Abstract: Body cavity drainage devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments a body cavity drainage device comprises a drainage tube having a proximal end and a distal end; and an automated means to move the distal end of the drainage tube about a body cavity of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal end of the drainage tube may be moved by one or more of the application of a magnetic field, the insertion or withdrawal of fluid from a closed lumen, and manipulation by an external motion generator. In additional embodiments, a body cavity drainage device includes at least a second open lumen for the insertion of a fluid into a body cavity. In yet further embodiments, an internal tissue may be massaged from within a body cavity of a patient.

Abstract: A shunt includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a flow control mechanism disposed within the housing. A ventricular catheter is connected to the inlet of the housing. The catheter has a longitudinal length, a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The inner lumen of the catheter includes at least two lumens at the distal end and has only one lumen at the proximal end. The catheter has one slit and aperture corresponding to each of the at least two lumens located at the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, and methods for delivery of an implant to a bodily cavity. The implant may include a hub and a plurality of legs, and may be moveable between a low-profile and expanded configuration. The systems may include a crimping device having a crimping member with a plurality of arms. The plurality of arms may engage the plurality of legs of the implant, and may move the legs to move the implant to the low-profile configuration. In some instances a delivery device may aid in crimping and/or delivery of the implant.

Abstract: A therapeutic instrument (20), includes: a support member (25) having a tongue-shaped supporting portion (50) for supporting a sheet-like therapeutic agent; a nozzle member (23) having a cylindrical portion (30) in which the supporting portion (50) supporting the therapeutic agent can be housed, and having an opening (34) through which the supporting portion (50) can be loaded and unloaded in/from a tip of the cylindrical portion (30); a syringe unit (22) that acts a positive pressure in the cylindrical portion (30) for pushing-out the therapeutic agent housed in the cylindrical portion (30) together with the supporting portion (50) to outside the cylindrical portion (30) through the opening (34); and a water flow forming part including a plurality of protrusions (53) formed on a surface of the supporting portion (50) so as to form a water flow at a place where the supporting portion (50) and the therapeutic agent are facing each other, when a medical water is fed into the cylindrical portion (30) in a state

Abstract: A medical system may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate member being movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and a first therapeutic agent configured to treat a condition of the lung.

Abstract: A therapy device for instillation of fluid to a tissue site is described. The therapy device includes a base having a cartridge receptacle and a support coupled to the base to secure the base to a pole. The therapy device also includes a cartridge configured to engage the base when positioned in the cartridge receptacle. The therapy device also includes a pump head disposed within the cartridge receptacle and configured to engage the cartridge for movement of fluid. The cartridge includes a body forming at least a portion of a fluid reservoir and a tube segment coupled to the body and in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The tube segment is configured to engage the pump head.

Abstract: A two-part bioactive agent delivery system, the system including a disposable part comprising an agent reservoir, a bolus chamber, the volume of the bolus chamber being less than the volume of the agent reservoir, an agent outlet, and a valve having a first position communicating the agent reservoir with the bolus chamber and a second position communicating the bolus chamber with the outlet; and a reusable part including a valve driver, a power source and control electronics, the control electronics being adapted to control the valve driver to actuate the valve to deliver bioactive agent from the agent reservoir to the agent outlet; the system further having a spring extending between the agent reservoir piston and a surface of the reusable part or of the disposable part to pressurize the agent reservoir when the spring is compressed and the agent reservoir contains a quantity of bioactive agent.

Abstract: An article having at least one microneedle (160, 260) is provided. The microneedle includes a base (162), an elongated body (161) having a central axis (130) and a body diameter (168), a tip portion (166), and a hollow channel (170). The a tip portion includes a tip (164), a first bevel face (140) oriented diagonally with respect to the central axis and extending through at least 75% of the body diameter, a second bevel face (146) oriented substantially perpendicular to the central axis and intersecting the first bevel face, and a bevel opening defined by a first edge (174) of the first bevel face and a second edge (176) of the second bevel face. The hollow channel extends axially into the body from the bevel opening (172).

