Abstract: A method for administering a medicament to a patient includes placing a fluid delivery apparatus with the medicament in contact with a portion of the skin of said patient. A flow rate of the medicament from the fluid delivery apparatus is adjusted such that the medicament is delivered to the patient for a predetermined time period. The fluid delivery apparatus includes a controller assembly having a body component defining an axis and a plunger component slidably coupled to the body component. The plunger is positionable between a first position in which the plunger is nearest to the body component and a second position in which the plunger component is furthest from the body component. A bias assembly is positioned between the body component and the plunger component. The bias assembly is configured to apply a two stage force profile to the plunger component.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to swellable needles that include a proximal end portion and a swellable distal end portion. Upon exposure to a liquid, the needles are configured to undergo a shape change from a first configuration in which the width of the needle is tapered from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion to a second configuration in which the distal end portion is more swollen than the proximal end portion. The swellable needles can be double layer swellable needles or single material swellable needles.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a device (1) for the transdermal delivery of active molecules. The device (1) comprises a support element (8) and a plurality of micro-needles (10) that protrude from a first surface of the support element (8), the support element (8) and the micro-needles (10) being both permeable to the active molecules. The device (1) further comprises a porous membrane (7) configured to be loaded with said active molecules, which lies on a second surface of the support element (8). Characteristically, the porous membrane (7) is configured to behave, from an optical viewpoint, as a Bragg mirror. Further objects of the present invention are the following uses of the device (1): for monitoring the release and/or the decay of the active molecules, for the optical control of the release of the active molecules and for the thermal control of the release of the active molecules.

Abstract: An improved tattooing needle assembly and support assembly for the needle assembly are provided. The needle assembly includes a needle component extending through a main case into an aperture assembly. The needle component is configured to reciprocate between a stowed configuration, in which a tip of the needle component is positioned within the aperture assembly, and a deployed configuration, in which the tip extends beyond the aperture assembly. A tattooing machine causes the needle component to move to the deployed configuration while opposed magnets bias the needle component back towards the stowed configuration. Using a needle protection sleeve, the needle assembly can be removed from and/or installed onto a tattooing machine without requiring a user to come into direct contact with the needle assembly. By securing the needle protection sleeve to a support assembly, the removal and/or installation of the needle assembly becomes a one-hand operation.

Abstract: A method for delivering drugs into cystic fluid, the method comprising injecting a drug delivery system (DDS) into a cystic fluid space at an injection site, the DDS comprising at least one therapeutic agent encapsulated in biodegradable polymers, applying ultrasonic energy proximal to the injection site, and controlling the at least one of buoyancy, delivery location, mixing, and dispersion of the DDS to a targeted area using the ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A method of performing a power injection procedure, including taking an x-ray of a subcutaneously implanted access port in a patient to determine whether the access port includes a radiographic feature indicating that the access port is suitable for flowing fluid at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second through the access port. The access port defines one or more fluid reservoirs, each fluid reservoir accessible through a cannula-penetrable septum. The method further includes identifying the indicating radiographic feature on the x-ray, and in accordance with the presence of the indicating feature on the x-ray, flowing a fluid through the access port at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second.

Abstract: Aspects herein relate to a medical device for providing a leak-resistant seal for use in a vascular access device. In various embodiments, a device for vascular access hemostasis is included. The device can include an enclosure configured to at least partially receive a medical device, the enclosure defining a cavity. The enclosure can have a first seal portion and a second seal portion, the cavity disposed between the first seal portion and the second seal portion. The enclosure can include the second seal portion comprising a split, septum seal. The enclosure can include a barrel in structural communication with the second seal portion. The device can include a constriction ring disposed around the barrel, the constriction ring interfacing with the second seal portion to limit movement of the split, septum seal.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for reducing injury to patients by dislodgement of implanted or attached medical tubing. The inventive systems and methods provide medical tubing with a releasable magnetic connection. When a stretching force is applied to the medical tubing that would cause the implanted or attached portion to be pulled or separated from the patient, the medical tubing instead separates at the point of the releasable magnetic connection, preventing the force from reaching the portion of the tubing implanted in or attached to the patient, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the patient. The releasable magnetic connection allows the tubing to be easily reconnected once the stretching force on the tubing has been terminated.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for reducing inflammation associated with an aneurysm in a patient. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in the vagus nerve. Vagus nerve stimulation is used to modulate the release of neurotransmitters in the brain and to reduce inflammation that may lead to the formation, growth, rupture or hemorrhage of an aneurysm.

