Abstract: In an embodiment herein, an aortopulmonary stimulation method is provided including positioning at least one aortic electrode in or near the aorta, and using the at least one aortic electrode, to deliver stimulation to the aorta to decrease aortic after load.

Abstract: This invention provides an device for electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The device has an electrode assembly with a sufficiently thin profile to be implanted between the pial surface of the spinal cord and the dura mater, and secured to the dura. Electrodes on the electrode assembly are directed towards the surface of the spinal cord, and connected through the dura to a signal generator located outside the dura. Following implantation, the subject is treated by transmitting electrical signals from the signal generator through the leads to the electrodes, stimulating the subject's spinal cord.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lead that includes metallic traces sandwiched between layers of polymers to form a ribbon (e.g., similar to a flex circuit). In an illustrative example, areas on both ends of the traces may be exposed, forming stimulation electrodes on one end and electrical contacts on the other. The ribbon may be formed such that it fits down a small diameter needle. When the needle is removed, the formed ribbon may relax and engage the tissue providing a means of retention. The lead may advantageously: (1) be minimally invasive to implant, (2) be inexpensive, (3) stay in place a temporary/trial medical procedure setting, and (4) be easy to remove.

Abstract: An introducing device for locating a tissue region and deploying an electrode is shown and described. The introducing device may include an outer sheath. An inner sheath may be disposed within the outer sheath. The inner sheath may be configured to engage an implantable electrode. In an example, the inner sheath may comprise a stimulation probe having an uninsulated portion at or near a distal end of the delivery sheath. The outer sheath may be coupled to a power source or stimulation signal generating circuitry at a proximal end. A clinician may control application of the stimulation signal to a tissue region via the outer sheath.

Abstract: This document describes implantable medical devices and methods of using such devices. The implantable medical devices include a cardiac lead sized for insertion in a cardiac cavity, the cardiac lead having a distal end and a proximal end and a lead body extending therebetween, a heat exchange module disposed at the distal end of the lead body, the heat exchange module comprising an enclosure having a first surface and a second surface, and one or more temperature sensors located within the enclosure.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for implantation into a patient comprises a body, an anchoring device for anchoring the body to tissue at a location of interest, the anchoring device being arranged on the body, and an electrode device for at least one of emitting an electrical stimulation signal and sensing an electrical sense signal. The electrode device comprises at least one electrode and a helically extending coil body, wherein the electrode device is movable with respect to the body between a retracted position, in which the electrode device at least partially is received within the body, and an engagement position, in which the electrode device is moved to protrude from the body to engage with tissue.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an enhanced combination of skin care system with grounding system which includes conductive skin care tropical which can be in the form of crème, gel or hydrogel patch and grounding mechanism to perform more refined and dedicated approach towards the affected area. As per an embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating a target tissue site method comprising selecting the tissue site based on area selected by user which can be a small or wide area; delivering energy to the tissue site at a first depth to achieve a first tissue effect using an energy delivery device; and remodeling at least a portion of tissue at the tissue site.

Abstract: Methods and devices obtain cellular-component, e.g., proteins, RNA, DNA, metabolites, and combinations of these, from a solid tissue in-vivo using electroporation, and subsequently profile such tissue either inside or outside the subject's body. A method for determining if a solid tissue of a subject includes a benign or malignant tumor, or if a space occupying lesion (SOL) within the solid tissue is malignant or benign, includes placing at least one electroporation-electrode within the solid tissue, or within the SOL or in proximity thereto; applying pulsed electric field (PEF) via the at least one electroporation-electrode to thereby induce permeabilization of cells of the solid tissue or the SOL, and consequently release of at least one cellular-component therefrom to an extracellular matrix between and surrounding the cells; extracting the at least one cellular-component from the extracellular matrix.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively treating aberrant cells such as cancer cells through administration of a train of electrical pulses is described. The pulse length and delay between successive pulses is optimized to produce effects on intracellular membrane potentials. Therapies based on the system and method produce two treatment zones: an ablation zone surrounding the electrodes within which aberrant cells are non-selectively killed and a selective treatment zone surrounding the ablation zone within which target cells are selectively killed through effects on intracellular membrane potentials. As a result, infiltrating tumor cells within a tumor margin can be effectively treated while sparing healthy tissue. The system and method are useful for treating various cancers in which solid tumors form and have a chance of recurrence from microscopic disease surrounding the tumor.

