Abstract: A rectal injection device and a method of operating a rectal injection device. In one embodiment, the device includes: (1) a handle having a trigger associated therewith, (2) an extension tube extending from the handle and terminating in a head, (3) at least two needles coupled to the head and configured to move relative thereto between a retracted position and a deployed position and (4) a pullrod coupling the trigger and the needles and configured to cause the needles to move.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a medical heat exchanger for heating with a light emitter. The heat exchanger disclosed here has at least one fluid chamber having at least one outside wall which forms the fluid chamber with a fluid-tight seal, such that the fluid chamber is configured for receiving and/or conducting the medical fluid and such that the fluid chamber has at least one component, which is configured as a light absorber and is arranged within the fluid chamber in at least some sections so that there is direct contact between the component configured as the light absorber and the medical fluid in at least some sections when receiving and/or conducting the medical fluid and wherein the outside wall of the fluid chamber has at least one light-transmitting section, so that the light emitted by the light emitter can heat the absorber without any local temperature peaks on the medical heat exchanger.

Abstract: A warming device, for warming infusion or transfusion fluids by an exothermic reaction of a reactive liquid. The device comprises a reaction chamber and a secondary chamber. The reaction chamber and the secondary chamber are aligned end on and are abutting. The reaction chamber contains a trigger and the secondary chamber contains the reactive liquid.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol in the aerosol delivery device with a membrane and a vibrator which is configured to vibrate a fluid and to aerosolise the fluid by the membrane. The aerosol delivery device further includes a fluid reservoir for receiving the fluid to be aerosolised, the fluid reservoir being arranged in fluid communication with the membrane, a controller which is configured to sequentially operate the vibrator at a plurality of different vibration frequencies, a sensor which is configured to detect at least one electrical parameter of the vibrator for each of the plurality of different vibration frequencies, and a detector which is configured to detect the presence of fluid in contact with the membrane and/or in the fluid reservoir on the basis of the dependence of the detected values of the at least one electrical parameter on the vibration frequency.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an inhaler having a dosing chamber in which medicament is aerosolized with a vibrator piezoelectric transducer. A spacer is provided between a face of the transducer and a wall of the dosing chamber.

Abstract: An ultrasonic nebulizer includes: a working tank in which an ultrasonic vibrator is incorporated and in which a working liquid is stored facing the ultrasonic vibrator; a medicine tank that stores a medicinal liquid, at least a bottom portion thereof being dipped in the working liquid; and a main body that includes an oscillation circuit that is to drive the ultrasonic vibrator. The medicine tank is configured to be detachable with respect to the working tank. The working tank is configured to be detachable with respect to the main body.

Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery system is disclosed, including a breath-powered, dry powder inhaler, with or without a cartridge for delivering a dry powder formulation. The inhaler and cartridge can be provided with a drug delivery formulation comprising, for example, a diketopiperazine and an active ingredient, including, small organic molecules, peptides and proteins, including, hormones such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 for the treatment of disease and disorders, for example, diseases and disorders, including endocrine disease such as diabetes and/or obesity.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: One embodiment describes an insulin formulation that is specifically adapted for aerosolization. The formulation comprises a major amount of water and a minor amount of insulin. Further, the formulation is preservative free, without meta-cresol, cresol or phenol, to permit the formulation to be aerosolized using a vibrating aperture plate without substantial foaming of the insulin formulation.

Abstract: A tidal dry powder inhaler comprising: a miniature pressure sensor, a sensor port of said sensor being pneumatically coupled to a flow channel through which a user can inhale; a processor configured to process data received from a sensing element of the sensor to make a determination that inhalation of a spontaneous breath through said flow channel is in progress; a controller configured to, responsive to said determination, issue a start dosing signal; and a dosing mechanism configured to release dry powder medicament into the flow channel during inhalation of said spontaneous breath in response to receiving said signal.

