Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to infusion catheters, and more particularly relates to a multi-catheter infusion system including a delivery sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central axis. The delivery sheath includes a guidewire lumen extending therethrough that is aligned with the central axis within a head portion of the delivery sheath. First and second infusion lumens extend through the delivery sheath along respective paths from the proximal end to respective openings in the head portion. At the respective openings, the paths of the lumens are disposed at an acute angle to the central axis of the delivery sheath. First and second infusion catheters are disposed in the respective lumens and are movable relative to the delivery sheath so as to extend through the respective openings and transition from retracted positions to extended positions relative to the distal end of the delivery sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of spring cannulae, including one or more holes in the sidewall of the cannula. Some disclosed cannulae include a wire, helically wound to form coils, and at least one hole in the cannula that interrupts one or more of the coils. Some embodiments further include a fused region of the coils through which the hole passes. Some embodiments include a ring attached to ends of the interrupted coils, where the hole is surrounded by the ring. Some embodiments include a sheath that is attached to a radial surface of the interrupted coils, where the hole passes radially though the sheath.

Abstract: An occlusion-resistant catheter, occlusion-resistant catheter tip, and methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the occlusion-resistant catheter includes a hollow cannula defining a fluid passageway therethrough, the hollow cannula having a body portion with a first end and a second end, and an occlusion-resistant tip positioned at the first end of the body portion. The occlusion-resistant tip has at least one port that provides access to an interior lumen, and the interior lumen is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway of the body portion.

Abstract: A device to assist with the ease and sterility of insertion of catheters and other elongate, flexible medical devices is disclosed. It includes two one-way valves that may be reciprocated with respect to each other. Some variations may include a demount gap which may be continuously opened or may be controllable opened and closed.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a shaft for navigation in a patient body, and first and second deflection mechanisms. The shaft ends with a flexible section and a spring, followed by a rigid distal tip having one or more medical devices coupled thereto. The first deflection mechanism is configured to deflect the flexible section relative to the shaft. The second deflection mechanism is configured to deflect the distal tip relative to the first flexible section by using the spring.

Abstract: A medical tubing hub can include: a body having a top, bottom, front and back. The body can include a plurality of conduits (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) extending from a conduit top opening at the top to a conduit bottom opening at the bottom. The hub can include an attachment means configured for attaching the body to a patient. In some aspects, the dimension from the top to the bottom of the body (e.g., height) is larger than the dimension from the front to the back of the body (e.g., thickness). In some aspects, the attachment means is a clamp, clip, adhesive on the back, double sided adhesive tape, safety pin, magnet, magnetically responsive material, Velcro, cinch, or other attachment devices. In some aspects, the attachment means is a clamp, magnet, or magnetically responsive material.

Abstract: A universal application drain bulb and tubing support system to secure one or more drain bulbs and its tubing subsequent to a surgical procedure, providing for multiple location placement of drain bulbs and tubing on a patient to reduce the incident of damage to the drain bulbs and tubing, early removal, risk of injury, infection or displacement and other common risks and hazards commonly incurred with drain bulbs and tubing.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device for inserting a catheter into a body of a patient is disclosed. The catheter insertion device includes a retractable needle for establishing access to a subcutaneous vessel of the patient and a manually extensible guidewire for guiding the initially attached catheter into the vessel. In one embodiment, the catheter insertion device comprises a housing, a hollow needle retractably extending from the housing, a catheter initially disposed on a portion of the needle, a guidewire including a portion initially disposed within the needle, a guidewire advancement feature configured to selectively advance a distal end of the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle, and a needle retention component configured to selectively enable retraction of the needle into the housing. The needle retention component is configured to be actuated by the guidewire advancement feature. In one embodiment, one-handed operation of the device is possible.

Abstract: A method includes disposing a lumen-defining device within a portion of a vein of a patient. A support member is inserted into a lumen of the lumen-defining device and advanced through at least a portion of the lumen of the lumen-defining device. At least a portion of the lumen-defining device is supported via the support member such that the support member limits complete occlusion of the lumen in response to a force exerted on the lumen-defining device. A volume of bodily fluid is withdrawn from the patient via the lumen-defining device when the support member is disposed in the lumen-defining device.

