Abstract: An umbrella-like scraper for cleaning tubes and pipes may include a scraper, an actuator and a hinge configured for selective deployment of the scraper by manipulation of the actuator.

Abstract: A mask for the delivery of a medical gas under positive pressure. The engagement surface is generally circular in shape and is sufficiently rigid that operatively, when a suitable retention force is applied to the mask, an effective seal is produced at the interface of the engagement surface and the surrounding tissue primarily by deformation of the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A system for detecting manual ventilation and selectively delivering a high flow of oxygen. The system comprises a source of compressed oxygen coupled to a first lumen of a nasal cannula, with an oxygen flow control valve coupled to a processor to control the flow of oxygen to the nasal cannula. A second lumen of the nasal cannula is in connection with a pressure sensor and the pressure sensor in connection with the processor. The processor may receive the pressure values and be programmed to determine when manual ventilation has occurred, and send a signal to the oxygen flow control valve to send a high flow of oxygen in response to manual ventilation.

Abstract: A headgear for securing a mask to a user's face is described. The headgear requires a first load force to elongate the headgear and, when fitted to a user, applies a balanced fit force that substantially equals a load force applied to the headgear during respiratory therapy. In some embodiments, the headgear includes an elastic portion configured to provide a retraction force, a non-elastic portion configured to be inelastic in comparison to the elastic portion, and a restriction mechanism connected to the non-elastic portion and to the elastic portion. The restriction mechanism is configured to apply a first resistance force to the user's head on elongation of the headgear and a second resistance force to the user's head on retraction of the headgear.

Abstract: A transfer unit (20), for a ventilator (1), is provided for carrying out a ventilation process of a patient. A ventilator (1) for carrying out a ventilation process of a patient, is provided that includes a ventilation unit (10) with a pneumatic unit (16) for carrying out the ventilation process as well as the transfer unit (20) mounted reversibly at the ventilation unit (10). A ventilation system (100) for carrying out a ventilation process of a patient, is provided including a transfer unit (20) and at least two ventilation units (10). A process for changing a ventilator (1) is provided for the ventilation process of a patient, wherein the transfer unit (20) can be mounted in the ventilation system (100) at a first ventilation unit (10) for forming a first ventilator (1) and at a second ventilation unit (10) for forming a second ventilator (1).

Abstract: A connection assembly for a respiratory therapy system, comprising: an outlet assembly, said outlet assembly including an outlet housing and a swivelling disc located on said outlet housing, said outlet housing and said swivelling disc defining, at least in part, a recess; an outlet connector located at an end of a tube portion, said outlet connector including an electrical connector; and a cable having a first end to connect to the electrical connector and a second end to connect to at least one electrical component of the respiratory therapy system, said cable having a slack portion, wherein said outlet connector and said swivelling disc are rotatable in unison between a first position and a second position, and wherein the slack portion of the cable extends from the recess and wraps around the swivelling disc as the swivelling disc is rotated from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Apparatus (500) and components for coupling fluid or gas conducting elements, such as apparatus and components for connecting a nebulizer (501) with a gas flow system. In particular, the apparatus (500) and components are useful for connecting, in a gas-tight and quick release manner, a nebulizer (501) to a pressure-assisted breathing system, such as a mechanical ventilator or a continuous airway pressure (“CPAP”) system.

Abstract: A conduit connector assembly is provided for a respiratory therapy apparatus and configured to connect a patient interface to a gas delivery conduit. The assembly comprises: a conduit comprising a first flow port configured to be connected to the patient interface, and a second flow port configured to be connected to the gas delivery conduit, and a supplementary flow port; and a first valve port configured to be closed or opened by a valve flap. The conduit and the valve flap selectively provide an inspiratory flow path from the second flow port of the conduit to the first flow port of the conduit; and an expiratory flow path from the first flow port of the conduit to the supplementary flow port via the first valve port. A supplementary gas flow path is provided between the first and/or second flow ports and the supplementary flow port via a supplementary valve port.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

Abstract: A valve module (20) for a ventilation system (100), includes a tube interface (21) for connection to a counter-tube interface (14) of an exhalation end (13) of a ventilation tube element (11) as well as a device interface (22) for connection to a counter-device interface (114) of an exhalation port (113) of a ventilator (110). The device interface has an exhalation valve section (24) providing an exhalation flow (93) of exhaled air (92) with an exhalation pressure (94). The exhaled air from the tube interface (21) flows through a module space (23). A ventilation tube device (10), the ventilator (110) as well as the ventilation system are provided with the valve module. Processes are provided for severing and establishing a connection between the device interface, the ventilation tube device and the counter-device interface of the exhalation port of the ventilator of the ventilation system.

