Abstract: A cardiac assist system includes a pneumatic effector which is implanted beneath a pericardial sac and over a myocardial surface overlying the patient's left ventricle. A port is implanted and receives a percutaneously introduced cannula. The port is connected to supply a driving gas received from the cannula to the pneumatic effector. An external drive unit includes a pump assembly and control circuitry which operate the pump to actuate the pneumatic effector in response to the patient's sensed heart rhythm. A connecting tube has a pump end connected to the pump and a percutaneous port-connecting end attached to the implantable port.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impeller (1) for an implantable, vascular support system (2), at least comprising: —an impeller body (3) having a first longitudinal portion (4) and a second longitudinal portion (5); —at least one blade (6) formed in the first longitudinal portion (4) and designed to axially convey a fluid by means of a rotational movement; —at least one magnet (7) provided and encapsulated in the second longitudinal portion (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (105) for determining a cardiac output for a cardiac assist system (100), wherein the device (105) comprises a support structure (115) and a sensor device (120). The support structure (115) comprises at least one brace (125) and a connection section (130) for connecting the device (105) to an element (110, 112) of the cardiac assist system (100). The at least one brace (125) is connected to the connection section (130) and can be folded away from the element (110, 112). The sensor device (120) is coupled to the at least one brace (125) and configured to sense a blood stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable device (1) for determining a fluid volume flow (2) through a blood vessel (3), comprising: —at least one sensor (4) for recording at least one flow parameter, —a retaining means (5) for retaining a vessel wall port (6) in the region of a vessel wall (7) of the blood vessel (3), wherein the retaining means (5) is formed to retain the at least one sensor (4) in the region of the vessel wall (7).

Abstract: A method of predicting an adverse event in a patient having an implantable blood pump including correlating a pulsatility value to a flow trough value associated with the blood pump to determine a flow peak value; dividing the determined flow peak value by a pump current to determine a pulsatility peak value; tracking a first moving average of the pulsatility peak value, the first moving average defining a threshold range; tracking a second moving average of the pulsatility peak value, the second moving average being faster than the first moving average; and generating an alert when the second moving average deviates from the threshold range.

Abstract: Autoinflammatory and mitochondrial disorders can be treated by positioning a plurality of electrodes in or on a subject's body, and applying an AC voltage between the plurality of electrodes so as to impose an alternating electric field through the tissue that is being affected by the autoinflammatory or mitochondrial disease. The frequency and field strength of the alternating electric field are selected such that the alternating electric field inhibits inflammation or mitochondrial disorders in the tissue.

Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillation (WCD) system includes one or more flexible ECG electrodes. The WCD system may have a support structure that is dimensioned to be worn so as to press the electrodes towards the body of the patient. The electrodes may be made from appropriate material so as to flex in order to match a contour of the body of the patient. An advantage over the prior art is that the flexible electrode may make better electrical contact with the patient's skin, and therefore provide a better ECG signal for the WCD system to perform its diagnosis.

Abstract: New methods for implanting a cardiac therapy system include implanting a lead of the system substernally anterior of the heart without attaching to the myocardium or pericardium. An illustration includes placement of an anchor beneath the sternum in the vicinity of one of the sternal angle, a location superior of the ventricles, the area bounded by the 2nd or 3rd ribs, and level with the aortic arch. A tension element or tether is attached to the anchor and a lead is introduced over the tension element or tether and secured in a desired position relative to the anchor. Other examples also include implantation, sub sternally, of a lead without the use of a pre-tunneling tool or sheath over the lead itself, for example by using an advancing tool for pushing the lead into position.

Abstract: A method of forming a cochlear implant electrode array includes positioning a contact array assembly, which includes at least one carrier and a plurality of contacts on the at least one carrier, in a mold, removing at least a portion of the at least one carrier from the mold without removing the plurality of contacts from the mold, and introducing resilient material into the mold after the at least a portion of the at least one carrier has been removed to form a flexible body.