Abstract: A catheter adapted to slidably receive a hollow shaft through its lumen. An expandable balloon is attached to the distal portion of the hollow shaft. A nose piece disposed at the front face of the balloon forms a connection between the balloon and the distal portion of the hollow shaft. When the balloon is expanded the nose piece does not protrude beyond the front face of the balloon.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a gastrostomy tube reinsertion device. The present invention provides a dilation device for dilating the gastrostomy tube tract in living tissues. In one aspect, the gastrostomy tube reinsertion device comprises multiple dilators to open collapsed soft tissue within the gastrostomy tube tract. Such device is useful for reinserting a gastrostomy tube into the previously defined tract in a human body, even after partial closure of the tract and gastrostomy tube insertion site. In another aspect, the present invention provides the method or steps for reinserting a gastrostomy tube into a patient.

Abstract: A breast cavity spacer device, a kit for performing a biopsy and a method of performing a biopsy, such as for use with a percutaneous lumpectomy, is provided. The breast cavity spacer device includes a catheter. A self-sealing balloon member is removably and fluidly coupled on one end of the catheter. An umbrella valve is coupled to the catheter adjacent the balloon member, the umbrella valve being configured to fluid flow into the balloon in response to fluid flow from an end of the catheter opposite the balloon and prevent fluid flow from the balloon when fluid flow from the end of the catheter is stopped.

Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a housing. A processor is located in the housing. A pressure monitoring system is coupled to the processor. A power delivery system is located in the housing and coupled to the processor. An oxygen concentrator is located in the housing and coupled to the power delivery system. The oxygen concentrator includes a plurality of oxygen outlets. The processor is configured to receive pressure information from the pressure monitoring system that is indicative of a pressure in a restricted airflow enclosure provided by a dressing and located adjacent a wound site; and use the pressure information to control the power provided from the power delivery system to the oxygen concentrator in order to control an oxygen flow created by the oxygen concentrator and provided through one of the plurality of oxygen outlets to the restricted airflow enclosure.

Abstract: A microneedle device includes an elastic sleeve to provide a biasing force and also to provide a fluid impermeable seal. The biasing force urges a barrel from the extended position to the retracted position. As a seal, the sleeve prevents contamination by fluids that may enter the barrel. Additionally, the distal end of the barrel features an undulating (waveform-like) formation to prevent suction buildup between the barrel and a patient's skin.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating metallic microneedles are disclosed. One method comprises providing a mold pillar; forming an apertured electrically-conductive layer over the mold pillar; and depositing a metal layer over the electrically-conductive layer to provide an apertured microneedle. Another method comprises providing a mold pillar; depositing a first metal layer over the mold pillar to provide a first microneedle; removing the first microneedle from the mold pillar; and depositing a second metal layer over the mold pillar to provide a second microneedle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microneedles, as well as arrays and methods thereof. In particular, the microneedle is hollow and extends from a flexible substrate. Methods for making such microneedles include depositing electroplating materials within a cavity of a mold and removing an electroplated layer from that mold. In some instances, the mold is formed from an elastomer, which can be removed and reused to produce additional microneedles.

Abstract: A microneedle sheet is disclosed that comprises a plurality of microneedles formed on a sheet generally along a principal surface of the sheet, wherein the microneedles contain a water-soluble polysaccharide and water, the water content is 1 mass % or more and less than 19 mass % based on the total mass of the microneedles, and the microneedles are raised from the principal surface by bending the sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods, devices and systems relating to applying drugs or therapeutic agents to biological conduits, e.g., vascular lumens. More specifically, the present invention comprises enhancing the uptake of drugs or therapeutic agents encapsulated in microbubbles in combination with ultrasound energy as well as applying drugs or therapeutic agents in a cyclic manner using a pulse generator that may be matched in frequency with a patient's blood pulsing.

Abstract: An implantable access port for use in transferring fluid transdermally between an external fluid storage or dispensing device and a site within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a body, at least two reservoirs defined within the access port body, and at least one septum secured to the body and enclosing the reservoirs within the body. The access port also includes reservoir outlets defined within the reservoirs. The access port also has body conduits defined within the body and in fluid communication with the reservoir outlets and external openings defined in the exterior of the body. An implantable access port and system for use in apheresis is also provided that includes an implantable access port, at least one needle, and a catheter that is fluidly connected to the access port.

Abstract: The various implementations described herein include a percutaneous port for promoting tissue in-growth around the percutaneous port. In one aspect, the percutaneous port includes a tubular structure having an outer surface, and a coil having an outer surface and comprised of a plurality of loops. Furthermore, at least a portion of the outer surface of the coil is joined to the outer surface of the tubular structure.

