Abstract: A patient interface for supplying a flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient may comprise a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). The HME may be positioned in a flow path of the flow of breathable gas. The HME may absorb heat and moisture from gas exhaled by the patient and the incoming flow of breathable gas to be supplied to the patient's airways may be heated and moisturized by the heat and moisture held in the HME.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling fluid flow of an inhalant anesthetic to expedite patient recovery are provided such that nitrous oxide flow and oxygen flow over different durations are output to a patient mask. In one exemplary embodiment, a method performed by a controller in an inhalant anesthetic system that outputs a nitrous oxide flow and an oxygen flow over different durations for output to a patient mask comprises sending, to a nitrous oxide flow control mechanism, an indication to enable the nitrous oxide flow for a first predetermined duration that corresponds to a certain amount of nitrous oxide. Further, the method includes sending, by the controller, to the oxygen flow control mechanism, an indication to enable the oxygen flow for a second predetermined duration that corresponds to a certain amount of oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention advances the state of mood-inducing music and sound technology by incorporating selected combinations of factors to create recordings, each having specific mood-inducing profiles for a user. Recordings may be stored in novel personal listening devices, such as headsets or earphones, and the selection for play of one recording to induce a desired or appropriate mood may be made by the user using the device itself, an app connected to the device, or may be automatically selected for the user using brain-sensing feedback technology.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-cleaning catheter system for fluid passage including a catheter, configured to be implanted in a body cavity of a subject and including at least one aperture fluidly coupling the catheter to the outside thereof, a cleaning unit configured for motion in the catheter such as to at least one of mechanically prevent, remove and mitigate occlusion in the at least one aperture, and an implantable controller. The cleaning unit is functionally associated with the controller, which is configured to (i) receive at least one signal indicative of a state of occlusion in the catheter, and (ii) provide an indication of the state of occlusion at least if the at least one signal indicates a blockage in the catheter and/or (iii) activate the cleaning unit if the at least one signal indicates a blockage of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated tube having a distal portion having a distal end and a sidewall defining at least one drainage lumen. The catheter also includes a permeable material. The permeable material is configured to be deployed in the urinary tract to maintain the distal end of the elongated tube at a predetermined position in a bladder, a ureter, a renal pelvis, or a kidney of the patient. When deployed, the permeable material defines a three-dimensional shape of sufficient size to permit flow of at least a portion of fluid from the urinary tract through the permeable material and the at least one drainage lumen.

Abstract: A delivery device can be provided with a low outer profile and high flexibility for navigating tortuous anatomy. An inner lumen defined by a shaft of the delivery device provides adequate space for delivery devices to target anatomy. Additionally, the delivery device maintains the patency of its lumen even when positioned within tortuous anatomy. The turns of filar(s) forming a coil of the shaft adjust their axial spacing relative to each other to avoiding buckling that would otherwise result in a narrowing of the inner lumen.

Abstract: An assistance system includes a schedule information acquisition unit that acquires disease information on the surgery and blood vessel information relating to a shape of a portion capable of applying a backup force to the catheter by coming into contact with the catheter in a blood vessel of the patient, a past information acquisition unit that acquires a shape of a catheter used for a past similar surgery having the disease information coinciding with that of the surgery and having the blood vessel information similar to that of the surgery, and a proposal unit that corrects the shape of the catheter used for the past similar surgery, based on a comparison result obtained by comparing the blood vessel information on the surgery with the blood vessel information on the past similar surgery, and that proposes a catheter having the corrected shape, as the catheter to be used for the surgery.

Abstract: In some examples, an implantable medical device delivery catheter comprises a handle and an elongated member disposed within the handle, the elongated member comprising an elongated member lumen configured to receive an inner tool that is configured to extend through a lumen of the delivery catheter, including the elongated member lumen, and interface with an implantable medical device. The handle further comprises a clamping assembly comprising a button configured to be actuated toward a longitudinal axis of the elongated member in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis to compress the elongated member against the inner tool to restrain movement of the inner tool through the elongated member lumen.

