Abstract: A device for accommodating and magnetizing a tissue-penetrating medical device of various lengths, with or without a cover covering a portion or the entirety of the tissue-penetrating medical device, is disclosed including a sleeve member having an open proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, an outer surface having a graduated injection depth gauge to indicate needle penetration depth when the cover is placed into a magnetizer, and a hollow body extending between the proximal end and the distal end to form a protective closure over a shaft of a tissue-penetrating medical device. Also disclosed is a needle cover having a fixed distance between the tip of the needle and the tip of the needle cover. A device having one or more magnetizing elements sectioned into a plurality of movable segments pivoting around an axis to accommodate needles with different lengths is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, the end ones of which expand at least radially when inflated. Connecting passages provide fluid communication between each pair of adjacent chambers. A fluid source is attached to one of the end chambers. The connecting passages are such that the fluid inflates the chambers in a sequence, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The same sequence occurs when the chambers deflate, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The fluid source can either be a fluid supply tube, extending to a supply outside the lumen, or it can be built in and carried by the device. The device can crawl either along the lumen wall or on an inserted guide wire.

Abstract: Embodiments of a catheter insertion device are discussed comprising: an approximately hollow cylindrical catheter sleeve, at whose distal end a catheter is attached; a needle sleeve with a hollow needle, which is attached thereto and which, when ready for use, extends through the catheter sleeve and the catheter, and; a needle protective element that is arranged inside the catheter sleeve while being able to move on the needle. Said needle protective element has an engaging section that engages with an engaging device, which is formed in the vicinity of the needle tip, when the hollow needle is withdrawn from the catheter sleeve. A check valve is placed inside the catheter sleeve between the catheter and the needle protective element. The hollow needle, when ready for use, extends through said check valve, and the check valve automatically closes once the needle is withdrawn.

Abstract: A catheter assembly may include a catheter, catheter adapter, needle, needle guard, and housing. The housing may be coupled to the needle guard and disposed within a lumen of the catheter adapter. The needle guard may include first and second resilient arms, which may include first and second curved portions, respectively. When the needle is in a ready position, the first and second curved portions may be urged by a shaft of the needle into retaining contact with an inner wall of the catheter adapter. When the needle is in the retracted position, the shaft may no longer bias the first and second resilient arms outwardly such that the retaining contact between the first and second curved portions and the catheter adapter is released, and the housing and the needle guard enclose a distal tip of the needle.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an inner shaft with a distal variant portion and a proximal variant portion. A bulged portion is provided at the distal end of a reinforcement member, and the bulged portion is configured to move in an axial direction between the distal variant portion and the proximal variant portion. Thus, the balloon catheter may smoothly pass through a curved blood vessel with improved kink resistance of the reinforcement member.

Abstract: A balloon is provided for selectively moving an esophagus away from an ablation site. The balloon is received through an oral cavity and into the esophagus of a patient. A deflecting member is provided in the tube, the balloon, or both, so as to selectively distort to bend the balloon and/or the tube to move the esophagus away from the ablation site. The deflecting member may comprise at least one of a strip made of a shape memory material that is responsive to the receipt of a stimulus to deflect to a predetermined shape, a strip that is made of or contains a ferrous material and that deflects in response to the presence of a magnetic field, and a selectively tensionable cable, wire, or string. The deflecting member may be supplemented by a stiffening strip that is located in the balloon and that causes the balloon to expand circumferentially and asymmetrically when inflated.

Abstract: A balloon resection method is disclosed generally including inserting a catheter with at least one balloon having an outer wall with a resecting, non-slip surface for resecting unwanted biological material, such as tissues or tumors, and supplying fluid thereto in pulsed fashion to repeatedly deflate and inflate the balloon. In certain embodiments, a pump controls the pulsed supply of fluid based on an established frequency or change in volume. In some embodiments, the a keyed connector is used to identify the balloon type, and in some cases, intra-lumen diameters and densities are calculated. In some embodiments, the balloon portion of the catheter includes multiple balloon segments, which in some cases, are inflatable separately from one another.

