Abstract: Drainage systems for excess body fluids and associated methods are disclosed herein. A body fluid drainage system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include a catheter that has an exterior surface, a proximal portion, and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion. The body fluid drainage system can further include a valve device, a pressure sensor, and a controller operatively coupled to the valve device and the pressure sensor. The valve device can include an actuator positioned over the exterior surface of the catheter. The actuator is movable between an open position that allows body fluid flow through the catheter, a closed position that at least substantially obstructs the body fluid flow through the catheter, and intermediate positions that partially obstruct the body fluid flow through the catheter. The controller can change the position of the actuator in response to a predetermined condition of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The pelvic tissue viscoelastic stretching device before childbirth consists of, on the one hand, a flexible basic body (1) in the form of an inverted quadrangular pyramidal structure extending in a support and positioning tab (4) and comprising an upper face (5) designed to be positioned beneath the uterus and a smaller lower face (6) designed to be positioned near the perineum, connected by an inactive front face (7) and by three active stretching faces, that is a posterior lower face (8) and two lateral faces (9) located on either side of it, and on the other, by three balloons (2, 3) respectively attached to the stretching faces (8, 9) of the basic body (1) and which can be inflated, in particular with physiological serum, to ensure posterior pressing against the sacrum and lateral pressing on the lifting muscles, up to an overall volume corresponding essentially to the head of a baby on birth.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, fractional scar revision, and/or fractional tattoo removal are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, fractional scar revision, and/or fractional tattoo removal. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.

Abstract: An application device for dispensing a fluid, including a liquid, gel, topical fluid, or other flowable substance, stored within a volume of the application device package is disclosed. The application device is manually deformable so as to permit breakage and establish an opening to the volume storing the topical fluid. In one embodiment, the application device comprises a sealed package that defines a volume in which the fluid is disposed. The package includes a partial slit that is configured to provide an opening to the volume when the package is deformed. The opening is configured to enable the fluid to be released from the volume. An applicator element is in communication with the volume upon release from the package. The applicator element can include a gauze, foam, compliant pad, or other suitable element, and is configured to assist with dispersion of the fluid on a surface, such a patient's skin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit that includes a cover in the form of a boot or mitten contained within a sterile package, the kit further including a container of antiseptic liquid such as chlorhexidine gluconate. The cover is sized to fit over a human extremity (limb), and comprises an exterior layer and an interior layer, wherein the interior layer is a liquid absorbent layer and the exterior layer is a liquid impermeable layer. In use, the contents of the container of are transferred into an opening of the cover and are absorbed into the interior layer of the cover; and the cover is placed over an extremity (limb) of a human. The kit is useful for providing preoperative or postoperative sterility.

Abstract: A patient cleaning kit having a package; an insert within the package, the insert and the package forming a first cavity and a second cavity; a cover coupled to the package, the cover and the package together enveloping the insert; a premoistened nasal swab within the first cavity; an oral swab within the second cavity; a toothbrush within the second cavity; and a bottle of germicidal solution within the package.

Abstract: A dispensing applicator including a unitary body having a fluid source region, a fracture control region, and a substantially rigid tongue element, the tongue element extending outwardly from the fracture control region, the unitary body having a proximal end and a distal end, an opening being formed at the proximal end of the unitary body; an applicator head coupled to the distal end of the unitary body; a frangible region defined as a region at the juncture of the fracture member region and the tongue element, wherein fracture of the frangible region allows fluid release from said fracture member region to the applicator head; a capping assembly coupled to the proximal end of the unitary body, the capping assembly comprising an end cap configured to be releasably secured to a proximal portion of the unitary body; and an annular flange including an opening extending therethrough and being secured within the opening at the proximal end of the unitary body.

Abstract: A microneedle includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a capillary space within the shaft, the capillary space (i) connecting the proximal and distal ends or (ii) extending from the distal end of the shaft and connecting with one or more external openings positioned between the proximal end and distal end or (iii) performing the functions of both (i) and (ii). The microneedle includes a polymer mixture which includes (a) optionally polycarbonate, (b) a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer and (c) a mold release agent.