Abstract: A steerable catheter having a hub with a control feature includes a semi-rigid catheter with the hub attached at the proximal end. The distal end of the catheter includes a distal tip and a flexible portion adjacent the distal tip. The catheter includes a working channel, and further includes a channel through which a tension member or wire extends to the distal tip. Tension in the wire causes the distal tip to deflect and be steered. The hub includes a fixed member attached to the catheter, an inner member that moves axially relative to the fixed member, and an outer member that rotates relative to the inner member and the fixed member. Rotation of the outer member results in translation of the inner member, which is attached to the tension member and provides for controlled steering of the distal tip.

Abstract: A method of delivering a catheter to a location of interest in the vasculature, the method including positioning a self-expanding sheath within a lumen of the catheter; advancing the catheter and the self-expanding sheath in tandem over a guidewire; and distally moving a distal end of the self-expanding sheath out from the lumen of the catheter thereby causing the self-expanding sheath to move from a collapsed state within the catheter to an expanded state outside the catheter, wherein when the self-expanding sheath is in the expanded state both the self-expanding sheath and the catheter are distally advanceable in tandem.

Abstract: A telescoping catheter including an elongated tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The tubular member includes a first tubular segment and a second tubular segment. The first tubular segment and the second tubular segment are slidable relative to one another to vary a length of the tubular member. The first tubular segment includes a first connector mateable with a second connector of the second tubular segment to selectively maintain the first and second tubular segments in an extended position. The second tubular segment includes a second proximal end that is mateable with a handle.

Abstract: A catheter handle (1) includes handle body (2), and rotary member (3) being free to rotate with respect to the handle body (2) and connected to the wire. The handle body (2), in a planar view from a rotation axis direction of the rotary member (3), has second space (12) for the conductive wire is located from more distal side to more proximal side than first space (11) for the rotary member (3). The operating part (4) of the rotary member (3) is disposed on one side, and the second space (12) is disposed on another side, in the width direction of the handle (1). Length L1 from the center of the rotation axis to the rotary member (3) on the one side is longer than length L2 from the center of the rotation axis to the rotary member (3) on the another side.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within a patient's body. The device includes a transporter catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a first balloon located at the distal end, substantially at a tip of the transporter catheter, and at least a second balloon located between the distal end and the proximal end of the transporter catheter. The first balloon is an orienting balloon and the second balloon is an anchor balloon. The transporter catheter may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. The transporter catheter may have a shaft including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer may be made of a material more flexible than the material of the outer layer. The outer layer may also include a braided wire assembly, said braided wire assembly being formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires or circular wires. The braided wire assembly may wrap around the inner layer.

Abstract: A medical device for the diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body and method for fabricating the same are provided. The device includes comprises a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft includes a longitudinal axis, and the second shaft includes a second shaft axial end disposed within the first shaft. The second shaft is connected to the first shaft by a first nested lap joint formed between the first shaft and the second shaft.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a core shaft, a coil body that is a wire wound around the core shaft, and a resin layer covering at least an outer peripheral surface of the coil body. The coil body includes a spaced part in which a gap is formed between adjacent wires, and is arranged to form a void between the coil body and the core shaft. The resin layer includes a protruding portion protruding inside the void toward the core shaft through the gap between the adjacent wires in the spaced part. The protruding portion extends toward the core shaft in a direction away from an inner peripheral surface of the coil body.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter flaring device includes a housing and a pin. The housing includes an interior surface defining a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a catheter having an entry port and engage an exterior surface of the catheter proximate the entry port. The pin is configured to be advanced into the entry port of the catheter to increase a cross-sectional dimension of the entry port. Flaring the entry port may help reduce catching of a medical device on the entry port of the catheter during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an elongated, tubular shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, said shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An inflatable balloon is supported along the distal end of the shaft, the balloon when inflated including first and second spaced conical end sections and a working surface between the conical sections. The balloon further includes at least one radiopaque marking identifying the transition from the conical end section to the working surface. Related aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within a patient's body. The device includes a transporter catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a first balloon located at the distal end, substantially at a tip of the transporter catheter, and at least a second balloon located between the distal end and the proximal end of the transporter catheter. The first balloon is an orienting balloon and the second balloon is an anchor balloon. The transporter catheter may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. The transporter catheter may include a shaft including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer may be made of a material more flexible than the material of the outer layer. The outer layer may also include a braided-wire assembly, said braided-wire assembly being formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires or circular wires. The braided-wire assembly may wrap around the inner layer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for balloon delivery of rapamycin and other hydrophobic compounds to the wall of blood vessels. Balloon catheters, such as those used for balloon angioplasty, are modified with the addition of a reservoir of dry micelles. The micelle preparation is reconstituted and the micelles are mobilized when the aqueous solution used to inflate the balloons is injected into the catheter. The micelles are infused into tissue surrounding the balloon when pressurized fluid within the balloon leaks through the wall of the balloon.

