Abstract: This invention is a transvascularly placed steerable guidewire, further including internal steerability and the ability to articulate in a direction at right angles to its longitudinal axis at or near its distal end. The steerable guidewire is generally fabricated from stainless steel and includes an outer tube, an inner tube, hub structures, and a distal articulating region. The steerable guidewire can be advanced through a body lumen in its straight configuration and then be selectively articulated or curved to permit negotiation of tortuous curvature. The steerable guidewire hub can be removed to permit advancement of catheters over its proximal end followed by re-attachment of the hub to permit deflection of the distal end of the steerable guidewire. Removal of the hub can result in a limp guidewire or maintenance of a forced curvature of the distal end of the guidewire.

Abstract: Devices and methods for recanalization of occluded body vessels using novel guidewires. A novel double-sided guidewire comprises a cross-section tapering from a more rigid middle section towards more flexible head sections. A first head of the guidewire is inserted into the occluded body vessel in a retrograde direction to traverse an occlusion. The guidewire is further advanced in the retrograde direction such that the first head and a portion of the middle section are retrieved from the body, thereby positioning the remainder of the guidewire traversing the occlusion in an antegrade direction and allowing for over the wire recanalization techniques in the antegrade direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balloon catheter featuring—at least on portions of the outward-turned surface of the dilatable area—hair-like extensions, with the average diameter D, the average length L, and the average center-to-center distance P of the hair-like extensions to each other being selected such that a drug on the balloon surface covered with hair-like extensions can essentially be secured by means of capillary forces.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of randomly oriented fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is described having a reinforced, co-axial, duel lumen design. In some embodiments, the balloon catheter includes a purging mechanism designed to purge air from the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter assembly is provided with an outer catheter, an inner catheter, an outer adapter and a balloon, and is configured such that the balloon resides entirely within a predetermined volume having an outer diameter substantially equal to or less than the outside diameter of the distal end of the outer catheter when the balloon is in a deflated configuration. Methods of using and steering the catheter assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A dilation balloon is wrapped in one or more patterns with a wire or braided material having diamond abrasive or other abrasive material bonded thereto. The wire or braided material is vibrated in one or more ways to enhance the cutting action of the wire abrasive. The wire abrasive may be vibrated using high, low, or even ultrasonic waves transmitted to the wire abrasive via local or remote methods. Alternatively, the dilation balloon may be dilated with a contrast media that exhibits a high absorption to laser light. The contrast material is lazed with a laser fiber or fibers inserted into the balloon interior, creating a substantial shockwave that vibrates the balloon and assists in the cracking or abrading of the surrounding plaque in contact with the dilation balloon. The cutting balloon may employ the abrasive coated wires described above or cutting blades.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microneedle according to the present disclosure includes a step of preparing a microneedle; a step of cooling the microneedle; and a step of inducing an endothermic reaction of the cooled microneedle, and coating the cooled microneedle with an active ingredient at least once. In accordance with such a configuration, coatability of the active ingredient can be improved due to an endothermic reaction without a separate drying process, thereby providing superior medication.

Abstract: A medical fluid coupling for connecting a fluid line to a connection section of a blood treatment apparatus or for connecting to a connecting adapter comprises at least one main body. The main body includes a first latching element with a first section. The first section is designed to be elastically bendable and/or elastically tiltable. The main body may optionally include a second latching element with a second section. At least one of the first latching element and the second latching element comprises a recess for receiving a protrusion of the connection section and/or a protrusion to reach into a recess of the blood treatment apparatus or of the connecting adapter.

Abstract: An injection port assembly including a body having first and second mating structures configured to mate with a first connector for a first fluid pathway and a second connector on a device, respectively. A resilient barrier substantially contained within the body and compressible from a first position in which fluid flow between the first and second connectors is blocked to a more compressed second position in which fluid flow between the first and second connectors is permitted. A hollow cannula can be coupled with the first mating structure and disposed within the resilient barrier, the hollow cannula having a distal end configured to extend through the resilient barrier when the resilient barrier is in the second position, the distal end having lateral slots. The resilient barrier can have first and second annular sealing rings positioned above and below the lateral slots respectively.

