Abstract: Devices for delivering a rheumatoid arthritis drug across a dermal barrier are provided. The devices include microneedles for penetrating the stratum corneum and also include structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. The pattern of structures on the surface of the microneedles may include nano-sized structures.

Abstract: Medical devices that incorporate siRNA are provided. In addition to one or more siRNA constructs, devices include nanostructures fabricated on a surface to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Microneedles may be incorporated on devices. The pattern including nanostructures may be formed on the surface of the microneedles.

Abstract: Composite microneedle arrays including microneedles and a film overlaying the microneedles are provided. The film includes a plurality of nano-sized structures fabricated thereon. Devices may be utilized for interacting with a component of the dermal connective tissue. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Devices may be beneficially utilized for delivery of an agent to a cell or tissue. Devices may be utilized to directly or indirectly alter cell behavior through the interaction of a fabricated nanotopography with the plasma membrane of a cell and/or with an extracellular matrix component.

Abstract: Apparatus for yieldably positioning bed-clothing relative to flexible fluid flow tubing, includes a holder for adjustable clipping to bed-clothing; a folding support for positioning tubing on bed-clothing; a rotatably adjustable connector between the holder and the folding support, the connector having surfaces that rub together during the adjustment to resist the rubbing, and provide limits to the rubbing and tubing displacement; and the folding support having a curved end facing the connector to resist the rotatable adjustment.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for adaptively coupling conduits such as medical tubing to a transcutaneous fixating device or other medical tubing. In some embodiments, an adaptive coupling system for coupling two medical conduits may include a body. The body may include a first opening. The first opening is positioned proximally to a subject. The body may include a second opening. The second opening is positioned distally to the subject. The body may include a fluid gate. In some embodiments, the fluid gate may be configured to control a flow of fluids through the body between the first opening and the second opening. The first opening may be configured to release a first medical conduit, during use, under a first set of loading conditions. In some embodiments, the second opening may be configured to release a second medical conduit, during use, under a second set of loading conditions.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting catheter connectors comprising a container (2) having a closed lower base end (2b) and an opposite open upper end (2a) and a sponge-like element (3) inserted inside the container (2), impregnated with a liquid medical substance (4). The sponge-like element (3) has an axial through cavity (5) within it and a semi-rigid insert (6) housed in the cavity (5).

Abstract: A blood bag sterile connection method includes the following steps: 1) placing blood bag tubes above the wire box, clamping positions to be cut by using the vascular clamps, and simultaneously moving the two vascular clamps in opposite directions; 2) heating the composite metal wire, and cutting the blood bag tubes by using the composite metal wire; 3) after cutting the blood bag tubes, aligning the blood bag tubes to be connected; 4) moving the two vascular clamps towards each other, rolling away the used composite metal wire, and rolling out a new composite metal wire; 5) connecting the blood bag tubes by heating the composite metal wire, and simultaneously moving the two vascular clamps towards each other; and 6) returning the wire box to the initial position, taking out the connected blood bag tubes, and returning the vascular clamps to the initial positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods configured to deliver a stimulus (e.g., a therapeutic agent or a therapeutically beneficial signal) to a cell, tissue, organ, or organism. The stimulus is applied at least twice, and the first and second applications are separated by a rest period in which no further stimulus is actively applied. The rest period is of a duration (e.g., about 1-6 hours) sufficient to provoke an enhanced response to the second stimulus.

Abstract: A multi-branch stimulation electrode is disclosed herein. The multi-branch stimulation electrode can include a plurality of branches that extend from a hub. The branches can each include one or several stimulation contacts that can deliver an electrical current to tissue contacting the stimulation contacts. The stimulation contacts can be electrically connected with the lead. The lead can extend from the hub and can be connected with the pulse generator. The branches can include features to facilitate implantation including, for example, one or several removable stiffening elements.

Abstract: A medical apparatus comprising an implantable lead and a stylet configured for stimulation of a target region of a patient's nervous system is described. The lead includes a generally tubular lead body, a conductor, and an electrode assembly. The generally tubular lead body has a stylet lumen and a conductor lumen extending through the proximal and distal ends of the lead body. The conductor is enclosed within the conductor lumen. The electrode assembly extends from the distal end of the lead body. The electrode assembly includes a flexible polymeric carrier and an electrode on the carrier and electrically coupled to the conductor. The stylet is sized and shaped to be receivable within the stylet lumen and configured to stiffen and support the lead body. The distal portion of the stylet includes a bend having a predetermined angle of incidence relative to the proximal portion of the stylet.