Abstract: Constriction valves for catheters and method of using constriction valves are presented. The catheter valve has a conduit comprising mesh defining a lumen. The catheter also has a biasing member that is configured to bias the lumen from an open position to a closed position by altering an effective length of the conduit or altering the circumference of the conduit. The biasing member is further configured to change its configuration by changes of intraluminal pressure of the valve. A user can insert a tool into a catheter having a valve by manipulating the valve to expand a substantially closed lumen by compressing the biasing member, twisting the biasing member, or pulling on a cord coupled with the valve.

Abstract: Methods for treating a bacterial infections, including drug-resistant bacterial infections, of a patient are described. The methods may include applying a non-thermal plasma and a liquid simultaneously to infected tissue of the patient, the liquid comprising at least one antibiotic and/or antiseptic and a penetration enhancing agent; wherein the non-thermal plasma has a frequency between 200 kHz and 600 kHz.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) has a housing enclosing an electronic circuit. The housing includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion and a joint coupling the first housing portion to the second housing portion. A polymer seal is positioned in the joint in various embodiments. Other embodiments of an IMD housing are disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a clinician programmer device for controlling a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system is adapted to assist a clinician to conduct an electrode screening review for the DBS system including screening of segmented electrodes. The clinician programmer stores software code for conducting a screening review in memory. The software code may comprise: code for providing one or more interface screens for guiding the user of the device through testing of electrode configurations of the implantable stimulation lead, wherein the code for providing applies at least one testing progression for guiding the user of the device through a defined testing order.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a clinician programmer device for controlling a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system is adapted to assist a clinician to conduct an electrode screening review for the DBS system including screening of segmented electrodes. The clinician programmer stores software code for conducting a screening review in memory. The software code may comprise: code for providing one or more interface screens for guiding the user of the device through testing of electrode configurations of the implantable stimulation lead, wherein the code for providing applies at least one testing progression for guiding the user of the device through a defined testing order.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a clinician programmer device for controlling a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system is adapted to assist a clinician to conduct an electrode screening review for the DBS system including screening of segmented electrodes. The clinician programmer stores software code for conducting a screening review in memory. The software code may comprise: code for providing one or more interface screens for guiding the user of the device through testing of electrode configurations of the implantable stimulation lead, wherein the code for providing applies at least one testing progression for guiding the user of the device through a defined testing order.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a clinician programmer device for controlling a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system is adapted to assist a clinician to conduct an electrode screening review for the DBS system including screening of segmented electrodes. The clinician programmer stores software code for conducting a screening review in memory. The software code may comprise: code for providing one or more interface screens for guiding the user of the device through testing of electrode configurations of the implantable stimulation lead, wherein the code for providing applies at least one testing progression for guiding the user of the device through a defined testing order.

Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and devices for brain stimulation and monitoring. Brain stimulation may be provided to enhance slow wave and spindle synchrony. Such stimulation may provide increased memory consolidation. Furthermore, brain stimulation modalities may provide enhanced sleep and awakening. For example, transcranial direct current stimulation of the brain stimulation may enhance sleep quality. Moreover, one or more markers characterizing unconsciousness are may be identified based on changes in measured power densities or spectra. Further still, the above described modalities of brain stimulation may be implemented in an open-loop or closed loop manner. Brain state parameters may be generated for building models of the brain based on determined synchrony patterns between slow waves and spindles. The models may be used to determine a mediation procedure for adjusting the intensity of slow wave oscillations to enhance slow wave and spindle synchrony.

Abstract: Methods and systems for positioning a leadless pacing device (LPD) in cardiac tissue are disclosed. A delivery device is employed that comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therebetween sized to receive the LPD. The LPD has a leadlet extending therefrom that includes a means to fixate the leadlet to tissue. The delivery device comprises an introducer to introduce the LPD into the lumen of the delivery device. The LPD is loaded in the distal end of the lumen of the delivery device. The leadlet extends proximally from the LPD while the fixation means extends distally toward the LPD. A LPD mover is configured to advance the LPD out of the delivery device. A leadlet mover is configured to advance the leadlet out of the lumen delivery device and cause the leadlet to engage with cardiac tissue.