Abstract: An implant that includes an electrode is advanced to a nerve of a subject using a tube. The tube and the implant are arranged at a nonzero angle with respect to a skin surface of the subject, and the implant is passed distally from an opening of the tube, in a vicinity of a portion of the nerve. A longitudinal axis of the implant is realigned to become generally parallel with the skin surface, by proximally withdrawing the tube from the subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead comprising one or more tines configured to extend and/or retract from a lead body. The implantable medical lead includes a torque member within the implantable medical lead and configured to rotate a drive shaft within the implantable medical lead. The drive shaft is threadably engaged with an interior surface of the implantable medical lead and configured to convert the rotation into a lateral translation of the drive shaft. The one or more tines are configured such that the lateral translation of the torque member laterally translates the one or more tines. The one or more tines are each electrically connected to a conductor extending through a lumen of the implantable medical lead and electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system includes a sheath that includes conductive points that are operative to facilitate electrical stimulation to a bodily portion of a user. Drive-sense circuits (DSCs) generate electrical stimulation signals based on reference signals and provide those electrical stimulation signals via electrodes to the conductive points of the sheath. The electrical stimulation signal is coupled into respective locations of the bodily portion of the user that are in proximity to or in contact with the conductive points of the sheath. In addition, the DSCs sense, via the conductive points of the sheath and via the electrodes, changes of the electrical stimulation signals based on coupling of them into the respective locations of the bodily portion of the user. The DSCs provide digital signals that are representative of the changes of the electrical stimulation signals to one or more processing modules that includes and/or is coupled to memory.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for treating an intervertebral disc of a subject, the apparatus including: at least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface, which is configured to be implanted in a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc; and one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces, which are configured to be implanted outside the nucleus pulposus, in electrical communication with the intervertebral disc. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the at least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface and one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces. The control circuitry is configured to drive fluid and introduce nutritional substances into the intervertebral disc, by applying a voltage between the at least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods to mitigate the erroneous signal imparted by physical and/or chemical process incident upon analyte-selective electrochemical sensors that are non-analyte-related in origin are disclosed herein. A sensing system featuring at least one of an analyte-selective sensor and at least one of an analyte-invariant sensor.

Abstract: A laryngeal pacemaker is configured for external placement on skin of a patient to produce respiration stimulation signals. An implantable stimulation electrode delivers the respiration stimulation signals to adjacent target neural tissue for vocal fold abduction during respiration of the recipient patient. A triaxial accelerometer produces a body motion signal reflecting energy expenditure of the recipient patient. A respiration sensor includes a flexible skin-transferrable printed tattoo electrode having a tetrapolar configuration for impedance pneumography measurement to produce a sensed respiration signal for the laryngeal pacemaker. The respiration sensor is configured for transfer and release by guided placement from a sensor applicator to the skin at the angulus sterni of the recipient patient.

Abstract: A portable and wearable hand-grasp neuro-orthosis is configured for use in a home environment to restore volitionally controlled grasp functions for a subject with a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The neuro-orthosis may include: a wearable sleeve with electrodes; electronics for operating the wearable sleeve to perform functional electrical stimulation (FES) and electromyography (EMG), the electronics configured for mounting on a wheelchair; and a controller configured for mounting on a wheelchair. The controller controls the electronics to read EMG via the sleeve, decode the read EMG to determine an intent of the user, and operate the electronics to apply FES via the sleeve to implement the intent of the user. The neuro-orthosis may restore hand function. The controller may include a display arranged to be viewed by the subject, for example mounted on an articulated arm attached to the wheelchair.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead for sacral modulation therapy is disclosed. The implantable medical lead includes a lead body having a distal portion. An electrode is electrically coupled to the lead body and configured to generate a stimulation field or to sense electrical fields. A fixation mechanism is coupled to the distal portion. The fixation mechanism is configured to anchor the implantable medical lead against an interior wall of a blood vessel. The electrode can effect the stimulation field from within the vessel to stimulate a selected sacral nerve or sense electrical signals such as muscle or nerve responses. Guided implantation of the medical lead or other medical leads through the body to a nerve of interest for neurostimulation via remote sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the treatment and prevention of migraine and other headache conditions, and more specifically to systems and methods of treating and preventing migraine and other headache conditions through noninvasive peripheral nerve stimulation.

Abstract: Techniques are described for discriminating SVT and, in particular, rapidly conducting AF. The techniques include detecting an onset of a fast rate of ventricular events sensed from a cardiac electrical signal and detecting a pause in the fast rate of ventricular sensed events. A threshold number of ventricular event intervals required to detect a ventricular tachyarrhythmia is detected with each of the threshold number of ventricular event intervals being less than a tachyarrhythmia detection interval. Detection of the ventricular tachyarrhythmia and an electrical stimulation therapy for treating the ventricular tachyarrhythmia are withheld in response to at least the pause being detected.