Abstract: Provided is a device for surely and easily applying a microneedle patch to a skin. In a case body 2, a pressing member 3 having a tip surface 3a is disposed such that the pressing member is biased in a first direction X1 by a first biasing member. The movement in the first direction X1 is locked by a locking member 7 and a locking part 3g so that the pressing member 3 is brought into a locked state. The locked state is released by pressing a tip of a lock-releasing member 11 against the skin. When the locked state is released, a tip surface 3a of the pressing member 3 is moved in the first direction X1 and the tip surface 3a applies the microneedle patch to the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in skin improvement or repair, including promoting hair growth, comprising the use of microneedles for the transplantation of cells and a method employing the use of same.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery apparatus includes a housing for being fastened to a user, a microneedle assembly for being engaged against the skin of the user, a first force provider for providing a first force for forcing the microneedle assembly outwardly from the housing and against the skin, a reservoir movably carried by the housing for containing the fluid and for being in fluid communication with the microneedle assembly, and a second force provider for providing a second force for causing at least some of the fluid to flow from the reservoir to the microneedle assembly after the reservoir has moved into fluid communication with the microneedle assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device for transversely manipulating drug delivery carriers includes a driving unit and a transducer. The transducer is electrically connected to the driving unit and has a piezoelectric sheet in a curved shape. The piezoelectric sheet includes a plurality of channels, and a phase difference is generated between every two of the channels by the driving unit for producing an acoustic vortex.

Abstract: A connector includes a connector main body having a flow path, an insertion body having a tip serving as a connection opening for the flow path, a valve body formed of an elastic body and arranged on the tip of the insertion body to block the connection opening, and a cap which holds the valve body together with the insertion body. The valve body includes a valve main body having slits, an inner projection formed in an annular shape having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion body and projecting from a bottom face of the valve main body, and a pair of outer projections arranged point-symmetrically to each other with respect to the axis of the inner projection, each of the pair of outer projections projecting from the bottom face on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the inner projection and being arranged on the inner side of the insertion body.

Abstract: A collapsible valve comprising a first portion with at least one dimple in a side thereof, and a second portion, the second portion being narrower than the first portion and arranged along an axial dimension of the first portion, the second portion including a cut therein.

Abstract: An electrical discharge irrigation device includes a power source to produce power of a first voltage, a circuit coupled to the power source to convert the power of the first voltage to power of a second voltage where the second voltage is higher than the first voltage, a trigger to activate the circuit, an igniter coupled to the circuit to produce a spike, an electrical charge storage component coupled to the igniter the electrical charge storage component becoming conductive and storing an electrical charge after receiving the spike, and an output tip. The output tip includes an electrode and insulating material as an outer layer.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a garment system including at least one sensor and at least one actuator that operates responsive to sensing feedback from the at least one sensor to cause a flexible compression garment to selectively constrict or selectively dilate, thereby compressing or relieving compression against at least one body part of a subject. Such selective constriction or dilation can improve muscle functioning or joint functioning during use of motion-conducive equipment, such as an exercise bike or rowing machine.

Abstract: A defibrillation pad for a defibrillator, includes: a pair of electrode pads (10) each including a gel portion (12); lead wires (21, 22); a pair of nonconductive release liners (30A, 30B) each detachably stuck to the corresponding gel portion (12) and each having a through hole (32A, 32B) opposed to the corresponding gel portion; and a connecting member (40) comprising an electric connecting pattern (41) having a predetermined electrical resistance, wherein the pair of gel portions (12), each of which is exposed from the corresponding through hole (32A, 32B), are electrically connected to each other through the electric connecting pattern (41) in a state where each of the pair of release liners (30A, 30B) are stuck to the corresponding gel portion. The connecting member (40) has a cut region (45) by which the pair of gel portions are electrically disconnected to each other when the pair of electrode pads are stuck to a living body.