Abstract: An electrode for stimulating a neuromuscular response includes a backing layer, an electrode layer, and a hydrogel layer, and an electrode cable configured to provide an electrical signal to the electrode. The electrode is divided into a first removable portion including a first removable activation area, a second removable portion including a second removable activation area, and a main body including a main activation area, the first removable portion is configured to separate from the second removable portion and the main body by a first perforation, and the second removable portion is configured to separate from the main body by a second perforation.

Abstract: An implantable medical device which performs the following steps during operation: a) performing a detection of whether the implantable medical device is in an implanted state; b) if it is detected that the implantable medical device is in an implanted state, activating a first diagnostic or therapeutic function of the implantable medical device, and subsequently activating a second diagnostic or therapeutic function of the implantable medical device, wherein the second diagnostic or therapeutic function is activated only after the fulfillment of at least one activation criterion selected from the group consisting of an elapse of a first time period from the activation of the first diagnostic or therapeutic function, an elapse of a second time period from the detection that the implantable medical device is in an implanted state, and a passing of a function test.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for facilitating introduction of a urinary drainage catheter (UDC) into the urinary tract (UT). One embodiment provides a UDC including electrodes for delivering high frequency current to a patient's pudendal nerves to relax the urinary sphincter (US) before passing the UDC therethrough so as reduce the resistance force on the UDC and discomfort to the patient. The electrodes can comprise at least one pair of bipolar electrodes and may be flexible so as to bend and flex within the urethra. The UDC includes one or more lumens including a drainage lumen and an inflation lumen for inflating an anchoring device on the UDC. The UDC can include a pressure sensor to assess relaxation of the US. The UDC may include a second set of electrodes and irrigation lumen for relaxing the US and flushing the urethra with the UDC in place.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the severity of sleep apnea using electroencephalography and electromyography. The device includes a headgear having a head pan sized to cover the head of a patient, at least at the locations where the measuring points C3 and C4 of the electroencephalography are situated, and a chin part, and wherein the head part has two electrodes for sensing EEG-signals of the electroencephalography at the electroencephalography points C3 and C4, and the chin part has at least one electrode for sensing the EMG-signal of the electromyography in the chin.

Abstract: Supplying a transcranial alternating current neurostimulation signal to a human brain is shown. A first signal is supplied at a first frequency to said human brain, in combination with a second signal at a second frequency. A third signal at a third frequency is created due to interference between the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be leadless and batteryless.

Abstract: A wearable, percutaneous device for suppressing appetite or hunger in a patient includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one percutaneous electrode implanted and configured to deliver electrical stimulation through the patient's skin. The percutaneous device includes a pad and at least one needle, in which the electrode is disposed, for secure placement of the device within the skin of a patient. The percutaneous device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.

Abstract: A system comprises an implantable medical device configured to generate temperature data and impedance data associated with temperature and impedance of a patient proximate to the implantable medical device. The system further comprises processing circuitry configured to determine whether a first one or more infection criteria are satisfied by temperature data and impedance data generated by the implantable medical device during a first time interval, wherein the first one or more infection criteria include at least one criterion indicative of decreased impedance, determine whether a second one or more infection criteria are satisfied by the temperature data and impedance data generated by the implantable medical device during a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval, wherein the second one or more infection criteria include at least one criterion indicative of increased impedance, and output, based on satisfaction of the first and second infection criteria, an indication of infection.

Abstract: A medical device is configured to sense at least one cardiac electrical signal and generate pacing pulses according to a first pacing therapy by generating pacing pulses for delivery to a first combination of ventricular pacing sites including at least one ventricular conduction system pacing site. The medical device may be configured to determine a ventricular conduction condition based on a QRS signal feature of the sensed cardiac signal during the first pacing therapy. The medical device may change to a second pacing therapy different than the first pacing therapy based on the determined ventricular conduction condition.

