Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that generally involve CED devices with various features for reducing or preventing backflow. In some embodiments, CED devices include a tissue-receiving space disposed proximal to a distal fluid outlet. Tissue can be compressed into or pinched/pinned by the tissue-receiving space as the device is inserted into a target region of a patient, thereby forming a seal that reduces or prevents proximal backflow of fluid ejected from the outlet beyond the tissue-receiving space. In some embodiments, CED devices include a bullet-shaped nose proximal to a distal fluid outlet. The bullet-shaped nose forms a good seal with surrounding tissue and helps reduce or prevent backflow of infused fluid.

Abstract: An elongate catheter tip may be coupled to an elongate catheter body adjacent a distal end of the catheter body. To couple a catheter tip to a catheter body, a proximal portion of the catheter tip may (1) be disposed between a first elongate member and an second elongate member and (2) be subsequently fused to the second elongate member and the first elongate member. The resulting catheter and catheter tip may, among other functions, facilitate the measurement of differences in fluid pressure and/or facilitate the delivery of fluid or medical devices during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A biologics delivery device and method of use for promoting angiogenesis in occluded vessels and ischemic tissue of a patient are provided, wherein the biologics delivery device includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal region having a distal end, and a side wall defining a catheter lumen; an expandable member disposed in the distal region, the expandable member configured to support a subintimal space in an occluded blood vessel of a patient, and to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state; and a hollow needle having a penetration tip deployable from inside the catheter lumen to outside the catheter lumen, and into tissue surrounding the occluded blood vessel, wherein the expandable member in the expanded state allows the flow of oxygenated blood to the occluded blood vessel. Methods of using the inventive biologics delivery device also are provided to deposit the biologic from a subintimal space to tissue surrounding the occluded blood vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strain relief having a plurality of enclosing parts arranged in an axial direction and enclosing a longitudinal axis of the strain relief. A space portion can be formed between adjacent enclosing parts so that the strain relief is freely bendable. In the strain relief, the adjacent enclosing parts are interconnected, and one or both of opposed surfaces of the adjacent enclosing parts can be provided with a projection that projects in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided for inserting catheters and/or cannulae into a patient's blood vessel or body cavity either with or without the use of ultrasound imaging. The apparatus is used for the delivery of central venous catheters (CVCs) for creating a central line. The invention also relates to uses of the apparatus, and to methods for inserting catheters or cannulae (e.g. a CVC) into a patient.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering an agent to targeted tissue of a mammalian body including a first elongate tubular member having a proximal opening and a distal end wall. A second elongate tubular member having a portion extends through first elongate tubular member and has a distal end extending beyond the end wall. The first and second tubular members form an annular cavity within the first tubular member. A stiffening member has at least a portion disposed within the annular cavity for facilitating accurate placement of the distal end relative to the targeted tissue in the mammalian body and is removeable from the annular cavity after such placement without removal of the second elongate tubular member from the mammalian body. A method is provided.

Abstract: A tactile probe for endovascular intervention with feedbacks informative of the range and direction of a contact force includes: a central column (7); a plurality of lateral electrodes (2) around the central column (7); a conductive contact sleeve (1) that is axially and radially movable relative to the central column (7); a top electrode (3) in movable connection with the central column (7); and an alert electrode (4) configured to generate: a lateral contact signal, upon the contact sleeve (1) radially moving relative to the central column (7) and being electrically connected to at least one lateral electrode (2); a top contact signal, upon the contact sleeve (1) axially moving relative to the central column (7) a first distance (d1) and being electrically connected to the top electrode (3); and a warning signal, upon the contact sleeve (1) axially moving relative to the central column (7) a second distance (d2) and being electrically connected to the alert electrode (4).

Abstract: A male coupler for a guidewire, the guidewire having a hollow walled tube, the male coupler comprising a connector section, coupled with the guidewire, a portion of the connector section having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the hollow tube, at least one conducting ring coupled with the connector section where the diameter of the connector section is smaller the diameter of the guidewire, wherein the diameter of connector section and the at least one conducting ring substantially equals the diameter of the guidewire.