Abstract: A device for pacemaker lead placement is disclosed. The device has a device tip having a tissue bite area, ferrule holders, and needle tips. The device also has a lead end rest at the distal end, with a pacemaker lead end situated on the lead end rest, the pacemaker lead end having first and second anchor suture holes. The device further has an anchor suture with ferrules at respective ends of the anchor suture, wherein the ferrules of the anchor suture are passed through the anchor suture holes and into communication with the ferrule holders. The device further has one or more tube guides configured to organize and manage sutures during a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying a pulsed electromagnetic fields. A system for applying a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) to a cell, comprising: a sensor for obtaining a characteristic of the cell; a memory module having stored therein a plurality of characteristics and PEMF efficacy window data, each characteristic having its corresponding PEMF efficacy window data; a pulse generator coupled to a set of PEMF coils and configured to generate an output of electrical pulses to drive the set of PEMF coils; and a controller in communication with the sensor, the memory module and the pulse generator, wherein the controller is configured to: retrieve, from the memory module, the PEMF efficacy window data that corresponds to the characteristic of the cell obtained by the sensor; and control the output of the pulse generator based on the retrieved PEMF efficacy window data such that the set of PEMF coils apply a PEMF in accordance with the PEMF efficacy window data.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to variable power modular electronic systems for generating unipolar and bipolar electrical pulses and associated uses thereof. In an embodiment, such a system includes one or more pulse generators for generating electrical pulses that can be connected in series; a charging circuit for charging the pulse generators; and a controller communicatively coupled to the pulse generators and the charging circuit. Advantageously, each pulse generator may include an AC/DC rectifier and a DC/AC inverter connected to said AC/DC rectifier in a bridge configuration to generate bipolar output electrical pulses or pulse trains. In addition, the charging circuit may include a DC/DC step-up converter connected to an indirect DC/AC inverter. The system provided in various embodiments of the disclosure also provides a great versatility for adaptation to various applications and high output voltage and current values.

Abstract: A method for positioning an intravascular catheter may include inserting the intravascular catheter into a venous system of a patient, wherein the catheter includes a plurality of electrodes, and multiple electrodes of the plurality of electrodes are configured to emit electrical signals; positioning a distal portion of the catheter in a first position; using one or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes to acquire an ECG signal; based on the acquired ECG signal, adjusting the distal portion of the catheter to a second position different from the first position; identifying at least one first electrode of the plurality of electrodes to stimulate a first nerve; identifying at least one second electrode of the plurality of electrodes to stimulate a second nerve; and stimulating at least one of the first and second nerves to cause a contraction of a respiratory muscle.

Abstract: Nerve stimulation systems and methods are disclosed for providing improved compliance of a patient to a therapy regimen. Patient compliance is assessed and notification or treatment events can be scheduled, rescheduled or otherwise adjusted based upon patient compliance or non-compliance according to compliance rules and parameters of a treatment compliance module. Both compliance and non-compliance may lead to adjustment of the treatment regimen, scheduled treatment events, and notifications. Gamification of the treatment regimen allows users to obtain points that may be used to receive virtual awards, status awards, or monetary compensation of various forms. Monitoring of usage and compliance can be managed both locally and remotely from the user. Stimulation treatment, compliance monitoring, and gamification is disclosed for treatments using external or implanted stimulators, or the combination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pacing cardiac conductive tissue are described. A medical system includes an electrostimulation circuit to generate His-bundle pacing (HBP) pulses for delivery at or near a His bundle of the heart. A control circuit may time the delivery of the HBP pulses within a tissue refractory period subsequent to an intrinsic His-bundle activation of a first His-bundle portion. Based on an evoked His-bundle activation of a second His-bundle portion, the system may determine whether correction of intra-Hisian block has occurred. The system additionally includes a threshold test circuit to determine an individualized pacing threshold representing minimal energy to excite the His bundle and to correct the cardiac conduction abnormality.

Abstract: One example discloses a noninvasive biological conditioning device, including: a first induction structure; a second induction structure; a barrier configured to block direct contact between the structures and a material; wherein the structures are configured to induce an electrical current in the material; and wherein the electrical current is configured to have a set of attributes for conditioning biological activity in the material.