Abstract: A neuromodulation apparatus for stimulating neural activity in a renal nerve of a patient is provided, the apparatus comprising a transducer Patient for applying a signal to the renal nerve so as to produce a physiological response. Methods of treating sleep apnoea are also provided, including methods using the neuromodulation apparatus.

Abstract: In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system and method for controlling uterine contractions is disclosed including receiving data from at least one sensor by a wireless apparatus inserted into the patient's vagina adjacent the cervix. The data includes an indication that a contraction of the uterus is imminent. The method further includes in response to receiving the data, causing a generator circuit of the wireless apparatus to supply electrical energy to an energy applicator of the wireless apparatus that is configured to apply the supplied electrical energy to the uterus of the patient via the cervix of the patient to control contractions of the patient's uterus.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting devices into biological tissue (e.g., brain tissue). The system may include a biocompatible probe, an integrated circuit (IC) chip tethered to the probe, a cartridge comprising a temporary attachment surface by which the probe is removably coupled to the cartridge and a fastener for removably coupling the IC chip to the cartridge, a needle to reversibly engage with the probe, a robotic arm to hold the needle, a camera, and a microprocessor controller. The microprocessor controller may control the robotic arm and the needle using the to remove the probe from the temporary attachment surface using the needle, pierce the biological tissue with the needle and the probe, withdraw the needle while leaving the probe within the biological tissue; and detach the IC chip from the cartridge, leaving the IC chip with the biological tissue, the IC chip still tethered to the probe.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for specializing, monitoring, and/or evaluating therapeutic nasal neuromodulation are disclosed herein. A targeted neuromodulation system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an evaluation/modulation assembly at a distal portion of a shaft and including a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are configured to emit stimulating energy at frequencies for identifying and locating target neural structures and detect the resultant bioelectric properties of the tissue. The system can also include a console that maps locations of the target neural structures. The evaluation/modulation assembly can then apply therapeutic neuromodulation energy in a highly tailored neuromodulation pattern based on the mapped locations of the target neural structures. Accordingly, the system provides therapeutic neuromodulation to highly specific target structures while avoiding non-target structures to reduce collateral effects.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system delivers neural stimulation to a target nerve with control of direction of propagation of evoked neural signals in one or more fiber types of the target nerve using electrode configuration, thereby providing effective therapy while minimizing unintended effects. In various embodiments, mechanical parameters of a multi-polar electrode are determined to provide directed propagation of the neural stimulation by effecting neural conduction block in or near the stimulation site. In various embodiments, the electrode includes a cathode for evoking action potentials and a plurality of anodes for blocking the propagation of the evoked action potentials in specified direction(s) and fiber type(s) while minimizing the formation of virtual cathodes.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for the treatment of injured peripheral nerves or other tissue using electrical stimulation. The systems can be used either in intraoperative or peri-operative settings and incorporate the use of either a plurality of monopolar electrodes with a patch used as return or a plurality of bipolar electrodes such as a cuff. The systems can provide hands-free delivery of electrical stimulation therapy over a predetermined set of time.

Abstract: A method of treating connective tissue by applying a DC current to the tissue in the absence of intentionally heating the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for stimulation of the spinal cord for the rehabilitation of motor function in subjects with spinal cord injury or other motor disorders. Said system comprises a programmable implantable pulse generator (IPG), operatively connected to deliver current pulses to one or more multi-electrode arrays, wherein said IPG is adapted to deliver to said multi-electrode array a stimulation characterized by a frequency comprised between 20 and 1200 Hz and an amplitude comprised between 0.1 motor threshold amplitude and 1.5 motor threshold amplitude. The use of such system for facilitating locomotor functions or upper limb movements in a subject with neuromotor impairments is also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A power element for an implantable medical device is described.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for treating breathing disorders such as central sleep apnea wherein stimulation is provided to the phrenic never through a transvenous lead system with the stimulation beginning after inspiration to extend the duration of a breath and to hold the diaphragm in a contracted condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a voltage monitoring circuit for use in detecting if a voltage supplied to current-generating circuit is sufficient to allow the current-generating circuit to produce a desired current. In one embodiment the circuit is designed for use in an implantable device that is configured to deliver therapeutic pulses to a patient. The voltage monitoring circuit is configured to produce a signal if a supplied voltage is insufficient to allow a current-generating circuit to deliver a requested current to a set of electrodes. In one embodiment, the voltage monitoring circuit detects a change in a difference between the voltage at a node in the current-generating circuit and the supplied voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the medical field, in particular to the enhancement of brain performances and to the treatment of pathological stress. More specifically the present invention relates to a nanoparticle or nanoparticles' aggregate for use in enhancing brain performances or in prevention or treatment of pathological stress in a subject when the nanoparticle and/or nanoparticles' aggregate is exposed to an electric field, wherein the nanoparticle's or nanoparticles' aggregate's material is selected from a conductor material, a semiconductor material, an insulator material with a dielectric constant ?ijk equal to or above 200, and an insulator material with a dielectric constant ?ijk equal to or below 100. It further relates to compositions and kits comprising such nanoparticles and/or nanoparticles' aggregates as well as to uses thereof.