Abstract: An implantable electrode for electrical stimulation of a body, for example, being a component of an implantable medical electrical lead, is preferably in the form of a coiled conductor wire, wherein the wire is formed by a tantalum (Ta) core directly overlaid with a platinum-iridium (Pt—Ir) cladding. When a maximum thickness of the Pt—Ir cladding defines a cladded zone between an outer, exposed surface of the electrode and the Ta core, a surface of the Ta core encroaches into the cladded zone by no more than approximately 50 micro-inches. The tantalum core may be cold worked to improve surface quality or formed from a sintered and, preferably, grain stabilized tantalum.

Abstract: An active skull replacement system including an implant having an area A, an upper surface, and a bottom surface, adapted to be implanted at least in part into a skull of a subject so to substitute a portion of the skull, the bottom surface arranged to face at least in part a cranial cavity, and having a first wireless bidirectional data communication device, a device operably connected to the bottom surface of the implant, the device adapted to at least one of stimulate a physiological response and record a physiological parameter of the subject, and an external reader adapted to be placed on the scalp of the subject and including a second wireless bidirectional data communication device configured to communicate with the first wireless bidirectional data communication device of the implant to operate the device, wherein the external reader and the implant are fixed and aligned among each other through a magnetic device.

Abstract: A burr hole plug includes a first plug base defining a burr hole aperture and including first grooves; a second plug base to be disposed around the first plug base and including second grooves to receive a portion of an electrical stimulation lead; a cover to be disposed on the second plug base; a cap to be disposed over the burr hole aperture and coupled to the first plug base; and an extension coupled to, and extending away from, the cover. The extension includes conductors and the second plug base and the cover include conductive elements to electrically couple the terminals of the electrical stimulation lead, when disposed in the second grooves, to the conductors of the extension. An alternative burr hole plug includes a lead connector disposed on the cap and having a connector aperture to receive the proximal end of the electrical stimulation lead.

Abstract: Electrical sensing/stimulation apparatuses for positioning at least one electrode within body tissue are provided. An electrical sensing/stimulation apparatus may comprise an elongate lead body having at least one internal lumen, at least one sensing/stimulation electrode, a deployable/retractable displacement member that moves or biases at least one electrode towards a prescribed direction by the user, a tissue attachment mechanism for affixing the distal segment of the device to body tissue, and an atraumatic distal lead body termination. In a retracted configuration, the attachment mechanism is positioned substantially within the distal segment of the lead body, and in the deployed configuration, the attachment mechanism extends from the axis of the lead body to engage body tissue.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment system that can form part of a cochlear implant system. The magnetic alignment system prevents substantial movement of a magnet of an implanted component during an MRI procedure or allows for easy removal of the magnet to facilitate the MRI procedure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method of determining muscle efficiency and inefficiency in a patient or subject and being able to quantitatively determine measurements that communicate between practitioners the condition, the health, and the efficiency state of any muscle. The efficiency of a muscle is defined by the ability of the brain to bridge a proper communication to the muscle by sending normal action potentials; the bridge is often compromised during injury, improper training, or from poor habits of bodily movement. The standardization of these efficiencies allows for the isolation of particular areas of the muscles that are inefficient and efficient. Further, with varied application of electrical pulses, a bridge that mimics the natural action potential is provided and can enhance muscle efficiency in a way that achieves higher levels of success in bodily healing and physical training than in any prior art.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering an electropermeabilizing pulse of electric energy to a tissue surface to enable delivery into cells in the tissue therapeutic substances. The device incorporates a source capable of generating a sufficient voltage potential to deliver a spark across a gap and delivers same to the tissue surface.

Abstract: Transcutaneous electrical and magnetic nerve stimulation devices and methods of treating lower urinary tract disorders deliver energy noninvasively to nerves within a patient. The disorders comprise overactive bladder, urge incontinence, stress incontinence, urge frequency, non-obstructive urinary retention and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. For example, a posterior tibial nerve of a patient is stimulated non-invasively. Protocol parameters are selected for a nerve stimulation session for treating each individual patient, where modules of the bladder of the patient are represented as coupled non-linear oscillators.

