Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal microneedle unit and a transdermal microneedle drug delivery device including the transdermal microneedle unit. The transdermal microneedle unit includes a plurality of sheets stacked with each other, each sheet having at least one through hole defined thereon and a barbule arranged at the periphery of the through hole, wherein the through hole on one sheet is penetrated by the barbules of other sheets and the barbules being juxtaposed to form at least one triangular pyramidal transdermal microneedle. The transdermal microneedle drug delivery device comprises a substrate, a transdermal microneedle unit, a union joint and an injection syringe.

Abstract: Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a single-use, aseptic disconnection functionality that substantially prevents fluid spillage when being disconnected.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a medical valve are disclosed, including a housing having a proximal female luer connection, a valve within the proximal female luer connection, a distal male luer tip, and a fluid passageway between the proximal female luer connection and the distal male luer tip; and a cover member comprising a substantially hollow cylinder with two or more flaps at a proximal end and an aperture at the distal end; wherein the aperture of the cover member is configured to receive the housing so that the two or more flaps are positioned above the proximal female luer connection; and wherein the two or more flaps are configured to fold into the substantially hollow cylinder when pressed on by a syringe or an IV in order to allow the connection of the syringe or the IV onto the proximal female luer connection. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a medical valve are disclosed, including a housing having a proximal female luer connection, a valve within the proximal female luer connection, a distal male luer tip, and a fluid passageway between the proximal female luer connection and the distal male luer tip; and a cover member coupled to the housing and covering the proximal female luer connection; wherein the cover member is configured to remain coupled to the housing while exposing the proximal female luer connection for connection with a syringe or an IV. In some embodiments with an extendible fluid passageway, the proximal female luer connection is extended when the proximal female luer connection is exposed. In yet another embodiment, a cover member is removably attachable to any unprotected medical valve. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A stopcock and sampling port device. The stopcock and sampling port device configured to reduce the occurrence of stagnation fluid flowing therethrough, the stopcock and sampling port device including a housing, an elastomeric element, a cap, a handle, and a divided septum, the housing defining an internal fluid passageway having a first port, a second port, and a third port, the divided septum operably coupled to the housing within the third port and configured to encourage turbulence of fluid passing through the third port, thereby reducing the occurrence of stagnation of fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electrotherapeutic sole and a method for making the same, wherein the electrotherapeutic sole is composed of nitrile-butadiene rubber (38%˜42% by weight), conductive carbon black (37%˜42% by weight), a softening oil (14%˜17% by weight), a processing aid (3%˜5% by weight), and an accelerant (1%˜2% by weight) and has a top portion protrudingly provided with a plurality of electrode protuberances that correspond in positions to the acupoints in a human sole; the electrotherapeutic sole is also provided with a socket, thereby an electrotherapeutic pulse output terminal inserted into the socket can send the electrotherapeutic pulses generated by an electrotherapeutic pulse generator sequentially through the socket and the conductive carbon black in the electrotherapeutic sole to the tips of the electrode protuberances to massage the corresponding acupoints in the human sole.

Abstract: A conductive human interface includes an insulating body of elastomeric material and a compliant electrode embedded in the insulating body. The electrode is formed from an electrically conductive gel including a polymeric material and conductive particles dispersed in the polymeric material. The conductive particles can be included in the gel in an amount that is not more than about 10% by weight.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array is provided that includes a carrier that is flexible. At least one control module is coupled to the carrier. A shell encases the control module. At least one electrode is coupled to the carrier and is electrically connected to the control module.

Abstract: Implantable leads of a cardiac stimulus system are disclosed, as well as methods for implanting leads of a cardiac stimulus system. The lead may be comprised of a proximal portion having a coupler for coupling to an implantable pulse generator, an intermediate portion comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon, and a distal portion. The intermediate portion may have a first diameter and the distal portion may have a second diameter. The distal portion may also have an attachment feature for attaching to a lead pulling tool for delivery to an ITV and an intercostal vein. Methods may include pulling a lead from a first position to a second position within the vasculature, exiting the vasculature at the second location, and attaching a portion of the lead that exits the vasculature to an electrode or implantable device for use with the lead.

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 cochlear implant including a cochlear lead, an antenna, a stimulation processor, and a magnet apparatus, associated with the antenna, including a case defining a central axis, a magnet frame within the case and rotatable about the central axis of the case, and a plurality of elongate diametrically magnetized magnets that are located in the magnet frame, the magnets defining a longitudinal axis and a N-S direction and being freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the magnet frame.

