Abstract: A method of making an access port, includes providing a port body defining a fluid cavity, positioning a septum over the fluid cavity, and securing the septum to the port body. The septum includes a lower portion having a first diameter, an upper portion joined to the lower portion at a juncture, the upper portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter at the juncture, and a plurality of palpation features joined to the upper portion. Each of the palpation features includes a first end adjacent a central axis of the septum, and a second end extending radially outward, overlapping the juncture.

Abstract: Enteral connectors having coupling features for providing removable or permanent coupling engagement with a syringe connector. In some example embodiments, the syringe connector includes an ENFit compatible female connector. In other example embodiments, the syringe connector includes a threaded tip.

Abstract: A cap for coupling to a medical adapter may include a housing with a closed top end and an open bottom end with legs that extend from the housing away from the bottom end. Members may extend from an inner surface of the legs to engage and secure the cap to a medical adapter or an insert configured to mate with a medical adapter. A cap may include angular ridges between a cap housing and an insert to permit rotation of the cap in single direction and prevent removal of the cap from a medical adapter. A cap may include hinged legs to permit the cap to be secured to a medical adapter by rotating the legs toward each other until a portion of a collar on each leg may be matingly joined around the medical adapter.

Abstract: Fluid flow control devices for medical use are disclosed. On one end, a fluid flow control device is configured to be attached to a manifold that is in-line with an infusion setup and the other end of the fluid flow control device is configured to be attached to a sampling or infusion device, such as a syringe. In one aspect, a fluid flow control device has an external casing and an internal casing which is configured to be movably housed within the external casing. The internal casing mates with a fluid outlet on the external casing and upon separating the internal and external casings a fluid flow path is established.

Abstract: A flow switching device for catheterization via a three way catheter has a housing with four openings, and first, second and third distal hydraulic conduits originating at the first, second and third openings, respectively. A switch enables changes among a first operative configuration wherein the first and third openings are in communication, a second operative configuration wherein the second and fourth openings are in communication, and a third operative configuration wherein the first and second openings are in communication, and a fourth operative configuration wherein the second and third openings are in communication. A hydraulic bifurcation with a respective proximal hydraulic branch originates from the fourth opening, and fourth and fifth distal hydraulic conduits originating distally from the proximal hydraulic branch are in fluid dynamical communication with each other.

Abstract: A clamp arrangement for retaining a flexible tube (18) during operation of a roller pump (10) for pumping fluid, the clamp arrangement comprising a pair of rotatable bobbins (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) mounted adjacent to each other. Each bobbin (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) has a tapered groove (30), formed partially around a cylindrical surface of the bobbin (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B), and counter rotation of the bobbins (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) clamps the tube 18 between the bobbins (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) in the tapered grooves (30). The clamp arrangement allows tubes of different shapes and diameters to be securely held without overly deforming the tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device, wherein the device comprises a skin patch, configured to attach to the skin surface of the perineum of a subject suffering from premature ejaculation, wherein the skin patch contains electrodes configured to deliver electrical impulses transcutaneously to the bulbcavernosus muscle of the subject, wherein the transcutaneously delivered electrical impulses are configured to treat premature ejaculation.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is included within a lead in proximity to distal electrodes. The temperature sensor measures temperature change at the electrode to tissue interface. Actions can be taken when the temperature exceeds a threshold due to heating from current induced by radio frequency energy from an MRI scan. The actions may include sending a signal via telemetry from the implanted device to an external device to produce an alarm to alert an MRI technician or to instruct the MRI scanner to alter the MRI scan. The actions may include activating a switch in the conduction path of an implanted lead to block some of the RF energy and/or to activate a shunt in the conduction path to divert some of the RF energy. The temperature sensor may be of various forms and may be mounted in various locations within the lead.

Abstract: In certain embodiments an electrode array for epidural stimulation of the spinal cord is provided where the array comprises a plurality of electrodes disposed on a flexible polymer substrate; said electrodes being electrically connected to one or more lead wires and/or connection points on an electrical connector; where the electrodes of said array are bonded to said polymer so that the electrodes can carry an electrical stimulation signal having a voltage, frequency, and current sufficient to provide epidural stimulation of a spinal cord and/or brain in vivo or in a physiological saline solution, without separation of all or a part of an electrode from the polymer substrate.