Abstract: A tool for use in conjunction with a pressure support system that is structured to provide therapy to a patient to treat a condition of the patient by delivering a flow of breathing gas to the patient. The tool may be implemented on a portable electronic device or a PC and is configured to, among other things, provide customized/personalized education and feedback to the patient based, at least in part, on data that is measured by the pressure support system during the provision of therapy to the patient. The tool utilizes certain patient/therapy metrics, wherein each patient/therapy metric comprises raw data that was measured by the pressure support system and that has been processed (e.g., summarized and/or otherwise manipulated) to form the patient/therapy metric.

Abstract: The system, method and computer-readable storage medium are for detection of ventilator and patient disconnections using patient lung compliance estimated on both inhalation and exhalation phases of a breath. A ventilator breathing system (10) provides breathing gas to a patient, and includes a gas supply (12), a patient tubing circuit (14) coupled to the gas supply, and a gas monitoring system (16, 18) associated with the patient tubing circuit and configured to monitor at least flow and pressure. A control unit (20) is coupled to the monitoring system and configured to determine a patient disconnection from the system by estimating a patient lung compliance ratio based upon determined volumes of gas delivered during the inhalation phase of the breath cycle and exiting during the exhalation phase of the breath cycle, and monitored pressures in the patient tubing circuit during the inhalation and exhalation phases of the breath cycle.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods described herein reduce the risk of surgical fires for patients receiving supplemental oxygen. Airflow with elevated concentrations of oxygen is drawn away from a surgical field when the tubing is fluidly connected to a suction source. Tubing may be strategically positioned at locations presenting risk of oxygen gas buildup, such as the nasofacial sulcus or bucco-facial sulcus. Apertures are present in the turbine wall to draw airflow away from the surgical field and into the tubing. Various embodiments are contemplated in which the tubing is used with a surgical mask or a surgical drape, and a method of use is provided.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) device includes a backplate, an inflatable balloon, an airway tube, and a non-inflatable skeleton, which extends anteriorly from the backplate, and which is shaped so as to define a skeleton anterior side that has a pre-formed shape. A distal end of an inflation tube is coupled in fluid communication with (i) an interior of the inflatable balloon for supplying air to the inflatable balloon, and (ii) at least a portion of the skeleton anterior side. The inflatable balloon is shaped so as to define an inflatable annular cuff which (a) covers at least a portion of the skeleton anterior side, and (b) has a cuff anterior side that is configured to form a seal around a laryngeal inlet of a patient when the inflatable annular cuff is disposed at an LMA-insertion location within a throat of the patient. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A tracheal intubation system including a laryngoscope is disclosed. An endotracheal tube exchange system is also disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a laryngoscope, a stylet, and an endotracheal tube. In some examples the stylet is an articulating stylet. An endotracheal tube with one or more depth-assessment bands is also disclosed. An articulating stylet with one or more depth-assessment bands and an orientation mark is also disclosed. A method of positioning an endotracheal tube in a patient is also disclosed. A method of positioning a stylet for placement of an endotracheal tube is also disclosed. A method of performing an endotracheal tube exchange procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nasal or full-face mask frame includes a main body and a vent assembly provided to the main body. The vent assembly includes a plurality of holes arranged in at least one column. The holes are positioned on a relatively flat and/or non-recessed portion of the main body.