Abstract: A method for implanting a stimulator for genital nerves stimulation, including approaching the genital nerves of a patient, defined as the dorsal nerve of the penis/clitoris (DNP), the cavernous nerve (CN) or both the DNP and CN, ventrally by way of the retropubic space to implant a stimulator to contact the genital nerves in this location; and controlling the stimulator to influence at least one of the genital nerves.

Abstract: A biological signal display apparatus includes: a stimulation unit which performs stimulation on a living body; a measurement unit which measures an evoked response evoked by the stimulation; a calculator which calculates a feature amount of the evoked response; a display unit; and a display controller which, based on the feature amount calculated by the calculator, displays a bar-shaped image on the display unit, each time when the stimulation is performed, the bar-shaped image corresponding with the evoked response on the display unit.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrical noninvasive stimulation of a vagus nerve. The system comprises a handheld stimulator that is applied to the surface of the patient's neck, wherein the stimulator comprises or is joined to a smartphone. A camera of the smartphone may be used to position and reposition the stimulator to a particular location on the patient's neck. The system may also comprise a base station that is used to meter the charging of a rechargeable battery within the stimulator. The base station and stimulator transmit data to one another regarding the status of a stimulation session.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in a vagus nerve, that modulate the activity of a patient's locus ceruleus. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers to cause the locus ceruleus to release norepinephrine into regions of the brain that contain beta-amyloids. The norepinephrine counteracts neuroinflammation that would damage neurons in those regions and the locus ceruleus, thereby arresting or slowing the progression of the disease in the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for administering spinal cord stimulation (SCS) based on temporal patterns of electrical stimulation are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes using a computational model of a wide-dynamic range (WDR) neuron to determine one or more non-regular temporal patterns that results in predetermined WDR neuronal output and stimulation activity for one of efficacy optimization and efficiency optimization. The method also includes administering to a subject spinal cord stimulation based on the determined one or more of the non-regular temporal patterns.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of a variety of medical conditions by directly neuromodulating a target anatomy associated with the condition while minimizing or excluding undesired neuromodulation of other anatomies. Typically, the target anatomy includes one or more dorsal root ganglia, dorsal roots, dorsal root entry zones, or portions thereof. Such target stimulation areas are utilized due in part to their effect on the sympathetic nervous system.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system comprises at least one neurostimulation lead configured for being implanted within tissue. The neurostimulation lead(s) carries a plurality of electrodes capable of being arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. The neurostimulation system further comprises a neurostimulator configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to the electrodes to create a volume of activation, and an external control device including a current steering direction control element capable of being rotated about an axis. The external control device is configured for prompting the neurostimulator to deliver the electrical stimulation energy to the electrodes in a manner that gradually translates the volume of activation in a specific direction, and for defining the specific direction in which the volume of activation is translated in response to rotation of the direction control element about the axis.

Abstract: In some examples, an implantable medical device determines that another medical device delivered an anti-tachyarrhythmia shock, and delivers post-shock pacing in response to the determination. The implantable medical device may be configured to both detect the delivery of the shock in a sensed electrical signal and, if delivery of the shock is not detected, determine that the shock was delivered based on detection of asystole of the heart. The asystole may be detected based on the sensed electrical signal. In some examples, an implantable medical device is configured to revert from a post-shock pacing mode to a baseline pacing mode by iteratively testing a plurality of decreasing values of pacing pulse magnitude until loss of capture is detected. The implantable medical device may update a baseline value of the pacing pulse magnitude for the baseline mode based on the detection of loss of capture.