Abstract: Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry for providing currents at electrodes of an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed. The DAC circuitry includes at least one PDAC for sourcing current to the electrodes, and at least one NDAC for sinking current from the electrodes. The PDACs are powered with power supplies VH (the compliance voltage) and Vssh in a high power domain, and the NDACs are powered with power supplies Vcc and ground in a low power domain. VH may change during IPG operation, and Vssh preferably also changes with a fixed difference with respect to VH. Digital control signals to the PDACs are formed (and possibly converted into) the high power domain, and transistors used to build the PDACs are biased in the high power domain, and thus may also change with VH. This permits transistors in the PDACs and NDACs to be made from normal low-voltage logic transistors.

Abstract: Presented herein are systems, methods, and devices that provide for stimulation of nerves and/or targets such as mechanoreceptors, tissue regions, mechanoresponsive proteins, and vascular targets through generation and delivery of mechanical vibrational waves. In certain embodiments, the approaches described herein utilize a stimulation device (e.g., a wearable device) for generation and delivery of the mechanical vibrational waves. As described herein, the delivered vibrational waves can be tailored based on particular targets (e.g., nerves, mechanoreceptors, vascular targets, tissue regions) to stimulate and/or to elicited particular desired responses in a subject.

Abstract: A multichannel stimulation system for regenerating damaged corneal nerves, includes: electrically contacting a contactor of the multichannel unit with the stimulation signal module; providing an electric pulse signal, by the stimulation signal module; transferring an electric pulse signal of a first duration time and an electric pulse signal of a seventh duration time to the first channel, and transferring an electric pulse signal; maintaining an adjusted magnitude of the absolute value of an electric pulse signal when the magnitude of the absolute value of the electric pulse signal desired by a user is adjusted; and confirming whether impedance measured between the first channel and an area where the first channel is attached and impedance measured between the second channel and an area where the second channel is attached exceed a reference impedance.

Abstract: An introducer sheath assembly including an introducer sheath and a protective sheath. The introducer sheath includes a hub having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tubular sheath projecting from the distal end of the hub. The protective sheath has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the protective sheath is attached to the hub adjacent to the proximal end of the hub. The protective sheath is configurable between an undeployed state wherein the proximal end of the protective sheath is adjacent to the hub, and a deployed state wherein the proximal end of the protective sheath is away from the hub.

Abstract: The disclosure describes devices and methods for providing transdermal electrical stimulation therapy to a subject including positioning a stimulator electrode over a glabrous skin surface overlying a palm of the subject and delivering electrical stimulation via a pulse generator transdermally through the glabrous skin surface and to a target nerve or tissue within the hand to stimulate the target nerve or tissue within the hand so that pain felt by the subject is mitigated. The pulses generated during the electrical stimulation therapy may include pulses of two different magnitudes.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved visual prosthesis including a video processing unit with user controls optimized for use by blind individuals. The controls include easily identifiable shapes. The controls are programmable to provide improved usability with a simple tactile interface.

Abstract: A spinal cord stimulator device, including an implantation paddle, a connection segment and an encapsulant. The implantation paddle includes at least one pair of electrode stimulation pads, each of the electrode stimulation pads connected to ends of separate thin film electrode leads, wherein the electrode stimulation pads and the thin film electrode leads are sandwiched between softening polymer layers. The connection segment includes insulated wire leads, one end of each of the wire leads can be connected to contact pads on opposite ends of each one of the thin film leads at separated coupling joints. The encapsulant encompasses portions of the implantation paddle, including encompassing portions of the softening polymer layers surrounding the contact pads, the coupling joints and portions of the connection segment including portions of the wire leads next to the coupling joints. Methods of manufacturing device and using the device for spinal cord stimulation are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pain in a patient using an electrical waveform that link the modulation of a waveform parameter for different areas of a patient. One embodiment in a system for managing pain in a patient comprises an electric device configured to be implanted into the patient and including a plurality of electrodes having at least a first electrode associated with a first area of the patient and a second electrode associated with a second area of the patient. The system further includes an implantable device configured to be coupled to the electrode device and having a computer-operable medium programmed to change the waveform parameter applied to the first electrode and automatically set the waveform parameter applied to the second electrode based on a relationship between a first therapy range and a second therapy range of the waveform parameter.