Abstract: A mask system for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a nares portion and a mouth portion and an inlet conduit connected to at least one of the nares portion and the mouth portion to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas. The mask system is adapted to selectively utilize the nares portion and/or the mouth portion in a first mode utilizing both the nares portion and the mouth portion, and in a second mode utilizing the nares portion and not utilizing the mouth portion.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering gas under positive pressure to a patient for treatment of sleep disordered breathing includes an air connector to be connected to an air supply tube for delivering a supply of gas. The air connector is to be positioned on top of the head. A nasal interface engages the patient's nose to direct the breathable gas to the patient's nose. A pair of flexible side portions support the nasal interface in a desired position on the patient's face. Each side portion has a conduit with a top portion and a bottom portion. Each conduit is arranged between the patient's eye and ear. A central portion joins the top portions of the conduits. The air connector is pivotally connected to each of the supply tube and the central portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a filter apparatus for filtering liquid from a gas, the apparatus having a first housing having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; a first filter media disposed in the first housing; a second filter media disposed in the housing; and a second housing forming a first collection basin disposed in the flow path between the first filter media and the second filter media, so that a path is defined for the gas flowing from the inlet, through the first filter media, past the collection basin, through the second filter media, and to the outlet. The present disclosure also relates to a method of passing a gas through a coalescing filter media and through a hydrophobic filter media.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivery of a supply of pressurised air or breathable gas to an entrance of a patient's airways includes a frame member, a cushion assembly provided to the frame member, and an anterior wall member repeatedly engageable with and disengageable from the cushion assembly. The frame member includes connectors operatively attachable to a positioning and stabilizing structure. The cushion assembly includes a seal-forming structure and a void defined by an anterior surface of the cushion assembly. The anterior wall member has a predetermined surface area to seal the void of the cushion assembly and form a gas chamber when the anterior wall member and the cushion assembly are engaged. The void of the cushion assembly is sized such that the patient's nose and/or mouth is substantially exposed when the anterior wall member is disengaged from the cushion assembly thereby improving breathing comfort of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for the supply of humidified gases to a patient is disclosed that comprises a gases supply passage downstream of a humidified gases supply, and upstream of a patient in use, where at least one sensor is embedded in or located on the outside of the wall of the passage. In preferred forms the wall of the passage divides the sensor(s) from a flow of gases in the passage. In use, a controller receives an output of the sensor(s) and derives from the output of the sensor(s) an estimation of a property of gases flowing through the passage or provides a control output to the humidified gases supply according to the output of the sensor(s).

Abstract: A blower comprises a housing, an inlet to receive air, an outlet to deliver a flow of air and a deformable member configured to pump a chamber. The deformable member may be configurable to a first configuration and a second configuration, for example by electrical energy that may be applied as current or voltage. The blower may comprise a plurality of chambers, wherein each chamber may be compressed out of phase with each other, for example such that the flow rate of the generated air flow may not fluctuate as much. In other forms, the blower may comprise a plurality of chambers that vary in size.

Abstract: A gas demand device cycles through five successive operation phases: gas is prevented from flowing through the timing gas and demand gas flow paths; gas is allowed to flow through the timing gas flow path and gas is prevented from flowing through the demand gas flow path; gas is allowed to flow through the timing gas and demand gas flow paths; gas is prevented from flowing through the timing gas flow path and gas is allowed to flow through the demand gas flow path; and gas is prevented from flowing through the timing gas and demand gas flow paths.

Abstract: A retractable needle catheter insertion device is provided with a cannula and a needle positioned within the cannula to assist with insertion of the cannula. After insertion of the cannula into a patient, the needle can retract into a protective sleeve that contains the needle in order to reduce the chance that a medical practitioner will be inadvertently stuck by a used needle. The needle is carried by a needle support that is slidably disposed within the sleeve. A spring biases the needle support and needle toward a retracted position, and the device also includes an activation hub that works in conjunction with the needle support to control retraction of the needle. The retraction may be activated manually by the medical practitioner or may be activated automatically. A modular system and method of manufacturing is also provided in which catheters having either manually or automatic retraction can be manufactured using common parts.

Abstract: An implantable and programmable device for bladder fluid management. Several urological conditions hinder normal urinary evacuation. For instance, urinary retention impedes fluid drainage, which can lead to severe complications. On the other hand, urinary incontinence exposes the patients to frequent fluid leakage that can be difficult to manage. The treatment for these conditions are only partially effective and only address the symptoms but not the cause. The current system allows the user to bypass the nonfunctional portion of the urinary tract and urinate normally. The device is user-controlled and can be manually activated to release fluid at will. A notification system alerts the patient when fluid levels are elevated and require drainage. The current system provides patients with an effective solution to manage irregular bladder function.