Abstract: A method that electrically stimulates a heart muscle to alter the ejection profile of the heart, to control the mechanical function of the heart and reduce the observed blood pressure of the patient. The therapy may be invoked by an implantable blood pressure sensor associated with a pacemaker like device. In some cases, where a measured pretreatment blood pressure exceeds a treatment threshold, a patient's heart may be stimulated with an electrical stimulus timed relative to the patient's cardiac ejection cycle. This is done to cause dyssynchrony between at least two cardiac chambers or within a cardiac chamber, which alters the patient's cardiac ejection profile from a pretreatment cardiac ejection profile. This has the effect of reducing the patient's blood pressure from the measured pretreatment blood pressure.

Abstract: A system is provided for testing the electrical integrity of an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator lead. The system includes a container holding an electrically conductive solution, such as a saline solution. A voltage source and two electrodes are provided to pass an electrical current through the solution. To use the system, the proximal end of the electrical lead is disconnected from the implanted electronic device, passed through the saline solution and then electrically connected to a device/monitor. During testing, the device/monitor sends a test pulse through the lead and monitors electrical activity in the lead. To test sequential locations along the length of the proximal segment, the segment is drawn through the saline solution and between the electrodes while test pulses are sent and monitored. The monitor detects abnormal electrical activity in the lead indicative of a break in lead insulation.

Abstract: A device implantable under skin is disclosed. The device includes a sealed housing containing electronics for at least stimulation or collection of data and at least one antenna for communicating with an external device, a magnet configured to hold said external device in proximity to the sealed housing. the sealed housing includes an upper cover being closest to the skin when the device is implanted, and a lower cover that is hermetically connected to the upper cover. The lower cover includes an elevated region, a recessed region, and at least one feedthrough element formed in the recessed region of the lower cover.

Abstract: A method includes placing a plastic connector block housing portion into a connector block cavity of a header; placing a coil spring into the connector block housing portion; and connecting a metallic termination member to the coil spring and positioning the metallic termination member to be exposed outside the plastic housing portion.

Abstract: A coil device for transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment, that generates an overcurrent uniformly across a wide range inside the head of a patient. The coil device includes a winding frame and a coil. A cylindrical surface of the winding frame has: an inner surface section arranged near the cranial surface during use; and an outer surface section forming a convex curved surface protruding towards the outside of the cylindrical surface, relative to a first direction parallel to a neutral axis and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The neutral axis draws a convex curve.

Abstract: A medical apparatus operable to induce localized hyperthermia in a patient via an electromagnetic field emitted by an antenna of an applicator connected to an output of the medical apparatus includes a signal generator, a bidirectional coupler, and a controller. The signal generator generates a radio frequency signal as a function of an operating parameter to a single cable to an applicator. The bidirectional coupler provides the radio frequency signal generated by the signal generator to the output and receives a reflected signal from the output at the applicator. First and second low pass filters isolate the radio frequency signal and reflected signal from a temperature sensing signal transmitted via the single cable to at least one temperature sensor of the applicator.

Abstract: A photodynamic therapy (PDT) system includes an elongated interventional device with a bundle of optical fibers forming respective light exit ports which can be individually accessed. The bundle has an optical shape sensing fiber arranged for sensing position and orientation of the light exit ports. A processor is configured to generate a light dose signal to allow generation of light outputs to the optical fibers. The light dose signal is generated in response to the determined position and orientation of the light exit ports, and three-dimensional body anatomy image information obtained by a first image modality. The processor is also configured to take image information regarding distribution of a photo sensitizer in the body tissue as input, as well as take into account image information regarding a concentration of oxygen in the body tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for light stimulation within a medium. The system has a reduced-voltage x-ray source configured to generate x-rays from a peak applied cathode voltage at or below 105 kVp, and a plurality of energy-emitting particles in the medium which, upon radiation from the x-ray source, radiate at a first lower energy than the x-ray source to interact with at least one photoactivatable agent in the medium. The method introduces the plurality of energy-emitting particles into the medium, radiates the energy-emitting particles in the medium with x-rays generated from a peak applied cathode voltage at or below 105 kVp; and emits a lower energy than the x-ray source to interact with the medium or with at least one photoactivatable agent in the medium.