Abstract: Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrode assemblies that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Also disclosed are various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A system for treatment of biological tissues is provided. The system includes a lens having a hollow, substantially hemispherical shape with an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a substantially hemispherical cavity for inserting the biological tissues. The system further includes an antenna assembly for generating and directing electromagnetic radiation towards the outer surface. In the system, the lens is configured to direct the electromagnetic energy to an area in the cavity, a dielectric constant of the lens at the inner surface substantially matches a dielectric constant of the biological tissues, the dielectric constant monotonically increases from the outer surface to the inner surface, and the electromagnetic energy is generated via a series of pulses having a transient of less than about 1 nanosecond.

Abstract: A method for treating neural deficits resulting from multiple sclerosis, involving assessing a subject's motor, sensory, cognitive, or emotional deficits caused by multiple sclerosis; selecting a rehabilitative task based said deficits; determining the subject's acceptable performance threshold for the rehabilitative task; and providing a paired training therapy. The paired training therapy comprises having the subject to perform a trial of the rehabilitative task; classifying the subject's performance on the trial as either acceptable or unacceptable, wherein an acceptable performance is performance at or above the subject's acceptable performance threshold, and an unacceptable performance is performance below the subject's acceptable performance threshold; and reinforcing acceptable performance by selectively stimulating the subject's vagus nerve after completion of the acceptable performance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hearing prosthesis comprising a first housing containing a primary signal processor that receives signals output by a microphone; and a second housing removably connectable to the first housing; wherein a user interface is provided on the second housing that provides control of one or more features of the operation of the primary signal processor.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor may 1) divide an audio signal into M analysis channels, 2) select only N analysis channels included in the M analysis channels for presentation to a patient during a stimulation frame, wherein N is less than M, 3) increase a probability that a particular analysis channel will be included in the N analysis channels selected for presentation to the patient during the stimulation frame if the particular analysis channel was not selected for presentation to the patient during one or more stimulation frames that temporally precede the stimulation frame, and 4) decrease the probability that the particular analysis channel will be included in the N analysis channels selected for presentation to the patient during the stimulation frame if the particular analysis channel was selected for presentation to the patient during the one or more stimulation frames that temporally precede the stimulation frame.

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

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for treating obstructive sleep apnea in a subject. The system can include a power source and a neuromuscular stimulator in electrical communications with the power source. The neuromuscular stimulator can include a controller and at least one electrode. The controller can be configured to receive certain power and stimulation parameters associated with a therapy signal from the power source. The at least one electrode can be configured to deliver the therapy signal to a target tissue associated with control of a posterior base of the tongue of the subject.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter provide a device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a port adapted to connect a lead, a pulse generator connected to the port and adapted to provide a neural stimulation signal to the lead, and a signal processing module connected to the port and adapted to receive and process a nerve traffic signal from the lead into a signal indicative of the nerve traffic. The device includes a controller connected to the pulse generator and the signal processing module. The controller is adapted to implement a stimulation protocol to provide the neural stimulation signal with desired neural stimulation parameters based on the signal indicative of the nerve traffic. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in detecting and delivering neurochemical signals, electrophysiological signals, ions, or combinations thereof within a mammal. For example, systems that can include one or more implantable devices containing probes configured to detect neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitter concentrations), electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof and one or more implantable devices containing electrodes and/or microfluidic delivery components configured to deliver neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitters), electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof to one or more locations within a mammal are provided.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system and method of providing therapy to a patient. Electrical energy is delivered to the patient in accordance with a modulation parameter, thereby providing therapy to the patient, and the modulation parameter of the delivered electrical energy is varied over a period of time, such that the delivered electrical energy is continually maintained at a sub-threshold level throughout the period of time. The sub-threshold level may be referred to as a patient-perception threshold, which may be referred to as a boundary below which a patient does not sense delivery of the electrical energy. For example, in a spinal cord modulation system, the patient-perception threshold may be a boundary below which a patient does not experience paresthesia.

