Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes positioning a trocar having a primary pressure sensor in or on the trocar into a patient cavity. The method also includes supplying an insufflation fluid to the patient cavity and measuring a pressure in the patient cavity by the primary pressure sensor. The method further includes controlling the supply of insufflation fluid by an insufflator to the patient cavity based at least on the measured pressure and determining by a processor associated with the insufflator that the measured pressure may be inaccurate and in response, controlling, by the insufflator, the supply of insufflation fluid to the patient cavity based at least on a pressure measured by a backup pressure sensor rather than based on the measured pressure.

Abstract: A pulsating inhaler comprising: (a) a fluid oscillator providing focused fluid columns with a series of alternating high and low pressure zones and (b) at least one outlet orifice adapted for delivering said focused fluid column to the respiratory tract of said patient. The fluid oscillator further comprises a piston which is actuated by a motor with an eccentric mechanism. According to alternative embodiment of the invention, the fluid oscillator comprises a rotating disc having a missing section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering medication to a patient. One such system has an aerosol generator for aerosolizing medication. The generator is located outside the airway of a patient. A chamber is provided for receiving aerosolized medication from the generator. The system has a carrier gas supply tube for delivering carrier gas to the chamber, and an aerosol delivery tube for receiving the aerosolized medication and the carrier gas from the chamber. The aerosol delivery tube delivers the aerosolized medication to the patient. A distal end of the aerosol delivery tube is positioned inside the airway of the patient in order to discharge the aerosolized medication within the patient's airway.

Abstract: Systems slow breathing with positive pressure therapy. In embodiments, a current interim breathing rate target is set, and periodically magnitude of a variable pressure waveform scaled to the current interim breathing rate target is increased if breathing rate is greater than the interim rate target to lengthen breath duration. The magnitude of the pressure increase may be a function of the difference between the interim rate target and the breathing rate. The interim rate target may be reduced in response to slowing breathing rate. The waveform cycles, inhalation to exhalation, when airflow decreases to a cycle threshold. Different interim rate targets have different cycle threshold functions that allow easier cycling as the interim rate targets decrease. Similarly, the waveform triggers, exhalation to inhalation, when airflow increases to a trigger threshold. Different interim rate targets have different trigger threshold functions that allow easier triggering as the interim rate targets decrease.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving airway patency are disclosed. An oral device is positioned in the oral cavity and applies a negative pressure to the oral cavity. The oral device has pressure delivery ports directed toward an anterior surface of the soft palate when positioned therein. The negative pressure generates an air flow out of the oral cavity. A pressure tube is coupled to the oral device to provide the applied negative pressure. A pressure source is coupled to the pressure tube to generate the applied negative pressure. A collector is coupled to the pressure tube and/or pressure source to collect liquid, typically saliva, from the air flow out of the oral cavity. The collector is disposed outside of the oral cavity and coupled to the oral device.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, device (100, 200, 400) for delivering intrathoracic pressure pulses to a subject (290), the device comprising an air pressure generator (110, 310, 410) for delivering air to the airways of the subject (290), wherein the air pressure generator (110, 310, 410) is configured to: operate a first mode, wherein in the first mode the air pressure generator (110, 310, 410) generates a first output (412, 770a, 770b) comprising a first plurality of positive pressure pulses (771) for temporally increasing the subject's intrathoracic pressure to induce compressions of the heart of the subject (290) by increasing the volume of the subject's lungs; operate a second mode, wherein in the second mode the air pressure generator (110, 310, 410) generates a second output (414, 880) comprising a second plurality of positive pressure pulses for providing an assured airflow to the lungs of the subject (290); and deliver a resulting output (425, 986, 1086) to the airways of the subject (290), th