Abstract: A system is provided for healing a wound. The system includes a flexible body, a therapeutic agent delivery mechanism, a suction mechanism, and a power source. The flexible body includes a cover film having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that define a compartment. The compartment includes a first porous material, a second porous material, and at least one electrode disposed therein. The second porous material is disposed between the first porous material and the at least one electrode. The therapeutic agent delivery mechanism and the suction mechanism are fluidly connected to the compartment. The power source is in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for an applicator used for inserting flowable pharmaceutical preparations into a body cavity, an adapter for connecting a jar to a cavity dispenser, a jar dispenser with a nozzle for automated transferring and dispensing of flowable pharmaceutical compositions, and a metered dial-dispenser configured to connect to a cavity dispenser for humans and animals.

Abstract: Transdermal therapeutic systems are described which have at least one electronic component, as well as methods for producing this type of transdermal therapeutic systems.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for vascular access, enabling repetitive vascular access while preventing damage to the blood vessel wall, reducing hematomas, improving flow in a vessel, preventing back-wall perforation, and enabling improved fistula maturation and care. The system includes an implanted conduit that is incorporated into surrounding fibrous tissue that can guide a needle and/or catheter from a puncture site on the skin to a vessel wall, which may be used to provide repetitive vascular access for persons requiring hemodialysis or chemotherapy.

Abstract: An exemplary ultraviolet (UV) arrangement, can be provided, which can include, for example, a lumen structured to be inserted into a body of a patient and pass a percutaneous structure therethrough into the body of the patient, wherein the lumen can be configured to disperse or provide a UV radiation, and an optical arrangement coupled to the lumen, and configured to generate the UV radiation, and provide the UV radiation to the lumen to be dispersed or provided by the lumen. The lumen can include a weave of a plurality of strands. The optical arrangement can include an optical fiber(s) coupled to the lumen at one of the strands. The optical arrangement can include a plurality of optical fibers coupled to the lumen, where the optical arrangement can include a plurality of diffusing rings, and wherein each ring can be connected to one of the optical fibers.

Abstract: Connectors for medical devices include visual and tactile features as an indicator of a connection-type of the connector. This allows for differentiation by type of connection under busy and/or low light conditions.

Abstract: A soft grip medical connector comprises a housing with an upstream end, a downstream end and a lumen extending through a central portion thereof. A flexible member comprises a valve portion integrally formed with a sleeve portion. The valve portion is positioned within a section of the housing and is configured to control a flow of fluid through the housing lumen. The sleeve is inverted to envelope at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing. In some embodiments the gripping portion is integrally formed with the valve portion. In some embodiments, the connector is also generally configured to create a positive pressure in a catheter lumen upon removal of a syringe or other medical device from the upstream end of the connector. Methods of making a medical fluid connector generally comprise forming a valve member with a sleeve extending there from, and assembling the valve, sleeve and housing.

Abstract: An injection port assembly including a body having first and second mating structures configured to mate with a first connector for a first fluid pathway and a second connector on a device, respectively. A resilient barrier substantially contained within the body and compressible from a first position in which fluid flow between the first and second connectors is blocked to a more compressed second position in which fluid flow between the first and second connectors is permitted. A hollow cannula can be coupled with the first mating structure and disposed within the resilient barrier, the hollow cannula having a distal end configured to extend through the resilient barrier when the resilient barrier is in the second position, the distal end having lateral slots. The resilient barrier can have first and second annular sealing rings positioned above and below the lateral slots respectively.

Abstract: A means and method that forms and maintains an enclosed sterile environment that then is able to sterilize all that is within the enclosure in order to facilitate making a sterile or aseptic connection and keeping it sterile or aseptic. Connection may be between a container of material to a and through a terminus using tubes or hoses interspersed with a connector or connectors. The means and method are substantially comprised of an enclosure to be filled with a sterilant, that by various means attaches to or are parts of connectors, other connectors, a sterilant, a method of propelling the sterilant and other propelling mechanisms as required. The sterilant surrounds the critical parts to make all that is within an enclosure including the connectors and other parts within the enclosure as well as possibly through hoses or tubes to a terminus and through it to the point a material exits the terminus while making a connection sterile or aseptic.