Abstract: An electrical-stimulation lead includes a body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a perimeter; electrodes disposed along the distal portion of the body and including segmented electrodes that each extend around no more than 50% of the perimeter of the body; terminals disposed along the proximal portion of the body; and conductors electrically-coupling the terminals to the electrodes; and at least one anchoring unit disposed along the distal portion of the body and configured and arranged for resisting rotation of the body and electrodes relative to patient tissue upon implantation of the lead. Each anchoring unit includes a lead-attachment element and at least one anchoring element attached to the lead-attachment element. The anchoring element extends away from the lead-attachment element and is configured and arranged for physically contacting patient tissue and resisting rotation of the body in proximity to the anchoring element.

Abstract: A method for determining whether the relative position of electrodes used by a neurostimulation system has changed within a patient comprises determining the amplitude of a field potential at each of at least one of the electrodes, determining if a change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes has occurred, and analyzing the change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes to determine whether a change in the relative position of the electrodes has occurred. Another method comprises measuring a first monopolar impedance between a first electrode and a reference electrode, measuring a second monopolar impedance between second electrode and the reference electrode, measuring a bipolar impedance between the first and second electrodes, and estimating an amplitude of a field potential at the second electrode based on the first and second monopolar impedances and the bipolar impedance.

Abstract: A system and method for treating sleep apnea includes inserting an implantable pulse generator subcutaneously within a body of a patient and connecting a lead to the pulse generator. The lead is inserted within the vasculature and advanced transvenously through the vasculature until a stimulation portion of the lead becomes positioned in close proximity to the hypoglossal nerve. A nerve-stimulation signal is applied to the hypoglossal nerve via the stimulation portion of the lead.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to stabilized anti-cancer cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)-stimulated media, to methods for preparing such media, and to methods of treatment using such media.

Abstract: A muscle electrostimulation device includes: a main body; a power source stored in the main body; an electrode unit that receives power from the power source; a controller that controls the supply of power to the electrode unit; and an operation unit that changes a control mode of the controller. The electrode unit includes a first and a second electrode group. The first group extends from the main body to be disposed on a right hand side of a person with respect to a center line of the main body. The second group extends from the main body to be disposed on a left hand side of the person with respect to the center line when the device is attached to the abdomen. The first and the second electrode group can be electronically connected via the person and include four or more electrodes in total.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating a disease, comprising: (a) implanting an array of electrodes on one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles; and (b) treating the disease by selectively stimulating the one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles through electrical pulses delivered from the array. Also disclosed herein is a device, comprising a plurality of electrodes that have the capacity to be inserted in or around a facial nerve. Further disclosed herein is a method of treating facial paralysis and/or damage in a subject, comprising: (a) detecting the level of contraction of individual muscles on a healthy, non-paralyzed side of the face of the subject; and (b) treating facial paralysis by a direct targeted stimulation of the corresponding muscles or nerve fibers on a paralyzed side of the face of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neuromodulation apparatus and methods of using the neuromodulation apparatus for treating bladder dysfunction.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide stimulation of peripheral targets such as targets in the lower limbs. Electrode arrays realized in circumferential or longitudinal embodiments have pads with horizontal and/or vertical offsets. Electrode array geometries are customizable and adaptable to individual users and treatment of different disorders. Novel systems of customization include software and hardware implemented solutions. A single device can provide treatment of two or more disorders or unwanted states using selected electrode geometries and stimulation protocols. Systems and methods for assessment of candidate stimulation sites and protocols use subjective or objective measures or both to determine which meet stimulation success criteria. Simulation is provided using transcutaneous, percutaneous, or implantable stimulators. A main advantage is the improved treatment of pelvic floor disorders, and especially overactive bladder (OAB).

Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.

Abstract: A topical nerve stimulator patch and system are provided comprising a dermal patch; an electrical signal generator associated with the patch; a signal receiver to activate the electrical signal generator; a power source for the electrical signal generator associated with the patch and an electrical signal activation device.

Abstract: A system for treatment of biological tissues is provided. The system can deliver electric pulses to a targeted region within a biological tissue. The system includes an antenna assembly and a lens. The antenna assembly is configured to generate and direct electromagnetic radiation. The lens is configured to be positioned between a surface of the biological tissue and the antenna assembly. The lens can have a plurality of lossy portions. The lens can be configured to be adjustable to create a patient-specific desired electric field distribution by selective positioning of the plurality of lossy portions within the lens.