Abstract: A method of radio-ablation in conjunction with embolic implants used for pre-embolization of branch arteries in radio-ablation of the liver or other diseased tissue.

Abstract: A planning image memory stores a volume diagnostic image. A user inputs data defining clinical objectives including organs-at-risk with a user interface device. An auto-planning module generates a candidate treatment plan. A trade-off module having a processor evaluates the treatment plan against the clinical objectives. When one or more objectives is not met, the trade-off module performs a trade-off analysis to determine an effect on other clinical objectives and generates at least one trade-off treatment plan which more closely meets the not met objectives. The candidate and at least one trade-off plan are displayed on a display device and/or analyzed by the processor and a final treatment plan is selected from the at least one trade-off or candidate treatment plan.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a particle beam treatment system has: a CT device that is a three-dimensional image acquisition part installed in a treatment room for acquisition of a three-dimensional internal image on a day of treatment; a dose distribution display part that displays a dose distribution in the three-dimensional image acquired on the day of treatment and a dose distribution in treatment plan data designed in advance; a treatment management device that is a selection part to select whether or not to change the treatment plan data based on the dose distribution in the three-dimensional image acquired on the day of treatment and the dose distribution in treatment plan data designed in advance; and an irradiation part that irradiates an affected part with a particle beam according to the treatment plan data based on selection made by the treatment management device.

Abstract: An imaging probe manipulator for use during a medical procedure includes a first manipulator linkage having a connector configured to attach to an imaging probe, a second manipulator linkage coupled to the first manipulator linkage at a first joint a third manipulator linkage coupled to the first or second manipulator linkage at a second joint. The first joint or the second joint has a degree of freedom. The imaging probe manipulator includes a force control transmission linked to the degree of freedom. The force control transmission component is configured to maintain a pre-determined force on the imaging probe when the imaging probe is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: Transurethral ultrasound treatment system and methods that provide targeted treatment zones outside urethra via an applicator with multiple sectors, a urethral cooling balloon, and bladder positioning balloon for directed application in muscle tissue. In one embodiment, the system and methods are configured to generate thermal lesions via simultaneous sonication or activation of two separate sectors from a tubular device, with an inactive zone directed toward vaginal wall or nerves.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for treating an occlusion within a patient's vasculature with ultrasonic energy comprises a catheter configured to be passed through the patient's vasculature such that a portion of the catheter is positioned at an intravascular treatment site. The system further comprises an ultrasound radiating member, an ultrasound signal generator configured to supply a drive signal to the ultrasound radiating member, an infusion pump configured to pump a therapeutic compound into the fluid delivery lumen so as to cause the therapeutic compound to be delivered to the treatment site and a controller configured to control the ultrasound signal generator and the infusion pump.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition compatible with anionic compounds is prepared by a process of contacting a cationic peptide-based antimicrobial extract with an ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A method for detecting a fall of a worker attached to an anchor device includes steps for: a) measuring an orientation of a worker, using an orientation sensor with six axes on board a fall detection apparatus secured to the worker; b) calculating statistical properties representative of the measured orientation; and c) comparing statistical properties of reference values, a fall being considered to be detected only if the statistical properties correspond to the reference values according to predefined criteria, the comparison being done using an automatic classifier.

Abstract: A safety harness connector assembly including a D-ring, a device connector system and a shaft. The D-ring is generally a C-shape including a first end portion, a second end portion and mid-portion. The mid-portion extends between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion has a first D-ring aperture and the second end portion having has a second D-ring aperture that is aligned with the first D-ring aperture. The device connector system includes at least one device connection aperture that is configured and arranged to couple a device to the safety harness connector assembly. The device connector system has at least one shaft connection aperture. A shaft is received in the first and second D-ring apertures of the D-ring and in the at least one shaft connection aperture of the device connector system to pivotally couple the device connector system to the D-ring.