Abstract: This disclosure describes example antimicrobial compositions that may be used in combination with IV port cleansing caps, protective caps, or both. According to another implementations, the disclosure describes various cap devices that may be used in combination with the antimicrobial composition to cleanse, sanitized, and/or disinfected a surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles for providing an antimicrobial composition to the proximal elements of a trans-dermal catheter and into the lumen of the transdermal catheter are disclosed. In an embodiment, an antimicrobial composition on surface a cap element transfers antimicrobial to the proximal end of the transdermal catheter. The system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter, the elongate member containing an antimicrobial.

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: The present invention is directed to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices which utilize novel stimulation waveforms and novel arrangements of TENS electrodes to improve the efficiency of power consumption while enhancing therapeutic effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for using electrical stimulation to treat a mammal having a proteinopathy (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases) or at risk of developing a proteinopathy are provided. For example, the present invention provides materials and methods for modulating glymphatic clearance (e.g., enhancing glymphatic clearance) of pathogenic proteins.

Abstract: This accessory comprises a remotely steerable catheter (40) extended by a tip (50) comprising a base (52) to which the catheter (40) connects to and a cylindrical portion (54) defining a volume (56) suitable for housing the capsule (10). A sub-catheter (30) and the capsule are telescopically extendable with respect to the catheter between i) a retracted position and a deployed position wherein the capsule is removed from the connector and is carried by the distal end of the sub-catheter, and the distal end of sub-catheter and the proximal region (18) of the capsule being provided with disconnectable means of attachment (20, 36). The tip presents, between its base (52) and its cylindrical portion (54), a flexible portion (58) providing, between the base and the cylindrical portion, an elastic deformability in bending and compression.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a multipolar, detection/stimulation endovascular lead intended to be implanted in the coronary venous network. The lead comprises a lead body with in proximal portion a connector to a cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator generator, and in a distal portion a first branch and a second branch extending beyond a bifurcation. The distal ends of the branches are free ends carrying an array of electrodes connected to the connector. Each of the branches comprises at its free end an outlet in the distal direction, able to receive an implantation guide wire inserted therein and to guide the implantation guide wire in an axial direction parallel to the main axis of the lead body.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are disclosed for treating a spinal disorder by applying a source of direct current to a spinal cord in animals, including humans. Trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) uses direct current via cathodal and/or anodal stimulation to induce cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and/or cell migration at or near the area of the spinal cord being treated, and up-regulates or down-regulates protein expression by cells at or near the area of the spinal cord being treated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides electroporation catheters that are capable of forming a loop, generally a circular loop, an oval loop, or like in shape, located on the distal end portion of a catheter shaft within the vasculature of an individual. The electroporation catheters of the present disclosure may be delivered into the vasculature of the individual in a straight conformation and allow for the formation of the loop once positioned in the desired location. Some embodiments of the present disclosure include an electroporation catheter that includes a loop member pull wire in a spiral or helical configuration on an inside surface of the distal end portion of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of relieving or alleviating abdominal cancer pain or improving pain VAS score in a cancer patient Multiple electrodes are placed within a segment of the abdominal aorta of the patient and against blood vessel wall of the abdominal aorta. Radiofrequency energy is released through at least one of the multiple electrodes to nearby tissues, so as to increase the temperature of the nearby tissues and induce a thermal alteration of the nearby tissues.

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

Abstract: A method of transplanting a desired emotional state from a donor to a recipient, comprising determining an emotional state of the donor; recording neural correlates of the emotional state of the donor who is in the desired emotional state; analyzing neural correlates of the emotional state of the donor to decode at least one of a temporal and a spatial pattern corresponding to the desirable emotional state; converting said at least one of a temporal and a spatial pattern corresponding to the desirable emotional state into a neurostimulation pattern; storing the neurostimulation pattern in the nonvolatile memory; retrieving the neurostimulation pattern from the nonvolatile memory; stimulating the recipients brain with at least one stimulus modulated with the neurostimulation pattern to induce the desired emotional state in the recipient.

Abstract: A method for treating conditions associated with impaired glucose control, involving inhibition of signalling by the greater splanchnic nerve leads to a significant improvement in oral glucose tolerance.