Abstract: Provided are a dilation parameter determination method and system, a computer and a storage medium. The method includes: controlling liquid to be continuously injected at a first rate into a balloon arranged in a normal blood vessel at a preset distance from a to-be-dilated blood vessel; acquiring a first liquid pressure of the balloon; determining a diameter of the normal blood vessel according to the first liquid pressure and a balloon parameter; and determining a target dilation parameter of the to-be-dilated blood vessel according to the diameter of the normal blood vessel and a preset dilation rule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of implanting a blood clot removal device in a patient's body, by cutting the skin of the patient's body, dissecting an area of the patient's vascular system, placing the blot clot removal device at the dissected area, and connecting a blood flow passageway of the blood clot removal device to the patient's vascular system to allow circulation of the patient's blood through the blood flow passageway.

Abstract: Provided is a balloon dilatation system, which includes a signal collecting module, a main controller, a pressurization module, a pressure relief module, a first pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a balloon catheter and a balloon. The signal collecting module is electrically connected to the main controller, and is configured to collect a control signal and send the control signal to the main controller; the main controller is electrically connected to the pressurization module and the pressure relief module; the pressurization module is connected to the balloon through the balloon catheter; the pressure relief module is connected to the balloon through the balloon catheter; the first pressure sensor is arranged on the balloon catheter and is configured to monitor a first liquid pressure of the balloon; the flow rate sensor is arranged on the balloon catheter and is configured to monitor a liquid flow rate of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: A device for applying a composition to a skin of a face includes an end effector having a base portion and a protruding portion extending distally from the base portion. The protruding portion has a distal opening. The device also includes a detector arrangement obtaining image data corresponding to an image of an area of the skin through the distal opening and an applicator arrangement applying the composition to a location within the area. The device further includes a processing arrangement receiving and analyzing the image data to determine whether the applicator is aimed to safely dispense the composition to the area and whether a frexel within the area corresponds to a skin artifact, and directing the applicator to selectively apply the composition to the frexel when the applicator is aimed to safely dispense the composition to the area and the skin artifact is detected from the frexel.

Abstract: A food packaging system has a housing that includes a food receptacle. The food receptacle includes a food product that is available for purchase. A slot formed in the housing, and an induction heating element is positioned in the slot.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio in-plane metal microneedle array, a manufacturing method and a clamping and inserting auxiliary device thereof is disclosed. A large-size metal sheet is cut into small metal sheets. A clamping tooling composed of two upper and lower metal cover plates is processed. Inner sides of the upper and the lower cover plates of the tooling are provided with grooves in which the metal sheets are placed and fastened by bolts. Wire cutting is conducted on the tooling and the metal sheets as a whole to obtain a plane metal microneedle array with a plurality of microneedle bodies. In addition, an assembling and clamping device and an inserting auxiliary device of the high aspect ratio in-plane metal microneedle array is provided. The assembled inserting auxiliary device is placed on skin, and the microneedle array is inserted into the skin through the auxiliary device.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite microneedles arrays including microneedles and a film overlaying the microneedles. The film includes a plurality of nano-sized structures fabricated thereon. Devices may be utilized for interacting with a component of the dermal connective tissue. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Devices may be beneficially utilized for delivery of an agent to a cell or tissue. Devices may be utilized to directly or indirectly alter cell behavior through the interaction of a fabricated nanotopography with the plasma membrane of a cell and/or with an extracellular matrix component.

