Abstract: The present disclosure relates to guidewire devices with an outer tube and a core. The distal section of the core extends into and is surrounded by the outer tube. One or more centering mechanisms are also disposed within the outer tube and are arranged to fill a portion of the annular space between the core and the inner surface of the tube. The one or more centering mechanisms thereby assist in keeping the distal section of the core axially aligned within the tube, which enables effective control of the device and minimizes undesirable whip movements of the guidewire.

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 wails 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: Provided is a urinary catheter capable of easily draining urine stored from an inner wall of a bladder up to the top of a balloon portion, while the balloon portion maintains a function for preventing falling-off of the catheter.

Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument including a handle, an inner member, a balloon and an outer member. The inner member defines a proximal portion opposite a distal portion. The proximal portion is coupled to the handle. The distal portion terminates at a distal end opposite the handle. The balloon fixedly is coupled to an exterior of the inner member along the distal portion. The outer member is slidably disposed over the inner member, and includes a first section and a second section. The second section is more rigid than the first section. The first section terminates at a terminal end opposite the second section. The outer member is transitionable relative to the inner member between an advanced position and a retracted position, the advanced position including the balloon disposed within the first section and the retracted position including the balloon located distal the terminal end.

Abstract: A pressure-regulated balloon apparatus is provided to prevent brain collapse, to solve negative/positive pressure imbalances formed, and to prevent bleeding by pressure with a soft effect to the cavity formed after brain cyst and tumor surgery.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ingestible drug delivery device configured for wireless communication with other ingestible drug delivery devices.

Abstract: A cell transplantation device for placing a cell group at a target region in at least one of an intradermal layer and a subcutaneous layer in a living body, including a device body including a protruding portion having an accommodating portion for accommodating a liquid composition including the cell group. The protruding portion has an opening that communicates with the accommodating portion, and the protruding portion penetrates a skin surface of the living body such that the opening of the protruding portion reaches the at least one of the intradermal layer and the subcutaneous layer and that the cell group accommodated in the accommodating portion is placed at the target region through the opening.

Abstract: A medical device comprising an implantable subcutaneous access port having a septum penetrable by a needle; the septum having a cavity located between an outer wall and an inner wall, the cavity containing a flowable media comprising a plurality of displaceable particles arranged to move in response to the needle being inserted through the outer wall and into the cavity and reposition around the needle.

Abstract: Methods and devices for locking and tagging a medical tube are disclosed. The locking device connects to a medical tube and restricts full manipulation of the medical tube. The locking and tagging devices can communicate instructions or notices relevant to the medical tube, including its placement, purpose, function, operation, care, maintenance, removal, replacement, indication of manipulation or tampering, as well as the patient's healthcare information and health care provider information. In some configurations, the tagging device may be configured to communicate instructions and notices as a primary function, with or without a locking function.

Abstract: A needleless access connector may include a body, which may include a proximal end configured to couple to an instrument delivery device and a distal end configured to couple to a peripheral intravenous catheter assembly. The needleless access connector may also include an accordion valve disposed within the body between the proximal end and the distal end. The accordion valve may include an accordion portion. In response to compression of the accordion portion and opening of the accordion valve, a straight pathway extending through the proximal end and the distal end may be exposed such that an instrument of the instrument delivery device may move distally from the proximal end to the distal end through the straight pathway without bending.

Abstract: A protective cap having a first cap and a second cap that are removably coupled together for use in short-term and long-term antimicrobial treatment of needleless connectors and access ports of an infusion system. The instant invention further provides a protective cap having a first cap and a second cap that each coupled to a different surface of a component of an infusion system, such as a syringe. The instant invention further provides a strip containing a plurality of disposable protective caps.

Abstract: A medical suctioning, pressure relief valve having a housing having a central fluid passage way, a first suction tubing connector configured to connect suction tubing to the central fluid passage way, a second suction tubing connector configured to connect suction tubing to the central fluid passage way, and a one-way internal pressure relief valve configured to allow ambient air into the central passage way when a set negative pressure is reached within the central passage. A method of suctioning a fluid from a patient using the medical suctioning, pressure relief valve.