Abstract: Seals used within lead passageways of implantable medical devices for creating a seal to implantable medical leads inserted into the lead passageways include a body defining a lead passageway with an axial dimension. The body further defines a first circumferential protrusion extending radially a first distance into the lead passageway, and the body further defines a second circumferential protrusion separated from the first circumferential protrusion along the axial dimension. The second circumferential protrusion extends radially a second distance into the lead passageway, the second distance being less than the first distance. The body further defines a first circumferential depression immediately adjacent the first circumferential protrusion and between the first circumferential protrusion and the second circumferential protrusion.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as an implantable pulse generator, includes a case; an integrated circuit device disposed within the case, the integrated circuit device including a temperature sensor; and a thermal coupling medium disposed between, and in contact with, the case and the integrated circuit device, wherein the thermal coupling medium is a solid, liquid, gel, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An in vivo-implantable medical device includes a housing that includes a body part and a protruding part, and that forms a sealed inner space; a power-receiving coil in a part of the inner space and that receives power by interlinking with external magnetic flux generated by an AC current flowing in an externally located power-transmitting coil; and a circuit substrate including a power reception circuit electrically connected to the power-receiving coil. The body part includes a metallic biocompatible material and the protruding part includes a non-metallic biocompatible material. The protruding part is structured so that, for a magnetic path along which the external magnetic flux passes, a magnetic path in which the magnetic flux interlinks with the power-receiving coil while avoiding the body part is formed, and the protruding part reduces eddy current loss caused by eddy currents generated by the external magnetic flux interlinking with the body part.

Abstract: An external controller assembly for a medical device implanted in a patient includes an external controller and an external driveline assembly. The external controller includes an external controller display viewable by the patient. The external driveline assembly includes an external driveline cable and an external driveline distal connector. The external driveline cable is connected to the external driveline distal connector and the external controller. The external driveline cable accommodates positioning of the external driveline distal connector, by the patient, for simultaneous viewing of the external driveline distal connector and the external controller display by the patient. The external driveline distal connector is adapted to be connected to the distal driveline proximal connector by the patient. The external driveline distal connector is adapted to be disconnected from the distal driveline proximal connector by the patient.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods and computer-readable storage media facilitating management of operation of an implantable medical device (“IMD”) using a number of communication modes are provided. An IMD is configured to operate in a disabled mode wherein radio frequency (RF) telemetry communication is disabled, or operate in a first advertising mode using the RF telemetry communication. The IMD receives a clinician session request from a clinician device via an induction telemetry protocol while operating in the disabled mode or the first advertising mode, and transitions to operating from the disabled mode or the first advertising mode to operating in a second advertising mode based on receiving the clinician session request. From the second advertising mode, the IMD can establish a clinician telemetry session with the clinician device using the RF telemetry communication and a unique security mechanism facilitated by an identifier for the clinician device included in the clinician session request.

Abstract: A first fraction of an electrical stimulation is allocated to a first electrode. In response to user input, the first fraction of the electrical stimulation is fixed to the first electrode such that the first fraction is user-adjustable but cannot be automatically changed. In response to the first fraction being fixed to the first electrode, a respective second fraction of the electrical stimulation is automatically allocated to a plurality of second electrodes. The second fraction is a function of the first fraction and a total number of the second electrodes. Thereafter, a new electrode is added to, or deleting from, the second electrodes, while the first fraction is still fixed to the first electrode. The respective second fractions are automatically adjusted in response to the adding or the deleting, without affecting the first fraction of the electrical stimulation that has been fixed to the first electrode.

Abstract: Tissue stimulation systems generally include a pulse generating device for generating electrical stimulation pulses, at least one implanted electrode for delivering the electrical stimulation pulses generated by the pulse generating device, and a programmer capable of communicating with the pulse generating device. Stimulation pulses may be defined by several parameters, such as pulse width and amplitude. In methods of stimulating the tissue with the stimulation system, a user may adjust one of the parameters such as pulse width. The programmer may automatically adjust the pulse amplitude in response to the change in pulse width in order to maintain a substantially constant effect of the stimulation pulses.

Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvesting device is provided. The piezoelectric energy harvesting device includes a piezoelectric material, which includes an inner surface having a concave shape, and an outer surface having a bottom surface. The piezoelectric energy harvesting device further includes a ball positioned on the inner surface. The bottom surface acts as a ground, the inner surface acts as a positive node, and the inner surface, the outer surface, and the ball are configured so that movement of the ball causes mechanical stress to the piezoelectric material, producing an electrical current.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided that may include a system for patient monitoring and defibrillation. The system may include at least two defibrillation electrodes. The system may further include a first unit for physiological monitoring of a patient, including ECG monitoring circuitry for monitoring ECG of the patient. The first unit may store CPR chest compression data. The system may further include a second unit, separate from the first unit, which may communicatively couple with the first unit, for providing defibrillation pulses to the patient. The second unit may include a processor, communicatively coupled with the at least two defibrillation electrodes, for providing defibrillation pulses to the patient via the at least two defibrillation electrodes.

Abstract: An example medical device includes a plurality of electrodes, therapy delivery circuitry, and processing circuitry configured to control the therapy delivery circuitry to deliver electrical stimulation to an intercostal nerve of a patient via at least two of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the electrical stimulation is delivered with stimulation parameters configured to suppress ventricular tachyarrhythmia of the patient, wherein the stimulation parameters comprise a stimulation frequency less than or equal to 40 hertz (Hz).

Abstract: A wearable medical includes a walking detector module with a motion sensor that is configured to detect when the patient is walking or running. In embodiments, a parameter (referred to herein as a “Bouncy” parameter) is determined from Y-axis acceleration measurements. In some embodiments, the Bouncy parameter is a measurement of the AC component of the Y-axis accelerometer signal. This detection can be used by the medical device to determine how and/or whether to provide treatment to the patient wearing the medical device. For example, when used in a WCD, the walking detector can prevent “false alarms” because a walking patient is generally conscious and not in need of a shock.

Abstract: A device and method for providing mechanical ventilation of a user is described. In an embodiment the device comprises at least two metallic coils, each coil configured to be placed adjacent to a phrenic nerve of the user; and a stimulation unit for providing an electric current to the metallic coils, and wherein the current stimulates the phrenic nerve to induce tetanic contractions of a diaphragm muscle of the user to regulate the user's breathing. This provides a ventilation whilst reducing the rehabilitation time post ventilation for a user due to lower muscle wasting of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) comprising at least one housing (2) having a heat source (1), and at least one strand (11, 12) forming a more flexible pad than the housing (2). The strand (11, 12) comprises two layers (14, 19) of heat-conducting material and a layer (18) of phase change material situated between the two layers of heat-conducting material.

Abstract: A detachable light therapy belt includes a circuit board, multiple light emitting components, a contact layer, and a mounting component; the circuit board has a first surface and a second surface; the light emitting components are mounted on the first surface of the circuit board; the contact layer has a contact surface, a connecting surface, and multiple holes; the connecting surface and the contact surface face opposite directions, and the connecting surface is connected to the first surface; the holes are formed through the contact layer and on locations corresponding to the light emitting components; the mounting component has a mounting surface, wherein the mounting surface is mounted on the second surface of the circuit board; the contact layer of the detachable light therapy belt contacts a human body, and the connecting surface of the contact layer is detachable from the first surface of the circuit board.

Abstract: This present invention and its embodiments relates to methods for reducing pain during photodynamic therapy of actinic keratosis. The present invention also relates to methods of treating actinic keratosis with reduced pain during photodynamic therapy of actinic keratosis.

Abstract: A device and method for therapeutically treating conditions using electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is described herein. EMR, of optimal wavelengths and at surprisingly low energy levels, are pulsed for a time duration when aimed at an area of interest, the outcome being an improvement in the condition while not doing damage to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Dermatological systems and methods for providing picosecond laser pulses at a plurality of treatment wavelengths, wherein at least one of the wavelengths is provided by an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) capable of providing laser pulses at a wavelength for treating one or more target tissue types. In some embodiments, multiple OPOs may be provided to enable a wide range of selectable treatment wavelengths.