Abstract: An interface relay system for use with a fully implantable medical devices that permits transcutaneous coupling of the implanted medical device to a consumer electronics device. In one embodiment, coupling the implanted medical device to the external electronics device provides a back-up source of power for operating the implanted medical device. In another embodiment, coupling the implanted medical device to the external electronics device allows for providing unidirectional and/or bidirectional data transfer between the devices. In one arrangement, the consumer electronics device may be connectable to a communications/data network to allow for network communication between the implantable medical device and a remote processing platform/server.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for treating epilepsy by stimulating a main trunk of a vagus nerve, or a left vagus nerve, when the patient has had no seizure or a seizure that is not characterized by cardiac changes such as an increase in heart rate, and stimulating a cardiac branch of a vagus nerve, or a right vagus nerve, when the patient has had a seizure characterized by cardiac changes such as a heart rate increase.

Abstract: A medical device for generating electrical stimulation of a patient includes: a pulse generator configured to generate current pulses for electrical stimulation of the patient, and at least one electrode lead configured to be connected to the pulse generator. The electrode lead has a plurality of electrode contacts for delivering the current pulses to tissue of the patient. The pulse generator is configured to generate the current pulses with a rate in the range from 1 Hz to 100 kHz, and the individual current pulse has a pulse width in a range from 10 ?s to 10 ms.

Abstract: A medical device for electrical stimulation of a patient. A pulse generator generates current pulses for the electrical stimulation. An electrode lead with a plurality of electrode contacts delivers the pulses to tissue of the patient. The pulse generator repeatedly delivers a current pulse between two electrodes forming a first group and delivers a charge balancing current pulse after each current pulse between the electrodes of the first group. The respective current pulse is separated from the succeeding charge balancing current pulse by an inter pulse interval. The respective current pulse has an amplitude with the same absolute magnitude as the succeeding charge balancing current pulse, but is of opposite sign. The pulse generator delivers between each current pulse and the succeeding charge balancing current pulse a current pulse between two further electrodes forming a second group of electrode contacts of the plurality of electrode contacts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are circuits and methods for a multi-electrode implantable stimulator device incorporating one decoupling capacitor in the current path established via at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode. In one embodiment, the decoupling capacitor may be hard-wired to a dedicated anode on the device. The cathodes are selectively activatable via stimulation switches. In another embodiment, any of the electrodes on the devices can be selectively activatable as an anode or cathode. In this embodiment, the decoupling capacitor is placed into the current path via selectable anode and cathode stimulation switches. Regardless of the implementation, the techniques allow for the benefits of capacitive decoupling without the need to associate decoupling capacitors with every electrode on the multi-electrode device, which saves space in the body of the device.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system configured for providing sub-threshold neuromodulation therapy to a patient. The neuromodulation system comprises a neuromodulation lead having at least one electrode configured for being implanted along a spinal cord of a patient, a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to the at least one electrode, modulation output circuitry configured for delivering sub-threshold modulation energy to active ones of the at least one electrode, and control/processing circuitry configured for selecting a percentage from a plurality of percentages based on a known longitudinal location of the neuromodulation lead relative to the spinal cord, computing an amplitude value as a function of the selected percentage, and controlling the modulation output circuitry to deliver sub-threshold modulation energy to the patient at the computed amplitude value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing invasive and noninvasive brain stimulation are described herein. In a particular embodiment, methods and systems for a combinatorial, iterative approach to modify behavior are presented wherein deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other brain stimulation therapies are implemented in combination with monitoring the brain activity of an individual to optimize the effectiveness of the combinatorial approach to modify behavior. Methods described herein are iterative and systems described herein are utilized in iterative fashion. In a particular embodiment, modifying behavior provides a therapy for an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: A communication platform at least partially implements secure communications between a medical device and a trusted authority (TA) service provider. The secure communications prevent access to the secure communications by the communication platform while permitting access to the secure communications at the medical device and/or at the trusted authority service provider.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to implantable medical devices (IMDs) and methods for use therewith. Such a method includes using an accelerometer of an IMD (e.g., a leadless pacemaker) to produce one or more accelerometer outputs indicative of the orientation of the IMD. The method can also include controlling communication pulse parameter(s) of one or more communication pulses (produced by pulse generator(s)) based on accelerator output(s) indicative of the orientation of the IMD. The communication pulse parameter(s) that is/are controlled can be, e.g., communication pulse amplitude, communication pulse width, communication pulse timing, and/or communication pulse morphology. Such embodiments can be used to improve conductive communications between IMDs whose orientation relative to one another may change over time, e.g., due to changes in posture and/or due to cardiac motion over a cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A magnetic-resonance-imaging-compatible (MRI-compatible) cardiac defibrillator includes: a defibrillator generator; first and second electric wires, each being electrically connected to said defibrillator generator; first and second defibrillation pads, each being electrically connected to a respective one of said first and second electric wires; and a low pass filter electrically connected between said defibrillator generator and said first and second electric wires to prevent a noise in an MRI image caused by a radiofrequency interference from the defibrillator as well as protect a patient and the defibrillator from MRI radiofrequency imaging signals, wherein said low pass filter has a cutoff frequency set such that differential mode noise at an MRI Larmor frequency is in an attenuated band while a system-test signal by said defibrillator generator is in a pass band of said low pass filter.