Abstract: A device for electrical stimulation of a user is disclosed. The device includes an electrode for applying an electrical stimulation and a gel or liquid dispensing system. The electrode is attached to a first side of a garment such that a surface of the electrode is placed in contact with a portion of a user's skin when the garment is worn by the user. The gel or liquid dispensing system is attached to the garment and configured to be actuatable to dispense a gel or liquid onto the surface of the electrode, the dispensing system having a reservoir configured to hold the gel or liquid and a fluid passageway extending from the reservoir to the surface of the electrode. The electrode may be a carbon or carbon equivalent electrode.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrical conductor includes: depositing a solid metal conductive layer or film on a substrate 30; depositing a liquid metal on the solid layer; and allowing the liquid metal and the solid layer 40 to alloy by diffusion of the liquid metal into the solid layer or film so as to form a solid conductive layer or film of the alloy; as well as allowing the liquid metal to further infiltrate the alloy so as to form percolating paths and/or droplets of the liquid metal in the the solid conductive layer or film, thus forming a biphasic conductive layer.

Abstract: Conductors within an implantable medical lead that carry stimulation signal signals are at least partially embedded within a lead body of the medical lead over at least a portion of the length of the conductors while being surrounded by a radio frequency (RF) shield. A space between the shield and the conductors is filled by the presence of the lead body material such that body fluids that infiltrate the lead over time cannot pool in the space between the shield and the conductors. The dielectric properties of the lead body are retained and the capacitive coupling between the shield and the conductors continues to be inhibited such that current induced on the shield is inhibited from being channeled onto the conductors. Heating at the electrodes of the medical lead is prevented from becoming excessive.

Abstract: Some embodiments of pacing systems employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy. The wireless electrode assemblies may wirelessly receive energy via an inductive coupling so as to provide electrical stimulation to the surrounding heart tissue. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assembly may include one or more biased tines that shift from a first position to a second position to secure the wireless electrode assembly into the inner wall of the heart chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved neural probes for detection and stimulation, including improved depth electrodes and cortical electrodes, along with various related improved components, devices, methods, and technologies.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and methods for modulating and monitoring tissue have an elongate member with proximal and distal ends and a plurality of annular stimulating electrodes axially arranged along the elongate member. The stimulating electrodes are disposed near the distal end and are adapted to pass current into tissue. At least one of the annular stimulating electrodes has at least three independent stimulation points on the electrode. The apparatus also includes a plurality of recording electrodes that are adapted to measure local tissue potentials and a plurality of conductors are coupled with the recording and stimulating electrodes. An optional multiple contact connecting terminal may be coupled with the conductors and is disposed near the proximal end of the elongate member.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient. The mouthpiece includes an elongated housing having a center of gravity located within a posterior region, a positioning pad attached to the top surface of the elongated housing for minimizing contact between a patient's upper teeth and the exterior top surface of the elongated housing, and a printed circuit board mounted to a bottom portion of the elongated housing, the printed circuit board having a plurality of electrodes for delivering subcutaneous local electrical stimulation to the patient's tongue. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece includes at least one locator disposed along the anterior region of the elongated housing for contacting a patient's teeth to securely position the mouthpiece within the patient's mouth.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying dislodgement of an electrode, operably coupled to an implanted medical device, from fixation with the endocardium of a chamber of the heart of a patient can include obtaining a test electrogram, and measuring at least two parameters indicating a cavitary electrogram and taking an action, such as generating an electrode dislodgement alert and/or configuring the implanted medical device to disable therapy, when the cavitary electrogram is indicated. In embodiments, the two parameters include a test positive component magnitude and a test negative component magnitude. In embodiments, the test component magnitudes are compared to baseline component magnitudes determined from a baseline electrogram.