Abstract: A phototherapy device (100) and a phototherapy instrument (500), comprising a near infrared irradiation module (110) used for emitting near infrared light to the head, and a control component (120) used for controlling the operation of the near infrared irradiation module (110) and coupled to the near infrared irradiation module (110). A method for using near infrared light for therapy, which comprises applying a first, optional second, optional third or more near infrared lights to the head of a patient. The device and method are used for treating Alzheimer's disease, improving brain mitochondrial function and ATP levels, promoting amyloid beta protein (A?) decomposition, reducing A? deposition, reducing damage to nerve cells, improving nerve tissue repair and regeneration capabilities, improving cognitive ability etc. A therapy method using the phototherapy device (100) or the phototherapy instrument (500), and a computer readable recording medium controlling required near infrared light.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a tumor includes obtaining 3D imaging of the tumor; processing the 3D imaging of the tumor to obtain tumor morphology; determining a number of treatment sites, the locations of such sites, and the treatment dosage using a model of intratumoral treatment dynamics between vascular, intracellular, and extracellular space in order for the tumor to receive a therapeutic dosage at every location of the tumor; and treating the tumor at each of the determined treatment sites and with the determined treatment dosage. In some embodiments, the method further includes generating the model to include a plurality of interconnected volumes wherein each volume has one or more adjacent volumes with a shared boundary. One or more simulations of treatment over time may be conducted using the model, each simulation having a set of one or more initial parameters.

Abstract: Provided is a simulation phantom including a simulated target volume and a simulated normal tissue encasing the simulated target volume, wherein the simulated target volume and a portion of the simulated normal tissue abutting the simulated target volume have a first characteristic to enable the simulation phantom to be imaged on a first imaging device, and the simulated target volume and the portion of the simulated normal tissue abutting the simulated target volume further have a second characteristic to enable the simulation phantom to be imaged on a second imaging device different from the first imaging device.

Abstract: A noninvasive system for imaging, planning, and treating cardiac arrhythmia in a subject includes a noninvasive means for imaging a heart and identifying an arrhythmia including an array of body surface electrodes for noninvasively measuring electrical potentials at a plurality of locations to identify the arrhythmia, and a geometry determining device for noninvasively obtaining a heart-torso geometry. An imaging processor computes heart electrical activity data and generates an image of the heart from the electrical potentials and the heart-torso geometry. A treatment planning system for developing a noninvasive treatment plan for the arrhythmia is configured to import an arrhythmia target defined relative to the image of the heart, and register the imported arrhythmia target to a primary planning dataset. A noninvasive means for treating the arrhythmia includes implementing the noninvasive treatment plan developed by the treatment planning system.

Abstract: A method for generating a minibeam, including focusing the incident beam through a first quadrupole along a first direction and through a second quadrupole along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, deflecting the incident beam, through a third magnet along a third direction and through a fourth magnet according to a distinct fourth direction, adjusting a magnetic field gradient generated by first quadrupole and/or respectively by the second quadrupole so that a focal length of the first quadrupole is superior or equal to 60 and/or is less than or equal to 250 cm and/or respectively a focal length of the second quadrupole is superior or equal to 50 and/or is less than or equal to 200 cm for the focused beam to meet the criteria of a minibeam along a volume extending between a focal point of the first quadrupole and a focal point of the second quadrupole.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatuses of controlling a user interface with a plurality of input mechanisms are disclosed. One example method includes causing a first set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms to be visually emphasized via a first visual technique while a second set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms is not visually emphasized via the first visual technique, receiving a user input via an input mechanism that is included in the first set, based on the user input, determining a third set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms and a fourth set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms, and causing the third set of input mechanisms to be visually emphasized via the first visual technique while the fourth set of available input mechanisms is not visually emphasized via the first visual technique.