Abstract: Ventilation systems are provided. In one aspect, a ventilation system includes system includes a ventilation device that is configured to provide breathable air or gas mixture to a patient according to certain operating parameters, a memory that includes instructions, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to receive, over a network, at least one of patient data, order data, configuration data, user data, or rules or protocols, and provide a modification of operating parameters of the ventilation device based on the received patient data, order data, configuration data, user data, or rules or protocols. Methods and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: Ventilator management systems are provided. In one aspect, a ventilator management system includes a memory that includes an initial configuration profile configured to designate operating parameters for a ventilation device, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive ventilator data from the ventilation device, the ventilator data includes at least one of operating parameters of the ventilation device or physiological statistics of a patient associated with the ventilation device, and determine, based on the ventilator data, a modification to the initial configuration profile for the ventilation device. The processor is also configured to generate a modified configuration profile for the ventilation device based on the determined modification. Methods and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oxygen mask comprising: a mask body defining a cavity configured to be positioned over the mouth and nose of a patient, an oxygen port formed on the upper half of the mask body, an annular aperture formed on the mask body, and at least one vent port formed on the mask body, wherein each vent port is formed on the bottom half of the mask body in a manner that patient's exhaled gases are directed towards the vent port.

Abstract: A present disclosure includes a) a method for sealing a face mask to a face with a facial cream, b) a method for cleaning a human face having a face mask sealant thereon that includes the step of rubbing the face mask sealant into the face, and c) a face mask sealant composition that is applied between a face mask and a human face.

Abstract: A breathing arrangement for use between a patient and a structure to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a patient interface including a mouth covering assembly including a cushion structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use, a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient's nose in use without forming a seal on a nasal bridge region of a patient's face, each of the nozzles including a dual wall construction including an inner wall and an outer wall that surrounds the inner wall, and a flexible element connecting the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A patient interface that is comfortable for a user to wear is disclosed. The patient interface includes a forehead rest and cushion. In particular the cushion includes a deformable resilient member that when compressed creates a uniformly and gradually increasing force while evenly distributing the pressure on the forehead of the patient.

Abstract: The Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) device disclosed herein fits at or around the a person's nose, and incorporates at least one bi-resistance air flow cartridge which allows air to enter the nose freely upon inspiration, while it produces a prescribed back pressure against the discharging air from the nose upon expiration. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of detachable bi-resistance air flow cartridges is attached to the underside of a frame, in alignment with two flexible nasal pillows that connect the device to a person's nostrils.

Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size.

Abstract: A bubble continuous positive airway pressure device has a container having an inner space, an inner conduit mounted in the inner space for conducting an airflow, an outer conduit mounted around the inner conduit, a rack longitudinally mounted on the outer conduit, a gear disposed in the inner space and meshed with the rack, and a knobt. The inner conduit has an aperture. The outer conduit is longitudinally slidable relative to the inner conduit, and has at least one through hole connected with the aperture. The knob drives the gear to rotate and the gear drives the rack, so as to drive the outer conduit to slide downward or upward in the inner space. The bubble continuous positive airway pressure device prevents dust and bacteria in the ambient environment from polluting the liquid in the container when adjusting gas pressure, so as to ensure the patients' health.

Abstract: A system for generating nitric oxide can include an apparatus positioned in a trachea of a mammal, the apparatus including a respiration sensor for collecting information related to one or more triggering events associated with the trachea, an oxygen sensor for collecting information related to a concentration of oxygen in a gas, and one or more pairs of electrodes for initiating a series of electric arcs to generate nitric oxide, and the system for generating nitric oxide can also include a controller for determining one or more control parameters based on the information collected by the respiration sensor and the oxygen sensor, wherein the series of electric arcs is initiated based on the control parameters determined by the controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing condensed humidifying agent in a humidification system by pulsing a delivery of humidifying agent into a respiratory circuit. During a non-pulsed interval, gas flowing through the respiratory circuit will evaporate the condensed humidifying agent present in the respiratory circuit. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for delivering humidified gas to a patient, wherein the delivery avoids the problems associated with a stationary water humidifier. In the method, the delivery of humidifying agent is precisely controlled to deliver a flow of humidifying agent to a volume of gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling a respiratory support circuit (5, 5a) to a pressure generator (140) include multiple flow paths 13,17) for corresponding modes of operation. A first flow path (13) for a first mode of operation couples fluidly between the pressure generator, through a control port (12) and a circuit port (14), to an exhalation limb (20) of a dual-limb configuration of a respiratory support circuit. A second flow path (17) for a second mode of operates couples fluidly between the pressure generator, through a control port (16) and a circuit port (18), an exhalation valve (21) of a single-limb configuration of the respiratory support circuit.