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: A terminal tool includes a main body, an electrical connector body, and an electrical connector. The main body includes a distal clamping section and a shaft. The shaft includes a window and a first lumen extending through the shaft for receiving a terminal end of an implantable lead. The electrical connector body includes a second lumen and is independently rotatable with respect to the main body. The shaft at least partially extends through the second lumen. The electrical connector is coupled to the electrical connector body and extends at least partially through the window of the shaft.

Abstract: Electrical current can be delivered to the skin to treat hyperhidrosis or other conditions using wearable and non-wearable devices. Wearable devices to deliver electrical current can include an inner assembly that carries one or more electrodes and an outer assembly that can be worn over the inner assembly. Contact between electrodes and the user's skin can be promoted using suction, support components, or filler materials. Non-wearable devices can be grasped by a user or otherwise placed into contact with a treatment site for delivery of electrical current to the user's skin. Electrode lay-out for wearable and non-wearable devices can be optimized for current density distribution across the electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

Abstract: In a method for isolating a passivation, an isolating wall is arranged along the circumference of at least one opening created in a predetermined way in the passivation. A resultant passivation system has an electrically and/or fluid-tightly and/or gas-tightly isolating wall along the circumference of at least the opening created in a predetermined way in the passivation. The isolating wall of a predetermined thickness along a circumference of an opening produced in a predetermined way in a passivation of a medical implant advantageously provides an isolation of the passivation or components of the same with respect to electricity and/or liquid acting on the passivation or the components of the same from the opening.

Abstract: A fixation mechanism of an implantable lead includes a plurality of depressions of an outermost surface of the lead and a relatively flexible sleeve mounted around the outermost surface. The depressions are spaced apart from one another along a length, and each extends circumferentially, wherein a longitudinal center-to-center spacing between each adjacent depression is uniform along the length, and each depression is of substantially the same size. The sleeve has an internal surface in sliding engagement with the outermost surface of the lead, and an external surface, in which suture grooves are formed. A longitudinal center-to-center spacing between adjacent suture grooves may be substantially the same as, or a multiple of, the longitudinal center-to-center spacing between adjacent depressions of the outermost surface of the lead. The sleeve may also include a ridge protruding from the internal surface, aligned with, or offset (by center-to-center spacing of depressions) from, the grooves.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining a coverage of a target anatomical structure by an electric stimulation field. The system includes a computer to acquire patient image data and the atlas data, determine, based on the patient image data and the atlas data, target structure position data describing a position of the target anatomical structure in the medical image of the anatomical body part of the patient. The system also acquires electrode position data and stimulation field data describing an electric stimulation field around the position of the electrode. The system also includes an electrode configuring device for adjusting an emission configuration of the electrode.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed filtered feedthrough assembly attachable to an AIMD includes an insulator hermetically sealing a ferrule opening of an electrically conductive ferrule with a gold braze. A co-fired and electrically conductive sintered paste is disposed within and hermetically seals at least one via hole extending in the insulator. At least one capacitor is disposed on the device side. An active electrical connection electrically connects a capacitor active metallization and the sintered paste. A ground electrical connection electrically connects the gold braze to a capacitor ground metallization, wherein at least a portion of the ground electrical connection physically contacts the gold braze. The dielectric of the capacitor may be less than 1000 k. The ferrule may include an integrally formed peninsula portion extending into the ferrule opening spatially aligned with a ground passageway and metallization of an internally grounded feedthrough capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments of neuromodulation systems, and improvements thereof, capable of being implanted at a spinal treatment site and capable of being implanted at the same time and/or in combination with a spinal procedure being performed at the spinal treatment site. The present invention further includes improvements in the number and types of neuromodulation therapies that can be implanted at the spinal treatment site and improvements to the neuromodulation systems used for delivering such neuromodulation therapies.