Abstract: Techniques for adjusting radiotherapy treatment for a patient in real time are provided. The techniques include operations comprising: obtaining, during delivery of a radiotherapy treatment fraction to a patient, one or more images of the patient at a first rate; generating patient motion information at a second rate based on the one or more images obtained at the first rate; receiving, during delivery of the radiotherapy treatment fraction, radiotherapy treatment device settings at a third rate; computing, during delivery of the radiotherapy treatment fraction, dose delivered to the patient with a first level of accuracy based on the generated patient motion information and the radiotherapy treatment device settings; and determining, during delivery of the radiotherapy treatment fraction, a real-time measure of accumulated dose delivered to the patient with a second greater level of accuracy than the first level of accuracy using one or more prior dose computations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a radiation system. The system may include a treatment assembly, an imaging assembly, a first gantry, and a second gantry. The treatment assembly may include a first radiation source configured to deliver a treatment beam and have a treatment region. The first gantry may be configured to support the first radiation source. The imaging assembly may include a second radiation source and a radiation detector. The second radiation source may be configured to deliver an imaging beam and the radiation detector may be configured to detect at least a portion of the imaging beam. The imaging assembly may have an imaging region. The second gantry may be configured to support the second radiation source and the radiation detector, wherein the second radiation source is located within the second gantry. The treatment region and the imaging region at least partially overlap.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of treatment targeting includes receiving magnetic resonance (MR) images of a subject including a target region, generating at least one contour of at least one surrogate element apart from the target region in the MR images, and determining a location of the target region in each of the MR images based on a location of the at least one contour in the MR images.

Abstract: A multileaf collimator includes a plurality of movable leaves for shaping a radiotherapy beam, wherein each leaf is independently movable in a same linear travel direction. Each leaf includes a linear array of magnets disposed on a measurement surface of the leaf and an array of magnetoresistive sensors that is disposed proximate the measurement surfaces of the leaves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for skin cancer treatment using low intensity ultrasound. The system comprises an ultrasound transducer, a temperature sensing unit, and a control unit. The temperature sensing unit measures the temperature of the skin being exposed to ultrasound and provides temperature data to the control unit, which controls the ultrasound transducer accordingly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques for inducing physiological perturbations in a subject via neuromodulation, e.g., peripheral neuromodulation of a region of interest of an organ. The nature and degree of the perturbations may be related to the subject's clinical condition. Accordingly, an assessment of one or more characteristics of the perturbations may be used to determine a clinical condition of the subject.

Abstract: An implantable ultrasound generating treating device (12) to induce spinal cord or spinal nerves treatment, suitable for implantation in the spinal canal and comprises an elongate support member (22, 32) and an array of several treatment transducers (20) distributed along the elongate support member. The several treatment transducers (20) comprise radial transducers emitting an ultrasound treatment beam oriented radially, wherein the treatment transducers (20) have a resonant frequency comprised between 0.5 and 4 MHz. The device has articulating portions so that the implantable device can adapt its shape to a curved elongation path. Also disclosed is an apparatus including the implantable ultrasound generating treating device and methods comprising inserting the implantable ultrasound generating treating device (12) inside the spinal canal of the spine of the patient.

Abstract: A face mask assembly includes a face mask is comprised of a particulate filtering material to filter air being breathed by a user. The face mask has a mouth opening extending through the face mask to expose the user's mouth when the face mask is worn to facilitate eating and drinking. A flap is movably coupled to the face mask and the flap is positionable in a closed position having the flap covering the mouth opening to filter air breathed by the user. The flap is positionable in an open position to facilitate the user to eat or drink. A first mating member is coupled to flap and a second mating member is coupled to the face mask. The first mating member is releasably mated to the first mating member when the flap is in the closed position for retaining the flap in the closed position.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for providing a mask fixer to prevent air leakage at the edges is disclosed. The mask fixer includes a face piece and one or more components coupled to the face piece. The face piece includes a central aperture, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. Features, such as a nasal reinforcer, a flange, and/or a sealing loop, may be added to different parts of the face piece to form different embodiments of the mask fixer for different applications. In some embodiments, the mask fixer is used by releasably wearing it outside or inside a surgical or cloth mask to reduce air leakage at the edges. In other embodiments, the mask fixer includes a flange around the central aperture of the face piece. A surgical mask, a cloth mask or a filter is wrapped and fixed around this flange using a band or a snapping mechanism. As such, the mask fixer is integrated with a filter or a surgical or cloth mask to form a new face mask. This new face mask would diminish air leakage at its edges.