Abstract: A capacitor for an implantable medical device has a housing. The housing has a first outer side and a second outer side facing away from the first outer side. The two outer sides are connected to one another via a lateral outer side of the housing running in a circumferential direction of the housing. The lateral outer side has a straight first portion and an arcuate second portion. The first portion has two end regions, which are connected to one another via a middle region of the first portion. The end regions are each connected to the second portion. The capacitor has an electrical terminal arranged on the middle region of the first portion of the lateral outer side, which electrical terminal has two contact surfaces for electrically contacting the capacitor. A capacitor assembly and an implantable medical device are formed with the above describe capacitor.

Abstract: A pump and pump controller which uses an algorithm to quickly achieve and maintain a stable plasma field in a surgical site are provided. The algorithm calculates an electrical characteristic value to determine if the suction rate by the pump should be increased or decreased to achieve a stable plasma field. A method of using such a pump and pump controller is also provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to ear-mountable devices with one or more sensors and both input and output capabilities. Such ear-mountable devices may validate behaviors, biometrics, and/or environmental conditions by generating a signal indicative of the same at an ear of the user and then determining the behaviors, biometrics, and/or environmental conditions based on the signal. Such ear-mountable devices may determine compliance of a user by outputting, through an audio output device of the ear-mountable devices, a compliance message to evoke a target behavior in the user, monitoring behavior of the user through a sensor of the ear-mountable device, and determining compliance of the user with the target behavior based on the monitoring.

Abstract: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can be applied to a tender area on a subject's body to treat fibromyalgia. A light source device can be contacted to a subject's skin proximal to a tender area on the subject's body. A light signal (with wavelengths from the red to infrared part of the spectrum) can be applied in at least one of a pulsed operating mode, a continuous operating mode, and a super-pulsed operating mode through the light source device to the tender area. The light signal is applied for a time sufficient to stimulate a phototherapeutic response in the tender area to treat fibromyalgia.

Abstract: Disorders of the eye can be treated by photobiomodulation therapy according to a device designed to direct light into a patient's eye, no matter the configuration of the eye. The device, including a printed circuit board that includes an array of light delivery devices and a heat sink lens, can be placed proximal to the patient's eye. The light delivery devices can be powered to generate light. The light can be directed into the patient's eye regardless of a position of the patient's eye.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for medical treatment using a series of pulsed lasers are disclosed. In an example, a system for medical treatment includes a laser source, an optical module, and a controller coupled to the optical module. The laser source is configured to generate a series of pulsed lasers. The optical module is configured to provide a series of focused laser spots on a patient based on the series of pulsed lasers. The controller is configured to control the at least one of the optical module and a stage for holding the patient to move the series of focused laser spots on the patient to form a scan pattern.