Abstract: A Pavlovian conditioned reflex sleep induction kit includes at least one physiological sensor, wherein the at least one physiological sensor is configured to detect at least a physiological parameter of a user and transmit a detection signal to an automatically activated scent diffuser, wherein the automatically activated scent diffuser is configured to receive an electronic activation signal and to diffuse a scent as a function of the electronic activation signal, a control circuit configured to receive the detection signal from the at least one physiological sensor, to ascertain that the user is entering a hypnagogic state, and to transmit the electronic activation signal to the automatically activated scent diffuser, thereby conditioning the user to respond to subsequent sensing of the same scent. For later use, a user-activated scent diffuser is provided, that diffuses the same scent upon activation by a user, to thereby trigger the conditioned reflex to fall asleep.

Abstract: A method of music therapy informed processes provides an effective online process to help a user regulate their mood through appropriate music selection choices. The method offers mood and music assessments to evaluate the user's mood, music preferences, goals, and understanding of the correlation between various moods and music. A mood sequence formula (MSF) is subsequently created to generate stylized and personalized music medicine pill (MMP) playlists. With additional recommendations of music exercise routine/regimen (MER) to the user, the method delivers therapeutic MMP playlists of the music therapy informed process with personalized music to manage physiological and behavioral responses, emotional regulation, performance and emotional intelligence. Using daily tracking and specific measurement data of biometrical and physiological devices, the user can track the progress and thus enable the method to fine tune the MSF and MMP playlists for the best effectiveness of the music therapy informed method.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in accessing a vasculature of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter body that includes a flattened oval outer surface and defines first and second lumens. The catheter body defines a distal tip region that includes a venous lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and includes a distal-facing portion. The distal tip region further includes an arterial lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the second lumen, includes a distal-facing portion, and is substantially un-staggered with respect to the venous lateral opening. A distal end opening is in fluid communication with a power injectable third lumen. In another embodiment, the first and second lumens each generally include a reniform cross-sectional shape. In yet another embodiment, a dual-lumen catheter includes first and second lumens that each define a modified ellipse cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A catheter that includes a tubular inner layer, a first reinforcing body that is wound around an outside in a radial direction of the inner layer, a second reinforcing body that is wound around the outside in the radial direction of the first reinforcing body, and an outer layer that covers the inner layer, the first reinforcing body, and the second reinforcing body, and the inner layer has a reduced diameter portion that is reduced in diameter from a proximal end side of the catheter toward a distal end side of the catheter on an inner peripheral surface of the inner layer, and a thickness of the outer layer between the first reinforcing body and the second reinforcing body is increased, at least partially from the proximal end side toward the distal end side, in the radial direction of the reduced diameter portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-cleaning catheter designed to impede the development of biofilm within the catheter and provide a mechanism for removing biofilm within the catheter during use by a patient. The self-cleaning catheter includes an outer shell enclosing a urine lumen. The urine lumen has the ability to be opened and closed with a urine lumen closure device and is formed with a plurality of micro ports and a plurality of macro wash ports. At least one antimicrobial lumen is affixed to the exterior of and in fluid communication with the urine lumen at the plurality of micro ports. Similarly, at least one wash lumen is affixed to the exterior of and in fluid communication with the urine lumen at the plurality of macro wash ports. Antimicrobial solutions and wash solutions are introduced into the urine lumen by the antimicrobial lumen and wash lumen respectively, even during use.