Abstract: A system and method for cardiac resynchronization therapy (“CRT”) in which a model of baseline cardiac electrical activity, such as a model of global baseline cardiac electrical activity derived from various surface electrocardiograph (“ECG”) signals, is utilized to automatically adjust pacing control parameters of a cardiac implantable electrical device (“CIED”) are provided. The baseline model is compared to CRT response patterns using modified pacing control parameters in an iterative fashion, based on a patient-specific response pattern phenotype determination, until ventricular electrical asynchrony is minimized. The pacing control parameters resulting in the minimum ventricular electrical asynchrony are used to generate final control parameters for CRT.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes operational circuitry, such as a therapy circuit. The implantable medical device also includes a power source configured to deliver energy to the operational circuitry, and a deactivation element configured to disable the therapy circuit. A power manager is configured to detect an end-of-life condition of the power source and, in response to detecting the end-of-life condition, cause the deactivation element to reversibly disable the therapy circuit.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for wirelessly transferring information using an implantable antenna. In one example, an apparatus includes an implantable medical device that includes a housing including an implantable telemetry circuit.

Abstract: A system may include a therapy controller including a telemetry circuit configured to communicate with an implantable or wearable medical device and a processor configured to execute instructions relating to programming the implantable medical device, and a communication circuit operatively coupled to the therapy controller and configured to transfer information between the therapy controller and a remote device. The therapy controller is configured to receive at least one input relating to operation of the implantable medical device, convert the input into proposed programming instructions, apply device programming rules to verify the safety of the proposed programming instructions, and deliver the programming instructions to the implantable or wearable medical device. In an example, the therapy controller is also configured to deliver information about the programming and data from the IPG, such as various data reporting on the IPG status to a remote device using the communication circuit.

Abstract: An electronics module for use in an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) may include a plurality of electrical components connected to form a circuit that includes a terminal and a potting material that supports the plurality of electrical components. The plurality of electrical components and the potting material together form a circuit sub-module in which the terminal is accessible from outside of the circuit sub-module. A metallic layer that conforms to an outer surface of the circuit sub-module is provided thereon such that the terminal is accessible from outside of the metallic layer.

Abstract: An improved self-testing method is described which is incorporated into a defibrillator (20). The method performs a self-testing protocol which operates on a first frequency until a threshold condition is reached. When the threshold condition is reached, the self-testing protocol switches to a second frequency. Such a method enables quicker identification of a failure mode in a population of defibrillators, while maintaining acceptable battery life in the device.

Abstract: Several defibrillators, defibrillator architectures, defibrillator components and methods of operating defibrillators are described. In one aspect, a defibrillator (as for example an automated external defibrillator) that can be powered by a mobile communication device such as a smart cellular phone or a tablet computer is described. Utilizing a phone (or other mobile communication device) as the power supply for an external defibrillator allows the external defibrillator to be smaller and, in some circumstance, removes the need for a battery that stores sufficient energy for shock delivery—which would need to be checked and/or replaced on a regular basis. Additionally, when desired, certain control functionality, computation, data processing, and user instructions can be handled/presented by the mobile communications device thereby further simplifying the defibrillator design and improving the user experience.

Abstract: A wearable device and method of monitoring the condition of a patient. The wearable device includes at least one sensor and at least one processor operatively connected to the at least one sensor. The wearable device also includes an operator interface device operatively connected to the at least one processor. The at least one processor causes the device to allow for customization of at least one output message to be delivered via the operator interface device.

Abstract: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is administered at a pulse rate that is equal to or a harmonic of a biological metric of a patient. The purpose is to provide frequency coupling among different organs (e.g., heart, brain, breathing, and gastrointestinal movement) through rhythmic entrainment. The specific harmonic chosen is the one closest to a desired EEG frequency. The desired EEG frequency is chosen based on the cognitive element or symptom that is targeted.

Abstract: A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (TMS) is used by a patient to treat a variety of human disorders including migraine headaches. The device has an electronic device to charge a capacitor to a high voltage which creates a high current in a magnetic coil which produces an intense magnetic pulse applied to the patient's head for treatment of migraine headaches or to other patient body parts to treat other disorders. The TMS may be reprogrammed remotely over the Internet to add additional pulses or additional time that the patient may use the TMS, during which time the TMS would continue to function. The data in the TMS may be sent over the Internet to the patient's physician and/or to a monitor to send the data to the company that manufactured the TMS.