Abstract: Multipurpose lighting systems and methods of providing controllable lighting are provided. A lighting system includes a sheet of flexible material, a plurality of light sources and a controller. The plurality of light sources are attached to the sheet of flexible material and configured to emit diffused light. The controller is coupled to the plurality of light sources and is configured to control one or more of the plurality of light sources according to one of a plurality of prescribed lighting characteristics associated with a respective plurality of different lighting tasks. In some examples, the lighting system includes a camera coupled to the sheet of flexible material configured to capture at least one image of an object synchronously with the light emitted by the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments providing audio frequency therapy. An audio therapy device can emit vibrations of varying frequencies. When a controller of the device is activated, the controller can transmit frequency commutations to a transducer. The transducer can emit vibrations corresponding to the frequency commutations that cause at least a first enhancer and a second enhancer to vibrate. These vibrations are then transferred to one or more parts of a human body that are in contact with pads of the device.

Abstract: A pillow including a percussion assembly, a padding material, and a pillow cover configured to enclose the percussion assembly and the padding. The percussion assembly is configured to articulate causing the pillow padding and pillow cover to expand and contract.

Abstract: A ready-to-use urinary catheter assembly (20) includes a catheter (26) comprising a shaft (28) having a proximal insertion end (30) and a distal end (32) spaced from the proximal insertion end. The assembly also includes a protective sleeve (54) including a protective sleeve tip (36) being configured to cover the proximal insertion end of the catheter shaft as the proximal insertion end of the catheter shaft is inserted into a distal portion of the urethra. The proximal insertion end (30) of the catheter shaft (28) is advanced proximally to rupture the protective sleeve tip (36) and to be advanced through the remainder of the urethra.

Abstract: An intravascular device delivery system has an elongated member with a flexible hypotube. The hypotube can be rotationally keyed to a steerable catheter. The flexible hypotube includes one or more cuts to allow bending of the flexible hypotube within a first plane. The steerable catheter is steerable to bend the flexible hypotube within the first plane, and longitudinally movable relative to the flexible hypotube to allow distal movement of the steerable catheter relative to a distal end of the flexible hypotube.

Abstract: A flexible surgical sheath and multi-part insertion cannula for inserting the flexible sheath in a cranial surgical tunnel for gaining access to a ventricle or other surgical target. An obturator or other elongated insertion member drives a sheath assembly into a surgical recess, typically a hole drilled through the skull and brain of the surgical patient. The inserted sheath assembly includes two or more rigid sheath portions disposed around the obturator. The obturator has a tapered or angled tip for guiding the sheath assembly through the surgical tunnel to a target region such as a ventricle or other brain structure for which surgical intervention is sought. Following insertion, the obturator is withdrawn and a flexible sheath inserted in an insertion tunnel defined by the rigid sheath portions.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for controlled drug delivery within the bladder, or other body vesicle. The device may include at least one drug reservoir component comprising a drug; and a vesicle retention frame which comprises an elastic wire having a first end, an opposing second end, and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the drug reservoir component is attached to the intermediate region of the vesicle retention frame. The retention frame prevents accidental voiding of the device from the bladder, and it preferably has a spring constant selected for the device to effectively stay in the bladder during urination while minimizing the irritation of the bladder.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter shaft section is disclosed comprising an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of lumens extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, wherein at least one of the lumens is abutting at least another one of the lumens. A catheter comprising the deflectable catheter shaft section and a method of manufacturing the deflectable catheter shaft section are also disclosed. A catheter incorporating a deflectable catheter shaft section can further comprise first and second compression coils disposed over pull wires located within the catheter, wherein the compression coils are unattached to the catheter or components thereof, but can be constrained by a shaft coupler at a distal end of each of the compression coils and by at least a portion of a handle assembly at a proximal end of each of the compression coils.