Abstract: Described herein is an assembly having a guide-wire having distally a flexible tip, and a guide-wire kit having comprising an introduction element of the guide-wire, a torque body, proximal to the introduction element, which includes blocking element of the guide-wire to the body, and a slide control which defines a support surface for the guide-wire, manually accessible to control (roto-)translations of the guide-wire, thereby orientations and/or sliding of the flexible tip, when the blocking element is in a release configuration. The torque body, the introduction element and the slide control are each disengageable, independently of the others, from the guide-wire in a radial direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing body tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods can include an introducer assembly for percutaneous access to a body lumen. The assembly can include a needle and an over-the-needle guidewire. The needle and the guidewire can be inserted into body tissue and the guidewire advanced into the body tissue relative to the needle. The needle can be removed after advancing the guidewire.

Abstract: A medical balloon has a strengthening sleeve formed of circumferential fibres and longitudinal fibres. The circumferential fibres have a greater thickness than the longitudinal fibres and preferably have a greater cross-sectional area or volume. In one embodiment, the circumferential fibres are twice as thick as the longitudinal fibres. The use of thinner longitudinal fibres reduces the thickness of the strengthening sleeve and as a result enables a thinner balloon wall, whilst still retaining the circumferential strength of the balloon. Reduced balloon wall thickness improves the foldability and wrappability of the balloon for deployment purposes, and therefore provides a balloon with a smaller diameter for deployment purposes, with improved trackability through a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon comprises a base balloon including a pair of spaced-apart, generally conical end sections and a generally cylindrical center section connected therebetween. A braided fabric sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the base balloon, wherein the sleeve is formed of at least three substantially inelastic fibers intertwined in such a way that no two of the three fibers are twisted exclusively around one another. The sleeve is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the base balloon so as to prevent excessive expansion of the base balloon when the base balloon is internally pressurized.

Abstract: A gripping system for use in treating the sinus cavity is described. The system includes a handle for single handed operation that includes access to the sinus cavity and treatment by dilation of an anatomical passageway within the ear, nose or throat. The handle contains a guide catheter or seeker for proper placement of the system and further includes a balloon catheter cartridge for treatment of the cavity. The handle may further contain a guidewire cartridge to ensure proper access of the cavity or a stabilizing feature for incorporation of an endoscope.

Abstract: A dilator may include a leading portion that includes a leading end coupled to a leading stem. The dilator may further include a trailing portion that includes a trailing end coupled to a trailing shaft. The dilator may also include a segmented body disposed between the leading end and the trailing end. The segmented body may include a plurality of segments disposed circumferentially around the leading stem. The leading stem may extend through a passageway of the segmented body, an opening of the trailing end and a channel of the trailing shaft. The leading stem and the trailing shaft may be configured to move longitudinally relative to one another to radially outwardly expand the segmented body.

Abstract: A device for reducing agent penetration at an insertion site is provided that has a porous inner sleeve fluidly connected to a conduit. A vacuum or hydrodynamic source is fluidly connected to the conduit. The device is stabilized by fibroblast in-growth and inhibits bacterial colonization. A device is also provided that has a conduit having a bore and an outer conduit surface. The outer conduit surface is optionally nanotextured to promote fibroblast adhesion and limit bacterial residency. A sleeve is provided in fluid communication with the bore of the conduit, and is formed from materials characterized by a pore matrix through which vacuum or hydrodynamic draw is achieved in a process to promote stabilization and reducing bacterial colonization by draw fluid from an area around the surrounding the site of the device. The sleeve optionally has a distal nanotextured surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure discusses a system and methods for a deep brain stimulation lead. More particularly, the disclosure discusses a stimulation lead that includes one or more silicon based barrier layers within a MEMS film. The silicon based barrier layers can improve device reliability and durability. The silicon based barrier layers can also improve adhesion between the layers of the MEMS film.