Abstract: Neuromodulation systems are described. An example neuromodulation system includes a controller wirelessly communicatively coupled to a host computer, a signal generator communicatively coupled to the controller, and a plurality of electrodes communicatively coupled to the signal generator. The controller, in conjunction with the signal generator and the at least one electrode are configured to deliver a stimulation to a mammal based on an instruction received from the host computer. The stimulation is configured to induce voluntary movement or restore function in the mammal.

Abstract: In some examples, a system may include a plurality of electrodes, electrical stimulation circuitry, and a controller. The controller may be configured to select one or more parameters of therapy to be delivered to a brain of a patient and to control the electrical stimulation circuitry to deliver the therapy to the brain of the patient based on the selected parameters and via a first one or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes. The parameters may be defined based on a first plurality of electrical signals sensed at a plurality of different positions within the brain of the patient when electrical stimulation is not delivered at each of the positions and a second plurality of electrical signals sensed at each of the plurality of different positions within the brain of the patient in response to electrical stimulation delivered at each of the positions at a plurality of different intensities.

Abstract: A device for stimulating neurons that includes a stimulation unit implantable in the body of a patient and having stimulation elements that stimulate neurons in the brain and/or spinal cord. A control unit controls the stimulation unit during first and second time intervals in different stimulation modes. The control unit controls the stimulation unit during 75% or more of the first time interval in the first stimulation mode to repeatedly generate sequences of stimuli and the order in which the stimulation elements generate stimuli is constant for not more than 5 successively generated sequences and then varied. The control unit controls the stimulation unit during 75% or more of the second time interval in a second stimulation mode such that the stimulation elements repeatedly generate sequences of stimuli and the order in which the stimulation elements generate stimuli is constant for at least 25 successively generated sequences and then varied.

Abstract: Described here is a deep brain stimulation (“DBS”) approach that targets several relevant nodes within brain circuitry, while monitoring multiple symptoms for efficacy. This approach to multi-symptom monitoring and stimulation therapy may be used as an extra stimulation setting in extant DBS devices, particularly those equipped for both stimulation and sensing. The therapeutic efficacy of DBS devices is extended by optimizing them for multiple symptoms (such as sleep disturbance in addition to movement disorders), thus increasing quality of life for patients.

Abstract: Multi-phasic fields are produced at a neuromodulation site using electrodes. A first phase is directed at a target region such that a first-polarity electrical charge is injected to the target region, and a second phase is directed at portions of the neuromodulation site other than the target region, such that a second-polarity electrical charge opposite the first-polarity electrical charge is injected to those portions of the neuromodulation site to essentially neutralize the first-polarity charge injected at the neuromodulation site while maintaining at least a portion of the first-polarity charge at the target region. In some embodiments, each anode used to produce the first phase is used as a cathode to produce the second phase, and each cathode used to produce the first phase is used as an anode to produce the second phase, and the quantity of charge injected by each electrode in both phases is essentially zero.

Abstract: The disclosure describes techniques for delivering electrical stimulation to decrease the ventricular rate response during an atrial tachyarrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation. AV nodal stimulation is employed during an atrial tachyarrhythmia episode with rapid ventricular conduction to distinguish ventricular tachyarrhythmia from supraventricular tachycardia and thereby prevent delivering inappropriate therapy to a patient.