Abstract: A method of controlling intravascular sheaths including the steps of: a) obtaining a guide assembly having a body with a tubular wall bounding a passageway, the body having a length between axially spaced ends and an outer surface that tapers towards each of the spaced ends, the body flexible at each of the spaced ends to allow the spaced ends to bend transversely to the length of the body; b) directing the guide assembly into an operative state within a human body vessel; c) obtaining a first sheath having a tubular body extending around a passageway; and d) relatively moving the guide assembly body and first sheath to thereby direct the guide assembly body into the passageway on the first sheath and thereafter guidingly sliding the first sheath lengthwise against the outer surface of the guide assembly body to: a) advance the first sheath into the human body vessel; or b) withdraw the first sheath.

Abstract: An access sheath assembly can include an elongate sheath for accessing an interior of an artery or vein through an access point on a patient's limb and a hub that is coupled to the elongate sheath and that includes an access port configured to provide access to an interior of the elongate sheath. The assembly includes a closure device configured to fit about the patient's limb and capable of being coupled with the hub, the closure device movable between an engaged configuration in which the closure device is coupled with the hub and thus is positioned to secure the hub relative to the patient's limb and a disengaged configuration in which the closure device is apart from the hub and extends about the patient's limb at the access point in order to provide pressure to the access point.

Abstract: Minimally invasive percutaneous methods, devices, and systems for placing guide wires in bones in a desired position and orientation and for facilitating the treatment of fractures such as but not limited to intertrochanteric fractures or other applications such as osteotomies. The methods, devices, and systems may allow for rapid and reproducible placement of a guide wire in a bone. Each degree of freedom may be controlled independently.

Abstract: Articulation devices, systems, methods for articulation, and methods for fabricating articulation structures will often include simple balloon arrays, with inflation of the balloons interacting with elongate skeletal support structures so as to locally alter articulation of the skeleton. The skeleton may include a simple helical coil. Liquid inflation fluid may be directed to the balloons from an inflation fluid canister, and may vaporize within the articulation system, with the inflation system preferably including valves controlled by a processor. The articulation structures can be employed in minimally invasive medical catheter systems.

Abstract: A balloon coating method for forming a coating layer containing a water-insoluble drug on the outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter, wherein the balloon catheter includes an elongate shaft possessing a distal portion at which is provided the balloon which is inflatable. The balloon coating method includes: holding the shaft on a support part capable of rotating about an axis of the balloon; and moving a dispensing tube for supplying a coating liquid containing the drug relative to the balloon in an axial direction of the balloon, while rotating the balloon together with the support part, thereby to coat the outer surface of the balloon with the coating liquid.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention a balloon catheter is provided. The balloon catheter comprises a shaft having a lumen formed therethrough. Connected to the shaft is an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon has a balloon wall defining a balloon interior surface and a balloon exterior surface that is opposite the interior surface. In fluid communication with the balloon wall is the lumen for inflating the balloon to define an inflated state and for collapsing the balloon to define a deflated state. The balloon wall is textured in the deflated state such that the balloon interior surface is spatially registered with the balloon exterior surface. The balloon in the inflated state is tensioned to have a surface roughness substantially less than a surface roughness of the balloon in the deflated state.

Abstract: A non-compliant fiber-reinforced medical balloon comprises a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer embedded in a continuous matrix of thermally-weldable polymer material defining a barrel wall, cone walls and neck walls. The fibers of the first fiber layer run substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fibers of the first fiber layer have a pattern of different lengths and are divisible into a first group and a second group based on length.

