Abstract: A vascular access system includes a catheter having an inner lumen in communication with an open distal end; a guidewire at least partially positioned in the catheter lumen and extending out the open distal end thereof, respective proximal and distal stops secured to the guidewire; and a centering device slidably mounted on the guidewire such that the centering device may freely within the catheter lumen relative to the guidewire between the proximal and distal stops, wherein the centering device substantially aligns a longitudinal axis of the catheter with a longitudinal axis of the guidewire proximate the centering device.

Abstract: A packaged closed intermittent urinary catheter system equipped with a dispensing system and method of dispensing a packaged catheter using the dispensing system. The dispensing system is a pair of separately translatable movement control devices, each operably engaging the catheter for permitting unidirectional movement of the catheter in a first axial direction relative to the movement control devices.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical anchor device include an elongate body coupled with deployable subcutaneous anchors to secure a catheter instrument (or other medical instrument) in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the elongate body may be in the form of catheter hub body, and the subcutaneous anchors can be deployed from the hub body by adjustment of a movable actuator. A locking member can interact with the actuator so as to retain the actuator in the deployed orientation during the medical procedure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes providing an intravascular device having a distal portion with a lumen extending therein; inserting the device into the vascular lumen; positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall; and directing the distal portion within the vascular wall.

Abstract: A medical implant delivery system maintains an orientation between a guidewire lumen of an inner member of the system and a rapid-exchange port in an outer member. The medical device is disposed intermediate the inner and outer members and in friction or pressure-fit contact with the outer member. Once the guidewire lumen of the inner member and the rapid exchange port of the outer member are oriented, the friction or pressure-fit operates to maintain the orientation until deployment of the medical implant. Orientation is further maintained by a telescoping coupling of the guide wire lumen with the rapid exchange port.

Abstract: Ti—Nb—Hf/Zr—(Cr) alloy shape-memory wires are provided which are suitable for use in medical devices and actuators, and methods for manufacturing such wires are provided. The present shape-memory Ti—Nb—Hf/Zr—(Cr) alloy is a superelastic wire material particularly suited for in vivo applications. For example, the present Ti—Nb—Hf/Zr—(Cr) alloy wire is radiopaque, thereby enabling surgical use of a monolithic, shape-memory alloy wire while preserving the ability to monitor the in vivo location of the wire through X-ray or other radiation-based imaging systems. In addition, the present Ti—Nb—Hf/Zr—(Cr) alloy can be manufactured to exhibit shape-memory alloy material properties without the use of nickel as an alloy constituent, thereby accommodating nickel-sensitive patients. The present Ti—Nb—Hf/Zr—(Cr) alloy can also be processed to exhibit a martensite/austenite transformation temperature near body-temperature, i.e., 37° C., so that shape-memory effects can be utilized to accomplish work in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are sheaths that comprise a first sheath member having a first passageway, a first length, and a first proximal end defined by a first valve apparatus configured to seal the first passageway, the first passageway having a first passageway diameter at a location in the first passageway; and a second sheath member coupled to the first sheath member, the second sheath member having a second passageway and a second length, the second passageway having a second passageway diameter at a location in the second passageway; where the first passageway and the second passageway are separate from each other and not co-axial, the first length is different from the second length, and the first and second sheath members are positioned beside each other for a portion of their first and second lengths.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon catheter device is disclosed having an inner member, an outer member disposed about the inner member and further comprising a balloon. A sheath is disposed about the outer member that moves relative to the balloon so as to selectively expose some or all of the balloon for inflation. A clamp may be used to selectively secure the sheath at a desired position relative to the balloon. A balloon recapture element may permit incremental adjustment to the balloon length and facilitate balloon recapture.

Abstract: A medical device having an elongate support structure and an inflatable balloon including a first-end portion secured to the support structure at a first location, a second-end portion secured to the support structure at a second location distal to the first location, and a middle-body portion. The first-end portion has a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness of the middle-body portion; the balloon defines a sealed interior through which the support structure extends. The balloon being stretch-mounted to the support structure in tension relative to the support structure; the balloon is formed in a diamond-like configuration that transitions to a substantially spherical configuration when the balloon is inflated to a inflation pressure that is at least about ten percent greater than atmospheric pressure, such that when inflated to the inflation pressure and anchored in an anatomical body region, resists movement of the support structure relative to the balloon.

