Abstract: Catheters, sheaths, or other tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a steerable distal portion. The tubular device includes a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; an auxiliary lumen adjacent the primary lumen; and one or more reinforcement members including windings extending helically along at least the distal portion, at least some of the windings passing between the primary and steering element lumens and at least some of the windings surrounding both the primary and steering element lumens. In one embodiment, a steering element is slidably disposed within the auxiliary lumen. Apparatus and methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robotic method for driving a catheter and a catheter guide, controlling a group of driving members and including: —a first operating mode in which the group of driving members moves the guide forward in translation; a second operating mode in which the group of driving members turns the guide about itself, the method also including a third operating mode in which the group of driving members simultaneously moves the guide forward in translation and turns the guide about itself, alternating between one direction and another.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter and a second catheter, which may comprise one or more fistula-forming elements. The first and second catheters may comprise one or more magnets, which may be used to assist in bringing the first and catheters in closer proximity to facilitate fistula formation. In some variations, the magnet may have a plurality of magnetic domains each characterized by a magnetic flux vector, with the magnetic flux vectors of the magnet passing through a common magnetic origin.

Abstract: A catheter for ablation, mapping, injection, and directional control by an external magnetic system has a catheter body, an intermediate section, and a tip section having a tip electrode with an omnidirectional distal end and a concentric needle port. The tip electrode houses a magnetic device and a position sensor in an integrated configuration that facilitates a path in the tip section for extension and retraction of a component, including an injection needle, with reduced stress and friction. The integrated configuration is an efficient use of space in the tip electrode that allows the tip section to carry both the position sensor and the necessary volume of magnetic or magnetizable material to accomplish magnetic navigation. The catheter also includes a very soft and flexible intermediate section and an even softer and more flexible distal transitional section carrying additional magnetic members to facilitate remote magnetic navigation.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing medical procedures on an anatomical body includes an extension with an element near its distal end to be extended into the body, and a driver that moves the extension axially into the body, and that causes flexure of the distal end of the extension. The movement and flexure of the extension is driven by the driver from the proximal end of the extension, and an electronic controller directs the operation of the driver.

Abstract: A method for dilating a stenotic region in an airway of a patient may include advancing a balloon catheter through the airway of the patient to position an inflatable balloon of the catheter within at least a portion of the stenotic region, maintaining a position of the catheter relative to the patient, and inflating the balloon of the catheter to dilate the stenotic region of the airway. A system for dilating a stenotic region in an airway of a patient may include a catheter shaft having an overall length of less than 70 cm, an inflatable balloon disposed along a distal portion of the catheter shaft, and a stylet.

Abstract: An attachment device for securing an elongated element on the body of a patient is provided which includes a retaining support for retaining the elongated element, including at least one lower wall and an adhesive strip bearing the retaining support, and intended to be applied on the skin of the patient, the adhesive strip defining at least one region of the attachment device shifted with respect to the lower wall. A region of the attachment device located under the lower wall along an axis for inserting the elongated element into the retaining support is intended to be non-adherent to the skin of the patient. The retaining support comprises a clasping flap able to be maneuvered with respect to the lower wall between an open position and a clasping position of the elongated element. The elongated element is intended to be maintained between the lower wall and the clasping flap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for measuring a length of a tubular body structure. The device comprises an elongated tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated tubular member comprises a plurality of radiopaque markers uniformly arranged on the distal end and a plurality of non-radiopaque markers uniformly arranged on the proximal end. The elongated tubular member also comprises a guiding head member coupled to the distal end of the elongated tubular member. A number of the radiopaque markers of a portion of the distal end of the elongated tubular member conforming to an affected portion of the tubular body structure enables in measuring a length of the affected portion, when the elongated tubular member is inserted through a skin entry site of the tubular body structure under fluoroscopy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of segmented metallic guidewires that are suitable for MRI catheterization. Disclosed guidewires comprise a plurality of short conductive metallic segments that individually are short enough such that they do not resonate during MRI. The conductive segments are electrically insulated from each other and mechanically coupled together end-to-end via connectors, such as stiffness matched connectors, to provide a sufficiently long, strong, and flexible guidewire for catheterization that is non-resonant during MRI.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an inflatable balloon defining an inner and an outer surface. A first biocompatible layer that includes hyaluronic acid is releasably disposed on the outer surface of the balloon. A second drug containing layer is disposed on the first biocompatible layer. The second drug containing layer includes paclitaxel and urea.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods described herein relate to treating cancerous tumors using radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In some embodiments, a method of treatment includes administering radiation therapy targeting a tumor, isolating a segment of a vessel proximate to the tumor, and administering a dose of a chemotherapeutic agent to the segment of the vessel. The method can further include waiting a period of time after administering the radiation therapy before administering the dose of the chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, a catheter device including first and second occluding elements can be used to isolate the segment of the vessel.