Abstract: A pet care device may include a removable or swappable care tool mounted on a head. The head may include a sterilizer and a sensor to determine what kind of care tool is mounted. A controller may identify the type of care tool mounted on the head based on a sensing value of the sensor and control the sterilizer based on the identified care tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating sexual dysfunction using transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near infrared light (NIR) are provided. In particular, a device configured for treating a disorder of a subject, the device can have a power source and a light source configured to receive power from the power source to cause the light source to emit near infrared light, wherein the near-infrared light has a wavelength of 600 nm to 1400 nm. The device has a processor and a housing configured to position the light source to deliver the near infrared light to a region of interest of the subject via transcranial photobiomodulation in a dosimetry and duration sufficient to treat the disorder.

Abstract: This invention concerns methods of treating a patient diagnosed with glioblastoma comprising administering to said patient a therapy comprising an effective amount of an anti-VEGF antibody and a chemotherapeutic.

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: A polymeric radiation-source with customized geometries to maximize receipt of radiation into treatment areas that is formed from either radioisotopes molecularly bonded to a polymer or radioisotopes encased within a polymer.

Abstract: A method of performing dose calculations for ion radiotherapy compensating for tissue in which the density within a voxel may be inhomogeneous by approximating a portion of the voxel as an air cavity. For each dose voxel, the voxel is inscribed in a three-dimensional grid comprising a number of cells and the propagation of ions through the voxel is calculated based on the cell pattern in the at least one cell overlapping the voxel. Preferably, the voxel is inscribed in the three-dimensional grid in such a way that it overlaps at least one cell fully. Each cell comprises a first portion representing a first density corresponding to a density of a tissue and a second portion representing a second density corresponding to the density of air, the first and second portions forming a cell pattern.

Abstract: A radiation therapy medical apparatus is disclosed. The medical apparatus comprises: a base; a cylindrical gantry, peripherally and rotatably supported by the base; a radiation therapy assembly, comprising an arm and a radiation head, wherein one end of the arm is fixed to a first position on a first side of the gantry and the other end thereof is extended outwardly, and the radiation head is fixed to the other end of the arm; an imaging assembly, mounted to a second side of the gantry opposite to the first side, and configured to be a first balanced weight part for balancing the radiation therapy assembly; and a counterbalance, fixed to the second side of the gantry, and configured to cooperate with the imaging assembly to prevent the gantry from turnover under action of the radiation therapy assembly and configured to dynamically balance with the radiation therapy assembly with respect to a rotation axis of the gantry.

Abstract: The present invention provides electron beam therapies with improved feedback control that delivers controlled and adjustable doses of electron beam radiation to variable shallow depths with little radiation exposure to both nearby tissues and tissues below the target. In order to control radiation to accurately penetrate to shallow depths and to allow the radiation to be adjusted to other depth settings in very small or even continuous increments, the present invention senses a plurality of different electron beam characteristics and then uses these to derive a composite characteristic, or analog, of the electron beam energy. The composite analog provides a strong correlation to energy that allows this precision. In another aspect, the present invention relates to implementing this feedback control by adjusting power levels used to establish the electron beam.

Abstract: A high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device and a method for controlling the piezoelectric driving device achieve accurate and stable control as to movement of a transducer and a treatment position by use of a piezoelectric driving device configured to have a compact size in accordance with a great reduction in the size of a handpiece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cavitation-guided opening of a targeted region of tissue within a primate skull are provided. In one example, a method includes delivering one or more microbubbles to proximate the targeted region, applying an ultrasound beam, using a transducer, through the skull of the primate to the targeted region to open the tissue, transcranially acquiring acoustic emissions produced from an interaction between the one or more microbubbles and the tissue, and determining a cavitation spectrum from the acquired acoustic emissions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, particularly a composition comprising digestive enzymes and appetite suppressant. The composition can be used for reducing appetite, inducing weight loss and/or promote food digestion in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A panel (10) for use as a fire suppressing system which comprises a substrate (12) and an exothermic gas producing charge (14) wherein the exothermic gas producing charge (14) is integral with the substrate.

Abstract: A smoke or fire barrier (1), comprising a head box (2) which contains a roller (9). Extending from the head box are a pair of side guides (3) which guide a metallic foil curtain (5) from the roller, where it is stored, to the ground when deployed. At the bottom of the curtain (5), where it meets the ground when deployed is a bottom bar (4). The metallic foil curtain (5) is made up of individual foil panels (6). The curtain is made from a panel of stainless steel with dimples (8) across it. The dimples allow improved characteristics when rolling and being stored as it holds its shape better. The dimples also provide improved heat transfer characteristics.