Abstract: Microvascular obstruction is treated by introducing injectate into blood vessels affected by microvascular obstruction at precise flow rates, while blocking retrograde flow, such that the natural pumping of the heart aids in forcing the injectate into the affected microvessels. Monitoring pressure distal of an occlusion balloon is used to determine treatment effectiveness and heart health.

Abstract: Inflation systems and methods for inflating a balloon member are provided. The inflation system includes an inflation tool. The inflation tool includes a first component having a first arm where the first arm extends longitudinally along an axis of movement of the first component. The first arm includes a first and a second positioning member, the first positioning member is longitudinally spaced apart from the second positioning member. The first component is adapted to advance distally for inflation of the balloon member. Each positioning member corresponds to an inflation increment for the balloon member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a balloon catheter that can comprise an elongate support member, an inflation tube, a guidewire tube and a balloon. The guidewire tube can define a guidewire port at its proximal end, and can extend from the port through an opening in a wall of the elongate support member and distally through a first lumen of the elongate support member, in some cases to the distal end of the catheter. The inflation tube can be disposed over a distal portion of the elongate support member, a portion of the guidewire tube, a portion of the inner assembly, or any combination thereof, forming a second lumen. The distal end of the balloon can be attached to the guidewire tube and the proximal end of the balloon can be attached to the inflation tube. The inside of the balloon can be in fluid communication with the first lumen and with the second lumen, allowing the balloon to be inflated and/or deflated. The elongate support member can also have cuts in it.

Abstract: Implantable drug delivery devices include a housing having a closed drug reservoir lumen bounded by a first wall structure and a hydrophilic second wall structure, and a drug contained in the drug reservoir lumen, wherein the first wall structure is impermeable to the drug and the second wall structure is permeable to the drug. Methods of providing controlled release of drug to a patient include deploying a drug delivery device in the patient releasing a drug from the drug reservoir lumen via diffusion through the second wall structure.

Abstract: A device with a positioning frame which can be adhered onto the skin and with a transdermal therapeutic system which can be inserted into a cut-out that passes through the positioning frame. The active substance dispensing outlet side of the inserted transdermal therapeutic system facing the skin. The device includes a tool unit which can be inserted into the cut-out of the positioning frame and centered in said cut-out in order to produce openings at least in the uppermost layer of the skin.

Abstract: A microneedle patch includes a base, at least one collapsible side wall extending from the base, and a lip disposed along the at least one collapsible sidewall and opposite the base. An adhesive is disposed along the base, and a microneedle array is affixed to the base.

Abstract: An object is to provide a co-injection member which can smoothly collect a liquid of an internal flow route, which can smoothly inject a liquid into the internal flow route, and which can reliably prevent congestion of the liquid in the internal flow route. A co-injection member includes a main body that can be connected to a blood circuit through which blood is circulated, an internal flow route that is formed inside the main body, and that can circulate the liquid of the blood circuit, an inlet flow route that is formed inside the main body, and that introduces the blood into the internal flow route, an outlet flow route that is formed inside the main body, and that can discharge the blood of the internal flow route, and a rubber member that is attached to an opening formed in the main body, and that separates the inside and the outside of the internal flow route from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved methods and apparatuses for providing hemostasis within a cavity defined by an internal surface of a bleeding tissue space. A catheter comprising a proximal end and a distal end may be advanced into the cavity through a proximal opening of the tissue space into the cavity. A distal balloon coupled to the catheter may be positioned adjacent a distal opening of the tissue space, and expanded to seal the distal opening. A hemostatic agent may be applied from the catheter to the internal surface of the tissue space to inhibit bleeding of the tissue space. The hemostatic agent may be applied without occluding the proximal opening, the distal opening, and a path extending therebetween with the hemostatic agent.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes torque limit capabilities facilitating the attachment thereof to a medical connector with sufficient tightness to establish a flow stopping or sealing relation with the medical connector. A housing includes a stop member fixed on the interior thereof and rotatable there with into interruptive engagement with a movement restrictor connected to and movable with a closure cap which includes a flow restrictor. Application of a tightening force to the housing will cause rotation of the stop member into interruptive engagement with the movement restrictor and connected flow restrictor causing forced rotation of the flow restrictor onto attachment with the medical connector, while establishing a predetermined tightness.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a breakaway coupling. A female adapter on a source side of the coupling uses a valve to prevent a flow of contents from the source when the coupling is not connected or is broken apart. A male adapter on a destination side uses a valve to prevent backflow from the destination when the female and male adapters are not coupled together. When coupled, the male adapter penetrates the valve of the female adapter, thereby allowing the flow from the source to the destination via the male and female adapters. Pressure from the flow opens the valve of the male adapter allowing the flow from the source to proceed to the destination. In the coupled state, the male and female adapters, and respective tubes, are able to rotate with respect to each other. The coupling may be used to deliver medical fluids to a patient.