Abstract: One embodiment is a medical device for local application of a fluid, including a flexibly deformable external hose. The external hose includes multiple through-going openings, at least one of them is arranged in the area of a first end of the external hose. It includes a flexible internal hose, at least sections of which are arranged on the inside of the external hose. The internal hose, in an expanded state, has an external diameter that is at least equal to the internal diameter of the external hose, such that it closes the openings of the external hose. The external diameter of the internal hose can be transitioned from the expanded state into a radially contracted state, such that the openings are being exposed. A connection firmly connects the external hose and the internal hose to each other on the first end of the external hose, and closes them in fluid-tight manner. A connector supplies the fluid into the intervening space between the external and the internal hose.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes a catheter body including an outer jacket and an inner liner. The inner liner may include a proximal section including a proximal end of the inner liner and a distal section including a distal end of the inner liner. The distal section may include an inner liner defining a plurality of cuts. Each cut may extend at least partially through the liner wall. The one or more cuts defined in the liner wall of the distal section of the inner liner may increase a bending flexibility of the distal section relative to the proximal section of the inner liner, while maintaining a suitable tensile strength of the distal section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter advancement device having an elongate shaft and a capsule attached to or integral with the shaft, and related methods for assisting with advancement of catheters such as cardiovascular guiding catheters while reducing damage to the inner wall of the blood vessel. Some capsules have a distal plug portion and a neck portion having a smaller diameter than the plug. Other capsules have a channel defined along the outer surface of the capsule. Some elongate shafts have an attachment tube disposed at or near the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a transparent hub and a transparent catheter coupled to the transparent hub at a proximal end. The present inventive concept further contemplates that the transparent hub can further comprise components, including but not limited to, a valve, a valve housing, a catheter securing mechanism, a hub body. The present inventive concept further contemplates a catheter assembly comprising one or more transparent components, such that the catheter assembly reveals the contents therein to a user.

Abstract: A catheter that includes a catheter shaft including an inner layer, a coil body that is formed of a wire spirally wound around an outer periphery of the inner layer, and an outer layer that covers the coil body, and the coil body includes a joint part where adjacent wires are jointed, and a main body part other than the joint part, the joint part is positioned closer to a distal end side of the catheter shaft than the main body part, the joint part has a slit that is a notch passing through the joint part in a radial direction of the catheter, one end of the slit is located closer to the distal end side than the other end of the slit, and between the wires included in the joint part, all parts except a part overlapping the slit are jointed.

Abstract: A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line arm sleeve with a window-style opening design or slip-on structured design. The sleeve has treated mesh fabric, with properties including, but not limited to, anti-bacterial, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and breathability, to cover the PICC insertion area. Treated and non-treated solid fabric may be used in the body of the sleeve. Treated solid fabric used has the same properties as treated mesh fabric. Use of the sleeve is not limited but targets survivors undergoing treatment for cancer(s), infectious disease(s), and other medical issues that use PICC lines in the treatment plan.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter extending distally from the catheter adapter, an introducer needle extending through the catheter, a flash chamber in fluid communication with a needle lumen of the introducer needle, and a seal element. The introducer needle may include a wall defining the needle lumen, a first notch formed through the wall, and a second notch formed through the wall. The seal element may be proximal to the first notch and the second notch and within the catheter between an outer surface of the introducer needle and an inner surface of the catheter. The seal element may prevent priming fluid from travelling distal to the seal element. The seal element in conjunction with the first notch, the second notch, and the flash chamber may facilitate pressure-driven blood flow into the catheter for detection of flashback and transfixing when priming occurs prior to insertion into vasculature.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a catheter system comprising an introducer having a main body, an introducer sheath projecting from the main body, and a first seal supported within the introducer and a catheter having a main body, an outer sheath projecting from the main body, a second seal supported within the catheter, and an inner core configured to be advanced axially through the main body, the second seal, and the outer sheath. The introducer can be configured to be selectively engageable with the catheter so that the catheter can be selectively and removably linked with the introducer in the axial direction. The catheter system can also be configured such that, when the introducer and the catheter are linked, the catheter can be rotatable relative to the introducer. The introducer can be configured to radially restrain an endoluminal prosthesis.

Abstract: A method for delivering an elongated medical device along a path to a target location using a catheter procedure system includes generating a mask of the path, tracking a position of a distal portion of the elongated medical device based on a set of real-time images and determining a remaining path length based at least on the position of the distal portion of the elongated medical device. The remaining path length is a distance between the distal portion of the elongated medical device and the target location. The remaining path length decreases as the distal portion of the elongated medical device approaches the target location.

