 0.1 weight % D5 cyclic siloxanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Sylvie BOUZELOC, Severine CAUVIN, Cindy DELVALLE, Tatiana DIMITROVA, Sophie HANSSENS, Lok Ming Eva LI, Elodie RAYNAUD, Houria SEGHIR, Avril E. SURGENOR, Blondine Donatienne VAN ROY
  • Publication number: 20180078794
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foam formulation comprising an essentially emulsifier-free emulsion of the oil in water type, comprising an oil phase and a water phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: NEUBOURG SKIN CARE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Rolf DANIELS
  • Publication number: 20180078795
    Abstract: An auto-arresting safety device includes a shell member, an axle connected to the shell member, a wire rope drum assembly attached to and rotatable on the axle, a fall arrest assembly coupled to and rotatable on the axle, and a brake assembly connected to the shell member and stopped at the fall arrest assembly. When the wire rope drum assembly receives a fall load over a threshold load, the wire rope drum assembly and the fall arrest assembly are joined together, and at the same time, the brake assembly brakes the rotation of the wire rope drum assembly and the fall arrest assembly intermittently until the wire rope drum assembly stops rotating. The auto-arresting safety device of the invention allows the wire rope drum assembly to rotate intermittently until fully stoppage, thereby effectively reducing and dispersing the instantaneously produced maximum fall load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Mao-Tsun LIN
  • Publication number: 20180078796
    Abstract: Provided is a protective mask that is highly comfortable to wear. A protective mask includes: a face piece; an eyepiece attached to the face piece; and a lip extending from an outer circumference of the face piece in a direction crossing the face piece, in which at least a part of the lip includes a face contact portion capable of coming into contact with a face of a wearer, the face contact portion is formed from a silicone rubber, the face piece and the lip are formed from a gas impermeable material except for the face contact portion, and the gas impermeable material and the silicone rubber are joined together along the boundary between the gas impermeable material and the silicone rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Hironobu TAKEUCHI