Abstract: A method of implanting a lead in the left heart cavity includes introducing the lead into the right heart cavity. The lead includes a lead body having a deformable sheath, a proximal end having an electrical connector, a distal end including a projecting helical screw electrode, and a conductor extending along the sheath, electrically connecting the electrical connector and the helical screw. The method further includes positioning the distal end of the lead to abut a septum wall between the right and left heart cavity. The electrical connector is connected to an RF puncture generator and RF energy is applied to the screw while providing rotational movement to the screw for advancement through the septum wall. The method further includes positioning the screw at a target stimulation site in the left heart cavity and providing rotational movement to the screw to anchor the lead at the target site.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating water metabolism of cells, 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 regulate water metabolism of cells of animals or human.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling neural activity in the brain, including performing a source localization procedure and a neurostimulation procedure, and using the former as a monitor to provide for feedback control of the latter.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for transmitting configuration between a command module and a stimulation module of a hearing prosthesis. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods, a hearing prosthesis determines that a block of configuration data is queued for transmission. In response to this determination, the hearing prosthesis divides the amount of queued configuration data into a plurality of configuration data fragments and transmits the data fragments separately. In some embodiments, the command module appends each configuration data fragment to a different packet of stimulation commands and transmits to the stimulation module appended stimulation packets.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for measuring stable and reproducible electrode-tissue impedance, comprising preconditioning an electrode-tissue interface. Further aspect of the invention is a stimulation system for a visual prosthesis generating a stimulation signal to precondition the electrode-tissue interface, comprising a computer; software, loaded in the computer, adapted to perform a stimulating method for a visual prosthesis having a plurality of electrodes; a video processing unit; and an implanted neuron-stimulator.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a closed-loop therapy system for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a subject. The therapy delivery system can include a sensing component, a delivery component, and a controller. The sensing component can be configured to detect at least one physiological parameter associated with PTSD. The delivery component can be configured for implantation on or about a ganglion of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The controller can be configured to automatically coordinate operation of the sensing and delivery components. The controller can also be configured to deliver an electrical signal to the delivery component so that activity of the ganglion of the SNS is substantially blocked without enhancing a symptom of PTSD.

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: Systems of techniques for controlling charge flow during the electrical stimulation of tissue. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a charge setting describing an amount of charge that is to flow during a stimulation pulse that electrically stimulates a tissue, and generating and delivering the stimulation pulse in a manner such that an amount of charge delivered to the tissue during the stimulation pulse accords with the charge setting.

Abstract: A method to provide electrical stimulation therapy to stabilize ventricular rate of a heart during episodes of atrial fibrillation. The stimulation therapy may be a plurality of stimulation pulses delivered to the AV node during the AV node refractory period following the sensing of an atrial event.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for limiting the duration of elevated pacing rates in an implantable medical device. An illustrative device may include a housing, a plurality of electrodes connected to the housing, and a controller within the housing and connected to the electrodes. The controller may deliver pacing pulses to the electrodes at a base pacing rate, detect a measure of elevated metabolic demand which may vary over time, deliver pacing pulses at an elevated pacing rate based on the measure of elevated metabolic demand. The controller may change a heart stress tracking value (HSTV) when the pacing rate is elevated and may be changed faster during times of relatively higher elevated pacing rates than times of relatively lower elevated pacing rates. The elevated pacing rate may be reduced back toward the base pacing rate after the HSTV crossed a predetermined heart stress threshold.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system for cardiac stimulation optimization utilizing cardiac asynchrony and pulse pressure data. The system includes: an analysis circuitry to receive cardiac signals collected at two locations of a patient's heart during an application to the heart of stimulation in accordance with multiple (VV) delay intervals, calculate an asynchrony index for the VV delay intervals, and determine one of the VV intervals as optimal based on the asynchrony index for that VV interval; an implantable stimulation device to cycle through the VV intervals while applying the stimulation, and further configured to cycle through atrioventricular (AV) delay intervals while applying additional stimulation in accordance with the optimal VV delay interval; and an arterial pulse pressure sensor to measure arterial pulse pressure during the application of the additional stimulation, wherein the analysis circuitry determines one of the AV delay intervals as optimal based on the arterial pulse pressure measured.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to cardiac pacing methods and systems, and, more particularly, to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In particular, the present disclosure pertains to determining whether a patient is experiencing atrial fibrillation (AF). If the patient is experiencing AF, the efficacy of CRT is determined. A signal is sensed in response to a ventricular pacing stimulus. Through signal processing, a number of features are parsed from the signal and a determination is made as to whether the ventricular pacing stimulus evoked a response from the ventricle.

Abstract: Molded headers, implantable signal generators having molded headers, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. An implantable signal generator in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a can having a shell and a battery positioned at least partially within the shell. An output terminal can be operably coupled to the battery and positioned to provide electrical power to a signal delivery device. A pre-molded header having a plurality of openings can be coupled to the can, and the output terminal can be positioned at least partially within an individual opening.