Abstract: A system and method for stimulating a user, the system comprising: a set of pads configured at head regions of the user; a band having a first end coupled to a first pad of the set of pads and a second end coupled to a second pad of the set of pads; a bridge coupled the band and to an electrode during use; and a set of links, each link coupled at a first region to an interior portion of its corresponding pad, and coupled at a second region to the bridge, having an elastic modulus above a threshold modulus such that: in a first mode, displacement of the set of pads produces displacement of the electrode away from the head region of the user, and in a second mode, release of the set of pads orients protrusions of the electrode approximately normal to the head region.

Abstract: A proto microelectrode from which a micro electrode is formed in situ upon insertion into soft tissue comprises a flexible oblong electrode body of electrically conducting material having a front end and a rear end. The electrode body having a metal or a metal alloy or an electrically conducting form of carbon or an electrically conducting polymer or a combination thereof. A first coat of a water soluble and/or swellable and/or degradable material is disposed on the electrode body and extends along is at least over a distal portion thereof. A second coat of electrically insulating, water insoluble flexible polymer material is disposed on the first coat. The second coat comprises one or more through openings at or near its front end. Also disclosed is a corresponding micro electrode and a method of manufacture.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead and a method of its use. The lead has an elongated lead body having an outer circumference and provided with an electrode. A push tube is mounted circumferentially around the lead body and the lead body is longitudinally movable with respect thereto. A fixation helix is mounted to the push tube, extending along a generally helical axis around the outer circumference of the lead body. The lead may be employed by advancing the lead to a desired location for the fixation helix and then rotating the push tube to secure the helix to tissue. The lead body may then be moved longitudinally with respect to the push tube to place the electrode in a desirable location.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices useful for inhibiting or treating urological conditions, such as overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms including bladder overactivity, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis (IC), urinary retention, and pelvic pain; gastrointestinal conditions, such as fecal incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation; and sexual conditions, such as premature ejaculation, erectile disorder, and female sexual arousal disorder by non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the foot.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for improving pelvic floor dysfunction in a patient suffering therefrom by electrically modulating neural tissue in a minimally invasive fashion using an electrical microstimulator are provided. Methods include inserting an electrical microstimulator having a re-deployable fixation member through skin of a patient's leg and advancing the electrical microstimulator through the skin along tissue of a surgical pathway to an area of the patient's leg. A target implant site can be identified that is above deep fascia and below the skin and that is adjacent to a target nerve associated with pelvic floor function. The electrical microstimulator can be anchored to the target implant site via the re-deployable fixation member or re-positioned, if necessary. A therapy electrical signal can be delivered to the target nerve from the target implant site.

Abstract: In one example, a method including generating electrical stimulation therapy with a frequency of approximately 500 hertz or greater, and controlling delivery of the electrical stimulation therapy to a patient via a medical device between at least one of contractions of a bladder or contractions of a bowel of a patient, wherein the electrical stimulation therapy comprises electrical stimulation therapy configured to inhibit contraction of the bladder when the electrical stimulation is delivered between the contractions of the bladder, wherein the electrical stimulation therapy comprises electrical stimulation therapy configured to inhibit contraction of the bowel when the electrical stimulation is delivered between the contractions of the bowel, and wherein at least one of the generating and controlling is performed via one or more processors.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a system with a sensor with electrodes including an active electrode and a receiving electrode that is in physical contact with skin of a patient forming an electrical circuit with control electronics of a controller that can measure an electrical parameter using an active electrode and a receiving electrode within a closed loop electrical muscle stimulation system. A sense electrical pulse can be applied to the tissue using the sensor, an electrical parameter measured from the tissue, and a stimulation pulse applied to the tissue based at least in part on the measured electrical parameter. The stimulation is adjustably controlled by the controller to maintain a constant power output to the tissue based on the electrical parameter. A good is coupled to a computer readable medium configured to store usage data, the usage data relating to the patient's use of the good.

