Abstract: A deflectable catheter shaft section is disclosed comprising an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of lumens extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, wherein at least one of the lumens is abutting at least another one of the lumens. A catheter comprising the deflectable catheter shaft section and a method of manufacturing the deflectable catheter shaft section are also disclosed. A catheter incorporating a deflectable catheter shaft section can further comprise first and second compression coils disposed over pull wires located within the catheter, wherein the compression coils are unattached to the catheter or components thereof, but can be constrained by a shaft coupler at a distal end of each of the compression coils and by at least a portion of a handle assembly at a proximal end of each of the compression coils.

Abstract: A stabilization device configured to stabilize an access device when a distal end portion of the access device is inserted through a target location of a patient. The stabilization device includes a coupling surface, a proximal surface, and a base surface. The coupling surface is configured to be placed in contact with an adapter coupled to a proximal end portion of the access device. The proximal surface forms at least one angle and is configured to facilitate securement of the stabilization device to the target location. The base surface forms a contoured portion configured to be placed in contact with the target location and a recessed portion configured to be spaced apart from the target location. The stabilization device is configured to be secured to the target location such that the adapter is retained in a fixed position relative to the coupling surface and the access device is stabilized.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system includes an anchor sleeve and a catheter (or other medical instrument) to advance though a working channel of the anchor sleeve. The anchor sleeve may have a subcutaneous cuff device arranged along an outer surface. In such circumstances, the embedded cuff device can inhibit the migration of infection from outside the skin and into the blood stream.

Abstract: The present invention is a simple-to-use IV placement assist device with an added safety feature. A catheter advancer is slidably integrated with a base to guide advancement of a catheter linearly along the insertion path of the needle and catheter. A safety feature is engaged by a movable component moving from a first position to a second position, such movable enabling relative movement between the base and catheter advancer and/or catheter assembly, rotation of the needle about its length axis, and/or minor advancement of the catheter assembly to sheath the tip of the needle. The IV placement assist device stabilizes and guides the critical needle insertion and catheter advancement steps of a complication-prone and very common procedure.

Abstract: A needle-injection catheter includes a catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end, a stiff proximal portion, a flexible distal portion, and a delivery lumen extending therethrough. In a first embodiment, a straight injection needle extends coaxially from a distal tip of the flexible portion of the catheter body, and a plurality of penetration limiting elements positioned circumferentially about a base of the straight injection needle and configured to fold radially inwardly against a shaft of the needle when constrained in a tubular lumen and to extend radially outwardly when unconstrained. In a second embodiment, a helical needle extends from the distal tip of the flexible portion of the catheter body. The helical needle has at least one helical delivery lumen connected to receive an injectable substance from the delivery lumen of the catheter body.

Abstract: An introducer sheath device and method of use and removal for removing the introducer sheath device without having to remove a placed medical or surgical device are disclosed herein. The introducer sheath device includes an inner shaft, an outer shaft, a hub comprising a first hub portion, a second hub portion, a first thumb tab, a second thumb tab, a valve, and a tip portion.

Abstract: A guidewire-guiding device, and guidewire-guiding assembly. The device comprises a main guidewire channel and guidewire-guiding channels are respectively arranged in the guiding body. The main guidewire channel and the guidewire-guiding channels respectively pass through the guiding body along axial direction, and in-vivo end openings of the guidewire-guiding channels and the in-vivo end opening of the main guidewire channel are arranged along the axial direction at intervals. The guiding body may be imbedded into a vessel in-vivo via the main guidewire penetrating through the main guidewire channel, and as the in-vivo end openings of the guidewire-guiding channels are arranged along the axial direction at intervals, the to-be-guided guidewires enter the guidewire-guiding channels while being staggered to the main guidewire on the axial direction, therefore the problem of tanglement of the main guidewire the branch guidewires and other kinds of guidewires may be avoided.

Abstract: Methods and devices described for improved catheters including those having a deflectable section to allow for expansion while maintaining flow through a vessel.