Abstract: A method and medical device for detecting a cardiac event that includes sensing cardiac signals from a plurality of electrodes, sensing a plurality of beats in response to the sensed cardiac signals, identifying each beat of the plurality of beats as one of a normal beat and a not normal beat, determining at least one of whether a number of beats identified as a normal beat is greater than a normal beat threshold, whether an RR interval associated with the beats identified as being a normal beat is less than a threshold interval, and whether RR intervals associated with the beats identified as being normal beats are within an RR interval range, and identifying the cardiac event as being one of shockable and not shockable in response to the determining.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of tissue repair and regeneration. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to medical devices, materials or constructs, such as conductive biocompatible polymers having one or more networks of metal nanowires that enhance tissue repair and regeneration using electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: Herein is described a device and methods-of-use to treat multiple possible causes of sudden neurological dysfunction related to cardiac, cerebrovascular, or brain electrical abnormalities. The device can be employed so as to treat cardiac dysfunction such as arrhythmia and subsequently related dysfunction of the central nervous system such as stroke and seizure. Alternatively, the device can be employed so as to treat cardiac dysfunction simultaneous with treatment of dysfunction of the central nervous system. Finally, the device can be employed so as to augment the effectiveness of treating cardiac dysfunction, namely the restoration of cardiac output and blood flow to the brain, by dilating the arteries of the brain.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for a number of disorders. Described are methods and devices to treat disorders that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect mood, focus, and cognition of subjects.

Abstract: Images that are associated with an identification of a tracking target of a patient to receive radiation treatment may be received. The images may be sorted into a sequence based on a motion of the patient. The sorted images may be provided via a graphical user interface. The sequence of the sorted images that are based on the motion of the patient may be provided.

Abstract: A skin care apparatus using ultrasonic vibration is disclosed. The skin care apparatus includes a main body, a vibration unit separably installed on the main body, and an ultrasonic generation portion installed inside the vibration unit to generate vibration, wherein the vibration unit includes a skin contact member provided with a projection that is in a tube shape to transfer the ultrasonic vibration generated from the ultrasonic generation portion to a skin.

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: This invention relates to skincare compositions, in particular compositions effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris, and to methods of treatment of the skin that involve the application of such compositions, wherein the compositions comprise salicylic acid or a salt thereof in combination with at 2 actives selected from the group consisting of lactic acid or a salt thereof; glycyrrhizinic acid or a salt or derivative thereof; bisabolol; cetylhydroxyproline palmitamide; allantoin; niacinamide; and epilobium angustifolium extract.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for evacuating individuals from a structure during an emergency, comprising: a rotatable drum with a cable suitable length, wound thereon; and a rotation regulator, which is associated with the drum and is arranged to control the drum to limit a rotation speed thereof during unwinding of the cable from the drum. The rotation regulator allows for individuals to escape from a tall structure, regardless of their skill, agility or strength, and even irrespective of whether such individuals are conscious, or not. In an embodiment the device may further comprise at least one additional drum. The combination of the drum and the additional drum allows a plurality of people to escape.

Abstract: An eddy-current braking mechanism including a rotor, rotatable about a rotor axis; at least one electrically conductive member coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith; at least one magnet configured to apply a magnetic field extending at least partially orthogonal to the plane of rotation of the conductive member, and characterized in that upon rotation of the rotor, the conductive member is configured to move at least partially radially from the rotor axis into the applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A human wearable mask includes a skirt for directly contacting a human wearer and a sound conduction component on the skirt. The sound conduction component can provide an alert notification within high-noise environments while allowing ambient sounds to be heard over the conduction speakers. The sound conduction component may be used to reproduce audio for firefighters and other users who need radio communications.

Abstract: A respiratory protection composite facepiece is disclosed and includes a polymeric rigid facepiece body portion having a first surface and a second surface and a silicone sealing facepiece element chemically bonded at least one of the first surface or the second surface. The first and second surfaces can be opposing major surfaces. A second silicone element is chemically bonded to at least one of the first surface or the second surface. Methods of making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A safety catch connector, which is adapted to be connected to a sling and a harness, including a body, a catch member, a first locking member and a second locking member. The body is adapted to be connected to the harness. The catch member is pivotally connected to the body for pivoting relative to the body between an unlocked position and a locked position. The first locking member and the second locking member are disposed on the body. The first locking member is operable to move between a first position and a second position on the body. The second locking member is operable to move between a third position and a fourth position on the body. When the first locking member is at the first position and the second locking member is at the third position, the catch member is locked at the locked position.