Abstract: Methods for electrically stimulating body tissues to improve function or reduce symptoms provide an electrical stimulation system having two or more electrodes that are capable of being switched independently from a hyperpolarizing (depolarizing) state to a hypopolarizing state. Multiple combinations of hyperpolarizing electrodes and hypopolarizing electrodes are created by polarity switching to determine a polarity configuration having the best performance as determined by symptom reporting and clinical diagnostic tests. Polarity switching is triggered manually or is programmed to be switched automatically. Determining the configuration providing electrical stimulation resulting in the greatest benefit allows the system to be operated with one or more electrodes in a hypopolarizing state, thereby reducing energy requirements, tissue tolerance, and tissue fatigue.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to movement disorders and, in particular, to a method of treating movement disorders, including Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract: A method, including the action of operating a sense prosthesis, such as a retinal implant, according to a first operating regime while the recipient has a first fatigue level, and operating the sense prosthesis according to a second operating regime while the recipient has a second fatigue level that is greater than the first fatigue level.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to methods, devices and systems for neurological regulation. The methods, devices and systems described herein are useful, for example, in the treatment of conditions of the bladder such as overactive bladder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and related conditions. One embodiment provides a method comprising measuring electrical activity of the heart using electrodes arranged on the heart surface to define an area for detecting aberrant electrical activity (AEA) and then using the measured electrical activity (MEA) to detect foci of AEA causing AF. A pacing signal may then be sent to the foci to prevent AF onset. Atrial wall motion characteristics (WMC) may be sensed using an accelerometer placed on the heart and used with MEA to detect AF. The WMC may be used to monitor effectiveness of the pacing signal in preventing AF and/or returning the heart to normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Also, upon AF detection, a cardioversion signal may be sent to the atria using the electrodes to depolarize an atrial area causing AF and return the heart to NSR.

Abstract: The present application relates to stacked piezoelectric composites comprising piezoelectric structures. Suitably, the composites are useful as tissue-stimulating implants, including spinal fusion implants. The present application also relates to methods of making stacked piezoelectric composites.

Abstract: A medical device for stimulating the heart using biventricular stimulation. The device includes a sensor for detecting an endocardial acceleration parameter and a processing circuit configured to receive the endocardial acceleration parameter. The device further includes stimulation electronics coupled to the processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to use the EA parameter to evaluate the biventricular stimulation. The evaluation includes comparing the value of the EA parameter in biventricular mode to the value of the EA parameter in left only mode or right only mode, and using the comparison and an assessment of the variability of the EA parameter as a function of the AVD in the left or right mode to distinguish between cases comprising: (a) normal operation, (b) a loss of RV or LV capture, (c) possible anodal stimulation. The processing circuit is further configured to conduct at least one update to operational parameters of the device based on the determined case.

Abstract: An external unit for an implantable neuro stimulator system and a method of operating the same, comprising an external coil inductively couplable to an implant coil of an implantable neural stimulator unit when in close proximity to each other. An RF-signal generating module for generating and outputting an RF-signal to the coil for inductive power and/or data transfer to the implantable neural stimulator unit, a measurement unit connected to the coil for measurement of an electrical parameter at the coil and a controller connected to the measurement unit and comprising a comparator and a storage for storing the electrical parameter.

Abstract: A wearable medical system includes a support structure with one or more electrodes in an unbiased state. A monitoring device monitors, for the long term, a blood-related parameter of the person. When a value of the monitored parameter reaches a threshold, such as when the person is having an actionable episode, the one or more electrodes become mechanically biased against the person's body, for making good electrical contact. As such, the one or more electrodes of the wearable medical system can be worn loosely for the long term, without making good electrical contact. This can reduce the person's aversion to wearing the medical system.

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device capable of delivering therapy to a patient includes at least one response mechanism having a state capable of being activated by one response button; a controller operatively connected with the at least one response mechanism, the controller including at least one processor coupled with a memory; and a therapy manager component executable by the controller and configured to detect a physiological parameter having a value indicative of a health disorder of the patient, notify the patient of impending therapy delivery in response to the detection of the physiological parameter, monitor the state of each at least one response mechanism within at least one predetermined time period, and delay therapy delivery to the patient in response to detection of a change in the state in a single response mechanism of the at least one response mechanism within the at least one predetermined time period.