Abstract: An electrode cuff for placement around a peripheral nerve can include one or more protrusions extending from a tissue-contacting surface of the electrode cuff. A protrusion can include one or more electrodes and can have a blunt distal end. The protrusion(s) can be driven into the nerve using a driving tool designed to apply mechanical oscillations and/or swift mechanical force to the electrode cuff. The mechanical oscillations and/or swift mechanical force can insert the blunt distal ends of the protrusions into the nerve without damaging fascicles within the nerve. During implantation, a sensor associated with the driving tool and/or the electrode cuff can provide dynamic feedback to a controller for controlling the driving tool. The sensor may detect pressure, temperature, acoustic activity, and/or electrical activity to indicate when the protrusions have pierced the epineurium, allowing the controller to cease the driving tool and thus avoid damage to the fascicles.

Abstract: A temporary pacing lead has an atraumatic curled distal region with multiple cathodes and distal pressure measurement to allow positioning and repositioning within the heart chamber without fluoroscopic or echo guidance. The curled distal region provides definite contact with two opposing walls of the ventricular chamber to ensure electrical signal capture without trauma to the endocardial surface. A stylet located in the pacing lead lumen assists in introducing, placing, and removing the pacing lead from the heart. The flexible distal region provides safe removal of the temporary lead following completion of use.

Abstract: A device for producing a trabecular fiber within a ventricle of a heart. The device includes a substrate and a first tissue anchor connected to the substrate. The substrate is formed of a non-rigid material.

Abstract: Provided is a wire fixing device for a cardiac pacemaker electrodes, including: an electrode fixator having an electrode clamping component, first hooks and second hooks; the electrode clamping component includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece that are semicircular cylindrical, the first clamping piece and the second clamping piece are connected by a clamp hinge connector, and a circular tube is formed when the electrode clamping component is closed; first hooks are provided on the back of the first clamping piece, second hooks are provided on the back of the second clamping piece, and hook tips of the first and second hooks are all bent towards a rotation direction of the electrode clamping component during closing; and the first and second hooks can be interlaced with each other when the electrode clamping component is closed, and can be separated when the electrode clamping component is open.

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation system (1) for correction of drop-foot, comprising: a device (3) to be placed on a paretic leg, provided with a plurality of multi-pad electrodes (315) on one side (31), at least one of said electrodes (315) being configured to provide a stimulating electric signal on the point of the leg on which it is positioned, wherein said corresponding stimulating electric signals form a stimulation pattern; and at least one sensor (8) to be positioned on either said leg or corresponding foot, the sensor (8) being configured to, measure information during movement and emit sensor signals indicative thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for the acute non-invasive treatment of a migraine attack. The system includes at least one skin electrode for placement on the forehead of a patient, and is configured to provide consecutive biphasic electrical pulses via the at least one skin electrode to the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves of the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve during a prolonged time span which may be for at least 10 minutes.

Abstract: An electric hearing prosthesis, wherein the electric hearing prosthesis includes an implantable portion configured to electrically stimulate a cochlea to evoke a hearing percept, and an external portion configured to be in wired communication with the implantable portion, wherein the electronic components of the implantable portion are all passive electronic components.

Abstract: A navigation system or combination of navigation systems can be used to provide one or more navigation modalities to track a position and navigate a single instrument in a volume. For example, both an Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) navigation system can be used to navigate an instrument within the volume. The two navigation systems may be used separately to selectively individually navigate the single instrument in the volume. Disclosed are also systems and processes to determine a shape of the single instrument either alone or in combination with the position of the instrument. The instrument may be navigated with the addition of tracking devices or with native or inherent portions of the instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and displaying obstacles to visually impaired persons are disclosed. Images from a captured scene are analyzed to detect obstacles. A V-Disparity algorithm is employed to detect the ground plane and remove it from the images, thereby enhancing the capacity of retinal implants to display only obstacles. The system includes cameras to capture images; a processor with memory to detect obstacles in the captured images, to remove a ground plane, and to calculate a map of pixels representing the obstacles; and a retinal implant configured to receive the map of pixels and display the obstacles to a system user by electrically stimulating retinal nerves. The method includes synchronizing captured images and calculating a disparity map between the captured images to detect obstacles and remove a ground plane from processed images. A map of pixels representing the obstacle is transmitted to a retinal implant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.

Abstract: The exemplary systems and methods may be configured to generate a dispersion signal from a plurality of cardiac signals and determine a QRS onset time value and a QRS offset time value from the plurality of cardiac signals. The QRS onset and offset time values may be used to measure, or capture, activation times.

Abstract: An IMD system receives a near field His bundle electrical signal produced by a patient's heart via a first sensing electrode vector and a far field cardiac electrical signal via a second sensing electrode vector different than the first sensing electrode vector. The IMD system generates His bundle pacing pulses delivered to the patient's heart via a His pacing electrode vector and determines a type of cardiac capture evoked by a His bundle pacing pulse.