Abstract: Devices for the isolation of a selected portion of a vessel are described. In some embodiments, the device comprises an introducer sheath and a sealing catheter that are movable relative to each other to create an isolated volume with adjustable size and location. The methods for the treatment of vascular aneurysms using the devices are described. The treatment is achieved through the delivery of an effective amount of stabilization agent to an isolated volume that encompass the aneurysm. The device optionally has an aspiration means to improve the effectiveness of the treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device, system, and method for making a bioresorbable intraluminal support device. The intraluminal support device may be introduced to a body lumen of a patient as a prepolymeric substance, and may be polymerized to form the solid device in vivo. The polymerization may be via irradiation, such as ultraviolet irradiation. Methods of treating a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical balloon (10) is made radiographic, such as by incorporating a radiopaque foil (36) or film layer (35). The radiopaque foil or film layer may be placed between an inner layer (30) and an outer layer (32) of a non-compliant balloon wall. The foil or film may provide the balloon with a radiographic quality from a first end to a second end in the absence of an inflation fluid. The balloon may be provided with the foil or film in a manner that provides a first section, such as the barrel (16), with a first radiographic quality, and a second section, such as the cone (18, 20), with a second radiographic quality. The film may also be applied as a decal or applique to the external surface of a balloon-shaped body. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for clearing a blockage from a lumen of a patient, such as an impacted food bolus, can include a catheter that includes a distal end for insertion into the lumen of the patient. The catheter further includes a proximal end for coupling with a suction source at a position external to the patient. The catheter further includes a lumen extending through the proximal and distal ends. The system can include a cutting tip for cutting a morsel from the bolus as suction is applied to the bolus via the lumen of the catheter. The system can also include a positioning element that transitions from an undeployed state to a deployed state, which is expanded relative to the undeployed state. The positioning element can contact the esophagus to space the cutting tip from the esophagus when in the deployed state.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein include an implantable body lumen fluid flow modulator including an upstream flow accelerator separated by a gap from a downstream flow decelerator. The gap is a pathway to entrain additional fluid from a branch lumen(s) into the fluid stream flowing from the upstream flow accelerator to the downstream flow decelerator.

Abstract: A dilation device for an intra-body lumen, for example, a urethra partially occluded by an enlarged prostate in the form of a resilient curved body configured to be implanted in a cut around the lumen, and a method for dilating such a lumen by implanting a dilation device in a cut around the outside of the lumen. Also, a deployment system including a delivery device for the implant, and a device for dilating the lumen before and while the cut is being made, and a method of using the implant and the deployment system. The implant may be formed of a strip or a coiled wire. The cut may be performed in part by the implant. The cut may be performed by a sharp edge, and/or by application of electrical current to the area being cut, or by a piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with organism medical treatment are described. In one embodiment, a system can comprise a collection component configured to receive a medical control instruction. The medical control instruction can be based, at least in part, on an organism medical information set for an organism. The system can further comprise a regulation component configured to control administration of a treatment to the organism. The regulation component can control the administration of the treatment to the organism based, at least in part, on the medical control instruction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are water-soluble microneedle spicules for scrubs and a non-aqueous cosmetic composition containing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to water-soluble microneedle spicules for scrubs, which are in the shape of a triangular pyramid or sexangular pyramid and characterized in that at least any one among the interior angles of the pyramid base of the spicules for scrubs is 90 degrees or less; and a non-aqueous cosmetic composition containing the same.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to solve problems of microneedles produced by conventional methods, and provide a microneedle with improved penetrability and shape retainability. A conical microneedle (10) includes a tip part (2) containing a drug and biodegradable polymer, and a base part (4) that does not contain drug, a tip (1) side is formed as a tip-reinforced region (6), a base (3) side adjacent to the tip-reinforced region with or without coating to the tip art of the microneedle(6) is formed as a non-reinforced region (7), and a hardness of the tip-reinforced region (6) is higher than the hardness of the non-reinforced region (7). A microneedle patch including the microneedle (10) according to the present invention can reduce pressing strength on application to a patient, and alleviate pain and fear to the patient.

Abstract: Embodiment provided herein are directed to microneedle patches for agent application on a mammal skin. The microneedle patch may comprise a patch scaffold having a surface, and a plurality of microneedles disposed on the surface. Each of the microneedles may be capable of piercing the skin 50 ?m to 1000 ?m deep, and comprises a composite material comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and one or more additional copolymers selected from the group consisting of maltose, leucine, and dileucine.