Abstract: An apparatus is used for applying electrical field or electrical current to treat pathogens in a subject (e.g. mammal) or in any body fluid or synthetic fluid. The apparatus comprises at least one pair of conductive electrodes each of which connects to physically separated points on the body, or on a vessel containing body fluid or synthetic fluid, and at least one electrical signal generator circuitry which generates oscillatory signal of selected frequency, waveform, and voltage.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises an implantable living electrode comprising a substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core; one or more neurons implanted along or within the substantially cylindrical extracellular matrix core, the one or more neurons including one or more optogenetic or magnetogenetic neurons proximal to a first end of the implantable living electrode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving cognitive function within a human. The invention utilizes an implanted device, such as an implantable signal generator or an implantable pump, to affect tissue elements within a Papez circuit of the human brain as well as tissue upstream or downstream from the Papez circuit. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to thereby improve cognitive function by the human. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of the cognitive disorder. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate delivery of the stimulation and/or drug therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for monitoring the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time and a control system for adjusting stimulation parameters to maintain stimulation in the neural fulcrum zone based on detected changes in the physiological response to stimulation.

Abstract: Techniques, devices, and systems for isolating, by isolation circuitry connected to a power source, a voltage from the power source, receiving, by sensing circuitry, the isolated voltage, receiving, by the sensing circuitry, a reference voltage from an implantable reference electrode via a reference node, and sensing, by the sensing circuitry, the biomedical signal with two or more implantable sensing electrodes using the isolated voltage with respect to the reference voltage.

Abstract: There is provided a neurostimulator and method for delivering to a subject a stimulation in response to a predicted or detected condition. The neurostimulator including: a power circuit for providing electrical power to the neurostimulator; a recording array having a plurality of electrodes for recording a plurality of neurophysiological signals corresponding to a plurality of sites of the subject; a signal processor configured to: determine a phase synchrony among the neurophysiological signals; and associate selected phase synchrony calculations with the prediction or detection of a neurological or neurophysiological condition; and one or more stimulators for delivering to the subject a stimulation in response to the predicted or detected condition.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device for neurostimulation therapy is disclosed. The device produces stimulation pulse sequences generated continuously in succession during activity periods separated by intermediate inactivity periods during which no stimulation is issued. An input signal, provided by a physiological sensor, representative of cardiac activity and/or of the patient's hemodynamic status is received by circuitry. The circuitry further provides for dynamic control of the neurostimulation therapy, wherein the length of activity periods is modulated based on the current value level of the control parameter compared to a threshold. The duration of the next period of inactivity is calculated by the circuitry at the end of each activity period to maintain a constant duty cycle ratio between periods of activity and periods of inactivity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pacing cardiac conductive tissue are described. A medical system includes electrostimulation circuit that may generate His-bundle pacing (HBP) pulses for delivery at or near the His bundle. A capture verification circuit may detect, from a far-field signal representing ventricular response to the HBP pulses, a His-bundle response representative of excitation of the His bundle directly resulting from the HBP pulses, and a myocardial response representative of excitation of the myocardium directly resulting from the HBP pulses. A control circuit may adjust one or more stimulation parameters based on the His-bundle response and myocardial response. The electrostimulation circuit may generate and deliver the HBP pulses according to the adjusted stimulation parameters to excite the His bundle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pacing cardiac conductive tissue are described. A medical system includes an electrostimulation circuit that may generate His-bundle pacing (HBP) pulses for delivery at or near the His bundle. In response to the delivery of the HBP pulse, the system senses a near-field cardiac activity representative of excitation of a para-Hisian myocardial tissue, and a far-field cardiac activity representative of excitation of the His bundle and a ventricle. The system classifies a tissue response to HBP into one of a plurality of capture types based on the sensed near-field and far-field cardiac activities. The system includes a control circuit to adjust one or more stimulation parameters based on the classified capture type. The electrostimulation circuit generates and delivers the HBP pulses according to the adjusted stimulation parameters to excite the His bundle.

Abstract: Flexible semi-hermetic implantable medical device (IMD) structure, including a flexible device body, at least one flexible lead and at least one respective transition unit, for respectively coupling each flexible lead to the flexible device body, the flexible device body including a plurality of hermetically sealed components, at least one electrical cable harness and an external flexible polymer structure, each one of the hermetically sealed components including at least one hermetically sealed electrical connection and at least some of the hermetically sealed components including at least one separation dome, the electrical cable harness for electrically and mechanically coupling the plurality of hermetically sealed components together and the external flexible polymer structure for encapsulating the hermetically sealed components, the electrical cable harness and the respective transition unit.