Abstract: A system and methods for transcranial magnetic stimulation, the system including a helmet, a positioning portion, a stimulator and a cooling system, are disclosed. The helmet includes a coil for deep brain magnetic stimulation. The coil has a base portion, and return portions, which may include a protruding return portion and a contacting return portion. The coil is designed to minimize unintended stimulation of portions of the brain, while reducing accumulation of surface charges. The coil is stimulated at several locations and/or at different times so as to focus the electrical field on a specific deep neuronal structure.

Abstract: A system and method for recuperating cell metabolism, which comprises an energy wave generator has an energy wave's frequency control mode. The energy wave's frequency control mode includes multiple controls for acting the energy wave generator to generate and emit energy waves each with a corresponding energy density. The energy density is calculated by a corresponding base frequency, a sweep bandwidth of the corresponding base frequency, an emission rate and a total time of emission in a duty cycle, so that the energy waves with the corresponding energy densities effecting on the body of animals or human to improve the function of cell metabolism.

Abstract: A system for treatment of tumors includes a vessel having a photosensitizing agent therein, a delivery device for communicating the photosensitizing agent from the vessel to tumor tissue, a light source for radiating the tumor tissue after the delivery device has delivered the photosensitizing agent to the tumor tissue, a catheter having at least one inflatable balloon positioned thereon, and a fluid source that repeatedly inflates and at least partially deflates the inflatable balloon such that a resecting outer surface of the balloon contacts the radiated tumor tissue and resects the tissue.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method of treating a patient with acne by applying a photodynamic agent to skin having acne lesions, waiting at least 12 hours, and then exposing the skin to which the photodynamic agent has been applied to light that causes an activation reaction.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rotating shield brachytherapy. In an aspect, some of the systems and methods can be used to facilitate shield selection for use in rotating shield brachytherapy. In an aspect, the invention is a shielded needle or catheter system with a rotational controller for delivering radioisotope-based interstitial rotating shield brachytherapy (I-RSBT). In an aspect, the catheter system can utilize paddle-based RSBT. Further provided are methods and systems for helical RSBT.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brachytherapy applicator device for insertion in a body cavity. The applicator device comprises an applicator shaped for insertion in the body cavity; the applicator comprising connectable segments; at least one connectable part having a form following wall surface shaped to follow the body cavity, the wall surface having a multichannel groove structure, so as to guide a plurality of catheters along the grooves in the groove structure along the wall surface.

Abstract: A system for planning radiation treatment therapy is provided. An optical sensor device is implanted within or in close proximity to a risk region within the patient during a radiation delivery. The sensor device optically monitors the orientation of the risk region, and the radiation dosage received by the risk region, during the radiation delivery. That information may be used as appropriate to modify an on-going radiation delivery plan in real time while the plan is being implemented.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to adaptive radiotherapy planning are provided. In some aspects, provided system and method include producing synthetic images from magnetic resonance data using relaxometry maps. The method includes applying corrections to the data and generating relaxometry maps therefrom. In other aspects, a method for adapting a radiotherapy plan is provided. The method includes determining an objective function based on dose gradients from an initial dose distribution, and generating an optimized plan based on updated images, using aperture morphing and gradient maintenance algorithms without need for organ-at-risk contouring.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for controlling a charged particle beam shape and direction relative to a controlled and dynamically positioned patient and/or an imaging surface, such as a scintillation plate of a tomography system and/or a first two-dimensional imaging system coupled to a second two-dimensional imaging system. Multiple interlinked beam/patient/imaging control stations allow safe zone operation and clear interaction with the charged particle beam system and the patient. Both treatment and imaging are facilitated using automated sequences controlled with a work-flow control system.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus includes a rotatable drum on which is mounted a gantry arm carrying a radiation source. The arm extending from the drum to a location of the radiation source is offset from the axis of rotation of the drum and oriented towards the axis. The radiotherapy apparatus further includes a mechanism configured to apply a tilt to the arm at one or more rotational orientations of the drum. The rotatable drum is supported on wheels beneath the drum, and the mechanism is an eccentric mechanism within the wheels and is configured to apply the tilt to the arm via the wheels.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor with protons using multiple beamline positions not having an isocenter, including the steps of: (1) delivering the protons from a synchrotron along a redirectable beam transport path to yield a plurality of incident vectors, each of the plurality of incident vectors directed toward the treatment room and (2) redirecting the protons traveling along each of the plurality of incident vectors, with an output nozzle, to the tumor, where a first vector, of the plurality of incident vectors, comprises a first direction intersecting the tumor and where a second vector, of the plurality of incident vectors, comprises a second direction passing by the tumor without entering the tumor. The step of redirecting directs the protons traveling along the first and second incident vectors, respectively, to a first and second path intersecting a front and the back of the tumor.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and a rigidizing member. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The articulation section is operable to flex to thereby deflect the end effector from a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The rigidizing member is operable to selectively rigidize the articulation section and thereby prevent deflection of the end effector by preventing flexibility of the articulation section. Such rigidization includes removing any “play” or other small movement that might otherwise be provided by the articulation section due to manufacturing tolerances and/or looseness between parts.