Abstract: The invention provides a retinal prosthetic method and device that mimics the responses of the retina to a broad range of stimuli, including natural stimuli. Ganglion cell firing patterns are generated in response to a stimulus using a set of encoders, interfaces, and transducers, where each transducer targets a single cell or a small number of cells. The conversion occurs on the same time scale as that carried out by the normal retina. In addition, aspects of the invention may be used with robotic or other mechanical devices, where processing of visual information is required. The encoders may be adjusted over time with aging or the progression of a disease.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving headache pain by using feedback mechanisms are provided.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulator includes a lead comprising a plurality of electrodes at a distal end, and an implant body including electronics for controlling operation of the electrodes. An electrical connector establishes an electrical connection between the electronics and the electrodes. The implant body includes a first portion of the electrical connector, and the proximal end of the lead includes a second portion of the electrical connector. The first and second portions of the electrical connector are connectable to establish the electrical connection between the electronics and the electrodes. The lead is configured for initial implantation in the patient and the implant body is configured for subsequent implantation in the patient. The electrical connector is configured so that the connection of the first and second portions can be performed with the implant body and the lead positioned at a surgical site in the patient.

Abstract: A ventricular implantable medical device that is configured to detect an atrial timing fiducial from the ventricle. The ventricular implantable medical is configured to deliver a ventricular pacing therapy to the ventricle based on the detected atrial timing fiducial. If the ventricular implantable medical device temporarily fails to detect atrial activity because of noise, posture, patient activity or for any other reason, an atrial implantable medical device may be configured to communicate atrial events to the ventricular implantable medical device and the ventricular implantable medical device may synchronize the ventricular pacing therapy with the atrium activity based on those communications.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods and systems are provided for automatically determining capture thresholds for an implantable medical device equipped for cardiac stimulus pacing using a multi-pole left ventricular (LV) lead. The methods and systems measures a base capture threshold for a base pacing vector utilizing stimulation pulses varied over at least a portion of an outer test range. The base pacing vector is defined by a first LV electrode provided on the LV lead and a second electrode located remote from an LV chamber. The methods and systems designate a secondary pacing vector that includes the first LV electrode and a neighbor LV electrode provided on the LV lead. The methods and systems further define an inner test range having secondary limits based on the base capture threshold, wherein at least one of the limits for the inner test range differs from a corresponding limit for the outer test range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cardiac pacing are described in this document. A medical system includes an electrostimulation circuit to generate His-bundle pacing (HBP) pulses to capture a His bundle, and LV pacing (LVP) pulses to capture a left ventricle. A sensing circuit may sense a cardiac activity, such as an atrial or an LV cardiac electrical activity. The system includes a control circuit controlling the delivery of HBP and LVP pulses. The HBP and LVP may be delivered concurrently or sequentially. In an example, the LVP pulses may be delivered based on a His-bundle capture status in response to the HBP pulse. The system may adjust one or more His-bundle stimulation parameters based on the His-bundle capture status.

Abstract: One aspect relates to an electrical contacting device for a medical implantable device, including an electrically insulating base body with a first and a second surface. The base body includes a ceramics, an electrically conductive conducting element that extends from the first surface of the base body through the base body. The conducting element includes a cermet and is connected to the ceramics of the base body in firmly bonded manner through a sintered connection, a contact element including a metal. The contact element is connected to the conducting element in electrically conductive manner and can be connected to an electrically conductive structure. The contacting device includes an adhesion element. The adhesion element is connected to the contact element in firmly bonded manner and wherein the adhesion element includes an adhesion promoter in order to form a firmly bonded connection at least to the first surface of the base body.

Abstract: A wearable article for receiving and retaining a charger for charging a medical device implanted into a patient includes a coil-assembly cavity and first and second controller cavities defined between first and second major surfaces of a body of the wearable article. The coil-assembly cavity is configured to retain a coil assembly of the charger, and the first and second controller cavities are each configured to receive at least a portion of a controller of the charger. A controller slit is defined along the first major surface and is open to both the first and second controller cavities. The first controller cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the controller with a user interface of the controller extending or observable through the controller slit or disposed in the second controller cavity.