Abstract: A hose caddy includes a body made of a rigid material. The body includes a tube shape with an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a channel having a first open end, and a second open end. One, or more, couplers protrude from a rear side of the outer surface of the body and couples the body to a surface. At least one hook protrudes from a front side of the outer surface of the body.

Abstract: A soft grip medical connector comprises a housing with an upstream end, a downstream end and a lumen extending through a central portion thereof. A flexible member comprises a valve portion integrally formed with a sleeve portion. The valve portion is positioned within a section of the housing and is configured to control a flow of fluid through the housing lumen. The sleeve is inverted to envelope at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing. In some embodiments the gripping portion is integrally formed with the valve portion. In some embodiments, the connector is also generally configured to create a positive pressure in a catheter lumen upon removal of a syringe or other medical device from the upstream end of the connector. Methods of making a medical fluid connector generally comprise forming a valve member with a sleeve extending there from, and assembling the valve, sleeve and housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cap configured for removable attachment a medical device. The cap has a body with an opening, a bottom, and a chamber defined between the opening and the bottom. The cap has a male post in the chamber and projecting from the bottom towards the opening of the body. The cap has a wall of the chamber comprising a thread originating proximate the opening and extending into the chamber, wherein the male post is spaced from the wall and at least a portion of the thread having a height that increases as a function of increasing distance from the opening. The movable piston positioned about the male post. Further, within the cap is a liquid disinfectant in the chamber between the bottom of the body and the movable piston.

Abstract: A lead for navigating small vessels and a catheter system for implantation of leads into small vessels. Veins that return blood to the heart against the force of gravity often have valves in them to prevent backflow of deoxygenated blood. Leads and catheter systems in accordance with embodiments of the invention allow cannulation and lead implantation in small, tortuous, obstructed, and difficult to access veins enabling a range of stimulation and sensing applications.

Abstract: A visual implant (2) comprises an array of micro-electrodes (4) including at least two stimulation micro-electrodes each comprising: a core (106) of conducting material; insulating material (108) surrounding the core; and a layer (112) of metal or metal oxide nano-structures deposited on tips of the micro-electrodes at a front end for interfacing with a target site for visual stimulation; and an integrated circuit (6) to control a pattern of stimulation current driven through the array of micro-electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various spinal cord stimulation devices with thin film components, including a device having a flexible section disposed along a length of the elongate lead body of the device. Other stimulation devices have a flexible section disposed within the electrode body of the device. Further devices include both a flexible section disposed within the elongate lead body and a flexible section disposed within the electrode body of the device.

Abstract: An example fixation component for an implantable medical device (IMD) includes a base and tines extending from the base and being spaced apart from one another. The tines include a penetrator tine and a protector tine. The penetrator tine includes a curved section defining a deformable preset curvature that extends laterally from a proximal section that is fixed to the base, traversing a longitudinal axis of the fixation component, to a distal section that terminates in an incisive distal end that is configured to penetrate a tissue to form a puncture. The protector tine includes a curved section defining a deformable preset curvature that extends from a proximal section that is fixed to the base, outward from the longitudinal axis, to a distal section that terminates in a non-incisive distal end that is configured to pass through the puncture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving microcirculation by suppressing and cancelling the negative effects of electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones and computers connected to wireless networks on microcirculation. The apparatus generates frequencies that are synchronized and in opposed amplitudes to the detected electromagnetic radiation frequencies, thereby suppressing and cancelling the negative effects of the electromagnetic radiation frequencies on microcirculation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling the output of a skin care device, which can reduce a peak power to be output to the skin, by suppressing a sudden current change when a direct current voltage is converted into an alternating current voltage. The disclosed apparatus for controlling the output of a skin care device: amplifies a direct current voltage and outputs same; converts the output direct current voltage into an alternating current voltage with a set frequency and outputs same to a pair of contact electrodes; and detects the skin current according to changes in the resistance of the skin to which the alternating current voltage is applied, so as to control the amplification of the direct current voltage.