Abstract: A method and system for providing stimulation to a user, the method including: transitioning a stimulation device from a baseline state to a first impedance monitoring state; during the first impedance monitoring state, guiding, an adjustment of a position of the stimulation device at a head region of the user to satisfy a first impedance criterion; upon satisfaction of the first impedance criterion, transitioning the stimulation device from the first impedance monitoring state to a stimulation regime that comprises a second monitoring state having a second criterion; upon detection of failure to satisfy the second criterion, transitioning the stimulation device from the stimulation regime to the first impedance monitoring state; and upon detecting that a third impedance criterion of the first impedance monitoring state is satisfied, transitioning the stimulation device from the first impedance monitoring state to the stimulation regime.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system. The system includes at least one SCS lead including a lead body, at least one distal electrode located at a distal end of the lead body, the at least one distal electrode configured to apply electrical stimulation to a stimulation target of a patient, and a pain reduction assembly coupled to the lead body and configured to reduce post-operation pain at an incision site associated with implantation of the at least one SCS lead. The system further includes a pulse generator coupled to the at least one SCS lead and configured to control electrical stimulation delivered to the patient via the at least one SCS lead.

Abstract: An implantable system, and methodology, for improving a heart's hemodynamic performance featuring (a) bimodal electrodes placeable on the diaphragm, out of contact with the heart, possessing one mode for sensing cardiac electrical activity, and another for applying cardiac-cycle-synchronized, asymptomatic electrical stimulation to the diaphragm to trigger biphasic, diaphragmatic motion, (b) an accelerometer adjacent the electrodes for sensing both heart sounds, and stimulation-induced diaphragmatic motion, and (c) circuit structure, connected both to the electrodes and the accelerometer, operable, in predetermined timed relationships to the presences of valid V-events noted in one of sensed electrical and sensed mechanical, cardiac activity, to deliver diaphragmatic stimulation.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system having a pulse generator for generating therapeutic electric pulses, a lead electrically coupled with the pulse generator having an electrode, a first sensor configured to monitor a physiological characteristic of a patient, a second sensor configured to monitor a second physiological characteristic of a patient and a controller. The controller can determine a pacing vector based on variables including a signal received from the second sensor, and cause the pulse generator to deliver the therapeutic electrical pulses according to the determined pacing vector. The controller can also modify pacing characteristics based on variables including a signal received from the second sensor.

Abstract: Devices that communicate using wireless proximal communications measure pulse width to find distortion in the received signal. The distortion may be due to the devices being too close to one another for a transmission power level currently being used which causes ringing of a receiving coil. The distortion may be used to find a correction that the receiving device may use to correct for the distortion in the received pulse train when decoding the pulse train. The distortion may be used to adjust a transmission power level of the receiving device and/or to send an instruction to the transmitting device to adjust the power transmission power level of the transmitting device. The distortion may be used for other purposes including determining a device depth and/or location for an implanted device, such as an implantable medical device within a body of a patient.

Abstract: An example of a system may include a processor and a memory device comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive, in a graphical user interface, a clinician input of physiological information and therapy information for neurostimulation treatment of a human subject using a neurostimulation device, and request a neurostimulation program corresponding to the physiological information and the therapy information from a remote programming guidance information system. For example, program data of a neurostimulation program may be provided from the programming guidance information system, selected on the basis of a best match to the physiological information and the therapy information.

Abstract: A system includes a controller module, which includes a storage device, a controller, a modulator, and one or more antennas. The storage device is stored with parameters defining a stimulation waveform. The controller is configured to generate, based on the stored parameters, an output signal that includes the stimulation waveform, wherein the output signal additionally includes polarity assignments for electrodes in an implantable, passive stimulation device. The modulator modulates a stimulus carrier signal with the output signal to generate a transmission signal.