Abstract: A guiding catheter and method of its use are presented wherein the catheter includes an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal region and a distal region and a length. The shaft defines a distal region and includes a distal tip. The distal region defines an arc of approximately 180 degrees and having a radius of 0.3 inches to 0.6 inches. The distal tip forms a half turn of a left-hand helix having a pitch of 0 inches to 0.4 inches. The unique shape of the distal region allows the distal tip be perpendicularly aligned with the septal wall of the right atrium at the His bundle location when the catheter is advanced therein.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques for establishing communication between two medical devices are described. In one example, an implantable medical device comprises communication circuitry, therapy delivery circuitry, and processing circuitry configured to initiate a communication window during which the implantable second medical device is capable of receiving the information related to a cardiac event detected by a first medical device, the communication window being one of a plurality of communication windows defined by a communication schedule that corresponds to a transmission schedule in which the first medical device is configured to transmit the information, control the communication circuitry to receive, from the first medical device, the information related to the cardiac event that is indicative of a timing of the cardiac event with respect to a timing of the communication window, schedule and control delivery of a therapy according to the information related to the cardiac event.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods for delivering implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may include an intermediate tubular member and an inner tubular member slidably disposed within a lumen of the intermediate tubular member. A distal holding section may extend distally of a distal end of the intermediate tubular member and define a cavity therein for receiving an implantable leadless pacing device. The device may be configured to enable fluid flushing of the delivery device prior to use, to remove any air from within the device as well as providing the option of fluid flow during use of the delivery device.

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable multiphasic pulse system and method are provided. The dynamically adjustable multiphasic pulse system may be used as pulse system for a defibrillator or cardioverter.

Abstract: Several defibrillators, defibrillator architectures, defibrillator components and methods of operating defibrillators are described. In one aspect, a modular defibrillator architecture is described. A base unit provides a fully functional defibrillator. The functionality of the base unit can be supplemented by attaching an interface unit to the base unit or by connecting a smartphone the base unit. Such devices provide connectivity as well as a screen for displaying supplementary graphics and/or videos which are useful to support both emergency and maintenance & monitoring activities. In some embodiments a battery pack may also or alternatively be coupled to the base unit to prolong the unit's shelf life before recharging or replacement of its batteries is required. If necessary the base unit can be powered from a connected external device such as a mobile communication device.

Abstract: The invention pertains to advances in real-time methods in nuclear magnetic resonance by offering: a new real-time processing method for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum acquisition without external resonator(s), which remains stable despite magnetic field fluctuations, a new processing method for nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum acquisition, which remains stable despite magnetic field fluctuations and resonator stability, a new method of constructing predetermined magnets from appropriate magnetic material that allows for focusing the magnetic field in a target region, a new dual frequency dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) generator that polarizes the spin of electrons and acts as an NMR transmitter.

Abstract: The invention pertains to advances in real-time methods in nuclear magnetic resonance, magnetic resonance imaging, and non-invasive medical ablation by offering: a new real-time processing method for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum acquisition without external resonator(s), which remains stable despite magnetic field fluctuations, a new processing method for nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum acquisition, which remains stable despite magnetic field fluctuations and resonator stability, a new method of constructing predetermined magnets from appropriate magnetic material that allows for focusing the magnetic field in a target region, a new dual frequency dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) generator that polarizes the spin of electrons and acts as an NMR transmitter, a new real-time processing method for visualizing, targeting, and guiding surgical and other non-invasive processes, and a new method of non-invasive ablation, heat generation, and chemical reaction activation inside the human body to

Abstract: Subject system generates high energy short duration repetitive magnetic fields controlled by a programmable pulse generator. The magnetic fields are applied to a patient's body through a smart coil attachment provided with a sensor system and microcontroller for monitoring the system's health. The novel security architecture and networking components support the electronic prescription concept which ensures a patient receives correct treatment on the prescribed pulse generator with the prescribed coil attachment. An FPGA-based pulser controller operates to control charging of large capacitors (in the pulse generator) to a desired voltage and discharging them through the smart coil attachment to generate the therapeutic magnetic pulses in accordance with the electronic treatment prescription protocol.