Abstract: A stimulator device for use in controlling waste storage for a patient, the stimulator device having a set of at least one electrode placed in proximity to a relevant portion of a pudendal nerve. The stimulator device having a pulse generator connected to the set of at least one electrode to provide stimulation input for use by the electrode to stimulate the pudendal nerve. The pulse generator adapted to provide a first type of stimulation to cause waste to be stored within the patient. The pulse generator adapted to provide a second type of stimulation different from the first type of stimulation, the second type of stimulation to allow waste to be voided from the patient by blocking nerve impulses that would produce sphincter dyssynergia. An input device to allow an end user to select to apply the first type of stimulation or the second type of stimulation. Variations of the concept are disclosed.

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

Abstract: Methods and devices for stimulating a nerve in a patient include emitting an electrical signal near a target nerve within the patient. The electrical signal comprises bursts of about 2 to about 20 pulses and the pulses oscillate between a positive voltage and a negative voltage within each burst.

Abstract: The present invention reduces pain and improves function long-term in persons with back pain using electrical stimulation in the back. This approach involves an electrical stimulation device including at least one electrode adapted for insertion within an animal body with back pain and at least one pulse generator operatively coupled with the at least one electrode, wherein the pulse generator delivers electrical stimulation activating at least one muscle in a back of the animal body for pain relief.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing non-obtrusive, automatic adjustment of an auditory prosthesis are disclosed. A control expression can be detected during a conversation. Upon detection of the control expression, an audio setting adjustment can be selected and applied to the auditory prosthesis. Multiple adjustments can be made in response to identifying multiple control expressions during a conversation.

Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to methods and apparatuses used for slow wave activity (SWA) optimization. An example method includes receiving one or more bio-signals from a user and classifying sleep stages by processing the bio-signals. The method further include determining dominant peripheral nervous system (PNS) oscillations based on the bio-signals and as a function of time and stage of sleep, and characterizing at least one property of the dominant PNS oscillations, including a phase, a phase shift, an amplitude, and/or frequency. The method further include providing an indication of an optimal window for maximizing SWA generation based on the phase, the phase shift, the amplitude, or the frequency. The indication is provided to stimulation circuitry that delivers stimulation to the user within the optimal window. Feedback is provided responsive to the stimulation based on an EEG signal of the user.

Abstract: A neural stimulation and recording electrode assembly includes a selectively deformable guide tube. The guide tube includes a plurality of sequentially coupled connecting structures, wherein each connecting structure of the plurality of connecting structures has a respective central axis, and wherein at least one of the plurality of connecting structures is selectively deformable relative to the central axis of a sequential connecting structure of the plurality of connecting structures such that the central axis of the selectively deformable connecting structure is angularly oriented relative to the central axis of the sequential connecting structure.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for separately transferring power and data from an external device to an implantable component of a partially or fully implantable medical device. The separated power and data transfer techniques use a single external coil and a single implantable coil. The external coil is part of an external resonant circuit, while the implantable coil is part of an implantable resonant circuit. The external coil is configured to transcutaneously transfer power and data to the implantable coil using separate (different) power and data time slots. At least one of the external or internal resonant circuit is substantially more damped during the data time slot than during the power time slot.

Abstract: A headset for positioning an electronic device against a head of a patient includes a flexible frame configured to surround a portion of the head, the flexible frame defining an interior channel and an exterior slot, a curved structure configured to grasp an ear of the patient, the curved structure being movable within the interior channel of the flexible frame for accommodating a size of the head, and a mount including a support base to which the electronic device can be attached, the mount being slidable along the exterior slot of the flexible frame to position the electronic device along the head.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a controller configured to generate a forward signal carrying electrical energy, a first antenna configured to send the forward signal to an implanted tissue stimulator such that the implanted tissue stimulator can use the electrical energy to generate one or more electrical pulses and deliver the one or more electrical pulses to a tissue, a communication module configured to receive instructions carried by an input signal from a programming module for generating the forward signal at the controller, and a second antenna configured to receive the input signal from the programming module.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient and on external programmer for use with a neurostimulator. Electrical stimulation energy is conveyed into tissue of the patient via a specified combination of a plurality of electrodes, thereby creating one or more clinical effects. An influence of the specified electrode combination on the clinical effect(s) is determined. An anatomical region of interest is displayed in registration with a graphical representation of the plurality of electrodes. The displayed anatomical region of interest is modified based on the determined influence of the specified electrode combination on the clinical effect(s).