Abstract: The invention includes a shunt for at least partial implantation into a patient that includes an elongated conduit having at least one lumen therethrough, that includes a proximal end for receipt of bodily fluids for flow through the shunt and a distal end for discharge of the bodily fluids from the shunt, and a long term source of at least one occlusion resistant agent, wherein said at least a portion of the at least one occlusion resistant agent can permeate through at least a portion of the elongated conduit. The invention also includes kits and systems.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a guide catheter within a patient's nasal passages or sinus cavities includes a guide catheter formed from an elongate flexible member having a lumen passing there through. A wire guide is slidably disposed within the lumen of the guide catheter. The system further includes a steering member fixedly secured to a proximal end of the wire guide and a proximal hub secured to a proximal end of the guide catheter. The system further includes a recessed handle having a first recess for fixedly receiving the proximal hub of the guide catheter and a second recess for receiving the steering member, the second recess being dimensioned to permit axial and rotational movement of the steering member while disposed in the second recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microneedle, to a mould for producing same, and to a production method for same. More specifically, the present invention concerns a microneedle for causing a skin-beautifying substance or drug to be absorbed via the skin, to a plastic mould for producing same, and to a production method for same.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device that uses microneedles to create pores in the skin of a subject and delivers the drug transdermally by inserting it into the pore as a solid or semi-solid mass alongside each needle. The device is sufficiently flexible to allow relative movement of the needle and the drug mass apart from one another. Preferably a chamber holding the drug mass comprises a relatively rigid wall to ensure that the drug remains aligned close to the needle, while an adjacent chamber holding the needle comprises a relatively flexible wall to allow lateral movement of the needle as the drug is inserted alongside it.

Abstract: Tubing comprising an inner layer, an outer layer and a middle layer, wherein the inner layer comprises a polyethylene, the outer layer comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and the middle layer comprises an ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymer or an ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer or an anhydride grafted ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, a copolymer of two or more of the acrylate copolymers or a mixture of two or more thereof.

Abstract: The male connector (1) includes a connector body (10) and a lock nut (50). The connector body (10) includes a male luer (11), first female threading (41) that surrounds the male luer (11), a base end portion (20) that is inserted into a tube (8), a fixed protrusion (21) formed on the base end portion (20), and a spiral protrusion (32) between the male luer (11) and the base end portion (20). The lock nut (50) includes second female threading (52) that is screwed together with the spiral protrusion (32). When the spiral protrusion (32) and the second female threading (52) are screwed together, the base end portion (20) and the lock nut (50) clamp the tube (8). First rotation prevention mechanisms (14, 54) that engage with one another are provided on the connector body (10) and the lock nut (50) such that the lock nut (50) does not rotate relative to the connector body (10) when the tube (8) is clamped.

Abstract: A male reflux valve comprising a distal body portion and a proximal body portion, the proximal body portion having a male connection for connection to a female connection of an access device, a valve element operatively positioned within the distal body portion, a core operatively positioned within the distal body portion to retain the valve element into sealing engagement with the distal body portion and an actuator reciprocably retained within a generally circular cylindrical longitudinal bore of the proximal body portion in engagement with the valve element to open the valve element when engaged by the female connection of the access device.

Abstract: Techniques that enable medical devices to quickly recover from loss of sensory functions are provided. In some examples, a medical device is configured to advantageously leverage differences between a first type of sensing electrode and a second type of sensing electrode that has a shorter recovery time than the first type of sensing electrode. In some examples, a medical device is configured to reference data generated by a first conditioning circuit that is configured to process signals acquired under a first set of environmental conditions and to reference data generated by a second conditioning circuit that is configured to process signal acquired under a second set of environmental conditions. In some examples, a medical device is configured to arrange electrodes used by the medical device to acquire signals in at specific locations to reduce the amount of disruptive power the electrodes encounter.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for the application of transdermal electrical stimulation (TES). The apparatuses described herein include neck-worn devices having electrodes (or configured to connect to electrodes, including automatically self-connecting to electrodes) adapted to couple to the midline of the back of user's neck. A neck-worn controller may be configured as a cord, band, wire, torc, necklace, loop, strap, or the like, and may be rigid or semi-rigid and may be worn at least partially around the subject's neck. The controller may controllably apply one or more waveforms to the electrodes of the electrode pad (e.g., patch) to deliver TES adapted to treat a disorder (e.g., psoriasis) and/or to induce or enhance a relaxed cognitive state.