Abstract: A system and method to treat neuromuscular conditions, including spinal cord injury, by what is characterized as dipole (two point) cortico-muscular stimulation. Two-point stimulation, with oppositely charged electrodes, allows pulsed, direct current to pass through the cortico-muscular pathway. The electrodes are placed on nerves, muscles, or a combination of both, that are on opposite sides of the spinal column, forming a current that passes across the spinal column. Further, an active electrode can be placed on the spinal column and a reference electrode can be placed outside the central nervous system. These methods improve functional recovery of the motor pathway.

Abstract: An intratumoral modulation therapy (IMT) method for the treatment of nervous system and systemic tumor in a patient which includes: (a) chronically implanting an electrode adjacent to or in the tumor of the patient or in a residual tumor bed, the electrode having electrical leads connected thereto; and (b) generating electric stimulation and applying the electric stimulation through the electrical leads to the electrode adjacent to or within the tumor. A method of transferring genetic material to a tumor cell which includes: (a) positioning an electrode adjacent to the tumor cell, the electrode having electrical leads connected thereto; (b) generating electric stimulation and applying the electric stimulation through the electrical leads to the electrode adjacent the cancer cell; and (c) delivering the genetic material to the tumor cell treated with the continuous alternating electric stimulation.

Abstract: An electrode connector assembly for the use in transcutaneous electrical stimulation includes a flexible web extending in a plane and first, second, third and fourth electrode connectors carried by the web and spaced from each other about the web in the plane. The electrode connector assembly further includes an electrical connector and first, second, third and fourth conductors electrically coupling the respective first, second, third and fourth electrode connectors to the electrical connector.

Abstract: A cosmetic and/or therapeutic treatment of tissue, such as tooth, is disclosed that effects, for instance, whitening and tissue re-building through mineralisation. Further, a method of performing iontophoresis utilizing an aqueous composition of a remineralising agent to achieve mineralisation is disclosed, as well as a kit for performing the mineralization or re-mineralization.

Abstract: A cosmetic and/or therapeutic treatment of tissue, such as tooth, is disclosed that effects, for instance, whitening and tissue re-building through mineralisation. Further, a method of performing iontophoresis utilizing an aqueous composition of a remineralising agent to achieve mineralisation is disclosed, as well as a kit for performing the mineralization or re-mineralisation.

Abstract: An electroporation device for injecting a product into a ciliary muscle of an eye, said device comprising: a support having a support contact surface extending along a virtual sphere having a radius between 10 and 15 mm, so as to match the outside surface of the eye, a first electrode comprising an invasive electrode needle, a second electrode having an electrically conductive electrode contact surface, optionally an injection needle, wherein the support comprises an insertion guide configured to guide a sliding of said electrode needle and/or injection needle along a respective insertion axis, so that the angle between said insertion axis and a plane tangential to the virtual sphere at the insertion point is less than 40°, the insertion point being the point where said insertion axis crosses said virtual sphere.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a therapy delivery device for treating an obstetric or gynecological disorder other than urinary incontinence in a subject. The therapy delivery device can include a housing, at least one electrode, and a power source. The housing can be configured for implantation in a reproductive system of the subject. The at least one electrode can be connected to the housing and be configured to deliver an electrical signal to an autonomic nervous system nerve target. The power source can be in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A method of neurostimulation includes delivering an electrical signal to a plurality of electrodes (215A, 215B) connected to a patient. The electrical signal is characterized by an amplitude and a carrier frequency. The method includes modulating an electrical signal based on an audio waveform. In some cases, the modulation may include modulating at least one of an amplitude and a carrier frequency based on the audio waveform. A neurostimulation device (200) comprising first and second electrodes is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body has a programmable signal generator that can generate the signals based on stored signal parameters without any intervention from a processor that controls the overall operation of the IPG. While the signal generator is generating the signals the processor can be in a standby mode to substantially save battery power.

Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self-alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and IPG control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery.

Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery.