Abstract: A method of making a feed-thru connector assembly includes inserting a conductor within an opening within a housing of a pulse generator and dispensing a sealant in a gap between the conductor and portions of the housing adjacent to the conductor that define the opening of the housing and curing the sealant to form a seal comprising a polyisobutylene cross-linked network.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for the transfer of isochronous stimulation data over a standardized isochronous audio or data link between components of an implantable medical device system. More specifically, as described further below, a first component is configured to generate dynamic stimulation data based on one or more received sound signals. The first component is configured to obtain static configuration data and to encode the dynamic stimulation data and the static configuration data into a series of isochronous wireless packets. The first component is configured to transmit the series of wireless packets over an isochronous wireless channel to a second component of the implantable medical device system.

Abstract: A configuration performs electrical therapy on a patient and is configured to produce at least one electrical therapeutic voltage, which acts at a therapy site in or on the patient's body. The configuration contains at least one first and one second subunit, and every subunit has at least one energy storage. The amount of energy storable by every individual energy storage is smaller than the amount of energy required to produce the electrical voltage for therapy.

Abstract: Provided herein are, for example, systems and methods of diagnosing and treating depression, in which a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is administered to a subject in need thereof and measuring a TMS evoked response in the subject, are provided. The systems and methods allow tailoring or optimizing of a treatment protocol for maximal individual benefit, thereby providing an individualized and optimized treatment protocol for psychiatric disorders such as depression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electromagnetic equipment for increasing the tissue elasticity used, particularly in the cosmetic and the medical field. The electromagnetic according of the invention, contains a support (A), a coil-applicator (B) for the application of the electromagnetic field, a filter (C) for filtering the current's harmonics applied to a device (D) generating an electromagnetic field, the ensemble made up of the device (D), the filter (C) and the coil-applicator (B), being constructed to generate inside the coil-applicator (B) in an X area, an uniform electromagnetic field, with the induction between 0.7-0.8 mT, with a variation between 5-10% in the area subjected by the electromagnetic field, on a distance of 1 cm around the same point, on a larger volume in the treated areas, produced by a current of 400 mA, of a frequency between 7 and 8 Hz, preferably 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for use in irradiation therapy, comprising an ionization module (2) adapted to emit ionization irradiation, and a power source (4) and a control unit (5) to provide a user interface. The apparatus is characterized in that the apparatus comprises an UV module (3) adapted to emit UVA, UVB and/or UVC irradiation (9), whereby the ionization module and the UV module emit irradiation simultaneously or alternately, and the ionization module emits irradiation (8) at a wave length at least below 100 nm. The invention also relates to a use of the apparatus for radiating an object (7) and use of the apparatus and method for treatment of a mammal (7). A detector may measure and/or create an image of the irradiation (6).

Abstract: A method that includes the general steps of injecting a fluid matrix of materials which chondrocytes can use to re-grow cartridge and which encourage chondrocytes to re-grow cartilage, mechanically causing the fluid matrix to travel toward chondrocytes, such as by use of a pressure cuff, an ultrasonic transducer, or other means, and exposing the chondrocytes to photonic stimulation in the range of 165 nm to 280 nm.

Abstract: A nozzle for a hair care device comprises a plurality of diffuser tips protruding from a front face of the nozzle for applying IR radiation from an IR LED to a scalp (S) of a user. The diffuser tips have an air outlet (AO) for blowing hair (H) aside to reduce absorption of the IR radiation from the IR LED by the hair (H). Preferably, the diffuser tips each have a light guide (LG) for guiding the IR radiation through the diffuser tip. Preferably, each diffuser tip is provided with an IR LED for generating IR radiation at an intensity not exceeding 15 mW/cm2. Preferably, the intensity does not exceed 10 mW/cm2. The invention also relates to a hair care device comprising such a nozzle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an eyewear phototherapy device for providing skin cosmetology to the skin surrounding the eyes. The device includes a main spectacle frame having a left supporting member and right supporting member, each including at least one housing assembly extending outward from the each supporting member and facing towards the inner portion of the supporting member. Each of the housing assemblies includes an LED light board, attached to the inner side of the respective housing assembly, which is adapted to emit light energy, a transparent silicone cover attached on the LED light board for protecting direct contact between the LED light board and human skin, a protective element which is adapted to spread the LED emissions around a human eye and provide protection to the human eye from the LED emissions.