Abstract: Devices, assemblies, systems, and techniques described herein may deliver a pressure wave to structures of a heart, such an aortic valve. For example, a medical assembly may include an expandable member configured to expand from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, the expandable member configured to at least partially define a channel through the expandable member in the expanded configuration and one or more electrodes carried by the expandable member. The one or more electrodes may be configured to transmit an electrical signal through a fluid to cause the fluid to undergo cavitation that generates a pressure wave within the fluid.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes an elongated member including at least one balloon connected to the elongated member, the at least one balloon being configured to inflate to an expanded state. In the expanded state, the at least one balloon forms at least a portion of a cavity with a wall of a vessel of the patient. The catheter including at least one electrode carried by the elongated member and having at least one surface exposed to the cavity formed by the at least one balloon. The electrode is configured to connect to an energy source that is configured to deliver, via the electrode, an electrical signal to a fluid contained in the cavity and in contact with the electrode to cause the fluid to undergo cavitation to generate a pressure pulse wave within the fluid.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery apparatus for delivering specific desired quantities of cream-base medicament or any flowable composition is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a revolving platform, a threaded screw-complex, a house, an applicator pad, and a safety cap. The revolving platform produces audible and tactile sensations upon interaction with projections from the house. The threaded screw-complex interacts with an elevator to transport the medicament upwards. The house confines an inner chamber to store the medicament. The applicator pad comprises a center outlet where the composition exits the chamber.

Abstract: A pre-moistened swab system is disclosed including cotton swabs having a first end, a second end, swab tip, and a liquid material. The cotton swabs contained with the liquid material provide a pre-moistened swab applicator for use. The liquid materials may include makeup remover, rubbing alcohol or peroxide, anesthetic, petroleum jelly, and ear cleaner. It enables users to clean the face, moisturize dry lips, remove ear wax buildup, disinfect small wounds, numb the skin, and treat small cuts.

Abstract: Disclosed are a microneedle, an apparatus for manufacturing a microneedle including a support part containing a medicinal solution for coating a microneedle, a controller for controlling the temperature of the medicinal solution contained in the support part, and a dryer for drying the medicinal solution coated on the microneedle, and a method of manufacturing the microneedle using the apparatus. According to the configuration, the temperature of the medicinal solution can be adjusted such that a viscosity suitable for coating with the medicinal solution is maintained, whereby the quality of a microneedle coated with the medicinal solution can be improved, and denaturation of active ingredients in the medicinal solution can be prevented, which causes stability increase.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microprojection unit (10) according to the invention involves: a microprojection tool forming step of forming a microprojection tool (1) by bringing a projecting mold part (11) into contact from one surface (2D) side of a base sheet (2A) including a thermoplastic resin, and thus forming a protrusion (3) that protrudes from another surface (2U) side, and withdrawing the projecting mold part (11) from the interior of the protrusion (3); a joining step of joining the one surface (2D) side of the base sheet (2A), in which the microprojection tool (1) has been formed, and a tip end of a base component (4); and a cutting step of cutting the base sheet (2A), to which the base component (4) has been joined, along a contour (4L) of the base component (4) at a position more inward than the base component's contour (4L) in a planar view of the base sheet (2A) as viewed from the microprojection tool (1) side, to manufacture a microprojection unit (10).

Abstract: A portable, self-sanitizing microneedle device similar in size and shape to a pen, or marker that can be held and manipulated by a human hand. The microneedle device is comprised of a main body with a handle attached to a circular base support structure, a second circular platform structure having screw threads to connect with screw threads on the inside of a substantially conical-shaped cap with a hexagonal base that holds a disinfecting solution, and a third circular platform structure comprising the microneedle support structure covered with a substrate holding a plurality of microneedles. The cap is sealingly and removably attached to the base support structure over the microneedle array using a plurality of sealing surfaces within the cap and on the support structures to create a tight seal that prevents the leakage of the disinfecting solution, and keeps the microneedles sanitized for use at all times, even when traveling.