Abstract: Devices and methods for identifying and destroying cancer cells are disclosed. Devices and methods may relate to techniques of imaging and/or irradiating cells bearing a plurality of surface-modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) therein. Imaging can be realized with a magnetic imaging device that generates an imaging magnetic field. A magnetic field associated with the SPION-bearing cancer cells and resulting from imaging, can be detected with a detection device. Irradiation can be realized with a magnetic field emission device that generates an irradiation magnetic field such that the SPIONs in the SPION-bearing cells are heated as a result of said magnetic field, thereby killing the SPION-bearing cells. The magnetic imaging device may be used as the magnetic field emission device. The magnetic fields produced for imaging and/or irradiating, as well as the associated magnetic field, can be focused using one or more magnetic metalens devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems to control magnetic fields and magnetic field induced currents, and to provide stimulations within a patient's body, e.g.: deep brain stimulation, in a non-invasive manner and with greater focus and control than has been afforded by prior known methods and systems. An array of magnetic coils is provided and positionable about a portion of a patient's body, and are configured to create a small region of a magnetic hole, or configured to create a small region of concentrated magnetic field strength, or their combination, and at depths within the patient's body in a focused region and sparing the surrounding tissues of the focused region, that have previously not been receptive to non-invasive TMS methods, which are either focused but can affect only the surface and shadow areas, or that can reach certain depths but by doing so only through affecting large surface areas and deep tissue areas.

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: The invention provides a therapy method for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The therapy method uses a low-dose radiation to realize GBM tumor cell-targeted radiotherapy via sequentially administration of radiation enhancer-incorporated nanocarriers, 5-aminolevulinic acid, therapeutic ultrasound and therapeutic radiation.

Abstract: A material for brachytherapy is provided comprising a substrate having a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal, wherein the substrate comprises alternating peaks and valleys which are parallel to the longitudinal axis, the alternating peaks and valleys defining latitudinally extending pleats; and a plurality of medicament moieties positioned on the peaks and valleys of the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating a patient with an unruptured saccular aneurysm that is not associated with an arteriovenous malformation, wherein ionizing radiation is delivered to the brain of a patient through stereotactic radiosurgery. The radiosurgery may be performed with a Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery apparatus, LINAC device such as CYBERKNIFE® stereotactic radiosurgery apparatus, or particle-beam device. The treatment impedes a natural progression of the aneurysm towards rupture and may actually obliterate the aneurysm. The treatment plan may be based in part on measured geometric properties of the aneurysm or on physical aneurysm properties such as permeability, wall thickness, wall motion, the presence of macrophages, shear stress, and flow velocities. The methods may be used in conjunction with endovascular coil embolization.

Abstract: Methods are provided for permitting manipulation of an achievable dose distribution estimate deliverable by a radiation delivery apparatus for proposed treatment of a subject. One such method comprises: determining a dose modification voxel for which it is desired to modify the dose value and a corresponding magnitude of desired dose modification; for each of a plurality of beams: (i) characterizing the beam as a two-dimensional array of beamlets, wherein each beamlet is associated with a corresponding intensity value and a ray line representing the projection of the beamlet into space; and (ii) identifying one or more dose-change beamlets which have associated ray lines that intersect the dose modification voxel; modifying the intensity values of at least one of the dose-change beamlets; and updating the achievable dose distribution estimate to account for the modified intensity values of the at least one of the dose-change beamlets.

Abstract: Radiotherapy apparatus comprises a source of radiation mounted on a chassis, the chassis being rotatable about a rotation axis and the source being adapted to emit a beam of radiation along a beam axis that intersects with the rotation axis; a patient support, moveable along a translation axis; a set of magnetic coils located on either side of the beam, for establishing a magnetic field at the point of intersection, spaced from that point along a first direction; the translation axis, the rotation axis, and the first direction being substantially parallel; and further comprising a multi-leaf collimator fixed in its orientation with respect to the source of radiation, the multi-leaf collimator comprising a plurality of elongate leaves disposed with their longitudinal directions substantially aligned with the first direction and movable in that direction between a withdrawn position in which the leaf lies outside the beam.