Abstract: An external defibrillator estimates the phase of ventricular defibrillation (VF) by deriving, from an ECG exhibiting VF, at least one quality marker representing the morphology of the ECG and, therefore, the duration of the VF. The duration of the VF is calculated as a function of the value (s) of the quality marker (s). The quality marker (s) may comprise any one or more of the median slope of the ECG, the average slope of the ECG, the ratio of the power in relatively high and low frequency bands of the ECG, and a measure of the density and amplitude of peaks in the ECG, over a predetermined period.

Abstract: A ferrofluid chamber has a housing that is adapted to be coupled to a component that generates a magnetic field. The housing may be disposed around the component so as to insulate a noise-producing region of the component. The magnetic field may be of sufficient strength to stimulate anatomical tissue. In addition, a ferrofluid may be disposed within the housing for cooling the component.

Abstract: Systems and methods that could reduce the potential for side effects while delivering a reduced amount of light energy and non-light energy to a patient while providing a desired therapeutic effect that might otherwise only be achievable with a higher dose of either the light energy or non-light energy administered alone are disclosed. In certain embodiments, disclosed is a system and method for treating a patient, by administering a combination of light therapy from a light energy source in addition to one, two, or more other non-light energy modalities to a target region of a patient for a synergistic therapeutic effect.

Abstract: This invention provides for an energized biomedical ophthalmic device and associated method of measuring changes in biomarkers contained in tear film to generate data related to a light therapy regimen used to treat symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder. In some embodiments, the energized biomedical ophthalmic device can include an energized contact lens with a light source in communication with a processor controlling said light source according to the light therapy regimen. The light therapy regimen may be generated or modified by the processor from the measured changes and sometimes from user's preferences, and/or additional measurements, including for example, light exposure and/or circadian rhythm of the user.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods for treating various conditions and diseases using an optical signal. In one or more embodiments an apparatus is providing having an optical window, which is used to deliver an optical signal to provide stimulation to one or more tissue sites in the body such as the brain, optic nerve, eye, ganglia, spine, or other like site. The optical signals can be used to treat a variety of neurological diseases and conditions including epilepsy, migraine headaches and chronic pain. In particular applications the optical signals can be used to treat, inhibit or prevent epileptic or other neurological seizures by providing an optical input to a foci or surrounding tissue in the brain causing the seizure. The optical signal may also be combined with an electrical signal to produce an aggregate effect in tissue for treating the disease or condition such as a neurological disease or condition.

Abstract: A control circuit provides a user with an opportunity to designate one or more patient structures for a particular patient that are to be protected from radiation. When optimizing a radiation-treatment plan for that patient, then, the control circuit uses the designated patient structure(s) as an area to be masked from radiation during administration of the radiation-treatment plan. By one approach the aforementioned opportunity to designate patient structures as being designated patient structures comprises providing the user with an opportunity to so designate patient structures via a display. The aforementioned masking can be accomplished as desired including by appropriate use of a multi-leaf collimator.

Abstract: Featured is a robot and a needle delivery apparatus. Such a robot comprises a plurality of actuators coupled to control locating any of number of intervention specific medical devices such as intervention specific needle injectors. Such a robot is usable with image guided interventions using any of a number of types of medical imaging devices or apparatuses including MRI. The end-effector can include an automated low needle delivery apparatus that is configured for dose radiation seed brachytherapy injection. Also featured is an automated seed magazine for delivering seeds to such an needle delivery apparatus adapted for brachytherapy seed injection.

Abstract: An optimization method for ion based radiotherapy includes inverse planning based on optimization variables related to the particle energy, a range modulator or ridge filter, a block and/or a range compensator. This enables automatic optimization of complex cases.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a radiation method for radiating a fluence map having a zero-fluence region under a movement of MLC (Multi-Leaf Collimator) includes a determining step of determining at least one basic fluence map from the fluence map. The basic fluence map includes a first non-zero fluence region and a second non-fluence region having the zero-fluence region therebetween. The radiation method includes a first radiating step including radiating the first non-zero fluence region, along with moving a first group of leaf pairs and moving a vertical jaw to shade the first group of leaf pairs, and a second radiating step including radiating the second non-zero fluence region, along with moving a second group of leaf pairs and withdrawing the vertical jaw to expose the second group of leaf pairs.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, a system or a non-transitory computer-readable medium of doing the same, for monitoring movement of anatomical features throughout a radiation treatment session. The method may include monitoring the movement of the anatomical features with a first modality. The method may further include obtaining positional information of the anatomical features with a second modality over a finite acquisition time. The method may also include providing an indication of a clinically relevant movement associated with the anatomical features during the finite acquisition time based on the monitored movement from the first modality.