Abstract: A plurality of projections in a transdermal administration device each include a columnar portion extending from a first surface of a substrate, and a tapered portion extending from a top of the columnar portion. A maximum angle of an apex of the tapered portion viewed in a direction parallel with the first surface is in a range of 10° or more and 30° or less, a ratio of a length from a proximal end to a distal end of the tapered portion to a length from a proximal end to a distal end of the projection as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface is in a range of 0.45 or more and 0.75 or less, and a pitch (distance between centers of closest projections), viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface is in a range of 50 ?m or more and 350 ?m or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wound dressing tubing connector, comprising a first unit and a second unit which are releasably connectable and which when connected form a fluid path through the connector, wherein the first unit comprises an inlet and an outlet and wherein the second unit comprises an inlet and an outlet, in which the outlet of the first unit and the inlet of the second unit when connected together define the fluid path, and wherein the first unit and the second unit are connectable to form an air and fluid tight seal and wherein the first unit and/or the second unit comprises a pressure regulator valve in fluid communication with the fluid path. Also provided are systems, kits and methods of treatment.

Abstract: A connector for transferring fluid, the connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port which may be fluidly coupled together at an internal chamber with a first valve element therein controlling fluid flow through the second port. The connector can have ribs extending along the connector to provide a fluid path around the valve element and between the first port and the second port. The valve element can separate the internal chamber into an air chamber and a liquid chamber, and the third port can be continuously coupled to the liquid chamber regardless of a position of the valve element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device, wherein the device comprises a skin patch, configured to attach to the skin surface of the perineum of a subject suffering from premature ejaculation, wherein the skin patch contains electrodes configured to deliver electrical impulses transcutaneously to the bulbcavernosus muscle of the subject, wherein the transcutaneously delivered electrical impulses are configured to treat premature ejaculation.

Abstract: A surgical tool including first connecting elements, contacting elements, and conductive elements. The contacting elements are configured to contact nerve tissue of a patient. The conductive elements extend from the connecting elements to the contacting elements. The conductive elements have respective insulative outer layers. The insulative outer layers isolate the conductive elements from each other. The first connecting elements are configured to connect to and receive monophasic stimulation pulses from second connecting elements on a modular stimulation module. The modular stimulation module is configured to connect to the tool and other tools via the second connecting elements. The conductive elements are configured to transfer the monophasic stimulation pulses from the connecting elements to the contacting elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are a neural electrode and a method of manufacturing the electrode, more particularly, a neural electrode includes a porous nanostructure; and an iridium oxide layer formed on the porous nanostructure and a method of manufacturing the neural electrode, improving an electrode efficiency by increasing a charge injection limit capacity and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides electrode apparatus for non-invasively applying electrical stimulation to a body portion of a human subject by way of a skin interface, the electrode apparatus comprising: an electrode module having: an end for defining an electrolyte application region between the electrode module and the skin interface; and a plurality of electrodes which are electrically couplable or electrically coupled to the skin interface by way of an electrolyte in the said electrolyte application region, the electrodes being spaced apart from each other; and a controller in communication with the electrodes, the controller being configured to individually adjust electrical signals across or between each of the said electrodes and each of one or more pairing electrodes.

Abstract: Architectures for implantable stimulators having N electrodes are disclosed. The architectures contains X current sources, or DACs. In a single anode/multiple cathode design, one of the electrodes is designated as the anode, and up to X of the electrodes can be designated as cathodes and independently controlled by one of the X DACs, allowing complex patient therapy and current steering between electrodes. The design uses at least X decoupling capacitors: X capacitors in the X cathode paths, or one in the anode path and X?1 in the X cathode paths. In a multiple anode/multiple cathode design having X DACs, a total of X?1 decoupling capacitors are needed. Because the number of DACs X can typically be much less than the total number of electrodes (N), these architectures minimize the number of decoupling capacitors which saves space, and ensures no DC current injection even during current steering.