Abstract: A method of real-time markerless measurement and calibration of a patient positioning system includes computing a three dimensional point cloud representation of a patient by using a camera to obtain depth points of the patient, where the z-direction corresponds to a direction along the focal length of the camera, demanding a z-limit that corresponds to a lower (z-min) and an upper (z-max) specification, computing a point cloud covariance and a point cloud mean for an optimized principle components analysis to compute a torso topography of the patient, determining a center point of the point cloud as an anchor measurement region and using the camera to determine a distance to the patient to establish an angle between a patient torso and a vector that is perpendicular to the camera, averaging the depth measurements in reference regions and compensating for parallax error in real-time during a calibration measurement or radiotherapy treatment plan.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a neutron capture therapy system. The neutron capture therapy system includes an accelerator, the accelerator generates a charged particle beam; a neutron generator, the neutron generator generates a neutron beam after being irradiated by the charged particle beam; a beam shaping assembly, the beam shaping assembly includes a moderator and a reflector surrounds around the outer periphery of the moderator, the moderator moderates the neutrons generated by the neutron generator to a preset spectrum, and the reflector leads the deflected neutrons back to increase the neutron intensity within the preset spectrum; and a collimator, the collimator concentrates the neutrons generated by the neutron generator; the spectrum of the neutron beam is changed by changing the spectrum of the charged particle beam.

Abstract: This invention relates to oral care compositions comprising zingerone, bisabolol, a stannous ion source, zinc oxide, and zinc citrate, as well as to methods of using and of making these compositions.

Abstract: A composition for topical application, in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, containing at least one nonionic emulsifier with a melting point of less than 45° C. and at least one 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid polymer. The composition shows very good stability.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a hose device for a breathing apparatus, characterized by at least one electric line (2) and at least one pressure line (3) within the open-cross-section of the hose device (1).

Abstract: An improved safety device for a self-contained breathing apparatus, and an improved self-contained breathing apparatus having thermal imaging capabilities.

Abstract: System and methods to provide ceiling-only suppression fire protection of up to fifty feet (50 ft.) of rack storage of cartoned unexpanded plastic commodities and less hazardous commodities, such as for example, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and/or combinations thereof beneath a ceiling having a maximum ceiling height up to fifty-five feet (55 ft.). The systems and methods provide for hydraulic and system parameters that include a hydraulic design area based upon five to no more than twelve hydraulically most remote sprinklers spaced at a preferred sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight to ten feet (8-10 ft.) coupled to two to four branch lines tied to a common cross main supply pipe of firefighting fluid.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, assemblies, and methodologies for inhibiting combustion within fluid containers, enhancing the safety of such containers. One aspect includes a novel base module from which assemblies of varying shape and size, suitable for disposing within a variety of different fluid containers, are created. In one embodiment, the base module is made from an expanded mesh which is rolled in a novel cylindrical configuration according to a novel methodology. In another embodiment, the base module may be combined with other base modules to form an assembly.

Abstract: A wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighting apparatus is provided in the form of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive pumper truck that merges the high-clearance and off road capability of a Type 3 wildland pumper truck with the functionality, exceptional handling, mobility and storage capacity of a Type 1 pumper truck. The truck can include a short front overhang chassis yielding a 20+ degree angle of approach and an optional 20+ degree angle of departure. The truck can include a compact water distribution system including a narrow discharge manifold plumbed to an engine PTO driven primary pump and optional portable secondary pump, which can operate during pump and roll firefighting procedures. The discharge manifold can be coupled to electronic valves operated via a control panel, and can be so narrow that it can contribute to shortening the truck's wheelbase.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system valve (1) comprising a housing (2, 3) which has a fluid inlet chamber (8), a fluid outlet chamber (9) and a closing body (4a) reciprocable between a blocking state and a release state, wherein the fluid inlet chamber (8) and the fluid outlet chamber (9) are separated from each other in the blocking state and communicate with each other in fluid-conducting relationship in the release state. At least one pressure sensor (6) is integrated in the housing (2, 3).

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a composition for decontaminating surfaces contaminated with toxic chemicals/substances, comprising at least one type of metal oxyhydroxide such as zirconium hydroxide, Zr(OH)4, optionally with added water for hydration of the solid, mixed into a carrier liquid used for application to a contaminated surface.

Abstract: A fitness device comprises a waist belt configured to fit around a user's waist and at least one resilient leg loop member. The resilient leg loop member has a proximal end movably anchored to the waist belt at a posterior position. The resilient leg loop member has an opposite distal end configured for coupling with one of the user's feet. The fitness device causes a predetermined resistance force to be generated against the user's movement when the user extends the leg loop member beyond its length at rest. In some embodiments, two resilient leg loop members are provided. Methods of using the exercise device are also described.

Abstract: The trap bar with adjustable handles includes a pair of handles. The position of each handle is adjustable in an inward and outward direction, thus varying the distance between the handles. Thus, a user may adjust the handle spacing to accommodate the user's size. A trap bar is used to perform deadlifts and shrugs. A trap bar preferably includes a pair of handles, the handles parallel to each other and parallel to the ground. The parallel positions of the handles support a neutral hand grip and an application of weight in-line with the user's body.