Abstract: A medical device and medical device system for controlling delivery of therapeutic stimulation pulses that includes a sensing device to sense a cardiac signal and emit a trigger signal in response to the sensed cardiac signal, a therapy delivery device to receive the trigger signal and deliver therapy to the patient in response to the emitted trigger signal, and a processor positioned within the sensing device, the processor configured to determine whether the sensed cardiac signal exceeds a possible P-wave threshold, compare a portion of the sensed cardiac signal to a P-wave template having a sensing window having a length less than a width of the P-wave, confirm an occurrence of a P-wave signal in response to the comparing, emit the trigger signal in response to the occurrence of a P-wave signal being confirmed, and inhibit delivery of the emitting signal in response to the occurrence of a P-wave signal not being confirmed.

Abstract: Techniques for delivering electrical stimulation therapy comprising a complex variation to at least one electrical stimulation parameter are described. In one example, processing circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD) identifies a plurality of electrical stimulation parameters for at least one pulse train of electrical stimulation. The processing circuitry defines a complex variation to at least one electrical stimulation parameter of the plurality of electrical stimulation parameters. The processing circuitry modifies the at least one pulse train of electrical stimulation by introducing the complex variation to the electrical stimulation parameter function and controls a stimulation generator of the IMD to generate, as modified, the at least one pulse train of electrical stimulation.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of a method for providing neural stimulation, activity is sensed, and neural stimulation is automatically controlled based on the sensed activity. An embodiment determines periods of rest and periods of exercise using the sensed activity, and applies neural stimulation during rest and withdrawing neural stimulation during exercise. Other embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: This document discusses a medical device for coupling to a plurality of implantable electrodes. The medical device includes a therapy circuit, a biomarker sensing circuit, and a control circuit operatively coupled to the therapy circuit and biomarker sensing circuit. The therapy circuit delivers electrical neurostimulation energy to the plurality of implantable electrodes. The biomarker sensing circuit generates a sensed biomarker signal representative of a physiological biomarker of a subject. The control circuit initiates delivery of bursts of pulses of the electrical neurostimulation energy to the plurality of the implantable electrodes according to a first therapy regimen and monitor efficacy of the delivered electrical neurostimulation energy using the sensed biomarker signal; and changes the electrical neurostimulation to a second therapy regimen upon detecting a reduction in the efficacy of the first therapy regimen using the sensed biomarker signal.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead connector includes a connector housing and a plurality of contacts. The connector housing defines a lead lumen having a width, a lead receiving opening, an end stop, a midpoint between the lead receiving opening and the end stop, and a longitudinal length extending from the lead receiving opening to the end stop. The width of the lead lumen decreases from the lead receiving opening to the midpoint and from the midpoint to the end stop. The plurality of contacts is disposed in the connector housing and longitudinally spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal length of the lead lumen. Each of the contacts is configured and arranged to electrically couple to a corresponding terminal of a lead body when an end portion of the lead body is inserted into the lead lumen.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques are described for use in recharging a power source of a cranially mounted implantable medical device. In one example, a wearable medical device includes a flexible body configured to cover at least a portion of a scalp of a head of a patient. A securing member is connected to the flexible body and configured to extend around a circumference of the head to stabilize the flexible body with respect to the scalp of the patient. A fixation member is configured to mount to a location of the flexible body and couple the flexible body to a recharge coil that is configured to recharge the power source of the cranially-mountable implantable medical device.

Abstract: A system for treating chronic inflammation may include an implantable microstimulator, a wearable charger, and optionally an external controller. The implantable microstimulator may be implemented as a leadless neurostimulator implantable in communication with a cervical region of a vagus nerve. The microstimulator can address several types of stimulation including regular dose delivery. The wearable charger may be worn around the subject's neck to rapidly (<10 minutes per week) charge an implanted microstimulator. The external controller may be configured as a prescription pad that controls the dosing and activity of the microstimulator.

Abstract: Generally discussed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a therapy (e.g., stimulation) and/or data signal using an implantable device. Systems, devices and methods for interacting with (e.g., communicating with, receiving power from) an external device are also provided.