Abstract: A three-dimensional neural probe electrode array system is described. Planar probes are microfabricated and electrically connected to flexible micro-machined ribbon cables using a rivet bonding technique. The distal end of each cable is connected to a probe with the proximal end of the cable being customized for connection to a printed circuit board. Final assembly consists of combining multiple such assemblies into a single structure. Each of the two-dimensional neural probe arrays is positioned into a micro-machined platform that provides mechanical support and alignment for each array. Lastly, a micro-machined cap is placed on top of each neural electrode probe and cable assembly to protect them from damage during shipping and subsequent use. The cap provides a relatively planar surface for attachment of a computer controlled inserter for precise insertion into the tissue.

Abstract: A device is described that includes a neural interface and a lead body. The lead body and the neural interface are formed from a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit includes an exposed electrode. The lead body includes an elongate planar strand that is coiled about a central axis of the lead body. The elongate planar strand includes a conductive trace extending between the exposed electrode and a distal end of the elongate planar strand.

Abstract: A neural probe comprising an array of stimulation and/or recording electrodes supported on a tape spring-type carrier is described. The neural probe comprising the tape spring-type carrier is used to insert flexible electrode arrays straight into tissue, or to insert them off-axis from the initial penetration of a guide tube. Importantly, the neural probe is not rigid, but has a degree of stiffness provided by the tape spring-type carrier that maintains a desired trajectory into body tissue, but will subsequently allow the probe to flex and move in unison with movement of the body tissue.

Abstract: A disposable implant that may be positioned inside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. The implant may be secured in place using a biodegradable glue or biodegradable suture and is naturally expelled from the body with bowel movement after a certain period of time. In one embodiment, GI implant comprises a coil that receives power from, and sends the recorded physiological information to, an external device through wireless inductive coupling.

Abstract: In methods and devices for treating a body canal or cavity, an internal applicator has an insertable part or section for insertion into the body canal or cavity (e.g. vagina or anal canal) and non-insertable part which may be detachable from a handle or second part of the device. The insertable part may include a plurality of energy delivery elements, optionally spaced apart in an array. During treatment the insertable part is positioned into or onto the body canal or cavity. The treatment may then proceed without additional movement of the insertable part. The energy delivery elements may be activated in predetermined order.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in a user, the apparatus comprising: a stimulator for electrically stimulating at least one nerve with at least one stimulation pulse; a controller connected to the stimulator for controlling at least one characteristic of the at least one stimulation pulse; an analyzer for identifying the current and future presence of pain-altering patterns based on weather and/or environmental factors; and a processor connected to the analyzer and the controller for modulating the at least one characteristic of the at least one stimulation pulse according to the pain-altering patterns identified by the analyzer.

Abstract: A resilient fabric band providing a sensor platform for a wearer in order to sense a plurality of biometric data, the band comprising: a pair of ECG sensors coupled to an interior surface of a body of the band, each of the pair of ECG sensors located on either side of a front to back centerline of the body; a pair of bio impedance sensors coupled to the interior surface of the body of the band, each of the pair of bio impedance sensors located on either side of the front to back centerline; a strain gauge sensor coupled to the body of the band; a computer device mounted on the body of the band via a housing, the computer device including a power source, a computer processor, a memory for storing instructions for execution by the computer processor, and a network interface for transmitting data sensed by the sensors; and a plurality of communication pathways connecting the computer device to each of the sensors, the communication pathway for sending power from the power supply to the sensors as controlled by t

Abstract: The present invention provides in part wearable devices for balance control. The wearable devices are capable of non-invasively monitoring and stimulating the wearer's vestibular system such that it produces postural responses. The wearable devices deliver low levels of electrical current to the vestibular system of a user to maintain balance. In one example, the wearable device is in the form of a pair of glasses.

Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.

Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable device with at least one package that houses electronics that sends and receives data or signals, and optionally power, from an external system through at least one coil attached to the at least one package and processes the data, including recordings of neural activity, and delivers electrical pulses to neural tissue through at least one array of multiple electrodes that is/are attached to the at least one package. The invention, or components thereof, is/are intended to be installed in the head, or on or in the cranium or on the dura, or on or in the brain. Variations of the embodiments depend on the physical locations of the coil(s), package(s) and array(s) with respect to the head, cranium, dura, and brain.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for increasing sensitivity of sensory nerves of a portion of a subject's body. A plurality of electrodes (22) are placed at respective locations upon a surface of the body portion. A computer processor (24) applies sets of electrical stimulation pulses to the respective locations upon the surface, via the electrodes. The computer processor receives respective inputs from the subject, via a user interface (26), each of the inputs corresponding to a respective one of the sets of electrical stimulation pulses, and being indicative of a location at which the subject sensed the set of electrical stimulation pulse as having been applied. In response to the inputs from the subject, the computer processor modulates parameters of the sets of electrical stimulation pulses that are applied to respective locations upon the surface of the body portion. Other applications are also described.