Abstract: A pacemaker system includes a drive-sense circuit (DSC) operably coupled to a pacemaker lead. The DSC generates a pace signal including electrical impulses based on a reference signal. The DSC provides the pace signal via the pacemaker lead to an electrically responsive portion of a cardiac conductive system of a subject to facilitate cardiac operation of a cardiovascular system of the subject. The DSC senses, via the pacemaker lead, cardiac electrical activity of the cardiovascular system of the subject that is generated in response to the pace signal and electrically coupled into the pacemaker lead and generates a digital signal that is representative of the cardiac electrical activity of the cardiovascular system of the subject that is sensed via the pacemaker lead. The DSC provides digital information to one or more processing modules that includes and/or is coupled to memory and that provide the reference signal to the DSC.

Abstract: A pacemaker system includes a drive-sense circuit (DSC) operably coupled to a pacemaker lead. The DSC generates a pace signal including electrical impulses based on a reference signal. The DSC provides the pace signal via the pacemaker lead to an electrically responsive portion of a cardiac conductive system of a subject to facilitate cardiac operation of a cardiovascular system of the subject. The DSC senses, via the pacemaker lead, cardiac electrical activity of the cardiovascular system of the subject that is generated in response to the pace signal and electrically coupled into the pacemaker lead and generates a digital signal that is representative of the cardiac electrical activity of the cardiovascular system of the subject that is sensed via the pacemaker lead. The DSC provides digital information to one or more processing modules that includes and/or is coupled to memory and that provide the reference signal to the DSC.

Abstract: An access control unit having a novel structure and arrangement, including a first layer comprising an electrostimulation contact interface, a second layer including a biometric sensor coupled to the electrostimulation contact interthce, and a third layer including a microprocessor unit in communication with the electrostimulation contact interface. The second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer. The electrostimulation contact interface comprises one or more anode/cathode arrays configured to deliver neurostimulative excitations to the electrostimulation contact interface to elicit behavior modification.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for treating a medical condition by applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation to a target peripheral nerve of a subject. Electrical stimulation is applied to the peripheral nerve via a stimulation electrode pattern under closed-loop control in which EMG responses are monitored and used to adjust stimulation parameters. In response to detecting an unacceptable recording, electrical stimulation is applied to the peripheral nerve under open-loop control.

Abstract: A method for enhancing muscle function of skeletal muscles in connection with a planned spine surgery intervention in a patient's back is provided. The method includes implanting one or more electrodes in or adjacent to tissue associated with one or more skeletal muscles within a back of a patient, the one or more electrodes in electrical communication with a pulse generator programmed for enhancing muscle function of the one or more skeletal muscles. Electrical stimulation is delivered, according to the programming during a time period associated with the planned spine surgery intervention, from the pulse generator to the tissue associated with the one or more skeletal muscles via the one or more electrodes, thereby improving neuromuscular control system performance of the one or more spine stabilizing muscles in connection with the planned spine surgery intervention to reduce the patient's recovery time associated with the planned spine surgery intervention.

Abstract: An automated neuromodulation system which uses patient feedback during a training phase in combination with machine learning to automatically provide optimal nerve stimulation parameters based on the patient's needs without patient input. The automated neuromodulation system generally includes a lead which is implanted in a patient for treatment of a wide range of conditions, such as chronic pain. The patient is provided with a remote control through which the patient may provide either positive or negative feedback relating to how the patient is responding to electrical stimulation in different situations. A control unit monitors feedback from the patient as well as information and data from the time of feedback, such as the patient's position, orientation, speed of movement, or other considerations. Using machine learning, the control unit may process the feedback and data to formulate an optimized neuromodulation protocol and criteria which may be automatically applied to the patient.

Abstract: Methods for treating nocturia in a person are provided. The methods include assessing and identifying a person suffering from nocturia. A neurostimulator having a processor is connected to an electrical generator. The processor receives sensed data from the person and includes a sleep stimulation protocol. A determination is made as to whether the sensed data in cooperation with the sleep stimulation protocol indicates that a trigger event has occurred which defines a nocturia condition. When a trigger event has been determined, a therapy regimen provides electrical or magnetic stimulation to the leg of the person between the ankle and knee according to the sleep stimulation protocol.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to implantable neuro stimulation devices with a feedback loop to control an amount of energy delivered into a neural tissue based on a measured evoked neural response. Stimulation electrodes deliver stimulation energy to neural tissue. A microprocessor performs closed-loop control of the stimulation energy based on a feedback signal that is indicative of an evoked neural response. A supervisor is connected to the feedback signal and detects malfunction of the stimulator based on the feedback signal. The supervisor is also connected to the stimulator to provide a status signal to the stimulator and changes the status signal to indicate malfunction upon detecting malfunction based on the feedback signal. The microprocessor adjusts the control of the stimulation energy in response to the status signal from the supervisor indicating malfunction.