Abstract: A lead for use with cardiac stimulus device with at least two electrodes positioned at a single longitudinal location is provided. The electrodes may include a shocking coil electrode and a sensing and/or pacing ring electrode and may be separated by an insulating element. The at least two electrically insulated electrodes may be electrically isolated and serve separate purposes in the device.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator soft carrying case includes a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment is connected to the second compartment by a hinge mechanism. The first compartment is also detachably connected to the second compartment. A first compartment ceiling is connected to the first compartment by a second hinge mechanism. The first compartment ceiling includes a transparent window.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, devices and methods for providing abdominal or any other organ stimulation for affecting a physiological change, wherein the stimulation parameters are continuously, semi continuously, or conditionally being updated based on measurements and inputs provided to a computer circuitry configured to facilitate machine learning capabilities.

Abstract: The device for treating the vaginal canal by means of a laser beam comprises a retractor for the wall of the vaginal canal, associated with a scanning system for scanning the laser beam towards the wall by means of a pyramidal mirror for laser beam reflection.

Abstract: Methods and devices related to wound healing using phototherapy are described. Some embodiments provide an organic light-emitting diode device, such as a light-emitting device for phototherapy, comprising Ring System 1, Ring System 2, Ring System 3, Ring System 4 or Ring System 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for dermatological treatment, comprising a laser head (2) suitable for directing a laser beam (3) towards a target zone (4), at least one fan (5) suitable for dissipating the heat emitted by the laser head (2), and at least one monitoring means (6) suitable for detecting a fault in at least one fan (5) and for controlling at least one means (7) for inhibiting the laser beam (3) when a fault is detected.

Abstract: Lighting systems, methods, and devices for protecting human circadian neuroendocrine function during night use are described. Suitable lighting conditions can be provided for a working environment while protecting the circadian neuroendocrine systems of those occupying the illuminated workplace during the night. Lighting systems, methods, and devices can provide substantive attenuation of the pathologic circadian disruption in night workers. Lighting systems, methods, and devices can attenuate the specific bands of light implicated in circadian disruption. LED lighting systems, methods, and devices can provide increased intensity at a different portion of the spectrum than conventional LEDs, providing a useable white light even when unfavorable portions of the wavelength are attenuated by a notch filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing cancerization of normal cells due to low-dose irradiation. The method enables effective prevention of cancerization of normal cells by means of low-dose radiation which is innocuous to a subject.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of determining a resultant treatment plan for a proton radiation therapy system based on given dose volume constraints, wherein the resultant treatment plan is optimized for treatment time comprises accessing the dose volume constraints and range information, wherein the range information indicates acceptable deviations from the dose volume constraints. Based on the proton radiation therapy system, the method further comprises accessing machine configuration information comprising a plurality of machine parameters that define a maximum resolution achievable in irradiating a patient. Further, the method comprises iteratively adjusting the plurality of machine parameters to values which decrease the maximum resolution and simulating a plurality of candidate treatment plans to generate a plurality of treatment plan results, wherein each treatment plan result comprises: a respective treatment time and a respective plan quality.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a radiotherapy treatment plan for ion based radiotherapy, is proposed, comprising the steps of determining multiple elastic scattering of ions for scattering angles in a first angular interval having an upper limit at a selected cut-off angle by means of a model for Coulomb scattering; determining multiple elastic scattering of ions for scattering angles in a second angular interval having a lower limit at the selected cut-off angle; determining the scattering for angles in a range comprising at least a part of the first angular interval and at least a part of the second angular interval, based on the results obtained for the first and second angular interval, respectively. The method avoids the double counting of particles at large scattering angles that occurs when using conventional methods.

Abstract: An example particle therapy system includes a particle accelerator to output a particle beam having a spot size; a scanning system for the particle accelerator to scan the particle beam in two dimensions across at least part of a treatment area of an irradiation target; and an adaptive aperture between the scanning system and the irradiation target. The adaptive aperture includes structures that are movable relative to the irradiation target to approximate a shape to trim part of the treatment area. The part of the treatment area has a size that is based on an area of the spot size.