Abstract: An insufflation pump includes a pump body having a first end and a second end. The pump body includes a syringe mechanism at the first end and an actuation mechanism at the second end. The syringe mechanism includes a plunger. The plunger of the syringe mechanism and the actuation mechanism are linked by a toggle assembly facilitating transfer of power from the actuation mechanism to the syringe mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating biologic fluids are disclosed. Some disclosed embodiments may be used to filter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a human or animal subject, heat CSF to a target temperature, cool CSF to a target temperature, apply light treatment to CSF, separate cells via their dielectric properties, apply spiral and/or centrifugal separation, introduce additives to target particles, and/or apply combinations thereof. The method may include the steps of withdrawing fluid comprising CSF, treating the fluid, and returning a portion of the treated fluid to the subject. During operation of the system, various parameters may be modified, such as flow rate.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, fractional scar revision, and/or fractional tattoo removal are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, fractional scar revision, and/or fractional tattoo removal. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.

Abstract: A microneedle injection apparatus comprising an inverted actuator. The apparatus can include a housing having a base and a cavity, and a microneedle array holder configured to hold a microneedle array within the cavity of the housing. The microneedle array holder can be movable between a retracted position, and an extended position. The apparatus can further include an actuator movable with respect to the housing and the microneedle array holder between a first position and a second position to cause the microneedle array holder to move from the retracted position to the extended position. At least a portion of the actuator can be located on a skin-facing side of the apparatus (e.g., adjacent the base of the housing) and can be configured to be moved from the first position to the second position in response to the apparatus being pressed toward the skin surface.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a low-cost “meso” device that is able to effectively deliver functional self-delivery siRNA to subject and inhibit expression of a gene in the subject as well as related methods. In particular, a method of transdermally delivering nucleic acid material to a subject is provided. The method includes adapting a motorized meso machine for delivery of nucleic acid material; introducing nucleic acid material into a chamber of the motorized meso machine; and contacting the motorized meso machine to a skin surface of a subject for a period of time sufficient to deliver the nucleic acid material into the skin surface of the subject.

Abstract: An adapter for making a fluid connection between first and second medical fluid flow components, where the first component includes a first male or female Luer connector of a first configuration, and the component includes a second male female Luer connector of a second configuration, that is not compatible with the first configuration, includes a fluid flow conduit with a first adapter connector at a first end of the conduit and a second adapter connector at a second end of the conduit. The conduit includes a fluid flow lumen extending between the first and second ends. The first adapter connector is a male or female Luer having a first configuration that is compatible with the first medical fluid flow component connector. The second adapter connector is a male or female Luer having a second configuration that is compatible with the second medical fluid flow component connector.

Abstract: An antiseptic cap and packaging for use with a connector are provided. The antiseptic cap includes a material containing an antiseptic solution. Upon application of the cap to the connector, the material compresses thereby releasing the antiseptic solution. Packaging of the antiseptic cap typically includes a cap holder and a lid. A user could remove the cap from the cap holder before applying it to a connector. Alternatively, the cap holder may be used to apply the cap to the connector.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (10) comprising a catheter (18), a needle (12) having a sharp distal tip (13), and a catheter hub (14) connected to the catheter (18) having the needle (12) passing therethrough, the catheter hub (14) including a valve (19) having a preformed opening (22) that selectively permits or blocks a flow of fluid through the catheter (18), a first inner diameter (32) that closes the valve (19), and a second inner diameter (30) larger than the first inner diameter (32), the second inner diameter (30) opening the valve (19), wherein the valve (19) is in an open position upon axially compressing the valve (19) into engagement with the second inner diameter (30) of the catheter hub (14), and the valve (19) is in a closed position upon releasing the valve (19) to engage the first inner diameter (32) of the catheter hub (14).