Abstract: An Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) or External Trial Stimulator (ETS) system is disclosed that is capable of sensing an Evoked Compound Action Potential (ECAP), and (perhaps in conjunction with an external device) is capable of adjusting a stimulation program while keeping a location of a Central Point of Stimulation (CPS) constant. Specifically, one or more features of measured ECAP(s) indicative of its shape and size are determined, and compared to thresholds or ranges to modify the electrode configuration of the stimulation program.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for determining a stimulation threshold for closed loop spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The system and methods provide a lead coupled to an implantable pulse generator (IPG). The system and methods deliver SCS pulses from the IPG to the lead electrodes in accordance with an SCS therapy and determine an evoked compound action potential (ECAP) amplitude based on an ECAP waveform resulting from the SCS therapy. The system and methods increase the SCS therapy by increasing at least one of an amplitude, a duration, and number of the SCS pulses associated with the SCS therapy. The system and methods also include iteratively repeat the delivering, determining and increasing operations until the ECAP amplitude exhibits a downward trend divergence. The system and methods define a stimulation threshold based on the ECAP amplitude at the trend divergence.

Abstract: A neurostimulation device has at least three stimulation electrodes configured to deliver an electrical stimulus to neural tissue. A control unit is configured to deliver a first stimulus phase in which a first stimulus electrode delivers a supra-threshold stimulus component, returned by at least two other of the stimulation electrodes. The control unit is further configured to deliver at least a second stimulus phase in which at least two of the stimulus electrodes deliver a sub-threshold stimulus component, returned by the first stimulus electrode.

Abstract: An extra-cardiovascular medical device is configured to select a capacitor configuration from a capacitor array and deliver a low voltage, pacing pulse by discharging the selected capacitor configuration across an extra-cardiovascular pacing electrode vector. In some examples, the medical device is configured to determine the capacitor configuration based on a measured impedance of the extra-cardiovascular pacing electrode vector.

Abstract: This invention is a system to assist human cardiovascular functioning which integrates the operation of an implanted cardiac device and a wearable device with an arcuate array of biometric sensors. Analysis of data from the biometric sensors on the wearable device is used to automatically adjust and optimize the operation of the implanted cardiac device. This system can work as a closed loop system for assisting and improving human cardiovascular functioning.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a left univentricular (LUV) pacing therapy using an implantable medical device (IMD). The system also includes one or more processors configured to determine an atrial-ventricular (AV) conduction interval (ARRV) between the A site and a first RV sensed event at the RV site, determine an inter-ventricular (VV) conduction interval (RLV-RRV) between a paced event at the LV site and a second RV sensed event at the RV site, and set a ventricular refractory period (VRP) based on at least one of the AV conduction interval or the VV conduction interval and a predetermined offset. The one or more processors are also configured to blank signals over the RV sensing channel during the VRP.

Abstract: A medical device and method conserve electrical power used in monitoring cardiac arrhythmias. The device includes a sensing circuit configured to sense a cardiac signal, a power source and a control circuit having a processor powered by the power source. The control circuit is configured to operate in a normal state by waking up the processor to analyze the cardiac electrical signal for determining a state of an arrhythmia. The control circuit switches from the normal state to a power saving state that includes waking up the processor at a lower rate than during the normal state.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system having an external or an implantable pulse generator programmed to innervate a specific nerve or group of nerves in a patient through an electrode as a mode of treatment, having a patient remote that wirelessly communicates with the pulse generator to increase stimulation, decrease stimulation, and provide indications to a patient regarding the status of the neurostimulation system. The patient remote can allow for adjustment of stimulation power within a clinically effective range and for turning on and turning off the pulse generator. The patient remote and neurostimulation system can also store a stimulation level when the pulse generator is turned off and automatically restore the pulse generator to the stored stimulation level when the pulse generator is turned on.