Abstract: A treatment device for a scalp including a body that defines an exterior design and has one surface in which a plurality of light irradiation holes are formed, a light generation unit provided in the body and a beam splitter that dividedly refractionates light generated in the light generation unit into a plurality of lights and guides the lights toward the plurality of the light irradiation holes and a travel direction of the light generated in the light generation unit is different from a travel direction of the light passing the beam splitter.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating dementia or Alzheimer's disease in a subject in need thereof. In one example, chronic visual stimuli having a frequency of about 30 Hz to about 50 Hz, and more specifically about 40 Hz, are non-invasively delivered to the subject to entrain gamma oscillations in multiple brain regions of the subject, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus. The entrained gamma oscillations modulate neuronal activity across multiple brain regions (e.g., facilitate functional binding of neural networks at low gamma frequencies) to induce various neuroprotective effects (e.g., amelioration of amyloid plaques and tau hyper-phosphorylation) and reduce neurodegeneration. Neuronal activity mediated by the chronic visual stimuli reduces an immune response in microglia and ameliorates aberrantly modified genes and proteins involved in membrane trafficking, intracellular transport, synaptic function, neuroinflammation and DNA damage response.

Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) possesses array of strategies to evade antibiotics through mutational inactivation, hiding inside host immune cells or concealing inside the biofilm in a sessile form. We report a drug-free approach to eradicate MRSA through blue-light bleaching of staphyloxanthin (STX), an anti-oxidative carotenoid residing inside the cell membrane of S. aureus. The photobleaching process, uncovered through a transient absorption imaging study and quantitated by mass spectrometry, decomposes STX and sensitizes MRSA to reactive oxygen species attack. Consequently, photobleaching using low-level blue light exhibits high-level synergy when combined with low-concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Antimicrobial effectiveness of this synergistic therapy is validated in MRSA culture, MRSA-infected macrophage cells, biofilm, and a mouse wound infection model. Collectively, these findings highlight broad applications of STX photobleaching for MRSA-infected diseases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT). In an aspect, the RSBT system and method can be used to maintain or increase tumor dose relative to conventional techniques with a dramatic reduction in radiation dose to the urethra, rectum, and bladder in the treatment of prostate cancer through placing partially shielded radiation sources away from sensitive tissues. In an aspect, the invention is an apparatus and method for the precise angular and linear positioning of multiple partially-shielded radiation sources in interstitial needles. In a further aspect, the invention comprises a monitoring and control apparatus for the precise and simultaneous angular positioning of multiple shield-containing catheters in the RBST system by measuring and correcting deviations between actual and desired catheter angular positions and depth in real time before and during treatment delivery.

Abstract: A device for loading brachytherapy seeds and spacers into a sleeve. The device holds two or more seed or spacer cartridges of different radioactive species and dosage. The user rotates a selector for selecting a desired cartridge and, with each depression of a spring-biased plunger, pushes a seed or spacer into a channel in an inspection area. The process is repeated for the desired number and order of seeds and spacers in sequence to form a strand. The strand can be seen in the channel with the unaided eye through a transparent window. The window is part of a hinged door that can be opened and the sequence of the seeds and spacers rearranged with forceps. Once the strand is arranged as desired, it is pushed into a sleeve in a removable sleeve holder. During radiation treatment, the filled sleeve is removed from the sleeve holder and implanted into patient.

Abstract: A surgical implant includes a biocompatible member configured for securement to an underlying target surgical site and a radiation source integrated into or onto the biocompatible member. The surgical implant may be one of a clip, pin, or coil and the radiation source includes at least one brachytherapy capsule, or other radioactive material incorporated therein or provided thereon. The radioactive material provides a dose of radiation to the target surgical site. The surgical implant may also be formed from titanium, stainless steel or polymers. A surgical applier is provided for allowing a surgeon to apply the implant to a patient's tissue.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving treatment information relating to a treatment plan for proton- or ion-beam therapy intended to irradiate a target tissue; receiving machine-limitation information relating to one or more limitations of one or more machines involved in the proton- or ion-beam therapy; determining a time-optimized beam current for a proton or ion beam based on the treatment information and the machine-limitation information, wherein the time-optimized beam current minimizes the time required to deliver a required quantity of monitor units to one of a plurality of spots, wherein each of the plurality of spots is a particular area of the target tissue; and delivering the time-optimized beam current to the particular area.