Abstract: Cochlear implant systems can include a cochlear electrode, a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode, and a signal processor in communication with the stimulator. The signal processor can receive an input signal from an input source and output a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the received input signal and a transfer function of the signal processor. The signal processor can be connected to the stimulator via a first detachable connector configured to detachably connect and provide communication between the signal processor and the stimulator. The signal processor can be connected to the input source via a second detachable connector configured to detachably connect and provide communication between the signal processor and the input source. A modular signal processor can be detached from the stimulator and the input source for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A medical wound covering for controlling blood flow includes a flexible sheet for covering or surrounding the anatomical site of a wound, such as a surgical drape. The flexible sheet includes a plurality of electrodes electrically connectible to a stimulation power supply. Upon receipt of power from the stimulation power supply, the electrodes supply electrical impulses to the anatomical site of the wound in order to stem or arrest undesired bleeding. In some cases, the stimulation power supply is an interferential therapy power supply, and a pair of electrodes supplies electrical impulses at two different frequencies, the electrical impulses provided at two different frequencies giving rise to at least one beat impulse having an interference frequency. The beat impulse activates the sympathetic nerves to induce vasoconstriction in the local blood vessels. Alternatively, the beat impulse can be programmed to target the parasympathetic nerves if vasodilatation is desired.

Abstract: A system for educating a given muscle group of a user is provided. A muscle stimulation portion is configured to provide electrical stimulation which causes the muscle group to contract. A biofeedback portion is configured to monitor for muscular contractions of the muscle group. The muscle stimulation and biofeedback portions are provided on a common probe but are electrically separated from one another. The biofeedback and muscle stimulation portions provide signals to an electronic display to generate a first visualization representing the desired outcome of the provided stimulation when the muscle stimulation portion is active and a second visualization representing the muscular contractions detected when the biofeedback portion is active.

Abstract: A cochlear implant including a cochlear lead, an antenna, a stimulation processor, and an implant magnet apparatus, associated with the antenna, including a case defining a central axis, a first disk-shaped magnet member, located within the case and rotatable relative to the case about the central axis of the case, including a magnetic north portion (“N-portion”), a magnetic south portion (“S-portion”) and an amagnetic portion (“AM-portion”), and a second disk-shaped magnet member, located within the case and rotatable relative to the case about the central axis of the case, including a N-portion, a S-portion and an AM-portion.

Abstract: Methods for reducing a risk associated with developing cognitive impairment, including dementia, with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. Sympathetic nerve activity can contribute to several cellular and physiological conditions associated with an increased risk of developing dementia in later life. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods for improving a patient's calculated risk score for developing dementia. Other aspects of the present technology are directed to reducing a likelihood of developing dementia in patients presenting one or more dementia risk factors in middle age. Renal sympathetic nerve activity can be attenuated to improve a patient's risk of developing dementia. The attenuation can be achieved, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a therapeutic assembly, e.g.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulator system is disclosed, the neurostimulator system comprising a hollow cylindrical electronics enclosure having a top, a bottom, and a side; a coil extending from a first part of the electronics enclosure; and at least one electrode operatively connected to the electronics enclosure.

Abstract: The vagus nerve and branches of the vagus nerve are stimulated below the laryngeal nerve branch bifurcation in order to induce desired parasympathetic responses, such as decreased heart rate, without also triggering any adverse sympathetic responses. Stimulating surfaces of an open field bipolar electrode are positioned on or inserted through the pleural membrane overlying the vagus nerve at a location having substantially no cardiac sympathetic fibers adjacent to the vagus nerve. The open field bipolar electrodes can be securable-wire, needle, plate, or any other type of electrode suitable for being secured to the pleural membrane using one or more fastening mechanisms. Electrical stimuli are generated by a stimulator connected to the stimulating surfaces of the open field bipolar electrode by one or more leads.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering vagus nerve stimulation and carotid baroreceptor stimulation to patients for treating chronic heart failure and hypertension. The vagus nerve stimulation and carotid baroreceptor stimulation therapies may be provided using a single implantable pulse generator, which can coordinate delivery of the therapies.