Abstract: A passive implantable relay module includes a first coupler arm configured to wirelessly receive electromagnetic energy radiated through electric radiative coupling from a transmitting antenna located outside a subject's body; a second coupler arm; and a connector portion comprising a first metal core and a first dielectric coating surrounding the first metal core, the connector portion configured to connect the first coupler arm to the second coupler arm such that when the passive implantable relay module is implanted inside the subject's body and the transmitting antenna initiates wireless energy transfer to the first coupler arm via non-inductive coupling, electromagnetic waves carrying the electromagnetic energy received at the first coupler arm propagate along the first metal core to arrive at the second coupler arm, where the electromagnetic energy arriving is wirelessly transferred, again via non-inductive coupling, to a receiving antenna on a passive wireless neural stimulator device.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques for establishing communication between two medical devices are described. In one example, an implantable medical device comprises communication circuitry, therapy delivery circuitry, and processing circuitry configured to initiate a communication window during which the implantable second medical device is capable of receiving the information related to a cardiac event detected by a first medical device, the communication window being one of a plurality of communication windows defined by a communication schedule that corresponds to a transmission schedule in which the first medical device is configured to transmit the information, control the communication circuitry to receive, from the first medical device, the information related to the cardiac event that is indicative of a timing of the cardiac event with respect to a timing of the communication window, schedule and control delivery of a therapy according to the information related to the cardiac event.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator system includes a support structure that is configured to be worn by a patient. When thus worn, the support structure may attach electrodes at different locations of the patient's body, so as to define different vectors. A measurement circuit may sense ECG signals from the different vectors substantially concurrently. A processor may multiply together these substantially concurrent ECG signals to derive a product waveform. The processor may then detect peaks in the product waveform, measure durations of time intervals between successive peaks, and determine the patient's heart rate from these durations. An advantage can be that the heart rate may be computed notwithstanding noise in the individual ECG signals.

Abstract: A wearable system includes a support structure with optionally one or more electrodes in an unbiased state. Different sensor modules may monitor, for the long-term, different patient parameters such as the patient's motion, a physiological parameter, a patient sound etc., other than the patient's ECG. The sensor modules can be worn by the patient concurrently, or only one at a time as convenient, and may provide respective sensor signals. The system may determine from one or more of the available received signals whether a certain threshold has been reached, such as when the patient is having an actionable episode. If so, at least one electrode may become mechanically biased against the patient's body, for making good electrical contact. Then, an ECG reading may be taken and/or therapy may be administered.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system includes a support structure that can be worn by a patient, and a defibrillator coupled to the support structure. An ECG input, rendered from an ECG of the patient, may meet a primary shock criterion. One or more sensor modules are further provided, which are worn by the patient at different times. The sensor modules may monitor different physiological parameters of the patient, and transmit signals about them. The WCD system further has a multi-sensor interface to receive the transmitted signals, and a processor to determine from them whether a secondary shock criterion is met. If both the primary and the secondary shock criteria are met, the decision is to shock. The signals increase specificity of the detection, while the patient can wear different modules depending on context.

Abstract: A radiotherapy method for treatment of skin includes the step of applying radiation to a first region of interest of a person's skin using a radiotherapy device including a first filter having a first thickness and a first applicator having a first length. A flow of desired photons emitted from an x-ray tube of the radio therapy device is increased by (a) replacing the first applicator with a second applicator having a second length shorter than the first length, replacing the first filter with a second filter having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and using a first dose rate less than one thousand centigray per minute, or (b) replacing the first applicator with the second applicator, using a third filter having a third thickness less than or equal to the first thickness, and using a second dose rate greater than one thousand centigray per minute.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-step tapered applicator, which can be used to deliver high-dose-rate vaginal brachytherapy to a female patient's vagina post-hysterectomy. In certain embodiments, once inserted through the female patient's vaginal opening (or introitus), the applicator of the invention causes less physical discomfort to the female patient than currently available applicators. In other embodiments, the applicator is used in a female patient whose vaginal apex is larger in diameter than her vaginal introitus.