Abstract: A microneedle assembly and a method of fabrication the assembly are provided. The microneedle assembly includes an array of microneedles attached to a base. Each of the microneedles comprise a tip, a needle shaft and a plurality of cantilevered barbs protruding outwardly from the needle shaft, where a plurality of the microneedles include two or more of the cantilevered barbs arranged in a series of concentric rings along the needle shaft of each of the plurality of microneedles. The microneedle assembly may be fabricated using a 3D printing technique, where one or more cantilevered layers are formed by exposing a photocurable liquid resin including monomer material to a light source to create initially horizontal, cantilevered barbs having a crosslinking gradient, and rinsing to remove an amount of un-crosslinked monomers from the cantilevered layers to induce curvature in the cantilevered barbs extending towards a direction of the lower crosslinking.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for rotatable selection of sites for cannulation with a needle along a subcutaneous vascular access vessel. The cannulation site selection apparatus comprises a template having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of visible markings on the outer surface of the template. The template is adapted to be disposed adjacent the subcutaneous vascular access vessel such that the markings align with the cannulation sites along the vascular access vessel for selecting a site for cannulation with a needle into the vascular access vessel.

Abstract: A needle-free connector including a guiding base, a connecting base, a valve member, and a seal member is provided. The guiding base has a conduit, and the conduit extends downward along an axial direction. The connecting base is disposed on the guiding base and has a screw portion and a passage running through the screw portion. A chamber is formed between the guiding base and the connecting base, and the conduit and the passage respectively communicate with the chamber along the axial direction. The valve member is disposed between the guiding base and the connecting base, and is movably located in the chamber. The seal member is disposed at an end of the valve member far away from the conduit, and the seal member and the valve member are adapted to be connected into a whole in a manufacturing process.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted suction and irrigation system includes a suction and irrigation wand, an irrigation fluid supply, a vacuum source, and a fluid pump. The vacuum source is connected to a suction valve of the suction and irrigation wand to provide suction within the suction and irrigation wand. The irrigation fluid supply is connected to the suction and irrigation wand via the fluid pump to supply pressurized irrigation fluid to the suction and irrigation wand. The vacuum source is connected to the fluid pump to pressurize the irrigation fluid being delivered to the suction and irrigation wand.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for implantable node are described. The method may include storing, at an implantable stimulation node, a set of stimulation profiles in a memory during a configuration phase. The method may also include receiving a stimulation command corresponding to a stimulation profile of the set of stimulation profiles during a treatment phase. The method may further include delivering stimulation based at least in part on the stimulation profile corresponding to the received stimulation command. In some cases, the system may include an implantable hub, an implantable sensing node, and a sensing device.

Abstract: A wireless physical stimulation system includes at least one sensor, at least one physical stimulation device and an electronic device. The electronic device wirelessly connects to the at least one sensor disposed on a human body and the at least one physical stimulation device disposed on the human body. The at least one sensor is configured to sense at least one first sensing signal. The electronic device is configured to receive the least one sensing signal from the least one sensor; generate first body condition information on the basis of a body condition identifying model and according to the least one sensing signal; generate first feedback plan information on the basis of a first feedback model and according to the first body information; and control the at least one physical stimulation device according to the first feedback plan information.

Abstract: In an embodiment herein, an aortopulmonary stimulation method is provided including positioning at least one aortic electrode in or near the aorta, and using the at least one aortic electrode, to deliver stimulation to the aorta to decrease aortic after load.

Abstract: Implantable cardiac pacing systems and methods for providing substernal pacing are described. In one example, a cardiac pacing system includes a pacemaker implanted in a patient and an implantable medical electrical lead. The implantable medical electrical lead includes an elongated lead body having a proximal end and a distal portion, a connector configured to couple to the pacemaker at the proximal end of the elongated lead body, and one or more electrodes along the distal portion of the elongated lead body, wherein the distal portion of the elongated lead body of the lead is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of the patient and the pacemaker is configured to deliver pacing pulses to a heart of the patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an aortopulmonary stimulation device is provided. The device includes a first electrode for placement on or in the aorta, a second electrode for placement on or in the pulmonary artery, and a control unit associated with the first and second electrodes for delivering electrical stimulation to the first and second electrodes, wherein the stimulation is delivered to both the first electrode and the second electrode, or to the first electrode or the second electrode to reduce afterload.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to automate determination of therapy parameter values for adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS). A medical device may determine differences in power values between a present and a previous power value. Based on the difference being greater than or equal to a threshold value, the medical device may iteratively adjust a present therapy parameter value until the difference in the power values between a present and a previous power value is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced electrodes and a fixation element helix located between a proximal-most pair of adjacent electrodes of the plurality, so that a piercing tip of the helix is centered therebetween. A grip sleeve of a connector terminal of the lead may be gripped to apply a torque which is transferred to the fixation element, thereby engaging the helix thereof with tissue. The lead may include means for limiting the amount of torque that can be transferred from the connector terminal grip sleeve to the fixation element. The torque limiting means may be an external contour of the lead along a length thereof that extends between the connector terminal grip sleeve and the fixation element. The plurality of lead electrodes may further include a distal-most pair of adjacent electrodes, between which the lead extends in pre-set a curvature.