Abstract: A predictive diagnostic system (10) for a distributed population of automated external defibrillator (AED) devices comprises a plurality of AEDs (12) and a remote service provider (RSP) computer (14) configured to receive and transmit information pertaining to periodic AED self-tests. Each AED (121 to 12N) is provided with a controller for testing a readiness of the AED according to a self-test protocol. The RSP computer (i) analyzes self-test result data that includes functional measurement values of the periodic self-tests and which includes data from at least one failed AED (12N-2 to 12N) of the plurality, (ii) identifies an indicator of an impending fault or failure predictive of an impending AED device fault or failure in at least one non-failed AED (124) based on the analyzed data, and (iii) remotely modifies the self-test protocol of a sub-set (124) of the plurality of AEDs, based on the indicator, to pre-empt an occurrence of a self-test failure in the AED devices of the sub-set.

Abstract: Electrotherapy waveform and pulse generation and delivery systems, methods and devices are described, such as for generation and delivery of defibrillation or pacing electrotherapeutic waveforms to patients, using open or closed loop current control. An example system includes a power supply, a therapeutic current control network and a controller. A therapeutic current control network may include at least one current control switch and a resonant tank. During delivery of an electrotherapeutic waveform to a patient with optional closed loop current control, the controller may compare a signal associated with a determined or estimated current provided to the patient with a signal associated with a reference waveform. Based at least in part on the comparison, the controller may adjust operation of the at least one current control switch of the therapeutic current control network in adjusting delivery of the electrotherapeutic waveform to the patient to correspond with the reference waveform.

Abstract: A respiration promoting apparatus and a method for promoting respiration for coordinately stimulating two Phrenic nerves of a patient for activating a diaphragm of the patient including a first coil unit and as second coil unit. The first coil unit is configured to be positioned at the patient to stimulate a first Phrenic nerve of the patient. The second coil unit is configured to be positioned at the patient to stimulate a second Phrenic nerve of the patient. The first coil unit has a non-flat first coil winding formed from a conductive elongate component, and the second coil unit also has a non-flat second coil winding formed from a conductive elongate component. A control unit coordinatedly provides current through the first coil winding and the second coil winding such that the first and second Phrenic nerves are stimulated, and a diaphragm of the patient is homogeneously activated.

Abstract: A treatment method and a treatment system capable of effectively irradiating an antibody-photosensitive substance bound to a tumor cell with a near-infrared ray. The treatment method for irradiating the antibody-photosensitive substance bound to the tumor cell membrane in the tumor cell with the near-infrared ray includes: intravenously administering the antibody-photosensitive substance; percutaneously puncturing a tumor or a vicinity of the tumor with a hollow outer needle, while percutaneously acquiring and checking an ultrasound image; making an inner needle having a plurality of sharp inner needle tips protrude from the outer needle, and puncturing the tumor or the vicinity of the tumor with the inner needle tips; and irradiating the antibody-photosensitive substance bound to the tumor cell membrane with the near-infrared ray from an optical fiber inserted into the inner needle after 12 hours to 36 hours from the intravenous administration.

Abstract: A treatment method and a treatment system for irradiating the antibody-photosensitive substance bound to the tumor cell membrane in the tumor cell with the near-infrared ray includes: intravenously administering the antibody-photosensitive substance; inserting an endoscope from a mouth, a nose, or an anal and allowing the endoscope to reach a vicinity of a tumor; making a tubular elongated tube, in which a lumen is formed, protrude from the endoscope; bringing the elongated tube into contact with the tumor while checking an image obtained by the endoscope; allowing an optical fiber inserted into the lumen of the elongated tube to reach an inside or the vicinity of the tumor; and irradiating the antibody-photosensitive substance bound to the tumor cell membrane with the near-infrared ray from the optical fiber after 12 hours to 36 hours from the intravenous administration.

Abstract: A UV-mask for treating keratoconus. The UV-mask could be made by having an image representing a surface of the patient's cornea with a topography map indicating an area of abnormal corneal thickness. The image is printed onto a sheet. The sheet is cut on or around the area of abnormal corneal thickness to create a transparent window in the sheet. The sheet is further cut on or around the corneal surface to result in a UV-mask. Also disclosed is a UV-mask for use in UV-irradiation treatment of keratoconus. Also disclosed are methods of treating keratoconus in an eye of a patient using a UV-mask.

Abstract: A treatment method and a treatment system capable of effectively irradiating an antibody-photosensitive substance bound to a tumor cell with a near-infrared ray. The treatment method includes: intravenously administering the antibody-photosensitive substance; inserting a guide wire and a catheter into a main artery of an organ having the tumor cell; removing the guide wire; inserting an optical fiber into the catheter and advancing the optical fiber to a target position while checking a position of the optical fiber with an orientation marker disposed on the optical fiber; and irradiating the antibody-photosensitive substance bound to a tumor cell membrane with the near-infrared ray from the optical fiber while reducing an influence of blood in the artery on the near-infrared ray after 12 hours to 36 hours from intravenous administration.