Abstract: Provided is a stretchable wiring board including: a base material having stretchability; a wiring line having at least a portion coated and formed on the base material with a conductive stretchable material; and an uneven engaging portion that is electrically connected to the wiring line and has a protrusion or a recess configured to engage with a connection terminal of an external device.

Abstract: An exemplary cochlear implant assembly includes a cochlear implant configured to apply electrical stimulation to the recipient by way of an electrode array, a cochlear implant antenna communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant, and an encapsulant that covers the cochlear implant and the cochlear implant antenna, the encapsulant impregnated with a dielectric material that is configured to confine an electric field around the cochlear implant antenna. Corresponding methods for manufacturing cochlear implant assemblies are also described.

Abstract: A cochlear implant headpiece, for use with a cochlear implant, including a housing, a diametrically magnetized headpiece magnet, defining an axis and a N-S direction, within the housing and rotatable about the axis, whereby the N-S direction of the headpiece magnet self-aligns with the gravitational direction when the axis is perpendicular to the gravitational direction, and a headpiece antenna associated with the housing.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for synchronous, binaural vestibular stimulation with two linked vestibular stimulators positioned on or around a subject's left and right mastoid processes and synchronized to deliver vestibular stimulation simultaneously to each of a patient's vestibular nerves. Each vestibular stimulator contains both an anode and cathode in order to create a localized, circular flow of current at each stimulation site to provide a localized, circular flow of current at each of the subject's mastoid processes and adjacent vestibular nerves. By communicating between the vestibular stimulators—either via a wired or wireless connection—the vestibular stimulation can be provided simultaneously at each site, eliminating the rocking sensation that results from delivering stimulation across a patient's head from the cathode on one side of the head to the anode on the opposing side of the head.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired glucose regulation in a subject comprising in one embodiment, applying a neural conduction block to a target nerve at a blocking site with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve pulses. In another embodiment, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to treat impaired glucose regulation. In other embodiments, up-regulation or down-regulation of various nerves, such as the vagus and its branches, and the splanchnic is used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, thereby controlling glucose levels. In yet further embodiments, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, to treat impaired glucose regulation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing and treating spinal cord stimulation (SCS) patients are disclosed. Patients are eventually treated with sub-perception (paresthesia free) therapy. However, supra-perception stimulation is used during “sweet spot searching” during which active electrodes are selected for the patient. This allows sweet spot searching to occur much more quickly and without the need to wash in the various electrode combinations that are tried. After selecting electrodes using supra-perception therapy, therapy is titrated to sub-perception levels using the selected electrodes. Such sub-perception therapy has been investigated using pulses at or below 10 kHz, and it has been determined that a statistically significant correlation exists between pulse width (PW) and frequency (F) in this frequency range at which SCS patients experience significant reduction in symptoms such as back pain.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed related to increasing prior limits imposed on MR gradient switching speed (dB/dt) without causing significant discomfort or severe pain perception to patients. The technique disclosed herein do so by modifying the pulsing gradient fields that are ordinarily available for MR imaging protocols. Doing so stimulates the peripheral nerves and thus enables a quick, reversible, and complete inhibition of action potential propagation through the stimulated region of tissue, referred to as a nerve conduction block.