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: Various manners are disclosed in which neurostimulation can be programmed to provide stimulation pulses designed to alter the level of synchronization in a target neural tissue, as is useful in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy for example. Stimulation pulses are issued in pulse packets, with one or more variations added within or between pulse packets, such as variations in pulse width, amplitude, frequency, or shape. Such variations afford greater ability to differentially recruit sub-populations of neural tissue in both space and time. Such pulse packets may be issued from one or more electrodes, which pulse packets may or may not overlap in time.

Abstract: A hybrid connector for connecting a bulk conductor to a planar strand of a flexible circuit is described. The hybrid connector can include a connector body, a first connector end, and a second connector end. The first connector end can be attached to the connector body and can define a first opening having a first cross-sectional shape that corresponds to a first distal end of the strand. The second connector end can be attached to the connector body opposite the first connector end and can define a second opening having a second cross-sectional shape that corresponds to a second distal end of the bulk conductor.

Abstract: The present invention involves approaches for selecting one or more electrode combinations.

Abstract: An external charging system for an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed having a thermal diffuser proximate to the primary charging coil for distributing heat from the primary charging coil. In an example, the primary charging coil is mounted to a first side of a circuit board, and the thermal diffuser is also connected to the first side and in contact with the primary charging coil. In one example, the thermal diffuser is a plastic material, such as an acrylic pad, with a high thermal conductivity and a low electrical conductivity. The thermal diffuser may also contact temperature sensors mounted to the first side of the circuit board.

Abstract: Receiver-stimulator with folded or rolled up assembly of piezoelectric components, causing the receiver-stimulator to operate with a high degree of isotropy are disclosed. The receiver-stimulator comprises piezoelectric components, rectifier circuitry, and at least two stimulation electrodes. Isotropy allows the receiver-stimulator to be implanted with less concern regarding the orientation relative the transmitted acoustic field from an acoustic energy source.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems and methods of programming electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. A communications link is established with a pulse generator that is configured to generate electrical stimulation pulses. An intermittent electrical coupling between the pulse generator and a diagnostic tool is simulated. This simulation is performed by instructing, for a plurality of cycles, the pulse generator to automatically turn on and off the generation of electrical stimulation pulses. Each cycle includes a first time period and a second time period following the first time period. The simulating includes: instructing the pulse generator to generate the electrical stimulation pulses during the first time period; and instructing the pulse generator to stop generating the electrical stimulation pulses during the second time period.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillator heart pump includes an integrated replaceable difibrillator device. The defibrillator heart pump includes a pump head, a percutaneous line/combined drive line, a pair of implanted cardioverter defibrillator electrodes and an outflow prosthesis.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a method and system is provided for generating and distributing heat at a target area of a patient's body for treating lesions, tumors, cancers, body pain and nerve pain. The generated heat and the tissue temperature are monitored in real time. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF) antenna for receiving the RF waves generated from the RF generator. A RF absorber comprising several closed loop circuits and a miniaturized thermometer are implanted inside the body close to the target tissue. A controller/optimizer regulates a frequency and a transmission timing of the RF waves based on the measured target tissue temperature. The thermometer, the RF absorber and the wireless transmitter are placed in a screw. The RF absorber is made of metal with RF absorption rate higher than that of biological tissues. A ultrasound energy is also used to treat the target area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment of a pathology-affected site in a subject, the method comprising providing said site with a net electrical charge for a period of time by subjecting the subject to a flux of ionized gas molecules whereby is provided an electrical current between said site and tissue outside said site.

Abstract: A cost effective new method to help a clinician (Physician) quickly and accurately locate and determine the treatment area for providing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to a patient struggling with a psychiatric illness (i.e.: Depression).