Abstract: A wiring loop structure of a skin electrode pad production machine includes a first transmission means for transmitting a strip clad substrate portion, a second transmission means for transmitting a strip conductive adhesive portion, a circulation conveyor belt with plural positioning fixtures, and two laminating rollers for laminating the clad substrate portion and the conductive adhesive portion. The first transmission means includes an assembling roller disposed above an end of the circulation conveyor belt, and the positioning fixture is provided for positioning an electrode lead, and the assembling roller strip clad is provided for adhering the substrate portion to the electrode lead, and the two laminating rollers are provided for attaching the strip clad substrate portion and the conductive adhesive portion after being laminated by the two laminating rollers, so as to facilitate the electrode lead to assemble and manufacture the electrode pad.

Abstract: Articles and methods of making articles are described. In one embodiment, an electrode is described, comprising an ionically-conductive hydrogel layer comprising a first major surface and opposing major surface. The electrode further comprises a discontinuous primer layer disposed on the first major surface ionically-conducting hydrogel layer and an electrically conductive member or a connector component thereof, in contact with the first major surface of the ionically-conducting hydrogel layer. In another embodiment, an article is described comprising a hydrogel layer comprising a first major surface and opposing major surface; a discontinuous hydrophobic primer layer disposed on the first hydrogel layer; and a hydrophobic adhesive or hydrophobic backing bonded to the primer and discontinuous hydrophobic primer layer of the hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-electrode composition capable of forming a living body contact layer for a bio-electrode that is excellent in conductivity and biocompatibility, is light-weight, can be manufactured at low cost, and can control significant reduction in conductivity even though the bio-electrode is soaked in water or dried. The present invention is accomplished by a bio-electrode composition including an (A) ionic material and a (B) resin other than the component (A), in which the component (A) has both a repeating unit “a” of a lithium salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, or an ammonium salt of sulfonamide including a partial structure represented by the following general formula (1) and a repeating unit “b” having a silicon atom, —R1—C(?O)—N?—SO2—Rf1M+??(1).

Abstract: A method produces a device adapted to be implanted into the human body for purposes such as neural stimulation, sensing or the like. The method includes: providing a stretchable layer or membrane of an insulating material; forming on the layer or membrane at least one stretchable conductive path; depositing at least one small bolus of a soft and conductive paste or material onto pre-defined areas or portions of the at least one conductive path, and inserting a first end portion of a conductive element 71 into the at least one bolus of soft conductive paste or material. A second end portion of the conductive element opposite to the first end portion is not inserted into the at least one bolus.

Abstract: Described herein are microelectrode array devices, and methods of fabrication, assembly and use of the same, to provide highly localized neural recording and/or neural stimulation to a neurological target. The device includes multiple microelectrode elements arranged protruding shafts. The protruding shafts are enclosed within an elongated probe shaft, and can be expanded from their enclosure. The microelectrode elements, and elongated probe shafts, are dimensioned in order to target small volumes of neurons located within the nervous system, such as in the deep brain region. Beneficially, the probe can be used to quickly identify the location of a neurological target, and remain implanted for long-term monitoring and/or stimulation.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for therapeutically modulating nerves in or associated with a nasal region of a patient for the treatment of a rhinosinusitis condition.

Abstract: A device and method for providing cardiac pacing of triangle of Koch and bundle of His zones by multiple electrodes inserted using in a single conduit are provided. The method includes providing a single conduit with multiple electrodes, positioning electrodes in the target zone of a heart, selecting acceptable electrodes as active based on a predetermined criteria and providing cardiac stimulation for multiple chambers of the heart from a single location.

Abstract: An assembly including an autonomous capsule having an anchoring member adapted to penetrate tissue of the heart and an accessory for implantation of the capsule. The accessory includes a steerable catheter with an inner lumen, having at its distal end a tubular protection tip defining a volume for housing the capsule. The accessory also includes a disconnectable attachment mechanism for supporting and guiding the capsule to an implantation site and a sub-catheter housed within the lumen of the steerable catheter, moveable in translation and in rotation relative to the steerable catheter. The sub-catheter and the capsule are movable between a retracted position and a position wherein the capsule is deployed out of the protection tip. The sub-catheter and the capsule are provided with a first fastening mechanism for fastening the two in translation and in mutual rotation, which is disconnectable under a rotation applied to the sub-catheter.