Abstract: The present invention thus relates to amide derivatives of polysubstituted quinic acids (abbreviated to “QPS”), of general formula (IA): (IA), in which —R1A and R2A are, independently of one another: H, with the proviso that R1A and R2A are not both a hydrogen atom, a butyl group, a C7-C30 alkyl group, —a C7-C30 alkylaryl or arylalkyl group, or a C7-C18 aryl group; and —Q1, Q3, Q4 and Q5 are, independently of one another, an OH, caffeoyl, maloyl, caffeoylmaloyl ou maloylcaffeoyl group, with the proviso that at least one of these radicals is not an OH group, or to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer or hydrate thereof, and also to the process for producing same, to the use thereof as a medicament, in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of inflammation and of inflammatory diseases, and to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical compositions containing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements to powered air purifying respirators (PAPR). PAPR are known generally for use in polluted environments. A typical PAPR comprises a powered impellor arranged to draw air from the atmosphere, a filter element and a mask to provide the filtered and pressurized air to the user. Embodiments of the present invention place a generator unit, comprising a filter and impellor for pressurizing the air, behind the head of the user, and include components for improving delivery of the air to the user and improving its quality.

Abstract: A respirator device having an elastomeric sleeve is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a respirator device as described herein includes a rigid nozzle element and a body including a receiver having an elastomeric sleeve. The elastomeric sleeve defines a channel, and the elastomeric sleeve is configured to deform around the nozzle element when the nozzle element is inserted into the channel.

Abstract: The present invention is a wearable device for comprehensive bio-monitoring of physiologic metrics to determine metabolic, pulmonary and cardiac function and oxygen saturation measurements from breathing mask apparatuses. The device non-invasively monitors the physiologic profile of the subject, and is capable of detecting physiologic changes, predicting onset of symptoms, and alerting the wearer or another person or system. In some embodiments, the device comprises both a wearable sensor suite and a portable gas composition and flow analysis system. In preferred embodiments, it comprises a miniaturized non-invasive sensor suite for detecting physiologic changes to detect dangerous breathing or other health conditions. The system utilizes advanced fast-response sensors with improved efficiency and lifespan, and provides rapid analysis for substantially real-time monitoring of the subject's present condition to predict, mitigate and/or prevent the onset of dangerous conditions.

Abstract: An air-supply device for supplying breathing air into a breathing-air region. An inflow opening connected to an outflow region via an interior. An outflow region connected to the outflow region via the interior. The outflow region formed on a flexible, air-permeable material. For flexible use of the air-supply device and to avoid significant adverse effect to a user, provision is made for the air-supply device to have a sheet-like, flexible portion, which has a first flat side and a second flat side, located opposite the first. The outflow region arranged on the first flat side. The interior formed between the first flat side and the second flat side. In the interior, at least the outflow region has arranged on it at least one spacer, which prevents the outflow region from butting against the second flat side.

Abstract: A wearable protective respiratory mask with an attachable electronic system and an attachable gas filter system is provided. The mask may be easily disassembled for cleaning and maintenance. The attachable electronic system includes a functionality for communication with an external electronic system, and a control unit for controlling the attachable electronic system. The attachable gas filter system includes a plurality of components, including an adjustable valve system. The mask may act as a barrier for inhibiting transfer of one or more components of a gaseous composition. The mask is useful for individuals in a variety of environments, including environments with potentially harmful aerosols, vapors, particulates, or sounds.

Abstract: Provided are fire-fighting foam concentrate compositions incorporating multiple dye indicator agents, fire-fighting foams formed from said compositions, and to methods for evaluating fire-fighting foam concentrates. The compositions are useful as a complex anti-counterfeiting system and also allow for the differentiation of different types of authentic concentrates.