Abstract: A bridge device includes a housing, a plurality of electrodes exposed outside of the housing such that at least two of the plurality of electrodes can be concurrently placed in contact with a patient's skin. A controller is disposed within the housing. A first communications module is operably coupled to the controller and to the at least two of the plurality of electrodes. The first communications module is configured to allow the controller to communicate with an implantable medical device via at least two of the plurality of electrodes using conducted communication. A second communications module is operably coupled to the controller and is configured to allow the controller to communicate with a remote device external to the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for communication between an IMD and an external reader includes bringing a portion of a patient's body into contact with a device-body contact surface of an external reader. The reader transmits a first transdermal carrier wave from the contact surface into the patient's body, where the first carrier wave includes a request for communication with the IMD. The transdermal carrier waves are electrical conductive waves, optical waves, or acoustic waves. Upon detection of the first carrier wave, the IMD transmits a second transdermal carrier wave including a request for an access key from the reader and the reader replies by transmitting a third transdermal carrier wave including the access key back to the IMD. If the access key is valid, the IMD transmits information by radio frequency (RF) in an RF communication mode or a fourth transdermal carrier wave including data from the IMD.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates a system that can quickly and reversibly block conduction in a nerve. The system can include a first nerve block modality that provides heat to the nerve to block conduction in the nerve. For example, the heat can provide the quick nerve block. The system can also include a second nerve block modality that provides an electrical signal to the nerve to block the conduction in the nerve. For example, the electrical signal can provide the reversibility. In some instances, the heat can be provided by an infrared light signal and the electrical signal can be provided by a kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) signal or a direct current (DC) signal.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of tumor(s) or tumor cell(s) or cancer(s) in a subject in need by the generation of heat. The latter is produced by chains of magnetosomes extracted from whole magnetotactic bacteria and subjected to an alternating magnetic field. These chains of magnetosomes yield efficient antitumoral activity whereas magnetosomes unbound from the chains or kept within the whole bacteria produce poor or no antitumoral activity. The introduction of various chemicals such as chelating agents and/or transition metals within the growth medium of the bacteria improves the heating properties of the chains of magnetosomes. Moreover, the insertion of the chains of magnetosomes within a lipid vesicle is also suggested in order to favor their rotation in vivo and hence to improve their heating capacity. The vesicle can contain an antitumoral agent together with the chains of magnetosomes. In this case, the agent is released within the tumors by heating the vesicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a patient using a time varying magnetic field are described. The treatment methods combine various approaches for aesthetic treatment. The methods are focused on enhancing a visual appearance of the patient. An exemplary method includes charging an energy storage device and discharging the energy storage device to a magnetic field generating device to generate the time-varying magnetic field. The time-varying magnetic field is applied to the patient.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using a time varying magnetic field are described. The treatment methods combine various approaches for aesthetic treatment. The methods are focused on enhancing a visual appearance of the patient. An exemplary method includes charging an energy storage device and discharging the energy storage device to a magnetic field generating device to generate the time-varying magnetic field. The time-varying magnetic field is applied to the patient.

Abstract: A therapeutic or diagnostic system comprises a non-invasive brain stimulation device (such as a TMS stimulation device) or other neuromodulation device configured to stimulate a patient's brain or nervous system by emitting electromagnetic pulses according to stimulation parameters, such as a pulse frequency or burst repetition frequency or other parameters, that provides surprising improvements in responsiveness and/or may require only a relatively short train of pulses to achieve high efficacy. In particular, stimulation pulses may be delivered at a frequency of between 12 and 40 Hertz with a 3 to 5 ratio as compared with burst repetition frequency, or at other specific patterns within that range. The stimulation parameters may be pre-stored and customized to individual patients, being identified through an automated search routine during which patient feedback is monitored. A user interface may be provided to allow an operator to conveniently select the appropriate parameters for the desired treatment.

Abstract: A magnetic stimulation probe is provided to produce a probe electromagnetic field within a patient. The magnetic stimulation probe has a first generally planar magnetic field generating coil having a first coil trace having a decreasing radial spiral which passes about a first central portion, the first coil trace having a first electric current traveling in a first direction and having a first plurality of separated portions each having a first respective set of different radii from the first central portion along a bisecting line. The first planar coil has a second coil trace having a second electric current traveling in a second direction which is parallel to the first direction, and having a second plurality of separated portions each having a second respective set of different radii from the first central portion along the bisecting line along the bisecting line. Two such coils can be arranged to produce a high intensity focused magnetic field at a distance from the probe.

Abstract: An implantable active medical device system includes an active medical device and a lead extending between a proximal portion electrically coupled to the active medical device and a distal end portion configured to emit light. The distal end portion includes a solid state light source disposed within a light transmissive ring element. The light transmissive ring element forms an exterior segment of the distal end portion. The light transmissive ring element defines at least a portion of a hermetic cavity.