Abstract: A physical therapy device for pets contains: a current output unit, a comb body, and a conductive platform. The current output unit is electrically connected to a power to supply an output current and control a current value of the output current. The comb body includes a first terminal and a second terminal, a side of the first terminal has a first brushes which are made of a plurality of conductive materials. The first terminal is separately electrically connected to the current output unit, and the second terminal is held by a user. The conductive platform is electrically connected to the current output unit so that the current output unit outputs the current to the pets via the first brushes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide patch assemblies for iontophoretic transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents. An embodiment provides a patch assembly comprising a conformable patch for delivery of the agent and having a tissue contacting side including an adhesive. The housing has a bottom surface for engaging a non-tissue contacting side of the patch, a current source such as a battery and a controller for controlling the delivery of the agent. The housing has sufficient flexibility such that when it is engaged with the patch to form the patch assembly and the patch is adhered to a target site on the patient's skin, the assembly has sufficient flexibility to deform with movement of the patient's skin to remain sufficiently adhered to the skin over an extended period of time to transdermally deliver a desired dose of the agent.

Abstract: A delivery system for local drug delivery to a target site of internal body tissue is provided. The delivery system comprises a source electrode adapted to be positioned proximate to a target site of internal body tissue. A counter electrode is in electrical communication with the source electrode, and is configured to cooperate with the source electrode to form a localized electric field proximate to the target site. A reservoir is configured to be disposed such that the reservoir is capable of interacting with the localized electric field. The reservoir is configured to carry a cargo capable of being delivered to the target site when exposed to the localized electric field. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: Described is a bioelectric stimulating device for reducing orthodontic treatment time (braces) with post-treatment stability enhancement. The device and associated methods provide a native sustainable optimal release of an increase in the quantity of the right cells and proteins over time and in the right sequence to optimize tooth movement with the braces by accelerating bone resorption at the leading edge of the tooth during movement. This acceleration phenomenon is responsible for being able to shorten orthodontic treatment time. Following the final alignment of the teeth, the same device can utilize the native response and accelerate the tooth/bone interface stability by targeting specific cells and proteins that are responsible for bone deposition (hardening) in order to shorten the retention phase, while greatly decreasing the chance of relapse (instability).

Abstract: A flexible sheet for neurostimulation is described having a flexible non-conductive substrate matrix in which electrodes are embedded along a lower surface. Electrically conductive wires extend from the electrodes through the flexible substrate to another exterior surface of the substrate. Methods of making the flexible sheet and making a device using the flexible sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: One general aspect includes a system to mitigate motion sickness/emesis, the system including: a memory configured to include one or more executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions, where the executable instructions enable the processor to: in response to an activation of a motion-equalizing device installed in an interior of a vehicle, provide electric stimulus to a vehicle occupant via the motion-equalizing device, where the electric stimulus is designed to mitigate one or more symptoms of motion sickness and/or emesis for the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A multichannel stimulation system for regenerating damaged corneal nerves, includes: a multichannel unit including a first channel formed of a conductive material and attached between an area above a left eye and a left eyebrow to transfer a stimulation signal, and a second channel formed of a conductive material and attached between an area above a right eye and a right eyebrow to transfer the stimulation signal; and a stimulation signal module for providing the first channel and the second channel with an electric pulse signal as the stimulation signal, wherein the multichannel unit includes a contactor formed between the first channel and the second channel in one piece to electrically contact with the stimulation signal module.

Abstract: A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue.

Abstract: A treatment system and method for inducing endogenous release of peptides is provided including a concha apparatus including a first electrode in contact with vagal related neural structures; an earpiece connected to the concha apparatus by a first connector, the earpiece including a PCB layer including a second electrode configured to be in contact with a neural structure related to the auriculotemporal nerve, and at least another electrode configured to be in contact with or in proximity to neural structures related to the great auricular nerve and/or its branches and/or the lesser occipital nerve and/or its branches, and an adhesive configured to secure the electrodes on the earpiece to the skin; and a pulse generator connected to the earpiece by a second connector, the pulse generator including circuitry in communication with the first electrode of the concha apparatus, the second electrode and the at least another electrode of the earpiece.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for stimulation of the vagus nerve to treat inflammation including adjusting the stimulation based on one or more metric sensitive to patient response. The one or more metrics may include heart rate variability, level of T regulatory cells, particularly memory T regulatory cells, temperature, etc. Stimulation may be provided through an implantable microstimulator.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for enhancing learning of an activity by a subject are described. A prompt for causing the subject to perform the activity is delivered repeatedly, in combination with a neural stimulus, with timing of delivery of prompts and neural stimuli controlled by electrical control circuitry. Neural stimuli are delivered with a transcutaneous neural stimulator located fitted in or on at least a portion of an ear of the subject. The system is implemented in connection with a personal computing device such as a smart phone or tablet computer.