Abstract: A method for aesthetic soft tissue treatment includes placing at least one applicator in contact with the patient's body. The applicator has at least one electrode. Electrotherapy and radio frequency therapy are provided to the soft tissue, optionally with overlay or sequentially. A handheld applicator may be used, with the applicator moving during the therapy, which may provide muscle stimulation in the patient, or provide an analgesic effect during the treatment. A spacing object may be positioned between the skin of the patient and the applicator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a sound device for making or treatment of tinnitus. In one example, a method includes determining a current sleep cycle and administering a therapy sound based on the current sleep cycle.

Abstract: This application discloses an improved approach for delivering alternating electric fields (e.g., TTFields) at a therapeutically effective strength to a target region of the spinal anatomy. In some embodiments, first and second sets of electrode elements are positioned with their centroids adjacent to upper and lower portions of the person's spine, respectively. In other embodiments, a first set of electrode elements is positioned with its centroid on an upper surface of the person's head, and a second set of electrode elements is positioned with its centroid adjacent to the person's spine (e.g., below the L3 vertebrae). Applying an AC voltage between the first and second sets of electrode elements generates a generally vertical field in the target region at levels that are not achievable using other layouts for positioning the electrode elements on the subject's body. These configurations are particularly useful for preventing and/or treating metastases.

Abstract: Example inventions provide treatment for obstructive sleep apnea by affixing a patch externally on a dermis of the user. The patch includes a flexible substrate and an adhesive on a first side adapted to adhere to the dermis of the user, an electronic package directly coupled to the substrate, the electronic package including a processor, and electrodes directly coupled to the substrate and the electronic package. Example inventions detect an occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea and activate the patch in response to the detecting, the activating including generating an electrical stimuli to one or more nerves of the user via the electrodes.

Abstract: A biostimulator, such as a leadless cardiac pacemaker, including an electrical feedthrough assembly mounted on a housing, is described. An electronics compartment of the housing can contain an electronics assembly to generate a pacing impulse, and the electrical feedthrough assembly can include an electrode tip to deliver the pacing impulse to a target tissue. A monolithically formed electrode body can have a pin integrated with a cup. The pin can be electrically connected to the electronics assembly, and the cup can be electrically connected to the electrode tip. Accordingly, the biostimulator can transmit the pacing impulse through the monolithic pin and cup to the target tissue. The cup can hold a filler having a therapeutic agent for delivery to the target tissue and may include retention elements for maintaining the filler at a predetermined location within the cup.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for monitoring the physical state of a stimulating assembly to, for example, detect the occurrence of an adverse event. More specifically, an elongate stimulating assembly comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced contacts is at least partially implanted into a recipient. Electrical measurements are performed at one or more of the plurality of contacts and the electrical measurements are evaluated relative to one another to determine the physical state of the stimulating assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes positioning electrodes in or in contact with a head of a subject identified as in need of enhanced microglial cell activation. Control circuitry is activated to drive the electrodes to apply an electrical current to a brain of the subject in pulses having an average pulse duration of between 0.1 ms and 10 ms, and to configure the electrical current to enhance microglial cell activation for taking up amyloid beta or tau protein from brain parenchyma. The control circuitry is activated to apply the electrical current with an average amplitude of between 0.1 and 5 mA, or with an average voltage that results in between 0.1 and 5 mA current. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Stimulation of nervous system components by electrodes can be used in many applications, including in the operation of brain-machine interfaces, bidirectional neural interfaces, and neuroprosthetics. The optimal operation of such systems requires a means of accurately measuring neural responses to such stimulations. However, currently the measurement of neural responses is difficult due to heavy stimulation artifacts arising from stimulatory pulses. The invention encompasses novel methods of estimating stimulation artifacts in measurements attained by recording electrodes and the effective removal of these artifacts. This provides improved neural recording systems and enables the deployment of closed-loop neural stimulation systems.