Abstract: An obturator assembly includes an obturator positionable within a lumen of a device and movable within the lumen between a first position and a second position. The obturator includes a distal tip portion, wherein, with the obturator in the first position, the distal tip portion limits fluid communication through the lumen and, with the obturator in the second position, the distal tip portion provides fluid communication through the lumen.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a valve having a first end and an opposite second end; a sheath fixedly secured to and extending axially from one of the first and second ends of the valve; a dilator extending through the valve and sheath; and a lock knob rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to releasably axially lock the tool relative to the sheath without causing corresponding rotation of the tool therewith.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a catheter positioning device that may include a sled member, a sled base, an active damping system, a sensor, and a control system. The sled member may be configured to accept a handle of a catheter. The sled base may be configured to move the sled member along a length of the sled base for positioning the catheter within a patient. The active damping system may be configured to apply a force to the sled base to resist movement of the sled base in response to a control signal. The sensor may be configured to generate signals in response to a movement of the sled base. The control system may be configured to receive sensor signals from the sensor and transmit control signals to cause the active damping system to apply the force to resist movement of the sled base indicated in the received sensor signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable an introducer for a catheter to be rotated around an axis and/or traversed backward and/or forward along the axis. In various embodiments, positioning of an introducer may be enabled by an introducer support configured to be rotated around an axis and/or extended or retracted along the axis. The introducer may be manually operated and/or operated by motors in a nose cone of a catheter positioning system. In various embodiments, a portion of the introducer support may be configured to flex. In other embodiment, positioning of an introducer may be enabled by an adjustable nose cone of a catheter positioning system.

Abstract: A medical system comprises a catheter containing a mechanical system that is remotely operable to control a distal tip of the catheter. The medical system also comprises a sensor configured to at least partly measure a pose of the distal tip and a control system coupled to the mechanical system. The control system includes a memory operable to store parameters of a working configuration of the distal tip of the catheter and a plurality of operating modes including a holding mode in which the control system operates the mechanical system to actively maintain the working configuration of the distal tip based on feedback from the sensor. The control system also includes a plurality of modules. During activation of the holding mode, the plurality of modules is configured to sense a current pose of the distal tip and determine a difference between the current pose and the working configuration. The difference is due to an external disturbance.

Abstract: A method for thermal bonding of an inverted balloon neck on a catheter, including placing an inverted balloon neck (84) on a shaft (86) of a catheter, and characterized by applying heat at an internal hollow (85) of the shaft (86) where the inverted balloon neck (84) is placed, while applying internal pressure to attach an external surface of the shaft (86) to the inverted balloon neck (84).

Abstract: An IV catheter system may have a catheter component with a catheter hub, a cannula extending distally from the catheter hub, and a push feature protruding outwardly from the catheter hub. The IV catheter system may also have a needle component with a needle hub, a needle extending distally from the needle hub along an axis, and a grip extending from the needle hub, generally parallel to the axis, with a pull feature. In the insertion configuration, the needle may be positioned within the cannula and the distal end of the needle hub may be seated in a needle port of the catheter hub. In the fluid delivery configuration, the needle may be positioned outside the catheter hub. The push and pull features may be positioned to facilitate manipulation with a single hand to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration to a fluid delivery configuration.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated and deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a treatment. The catheter can include an extraction point associated with a lumen to remove fluids and material from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a liquid saline solution, a fluid medium, or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in-utero ventriculoamniotic shunting device that includes a shunt tube (26) composed of polymer composite and having metallic wire embedded therein, one or more anchors (30) composed of superelastic wire, e.g., thermal shape-set nitinol structures, that are mechanically attached to an exterior surface of the shunt tube (26), and a one-way passive valve (32) composed of a thin polymer membrane. The anchors (30) are effective to prevent migration and dislodgement of the shunting device following its deployment, and the valve (32) is effective to prevent the backflow of amniotic fluid (23).

Abstract: The medicinal applicator is a device that applies a therapeutic liquid to a patient. The medicinal applicator extends the reach of the patient such that the patient can apply the therapeutic liquid to the back of the patient. The medicinal applicator includes a handle, a dispensing assembly, one or more applicators, a wicking structure and a wall mount. The dispensing assembly is mounted in the handle. The dispensing assembly transports the therapeutic liquid to an applicator selected from the one or more applicators. The selected applicator attaches to the handle. The selected applicator transports the therapeutic liquid from the dispensing assembly to the wicking structure. From the wicking structure the therapeutic liquid is applied to the patient. The wall mount allows the medicinal applicator to be hung from a wall.