Abstract: An external energy absorber may include a hub having a line associated therewith, the line including a first end directly or indirectly attached to the hub and a second end opposite the first end attached to a user, an energy absorbing arrangement directly or indirectly attached to the hub, the energy absorbing arrangement comprising an outer ring directly or indirectly attached to the hub, an inner ring directly or indirectly attached to a housing, and at least one energy absorbing member positioned between the outer ring and the inner ring, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member is configured to generate friction between the outer ring and the inner ring upon rotation of the hub, and the housing configured to hold the hub and energy absorbing arrangement.

Abstract: An autonomous firefighting tower is a structure that is deployed into a firefighting zone for extinguishing a fire as well as for protecting firefighting personnel on the ground. The structure is able to self-level when being deployed on uneven terrain and requires minimal setup aside from connection to an external water source. A plurality of tower supports is hingedly connected to a base platform and may be adjusted to the terrain. Additional adjustability is provided through a plurality of self-leveling legs. A plurality of stabilizing members provides structural support and stability to the structure during self-leveling and when deployed. A fluid dispenser is connected to the base platform. Water is provided to the fluid dispenser from an external source through a fluid conduit. A control unit and at least one camera allow a remote operator to operate the structure during a firefighting operation.

Abstract: A static and dynamic exercise apparatus has a spatially displaceable object coupled to a frame and a force applicator. A resistance system exerts a first level of resistance that prevents the movement of the object by the application of a user-applied force, thereby allowing a user to generate a static, or isometric, force on the force applicator and object. The resistance system may then be released, to allow movement of the object, thereby rapidly transmuting the static force into a dynamic movement. In various embodiments, the object is a plurality of weights, the force applicator is a weight lifting bar, and the resistance system is a pneumatically actuated piston that is capable of releasably holding the weights and weight bar to the frame.

Abstract: An exercise bike includes a main frame having a seat extending therefrom. A peddle assembly is mounted on the main frame. A rotating damping element is rotatably mounted on the main frame by a second axle. A drive assembly is connected to the peddle assembly and the second axle. An internal gear device is disposed on the rotating damping element and includes a casing, an internal transmission is centrally received in the casing for driving the casing and a drive element connected to the internal transmission for operating the internal transmission. The second axle centrally extends through the internal gear device and the internal transmission is securely sleeved on the second axle, wherein the rotating damping element is securely sleeved on the on the casing. The damping provided to the exercise bike A is adjusted when the drive element of the internal gear device is operated once.

Abstract: An apparatus and method operably coupled a movable member of an exercise apparatus to a carriage such a movement of the movable member moves the carriage along a rail. A magnetic portion carried by the carriage induces eddy currents in the rail to resist movement of the carriage along the rail to resist movement of the movable member.

Abstract: A fitness device may include a central handle having a body with a central aperture through the body. The device may also include a first rod removably coupled to the central handle at a first location and a second rod removably coupled to the central handle at a second location, opposite the first location. The device may also include an elastic member having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the first rod and the second end being coupled to the second rod.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a weight attachment connected to a track where the weight attachment is shaped to attach to a support structure of an independent adjustable dumbbell and to carry the support structure as the weight attachment travels along the track. A cradle of the exercise machine has a trough sized to receive the independent adjustable dumbbell, and an input mechanism in communication with a selection mechanism incorporated into the exercise machine. The selection mechanism includes a selector arranged to adjust a connection of a weight set associated with the independent adjustable dumbbell, and a subset of the weight set is carried by the support structure as the weight attachment moves along the track based at least in part on an input into the input mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise suit with integrated weights includes a shirt portion and a pants portion that are constructed from a lightweight elastomeric material. A plurality of soft weights are disposed along the shirt and pants portions at locations adjacent to the major muscle groups of the suit wearer. Each of the weights can be permanently secured along the inside facing surface of the shirt and pants, and conform to the shape and movement of the suit wearer. The suit also includes a fitness monitor having a heartbeat sensor, timer and display.