Abstract: An example of a neurostimulation system may include a programming control circuit and a stimulation control circuit. The programming control circuit may be configured to program a stimulation device for delivering the neurostimulation according to a stimulation program specifying a present stimulation field set including stimulation field(s) each defined by a set of active electrodes selected from a plurality of electrodes. The stimulation control circuit may be configured to determine the stimulation program and may include field programming circuitry that may be configured to set the present stimulation field set to an initial stimulation field set specifying stimulation fields allowing for the delivery of the neurostimulation to produce an intended effect and to identify an optimal stimulation field set that satisfies one or more optimization criteria by removing stimulation field(s) from the initial stimulation field set.

Abstract: A method including transcutaneously measuring motility patterns, in the colon of a recipient of an implantable neuromodulator, responsive to an electrical stimulus delivered by the implantable neuromodulator, and programming the implantable neuromodulator responsive to the measured motility patterns, wherein the method comprises adjusting at least one parameter of the implantable neuromodulator that defines the electrical stimulus that the implantable neuromodulator is configured to deliver to the recipient.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment system that can form part of a cochlear implant system. The magnetic alignment system prevents substantial movement of a magnet of an implanted component during an MRI procedure or allows for easy removal of the magnet to facilitate the MRI procedure.

Abstract: A method for subcutaneously treating pain in a patient includes first providing a neurostimulator with an IPG body and at least a primary integral lead with electrodes disposed thereon. A primary incision is opened to expose the subcutaneous region below the dermis in a selected portion of the body. A pocket is then opened for the IPG through the primary incision and the primary integral lead is inserted through the primary incision and routed subcutaneously to a first desired nerve region along a first desired path. The IPG is disposed in the pocket through the primary incision. The primary incision is then closed and the IPG and the electrodes activated to provide localized stimulation to the desired nerve region and at least one of the nerves associated therewith to achieve a desired pain reduction response from the patient.

Abstract: A voltage converter for medical devices includes a switch capacitor converter core including a plurality of power transistor switches configured to receive an input voltage and output an output voltage; a switch driver connected with the switch capacitor converter core and configured to turn on corresponding power transistor switches in the switch capacitor converter core so as to supply power to a load receiving the output voltage; a switch signal router connected with the switch driver and configured to selectively transmit signals required by the switch driver; a gain selection decoder connected with the switch signal router; a gain controller connected with the gain selection decoder, the gain selection decoder being configured to decode gain selection instructions transmitted from the gain controller; an input adjusting device connected with the gain controller and configured to receive the input voltage and a reference voltage, to indicate relationship between the input voltage and the reference voltage

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for the transfer of isochronous stimulation data over a standardized isochronous audio or data link between components of an implantable medical device system. More specifically, as described further below, a first component is configured to generate dynamic stimulation data based on one or more received sound signals. The first component is configured to obtain static configuration data and to encode the dynamic stimulation data and the static configuration data into a series of isochronous wireless packets. The first component is configured to transmit the series of wireless packets over an isochronous wireless channel to a second component of the implantable medical device system.

Abstract: An example of a neurostimulation system may include a storage device for storing data representing physiological signals and a user interface including a user input, a display screen, and a presentation control circuit. The user input may be configured to receive a selection of signal(s) from the physiological signals and a selection of viewing mode from viewing modes including a metric mode and/or a presence mode. The metric mode allows for visualization of a signal property indicated by a parameter measured from the selected signal(s). The presence mode allows for viewing presence of a feature in the selected signal(s). The presentation control circuit may be configured to allow for the selection of the signal(s) and the viewing mode, to determine a segment of each of the selected signal(s) for presentation according to the selected viewing mode, and to present the determined segment on the display screen.

Abstract: A method is provided for establishing a communication session with an implantable medical device (“IMD”). The method includes configuring an IMD and an external device to communicate with one another through a protocol that utilizes a dedicated advertisement channel. The advertisement period and the scan period of the protocol are independent of one another such that the advertisement and scan periods at least partially overlap intermittently after a number of cycles. When the external device detects one of the advertisement notices, the method includes establishing a communications link between the external device and the IMD.