Abstract: A system is provided for driving an implantable neurostimulator lead, the lead having an associated plurality of electrodes disposed in at least one array on the lead. The system comprises an implantable pulse generator (IPG), the IPG including an electrode driver, a load system for determining load requirements, an IPG power coupler, and an IPG communication system. The system also includes an external unit, which includes an external variable power generator, an external power coupler, an external communication system, and a controller for varying the power level of the variable power generator.

Abstract: A system for recharging an implantable medical device having a rechargeable battery while the implantable medical device is implanted within a patient includes a recharge energy source configured to be disposed exterior to the patient and a recharging bridge configured to be implanted within the patient. The recharging bridge is configured to facilitate energy transfer from the recharge energy source to the implantable medical device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and techniques for providing sensory input to a subject through non-invasive brain stimulation are generally described. In some examples, an input signal related to an environment may be received. In various further examples, a communication to the subject may be determined in response to the input signal. In some examples, an output signal corresponding to the determined communication may be generated. Some further examples may comprise non-invasively stimulating a portion of the subject's brain with the output signal with a stimulation subsystem positioned outside of the subject's scalp. In various examples, the stimulation of the portion of the subject's brain may be effective in producing a sensory response perceivable by the subject.

Abstract: Combined methods for treating a patient using time-varying magnetic field are described. The treatment methods combine various approaches for aesthetic treatment. The methods are focused on enhancing a visual appearance of the patient.

Abstract: Combined methods for treating a patient using time-varying magnetic field are described. The treatment methods combine various approaches for aesthetic treatment. The methods are focused on enhancing a visual appearance of the patient.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient's heart is provided. The method includes providing a light source which emits light having an initial power density. The method further includes positioning the light source relative to the patient's heart with intervening tissue of the patient between the light source and the patient's heart. The method further includes directing light onto cardiac tissue of the patient's heart from the light source through the intervening tissue without damaging the intervening tissue. The cardiac tissue is irradiated by an efficacious power density of light for an efficacious period of time.

Abstract: A vascular optical fiber guidewire includes an optical fiber guidewire and a plug connected to the optical fiber guidewire. The plug may be a memory alloy plug including a handle, a fixing groove and a sleeve which are sequentially connected. A radius of a segment of the fixing groove is larger than a radius of a segment of the fixing groove. The fixing groove cooperates with an external connector to provide a locking effect. The sleeve is provided with an elastically deformable spiral structure. The memory alloy plug is sleeved on a metal tube sleeved outside the optical fiber guidewire and connected with the optical fiber guidewire. A part of the metal tube extending from the memory alloy plug forms a spiral shape by spirally cutting to protect and support the optical fiber guidewire. The insertion and extraction operations and rotating operations can be facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating treatment site locations for phototherapy to the brain are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a headpiece wearable by a patient. The headpiece includes a body adapted to be worn over at least a portion of the patient's scalp and a plurality of position indicators corresponding to a plurality of treatment site locations at the patient's scalp where a light source is to be sequentially positioned such that light from the light source is sequentially applied to irradiate at least a portion of the patient's brain. At least one of the position indicators includes an optically transmissive portion having an area of at least 1 cm2 through which the light propagates.

Abstract: A method for inducing a Ganzfeld experience comprises placing full-field opaque or translucent contact lenses on all functioning eyes of a first person. After allowing a period of time to pass for the Ganzfeld effect to occur, a second person may monitor, question, or counsel the first person. The second person may engage the first person in massage or sensual activity, or may investigate psi phenomenon. The second person may physically control or torture the first person. The second person may perform a medical, ophthalmic, or dental procedure on the first person. The contact lenses may be used as a vehicle to apply a drug or other medicant to the first person's eyes.

Abstract: An optoelectrode having a lens optically coupled between a light source and a light guide and a method of making an optoelectrode. In one embodiment of the optoelectrode, the lens is a gradient index (GRIN) lens and the light source is a side-emitting injection laser diode (ILD). The optoelectrodes can be implemented such that they are high density, highly compact, monolithically integrated, and can deliver multicolor light output independently and simultaneously at a common waveguide port using an optical mixer, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the optoelectrodes are used as neural probes.

Abstract: Provided are dermatological medical devices and methods comprising a distal end for positioning at a region proximal a target therapeutic region of tissue, an output port at the distal end, an energy source that generates optical energy, which is output from the output port to the target therapeutic region of tissue, and a control device that controls the optical energy at the target therapeutic region of tissue for increasing a temperature of the target therapeutic region of tissue for a period of time to a temperature that is less than an injuring temperature and induces an expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) at the target therapeutic region of tissue.