Abstract: An alert system detects when an auditory prosthesis recipient is wearing her sound processor. When the processor is not worn, the alert system signals a secondary device, such as an accessory, to provide some other form of tactile stimulation to allow the recipient to be made aware of certain auditory stimuli she is not receiving via the auditory prosthesis. Thus, the alert system can effectively “hear” for the recipient. Since many auditory prosthesis recipients are, for all practical purposes, completely deaf without their external sound processors attached and operational, such an alert system increases the recipient's safety, convenience, and quality of life.

Abstract: A system for electrical stimulation of nerves of a living being, including a pulse generator configured to provide a sequence of electrical pulses to at least one electrode that are maintained in close proximity to the nerve of interest with the use of a feature to secure the electrode to the skin or tissue of the living being.

Abstract: A wearable external defibrillator with a plurality of ECG sensing electrodes and a first defibrillator pad electrode and a second defibrillator pad electrode. The ECG sensing electrodes and the defibrillator pad electrodes are configured for long term wear.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating a disease or disorder in a patient. The methods incluce positioning a surface of a housing in contact with an outer skin surface of the patient and applying sufficient energy to an energy transmitter within the housing via a power supply to generate an electrical impulse at or near a vagus nerve of the patient. The the electrical impulse is sufficient to modulate fibers of the vagus nerve and treat the disease or disorder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic coil system for use during transcranial or transdermal stimulation procedures, in which an electrically conductive coil wraps around a magnetic core at an oblique wrapping angle to provide a more directed focal spot size at a given depth inside of, for example, a patient's body. In certain configurations, the electrically conductive coil may be adjustable with respect to the magnetic core, such that the wrapping angle of the electrically conductive coil may be modified to, in turn, adjust the focal spot size of the induced electric field generated by the system as may desired to concentrate the field at a particularly desired location.

Abstract: A blood magnetic stimulation device includes a magnetic stimulation unit that has a stimulating coil for being connected to a blood delivering unit or directly worn by a user. The stimulating coil is further connected to a pulse-generating unit that outputs a pulse current to excite the stimulating coil, so as to use electromagnetic pulses to apply strong yet transient magnetic stimulation to blood passing through the magnetic stimulation unit or to blood in the user's subcutaneous vessels, thereby providing magnetic treatment for viremian and related diseases. As compared to the existing blood treating devices, the magnetic stimulation provided by the blood magnetic stimulation device incurs no sharp pain and uncomfortableness, and is safer and more acceptable to patients.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging or treating a disease in a human or animal body. The system provides to the human or animal body a pharmaceutical carrier including one or more phosphors which are capable of emitting ultraviolet or visible light into the body and which provide x-ray contrast. The system includes one or more devices which infuse a diseased site with a photoactivatable drug and the pharmaceutical carrier, an initiation energy source comprising an x-ray or high energy source which irradiates the diseased site with at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or electrons to thereby initiate emission of said ultraviolet or visible light into the body, and a processor programmed to at least one of 1) produce images of the diseased site or 2) control a dose of said x-rays, gamma rays, or electrons to the diseased site for production of said ultraviolet or visible light at the diseased site to activate the photoactivatable drug.