Abstract: A sponge including one or more hemostatic agents and one or more binding agents. At least one of the hemostatic agents is a pregelatinized potato starch. The collective percentage by weight of the one or more hemostatic agents is within the range of approximately one eighth to approximately sixteen times as great as the collective percentage by weight of the one or more binding agents.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a micro-needle unit and an injection device capable of being readily connected to a liquid supply source and capable of performing an effective injection via a simple configuration. The micro-needle unit is provided with a plurality of micro-needles disposed on the puncturing side and provided with a flow channel, and drug solution supply needles disposed on the side opposite from the puncturing side in a number less than that of the micro-needles and provided with a flow channel in communication with the aforementioned flow channel, the micro-needle unit thereby being capable of being readily connected to a liquid supply source and capable of performing an effective injection via a simple configuration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tattoo machine grip apparatus. The apparatus comprises a grip adjuster, a cartridge receiver, a ratchet disc, and a combined grip guide and backstem. The components are arranged so that the grip adjuster houses the cartridge receiver and allows for the needle depth adjustment while the grip guide ensures that the needle cartridge remains upright and houses the ratchet disc which provides adjustment feedback and prevents unwanted turning and accidental adjustment of the grip. In use, the backstem portion of a tattoo machine grip is inserted into the receiving portion of a tattoo machine. The tattoo machine is tightened down onto the backstem of the tattoo machine grip and holds it in place.

Abstract: A therapeutic delivery device that provides a controlled release of high doses of a therapeutic agent in a local area, sustains the high dose controlled release with a percutaneous port for refilling the device, and is versatile for use with multiple types of therapeutic agents and/or implant systems. A rate determining/controlled release membrane is used to decrease the molecular mobility of the therapeutic compounds thereby controlling the therapeutic release profile. The therapeutic delivery device includes a body defining an internal reservoir for receiving a therapeutic agent and including a first membrane for providing a controlled release of the therapeutic agent to the surgical site, a port in fluid communication with the reservoir, a sleeve configured to encapsulate the body, and a rigid housing configured to support the body and a portion of the sleeve, the rigid housing configured to release the body and the sleeve after the body and the sleeve are anchored position relative to the surgical site.

Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the medical valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a rigid member movably mounted within the housing, and a resilient member with a sealing portion. The housing also has at least one relief zone that is in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve is in the closed mode. The rigid member may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a flow channel. The relief zone may be radially outward from the sealing portion. The sealing portion may seal the valve and prevent fluid from passing through the valve when in the closed mode.

Abstract: A system for closed transfer of fluids includes a syringe adapter including a cannula having a first end and a second end with the second end positioned within the housing, and a seal arrangement positioned within the housing and movable within the housing with the seal arrangement including a membrane. The system including a second component including a membrane and a locking mechanism. The second component configured to be received by the syringe adapter such that the membrane of the seal arrangement engages the membrane of the second component. The locking mechanism including a biasing member and an engagement member positioned on the biasing member, with the engagement member configured to engage a portion of the housing of the syringe adapter to secure the second component to the syringe adapter when the second component is received by the syringe adapter.

Abstract: Antiseptic caps that can be used to disinfect and/or protect medical connectors are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the antiseptic cap can include a first chamber configured to be removably attached to the medical connector. Delivery systems for use with medical articles are also disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises various dispensing systems for antiseptic caps and/or antiseptic cap holder assemblies. In some embodiments, the delivery system can be configured to permit the medical articles to be individually removable from the delivery system.