Abstract: A system for providing focused ultrasound may include a focused ultrasound probe including at least one transducer. At least one variable volume fluid bladder may be positioned between at least a portion of the transducer and tissue to be treated. The system may further include a reservoir containing fluid and a first pump operatively connected to the bladder and the reservoir. The first pump may be configured to move fluid into the bladder. A second pump may be operatively connected to the bladder and the reservoir. The second pump may be configured to move fluid out of the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anhydrous composition in cream form, characterized in that it comprises, in a cosmetically acceptable support: (a) at least one oily phase; (b) at least one non-emulsifying elastomeric organopolysiloxane; (b) a photoprotective system capable of screening out UV radiation; (c) at least one matting agent; (d) at least one non-silicone organic thickener for the oily phase, chosen from: (1) crystalline polymers, preferably semi-crystalline polymers, (2) fatty acid esters of dextrin, (3) hydrophobic-modified polysaccharides, (4) crystalline olefin copolymers, (5) crystalline polycondensates, (6) polymers of lipophilic polyamide type, (7) lipophilic polyureas and polyurethanes, (8) block polymers, (9) cholesterol-based liquid-crystal agents and mixtures thereof; the said composition not comprising any humectant.

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.

Abstract: A high-rise building escape apparatus enables user to quickly exit a high-rise building in the event of an emergency. It mainly includes a damper which withstands impact of termination of descent and decreases terminal velocity due to its mushroomlike shape, a compartment, side and bottom nets, a parachute, an air source system, hoses, rotatable and fix frames, and a safety belt. The apparatus is operated following the procedure below. A user sets up the fix frame and rotatable frame attaching the dropping parts on the sill of a window or on the top of a balcony, makes the rotatable frame swing to the outside, opens the dropping part pack, fills the high pressure air to the airbags simultaneously through a number of internal hoses and an external hose, and disconnects the hoses.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus includes an air cylinder pressurized to about 5500 psig, wherein the air cylinder is compatible with infrastructure used in conjunction with the air cylinder. The self-contained breathing apparatus also includes a first regulator valve for reducing air pressure from the air cylinder to a predetermined level. A second regulator valve is also provided for reducing the air pressure from the predetermined level to a level suitable for use by an operator, wherein air is supplied from the second regulator valve to the operator via a mask. The self-contained breathing apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the air cylinder on the back of the operator. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fan unit (1) for mobile use for ventilating an area in which it is deployed, in particular for circulating fresh air in areas contaminated by smoke or gases, which comprises a main frame (2), having a lifting frame (4) mounted thereon and an axial fan (3). A first pivot arrangement (8) for the lifting frame (4) is disposed on the one hand in the region of a frame part (7) extending up from a base frame (6) and on the other hand in a first end region (14) of the lifting frame (4) facing the frame part (7). The lifting frame (4) can be adjusted in terms of its vertical distance from the base frame (6) from a non-operating position lying closer thereto into a raised deployment position. A second pivot arrangement (17) is disposed on the lifting frame (4) about which a support frame (19) is mounted so as to be pivotable in terms of its relative position with respect to the base frame (6).

Abstract: A portable fuel container configured to prevent liquid fuel contained therein from being entirely emptied from the container. The amount of liquid fuel retained in the container can be sufficient to maintain a fuel-to-air ratio in the container at a fuel-rich level that prevents combustion within the container if the container were to be placed near an ignition source or if an ignition source were to somehow enter the container. The container can also include other safety features such as, for example, a flash suppressor located at the fill opening, an extra wide fill opening, and/or an easily controllable dispensing spout. When a flash suppressor is employed, the perforations in the flash suppressor can be configured to retain fuel therein after fuel has been dispensed from the container and the flash suppressor is no longer submerged in fuel.