Abstract: An illumination system is provided that includes a laser light source and an optical waveguide connected to and/or associated with the laser light source at a proximal end thereof. The illumination system includes a diffuser element at the distal end of the optical waveguide with a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the coupling surface of the optical waveguide into the diffuser element. The diffuser element emits light over its active length laterally of the longitudinal axis and has at a base body with a scattering element. The scattering element is aligned along the longitudinal axis substantially parallel or at an angle thereto. An emission intensity homogenizer along the longitudinal axis is provided. The illumination system exhibits an intensity distribution of lateral emission deviating by at most ±50% from an average lateral emission intensity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating neuropathic pain by using a photobiomodulation device in a handheld manner. A robotic arm is attached to a light emitting device and controlled, using a visual display, to automatically position the light emitting device over areas to be treated on the patient's body. The automated light delivery process allows a patient to treat large portions of her body in a handsfree manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for phototherapeutic modulation of nitric oxide in mammalian tissue include use of a first wavelength and first radiant flux of light to stimulate enzymatic generation of nitric oxide, and use of a second wavelength and second radiant flux of light to stimulate release of nitric oxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide. Pulsed light and/or partially non-overlapping light impingement windows may be used. Non-coherent light impinged on tissue may include a peak wavelength in a range of from 410 nm to 440 nm in the absence of light emissions having a peak wavelength of from 600 nm to 900 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light therapy device article of manufacture, system and method for providing light is delivered to the skin by means of one or more optical fibers in therapeutic dosages from light source in wavelengths of 614-624 nm, 668-684 nm, 751-772 nm, and 813-846 nm. The light source may be comprised from one or more light emitting diodes LED disposed on a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) and ferrule adapter assembly configured to deliver light to the skin directly of the patient from the light source disposed on the PCB adjacent a scalp surface. A control circuit operably connected to the PCB is adapted to provide energy to one or more zones of LEDs to address hair loss treatment regimen including splotchy balding, receding hairline balding, crown balding and total scalp surface therapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the circadian input of a light source includes selecting a circadian input to be measured based on an action spectrum corresponding to a wavelength sensitivity of photoreceptors for a circadian regulation system, where the circadian input is configured to stimulate a retinaldehyde photopigment, and for measuring spectral intensity across the action spectrum to determine the circadian input of the light source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the circadian input of a light source includes selecting a circadian input to be measured based on an action spectrum corresponding to a wavelength sensitivity of photoreceptors for a circadian regulation system, where the circadian input is configured to stimulate a retinaldehyde photopigment, and for measuring spectral intensity across the action spectrum to determine the circadian input of the light source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for photoeradication of microorganisms from a target. The method includes the step of obtaining test data for a plurality of experiments each of which comprises irradiating test microorganisms with a plurality of light pulses having a wavelength that ranges from 380 nm to 500 nm. The light pulses have a plurality of pulse parameters (peak irradiance, pulse duration, and off time between adjacent light pulses) and are provided at a radiant exposure that ranges from 0.5 J/cm2 to 60 J/cm2 during each of a plurality of irradiation sessions. The test data comprises a survival rate for the test microorganisms after irradiation with the light pulses. The method also includes the step of analyzing the test data to identify the pulse parameters for the light pulses and the radiant exposure for each of the irradiation sessions that result in a desired survival rate for the test microorganisms.

Abstract: A balloon applicator for an intraoperative radiation therapy system includes an x-ray beam shaping component for emitting x-rays in a plurality of possible directions in three dimensions. The balloon applicator includes connecting structure for connecting to the intraoperative radiation therapy system and an inflatable balloon contactor having an outer surface. The balloon applicator has a beam hardening system including a beam hardening compound disposed between the x-ray beam shaping component and the outer surface of the balloon. The beam hardening system is capable of hardening the beam in beam directions in three dimensions. An intraoperative radiation therapy system and a method for conducting intraoperative radiation therapy are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for developing radiation therapy treatment plans. A treatment template with radiation fields can be chosen for a patient based on a tumor location. Static radiation field positions can be adjusted for the patient, while arc radiation fields may remain the same. Static radiation field positions can be adjusted using dose gradient, historical patient data, and other techniques.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an anchorable brachytherapy device configured to be permanently implanted in a tumor bed at the time of operative removal of the tumor. In exemplary aspects, the brachytherapy device may comprise a plurality of hollow tubes that form a spherical or ellipsoid shape. Protrusions or grooves may be formed on an outer surface of the tubes to help anchor the brachytherapy device in the tumor bed. Radioactive seeds or strands may be positioned within the tube channels to provide radiation to the tumor bed.