Abstract: An improved self-testing method is described which is incorporated into a defibrillator. 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: Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. In some embodiments, the implantable devices can include power management schemes that have one or more AC-DC conversion chains arranged and configured to rectify the induced alternating current or voltage into one or more energy domains. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: The current invention relates to novel methods and reagents to treat cancer using magnetic particle. The method comprises giving patient magnetic particle in combination with TLR agonist type composition and optionally later followed by immune check point inhibitor treatment at therapeutical effective amount. The magnetic particle and TLR agonist type composition is given by intratumoural injection.

Abstract: This patent application describes a novel delivery system utilizing multiple natural therapeutic modalities featuring low-level laser light, clean enriched air with aromatic healing fragrances, and anti-inflammatory natural grounding currents from the surface of the earth, placed in omnipresent consumer devices, which conveniently bring these therapeutic modalities into close, frequent, and effective proximity to the consumer on a practical, economic, and safe platform that is independent of a doctor's office. This delivery system virtually brings nature at its therapeutic best into the comfort and convenience of the home and office where modern man virtually spends most of his existence.

Abstract: Phototherapy systems comprising a therapeutic lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDs disposed in a holdable spot applicator assembly, the holdable spot applicator assembly including a reflective surface facing towards a patient and a plurality of LEDs for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to a user. The lamps and associated circuitry are housed within a holdable elongated structure.

Abstract: A skin treatment system (1) is provided comprising a treatment device (10) to treat a treatment region (TR) of a mammal body (B) by physically acting upon the body in said treatment region. The skin treatment system further comprises a camera (20) to capture at least one image of skin of the mammal body, said image having an imaging region (IR), and to provide captured image data (Id) representative of the at least one captured image. The imaging region (IR) has a predefined spatial relationship with the treatment region. The skin treatment system (1) further comprises a storage facility (30) for storing reference image data (Ir) indicative of a reference image of the skin of the mammal body (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phototherapy system comprising an LED carrier (10) for being arranged on or under a subject (100), a set (12; 24, 26; 36) of LEDs (13; 23, 25; 33, 35), wherein at least a first subset (12; 24; 34) of LEDs (13; 23; 33) of said set is arranged in or at the LED carrier (10), a control unit (15) for controlling one or more LEDs (13; 23; 33) of said first subset (12; 24; 34) to switch between an emission mode, in which an LED emits electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the subject, and a detection mode, in which an LED generates a detection signal in dependence on the electromagnetic radiation incident on the LED, and a position determination unit (16) for determining the position of a subject with respect to the LED carrier based on the detection signals of one or more LEDs (13; 23; 33) of said first subset (12; 24; 34) in the detection mode, wherein the control unit (15) is configured to control one or more LEDs (13; 23, 25; 33, 35) to switch into the emission mode base

Abstract: Brachytherapy applicator systems and methods of use such as methods of introducing radiation to a target using the brachytherapy applicator systems. The systems may feature a cannula attached to a handle, wherein the cannula has a distal portion connected to a proximal portion. A holder may be disposed at the tip of the distal portion for holding a radionuclide brachytherapy source (RBS). The RBS may be pre-loaded or loaded into the cannula at the time of treatment (or at an appropriate time prior to treatment).

Abstract: Solutions are provided herein that specifically accounts for biological effects of tissue during radiation planning (such as treatment planning). In one or more embodiments, the biological effects may be calculated by accessing a knowledge base to determine reference data comprising at least one biological characteristic corresponding to the at least one organ, predicting a biological effect for the plurality of identified structures based on the biological characteristic corresponding to the at least one organ, and generating or modifying a radiation plan based on the biological effect. By incorporating biological data and fraction dose information, dose-estimation models can be created and trained to more accurately estimate dose absorption and effectiveness. Moreover, existing estimation models may be adapted to create dose estimations that account for the biological efficiency of target structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for the monitoring of patient motion via the detection of changes in capacitance, as measured using a capacitance position sensing electrode array. The changes in capacitance may be processed to determine a corresponding positional offset, for example, using a calibration data set relating capacitance to offset for each electrode of the array. The detected positional offset may be employed to provide feedback to a surgeon or operator of a medical device, or directly to the medical device for the control thereof. A medical procedure may be interrupted when the positional offset is detected to exceed a threshold. Alternatively, the detected positional offset may be employed to manually or automatically reconfigure a medical device to compensate for the detected change in position. Various configurations of capacitive position sensing devices are disclosed, including embodiment in incorporating capacitive sensing electrodes with a mask or other support structure.