Abstract: An enteral adapter coupling for connecting non-ENFit threaded enteral equipment with ISO 80369-3 compliant and compatible enteral equipment. The adapter coupling includes a first end substantially corresponding to an ISO 80369-3 coupling format, a second end substantially conforming to a threaded enteral feeding coupling format, and an internal lumen extending through the coupling allowing fluid communication between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are current output architectures for implantable stimulator devices. Current source and sink circuitry is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking an amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes of the device. The current source circuitry is distinct from the current sink circuitry, and the two share no common circuit nodes prior to connection to the electrodes. In other words, the current source circuitry and the current sink circuitry do not share a common node other than the electrodes. Each stage is preferably formed of a current mirror for receiving a reference current and outputting a scaled version of current to that stage's switch bank. The scalar at each stage can be set by wiring a desired number of output transistors in parallel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including an electrode and a stylet configured to steer the electrode towards its intended position during implantation, and a method for such system's use. An electrode is provided having regions with varied flexibility. A stylet having bends that are indexed to specific regions of flexibility of the electrode may be inserted into the electrode, and upon minimal radial and/or longitudinal movement of the stylet within the electrode, will cause the magnitude of the angle to which the lead is bent to either increase or decrease so as to aid the operator in placement of the electrode.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is described that automatically detects the presence of an external magnetic field, such as that generated by an MRI device. The IMD includes a torque sensor configured to generate an output signal that varies as a function of a torque imposed on the torque sensor by an external magnetic field and a control module configured to control operation of the implantable medical device based on the signal output of the torque sensor.

Abstract: Described is a system for treating traumatic memories. During a wake stage, a virtual environment is displayed to a subject. A traumatic episode that may be similar to a traumatic memory of the subject is displayed to the user in the virtual environment in a benign setting. A transcranial current stimulation (tCS) controller applies a pattern of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the subject during the traumatic episode, such that the traumatic memory in a benign setting is associated with the pattern of tDCS. During a sleep stage, if slow-wave sleep in the subject is detected via electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, then in a first time period, the tCS controller may a transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to the subject followed by a second time period without stimulation. In a third time period, the tCS controller may apply the pattern of tDCS to the subject. The sleep stage may be repeated until a desired weakening of the traumatic memory is reached.

Abstract: A cochlear implant for processing signal parameters which are adapted for controlling the cochlear implant, which are based on the audio signal and which enable generating a representation of the audio signal by the cochlear implant includes a receive interface which is implemented to receive the signal parameters and a nerve stimulator for processing the signal parameters to generate nerve cell stimulation signals based on the signal parameters. A device for generating a control signal for a cochlear implant on the basis of an audio signal includes a cochlear parameter extractor for analyzing the audio signal which is implemented to generate signal parameters as input information for the cochlear implant based on an analysis of the audio signal using a human hearing simulation model, and a transmit interface for transmitting the signal parameters to the cochlear implant.

Abstract: There is provided a cochlear implant system, comprising a sound processor for generating an auditory nerve stimulation signal from an input audio signal; an implantable stimulation assembly comprising an electrode array for electrical stimulation of the cochlea according to the neural stimulation signal; and an electrode migration monitoring unit including a unit for capturing ECAP signals induced at the electrodes of the electrode array in response to stimulation of the cochlea by applying auditory nerve stimulation signals to the electrodes, an electrode migration detection unit for detecting electrode migration relative to the cochlea by comparing presently captured ECAP signals and/or ECAP data derived from such presently captured ECAP signals to stored previously captured ECAP signals and/or ECAP data derived from such previously captured ECAP signals, and a unit for outputting an alarm signal in case that electrode migration is detected by the electrode migration detection unit.

Abstract: A gait management apparatus applies stimulation to a user suffering from a neurological disease (such as Parkinson's Disease) gait dysfunction. Motion sensors are arranged to be worn by a patient, and electrical stimulation electrodes are on the legs for stimulation. A controller receives motion sensing signals, and processes these signals to generate stimulation signals for operation of the electrodes to stimulate limb movement upon detection of a gait abnormality. There may be a user actuator for user actuation of electrical stimulation, and the inputs may be a series of taps. The controller may provide signals to prevent occurrence of freezing of gait when it senses that a patient is walking or has an intention to walk. Also, it may apply stimulation at an intensity level which is insufficient for functional muscle stimulation but sufficiently high to trigger activation of efferent nerves.