Abstract: A stimulus is configured to treat astigmatism with changes in retinal thickness, independently of, or in combination with, treatment for myopia. In some embodiments, a stimulus pattern is arranged with respect to an astigmatic axis of the eye to decrease ocular growth in relation to the astigmatic axis. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to direct light to regions of retina outside the macula in relation to the astigmatic axis of the eye. In some embodiments, the intensity is modulated to provide the effect. A lens, such as a contact lens or spectacle lens may be configured with a plurality of light sources, such as projection units having a light source and focusing optics that work together to project anteriorly or posteriorly defocused images onto the retina at locations eccentric to the fovea.

Abstract: Illumination devices for impinging light on tissue, for example within a body cavity of a patient, to induce various biological effects are disclosed. Biological effects may include at least one of inactivating and/or inhibiting growth of one or more pathogens, upregulating a local immune response, increasing endogenous stores of nitric oxide, releasing nitric oxide from endogenous stores, and inducing an anti-inflammatory effect. Wavelengths of light are selected based on intended biological effects for one or more of targeted tissue types and targeted pathogens. Light treatments may provide multiple pathogenic biological effects, either with light of a single wavelength or with light having multiple wavelengths. Devices for light treatments are disclosed that provide light doses for inducing biological effects on various targeted pathogens and tissues with increased efficacy and reduced cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The device for stimulating the Meibomian glands comprises a cap (2) and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (3) arranged on the inner surface of said cap (2). The light emitting diodes (3) are electrically connected to an external control and/or supply unit (4), provided with a control interface (6). The cap (2) comprises at least one matrix (30) of light-emitting diodes (3) arranged in areas of the inner surface of the cap (2) suitable for facing, in use, the eyelids and the periocular areas of the user.

Abstract: A particle beam therapy apparatus has a position and posture setter that moves a movable body, that is at least one of the irradiation nozzle and the treatment table. A movement path of the movable body is determined when adapting the positional posture of the movable body from one condition among a plurality of prescribed conditions to another condition. An evaluation value is obtained for adapting the positional posture of the movable body to each of a plurality of prescribed conditions. This evaluation value is for a case of moving the movable body according to the movement path. A setting order is determined for adapting the positional posture of the movable body to each prescribed condition based on the evaluation value; and the positional posture of the movable body is adapted to each of the plurality of prescribed conditions by moving the movable body according to the determined movement path.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions for maintaining functioning drainage blebs to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye being treated for glaucoma. The methods, systems, and compositions feature the combination of a minimally invasive micro sclerostomy (MIMS) procedure and the application of beta radiation to a target area. The beta radiation can function to inhibit or reduce the inflammation and/or fibrogenesis that typically occurs after a MIMS procedure and leads to hole and/or bleb failure. By reducing inflammation and/or fibrogenesis, the MIMS holes and/or blebs can remain functioning appropriately.

Abstract: A reinforcement learning agent facilitates optimization of a radiation-delivery treatment plan. The reinforcement learning agent is configured to generate a radiation-delivery treatment plan that can exceed the quality of a plan or plans employed to train the reinforcement learning agent. The reinforcement learning agent is trained to evaluate a radiation-delivery treatment plan that is output by an optimization software application, modify one or more dose-volume objective parameters of the evaluated radiation-delivery treatment plan, and then input the modified radiation-delivery treatment plan to the optimization software application for further optimization. The reinforcement learning agent adaptively adjusts the one or more dose-volume objective parameters based on an action policy learned during a reinforcement learning training process.

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 is provided of producing an optical filter. The method comprises depositing a first mirror layer onto a substrate; depositing an insulating layer on the first mirror; exposing at least some of a plurality of portions of a surface of the insulating layer to a dose of energy; developing the insulating layer in order to remove a volume from the at least some of the plurality of portions of the insulating layer, wherein the volume of the insulating layer removed from each portion. is related to the dose of energy exposed to each portion, and wherein a remaining thickness after the removal of the volume from each portion of the insulating layer is related to the dose of energy exposed to each portion. The method further comprising depositing a second mirror layer on the remaining thickness of each of the plurality of portions of the insulating layer.