Abstract: Methods and system for facilitating rapid radiation treatments are provided herein and relate in particular to radiation generation and delivery, beam control, treatment planning, imaging and dose verification. The methods and systems described herein are particularly advantageous when used with a compact high-gradient, very high energy electron (VHEE) accelerator and delivery system (and related processes) capable of treating patients from multiple beam directions with great speed, using all-electromagnetic or radiofrequency deflection steering is provided, that can deliver an entire dose or fraction of high-dose radiation therapy sufficiently fast to freeze physiologic motion, yet with a better degree of dose conformity or sculpting than conventional photon therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating cancer and for preventing metastasis using low intensity focused ultrasound in combination with an anti-cancer therapy are disclosed.

Abstract: A personal escape device includes a main housing, a shaft, a magnet housing, and a plurality of magnets. The shaft is rotatably coupled with the main housing and is rotatable about a rotational axis. The magnet housing is positioned in the main housing and is coupled with the shaft such that the magnet housing rotates together with the shaft. The plurality of magnets is coupled with the magnet housing such that the plurality of magnets rotates together with the magnet housing. The stator assembly is coupled with the main housing and surrounds the magnet housing. The stator assembly and the magnet housing are radially spaced from each other to define an air gap therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to an abseiling device comprising a bidirectionally rotatable guiding arrangement (25) for guiding a pulling means (26); further comprising a braking mechanism (30) that is coupled to the guiding arrangement (25); a driving means (34; 35) can be connected to the guiding arrangement (25) so as to actuate the guiding arrangement (25). In order to create an abseiling device that prevents an individual from being injured or parts of the abseiling device from being damaged during rescue operations in particular of people, a mechanical torque limiter (33) decouples the driving means (34; 35) and the guiding arrangement (25) or the pulling means (26) when the torque exceeds a certain threshold value.

Abstract: This invention offers a fully protective cowl neck garment with various fasteners designed to attach additional protective gear, such as gloves and shoe coverings. Additionally, a temperature sensor shield is located on the hat and protective mask. This allows the clients or patients the ability to see and to monitor the temperature of their caregivers. The caregiver's temperature is visible on the hat, as well as the face mask. This makes the caregivers accountable to their clients or patients, as well as their colleagues and coworkers. This invention eliminates the worry of contact with infectious diseases or dangerous liquids, by utilizing elastic manual ties and hook-and-loop fasteners to ensure the garment is secured fully on a user's body. Overall, this invention ensures medical professionals, firemen, emergency medical personnel, government workers, and so forth, are protected fully from contagious and infectious diseases, liquids, and so forth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory protection hood which comprises a sealed flexible shell including a pressurized oxygen vessel provided with a calibrated output opening leading into the inside space of the flexible shell and a device for trapping at least one portion of the carbon dioxide exhaled by the user, comprising a cartridge for adsorbing carbon dioxide with a radial structure comprising a tubular body extending in a longitudinal direction and covering a volume of material which absorbs carbon dioxide, said structure of the cartridge comprising a perforated tube arranged around the volume of absorbent material and extending in the longitudinal direction to allow the transit of air to be purified radially in the volume of absorbent material, at least one portion of the perforated tube being arranged around the volume of absorbent material in direct communication with the inside space of the hood.

Abstract: A mask or shield comprising a flow of positive pressure air directed through substantially opposing jets that creates a stream of laminar flow filtered air to create a turbulent air pocket therein for supplying filtered breathing air to a wearer's face and to exclude outside unpurified air. Also a mask or shield comprising a flow of positive pressure air directed via a powered impeller unit that is configured to distribute positively pressurised filtered breathable air inside the face mask in a substantially 360° plane or arc substantially parallel to the internal surface of the face mask and to exclude external unpurified air. The mask is separated from and does not form a seal around a wearer's face unless required such as in a deadly environment or malfunction.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be configured for fire suppression and ignition. In some examples, the UAV includes an aerial propulsion system, an ignition system, and a control system. The ignition system includes a container of delayed-ignition balls and a dropper configured, by virtue of one or more motors, to actuate and drop the delayed-ignition balls. The control system is configured to cause the UAV to fly to a site of a prescribed burn and, while flying over the site of the prescribed burn, actuate one or more of the delayed-ignition balls. After actuating the one or more delayed-ignition balls, the UAV drops the actuated one or more delayed-ignition balls from the UAV onto the site of the prescribed burn.