Abstract: A method of image guided radiation treatment (IGRT) is described. The method may include receiving a pre-acquired image data set of the body part acquired in a reference frame generally independent of a reference frame of an IGRT apparatus, processing a first population of x-ray cone beam projection images to compute therefrom a first tomosynthesis image volume; and operating a radiation treatment head of the IGRT apparatus to deliver treatment radiation to the body part based at least in part on a comparison between the first tomosynthesis image volume a pre-acquired image data set of the body part.

Abstract: A collimator for a radiotherapy apparatus, comprising a block of isolation-attenuating material having a front face forming the leading edge of tie block and at least one main rear face defining the trailing edge of the block, in which the or each rear face is substantially planar in the direction of the depth of the block and non-parallel to the front face. The collimator may form part of a radiotherapy apparatus, and methods of operation of such apparatus are described.

Abstract: Provided is a prediction device for skin change from radiation exposure, the device being capable of precisely predicting a skin reaction to radiation exposure. Also provided are a verification device, a program for the prediction device for skin change, and a program for the verification device. A prediction device (4) for skin change from radiation exposure includes: a radiation information accepting unit (11) that accepts input of radiation information regarding expected exposure to radiation; a pre-exposure skin image acquiring unit (21) that acquires a skin image that captures skin of a living body; a change computing unit that computes the change of the skin due to exposure to the radiation determined by the radiation information and that obtains from the skin image a post-change prediction skin image; and a prediction skin image outputting unit (25) that outputs the prediction skin image.

Abstract: A portal imaging device is used to determine an amount of radiation that is delivered to at least one point while administering a radiation treatment therapy to a patient. Upon detecting that the amount of radiation that is delivered to that at least one point exceeds a predetermined amount of radiation (for example, a planned amount of radiation per the radiation treatment plan), administration of radiation treatment therapy to the patient can be automatically halted.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an image director of a patient monitoring system to obtain calibration images of a calibration sheet or other calibration object at various orientations and locations. The images are then stored and processed to calculate camera parameters defining the location and orientation of the image detector and identifying internal characteristics of the image detector, and the information are stored. The patient monitoring system can be re-calibrated by using the image detector to obtain an additional image of a calibration sheet or calibration object. The additional image and the stored camera parameters are then used to detect any apparent change in the internal characteristics of the image detector (10) (S6-4).

Abstract: HIFU treatment of localized prostate cancer includes identifying the cancer locations in a patient's prostate and visually segmenting the patient's prostate into areas for analysis and treatment. The section including the most aggressive cancer is determined to be the primary area and subjected to a first full HIFU treatment for a period intended to ablate the cancer. HIFU treatment is then stopped on the primary area, allowing it to rest, while simultaneously subjecting the next contiguous area of the prostate to HIFU treatment to ablate any additional areas of suspected cancer. HIFU treatment is then stopped in the contiguous area. The primary area is then subjected to a second full HIFU treatment for a period sufficient to ensure the complete ablation of the cancerous tumor. Repeating alternating full HIFU treatment on subsequent contiguous areas of the prostate ensures the complete ablation of any cancerous tumors in the prostate.

Abstract: A belay device may include a front plate with a first lobe and a back plate with a second lobe. The belay device may be engageable and disengageable such that the first lobe is separated from the second lobe at a first distance and a second distance, respectively. The belay device may maintain ability to operate when the belay device is disengaged. The belay device may include a handle and cam pin that cooperate to create a mechanical advantage for controlling separation distance between the first and second lobe. The handle may prevent rotation in a first direction via a lockout protrusion. The handle may prevent rotation in a second direction via a handle stop and/or a retaining rib. The belay device may include an ergonomic feature to accommodate a user's hand placement and/or shroud rotation of the front plate.