Abstract: A trampoline frame includes a number of frame components arranged to form a circle or other shape around a flexible fabric trampoline bed. The frame components are fastened together by inserting them into tee joints. The tee joints have guard poles extending above the level of the trampoline bed to support a safety net or rail. Leg components extend beneath the tee joints to support the trampoline frame structure. Each tee joint is concentrically fitted together with adjacent frame components. The guard poles extend through the tee joint to be concentrically fitted together with the leg components. Bolts extend through the assembled tee joints and other components to further strengthen the trampoline structure.

Abstract: Described herein is a muscle trainer including a first and a second curved, elongate spring element, the two spring elements being arranged with their concave sides facing each other, having joint elements at their respective end areas and being connected to each other at their two end areas via joints formed from the joint elements. Also described herein is a method for producing such a muscle trainer.

Abstract: An apparatus for physical exercise comprising a resistance arrangement having at least one hydraulic cylinder adapted for providing resistance forces in at least a first and a second direction, the apparatus having a force transmission assembly through which the resistance forces are operable. The force transmission assembly having at least one actuation member being in operable engagement therewith and being adapted to transfer forces generated by a user in at least two directions of motion to the at least one hydraulic cylinder via the force transmission assembly. The resistance forces created by the at least one hydraulic cylinder opposing the user generated forces.

Abstract: Exercise devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. One exercise device includes weights, a shell assembly, and a base assembly. The shell assembly has a shell defining an interior sized to receive the weights. The shell assembly also has a shaft coupled for rotation relative to the shell. When the weights are received within the interior of the shell, rotation of the shaft relative to the shell selectively couples the shaft with one or more weights. The base assembly has a base configured to support the weights. The base assembly also has a driver configured to be coupled to the shaft when the shell assembly is supported by the base. The driver of the base assembly is configured to rotate the shaft relative to the shell when the driver is coupled to the shaft to selectively couple the shaft with the one or more weights.

Abstract: An exercise machine with a user support and at least one user engagement actuator and a one directional rotational resistance flywheel for performing exercises that are resisted in the push direction and the pull direction. The drive system that operatively connects the at least one user engagement actuator to the one directional rotational resistance flywheel is configured such that more or less force is required to move the at least one user engagement actuator in the push direction than to move the at least one user engagement actuator in the pull direction.

Abstract: The exercise mat system includes an exercise mat consisting of an upper surface with visual markers. The relative positioning of the visual markers correlates to a user's body parts and the distances between the user's body parts. The visual markers accommodate various body shapes and sizes and also accommodate the body changes experienced by a user. The visual markers are represented in different forms, positive space, and negative space so that the user's brain engages the marker's differently depending on which way the user orients his or her body on the mat. The visual markers also serve as measurement device for tracking progress. The symmetry of the mat enables a user to compare and contract movements on each side of his or her body while visually seeing the differences through the relative reference points.

Abstract: A rowing machine convertible for use both indoors and outdoors. In the outdoor mode, the rowing machine is configured for adaptation to a watercraft, such as a kayak or stand up paddle board (SUP). A rower operating the rowing machine pulls on a rope or cord to cause paddles positioned at the rearward end of the machine to rotate and move the machine on a body of water. In the indoor mode, legs are attached to the machine for placement on a rigid surface. The paddles are placed in a container holding fluid.

Abstract: An assisted abdominal sit-up device comprising a foam in a lumbosacral assist block, hip elastic straps, abdominal elastic straps and a hip stability pad. During an extension phase of a sit-up cycle, the hip elastic straps become stretched and stores energy and the abdominal elastic straps keep the lumbosacral assist block in close contact with the user's lower back. When pressure is released from the hip elastic straps during a flexion phase of the sit-up cycle, the stored energy will be released from the hip elastic straps to a user's lower back. When the user's lower back rises up from the floor during the flexion phase, the lumbosacral assist block stays in direct contact with the user's lower back. The hip stability pad adapts to the human pelvis and prevents the assisted abdominal sit-up device from moving along a floor.