Abstract: An intra-aortic dual balloon driving pump catheter device is disclosed, including a controlling part adapted to control air pumps to inflate and deflate a first balloon and a second balloon according to a cardiac cycle and an arterial pressure of the catheter end monitored by a monitoring part, such that in diastole the first balloon inflates while the second balloon deflates, and in systole the first balloon deflates while the second balloon inflates, wherein the second balloon deflates and inflates conversely to the synchronized inflation and deflation of the first balloon respectively, the first balloon fully inflates in diastole and fully deflates in systole, and the second balloon fully deflates in diastole and can inflate in systole only to a predetermined percentage of its volume of full inflation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multifunctional epidural catheter being equipped with a sensor for detecting a pressure applied to a combined balloon.

Abstract: A prosthesis including a device configured to deliver a therapeutic substance from outside a cochlea to inside the cochlea and configured to evoke a mechanically based hearing percept. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is configured to drive fluid into and out of the cochlea, thereby evoking a hearing percept.

Abstract: Methods for the manufacture of a microprojection array are provided. In the methods, a formulation is introduced into cavities of a microprojection array mold by means that achieve a uniform amount of formulation retained in each cavity.

Abstract: An instrument advancement device includes an access connector configured to be connected to a vascular access device, a primary lumen in fluid communication with the access connector, an instrument received within the primary lumen and having a retracted position and an extended position, an advancement member configured to move the instrument between the retracted position and the extended position, and a lumen seal received within the primary lumen and connected to the instrument. The lumen seal defines a space between the lumen seal and the primary lumen when the instrument is in the retracted portion. The lumen seal engages the primary lumen when the instrument is in the advanced position.

Abstract: A connection assist device, which secures a connection of a catheter connector end to a patient line connector end, is provided. In one embodiment, the assist device includes a patient line shield, a catheter shield, and a minicap catcher. Each shield and catcher includes a first half and a second half. The patient line shied houses the patient line connector end. The catheter shield houses the catheter connector end. The minicap catcher is sized to receive a minicap initially protecting the catheter connector end. During use, the minicap catcher is inserted into the catheter shield and rotated to remove the minicap, after which the minicap connector is removed. The patient line shield is then inserted into the catheter shield housing to connect the catheter connector end to the patient line connector end.

Abstract: An airway assist device and methods of making and using an airway assist device to assist in opening an airway or removing fluid or material obstructing an airway of a subject.

Abstract: A method of estimating a patient's cardiac preload in a patient having an implantable blood pump. The method includes generating a current waveform from operation of the implanted blood pump. A beat-to-beat pump filling index (PFI) is calculated, the PFI is calculated by dividing a current amplitude component by a time component, the amplitude component being calculated by subtracting a trough of the current waveform from an inflection point divided by an amplitude difference of peak to trough of the waveform, the time component being calculated by dividing a time between the trough and the inflection point by a time between the peak and the trough. An alert is generated if the PFI deviates from predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: Passively logging the temperature, among other environmental conditions, of an object is described. A passive temperature-logging device may be coupled to an object. The device may include a temperature sensor(s) for sensing a temperature of the object. In some examples, the passive temperature-logging device, and/or the object itself, may further include a memory(ies) and/or an output device(s). The memory is configured to store temperature data representing a history of temperatures sensed by the temperature sensor, and the output device is configured to provide an output based on the temperature data.

Abstract: An electrostimulation method of at least one muscle group responsible for performing a complex movement includes associating to each of the muscles of the at least one muscle group an electrostimulation channel provided with at least one respective electrode. Each electrostimulation channel is suitable to transmit to the respective muscle bipolar electrical pulses in sequence. For all the electrostimulation channels, a same cycle time defining a repeatable period of stimulation is determined, in which, within the stimulation period, each channel performs its own stimulation sequence. Each stimulation period is sub-divided into two half-periods of equal duration. Each half-period is sub-divided into sub-intervals of the same duration. At least one of the sub-intervals is a stimulation sub-interval wherein a basic sequence of pulses including one or more pulse packets is performed, each pulse packet having a predetermined sequence of individual bipolar electric pulses.

Abstract: An antimicrobial electrochemical fabric and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The method for manufacturing the antimicrobial electrochemical fabric includes the following steps: providing an electro-spinning polymer solution, in which the electro-spinning polymer solution includes a polymer and a plurality of antimicrobial metal precursors; electro-spinning the electro-spinning polymer solution into a polymer fiber for formation of a sheet structure, in which the plurality of antimicrobial metal precursors are distributed on the polymer fiber; and reducing the plurality of antimicrobial metal precursors into a plurality of antimicrobial metal particles, so as to form the sheet structure into the antimicrobial electrochemical fabric.

Abstract: An electrode structure for electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) includes a conductive fabric layer, a water retention fabric layer, and an insulation cover. The conductive fabric layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The water retention fabric layer is connected to the first surface of the conductive fabric layer, in which the EMS points of the electrode structure are consisted of the water retention fabric layer. The insulation cover is disposed on the first surface of the conductive fabric layer and surrounding the edges of the water retention fabric layer.

Abstract: An upper extremity wearable device includes a pressure sleeve configure to wrap a forearm, a middle finger stimulating electrode and a ring finger stimulating electrode disposed on an inner surface of the pressure sleeve. The middle finger stimulating electrode covers a middle finger stimulating point which is measured from an ulnar styloid process, moving two lateral units, and moving four longitudinal units. The ring finger stimulating electrode covers a ring finger stimulating point which is measured from the ulnar styloid process, moving one lateral unit, and moving five longitudinal units. The lateral unit is a distance from the position of the pressure sleeve corresponding to the ulnar styloid process to a radial styloid process dividing four. The longitudinal unit is a distance from the position of the pressure sleeve corresponding to the ulnar styloid process to an olecranon process dividing twelve.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wearable garment includes a flexible material configured to wrap around a portion of a user's body. The flexible material may include an interior surface configured to contact the user's body. The flexible material may also include an opposite exterior surface. The wearable garment may also include at least two electrodes positioned at the interior surface and may be configured to contact a targeted part of the user's body. The wearable garment may also include an electrode connector for each of the at least two electrodes positioned at the exterior surface. The electrode connectors may be operably connected to a respective electrode of the at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes may be configured to deliver a therapeutic signal from an electrotherapeutic device via the electrode connectors for each of the at least two electrodes. Other wearable garments and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A cannula with a cannula tube having a distal end and a proximal end and with a first electrode and at least one second electrode, wherein the cannula tube comprises a cannula tube body and a surface coating film electrically insulating the first and the second electrode with respect to one another, wherein the distal end of the cannula tube comprises a distal tip and at the proximal end an extension is disposed which comprises an electrically contacting connection for the electrodes, wherein the electrically insulating film and at least the second electrode is applied onto the cannula tube body using a thin film process.

Abstract: In some examples, an endovascular medical device includes an elongated body configured to be introduced in a cranial blood vessel of a patient and an expandable element on the elongated body. The expandable element includes a plurality of loops, wherein each loop includes one or more electrodes. The expandable element is configured to expand radially outwards from a relatively low-profile delivery configuration to a deployed configuration to position the one or more electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation to tissue of a brain of a patient or sense a patient parameter from a location within the cranial blood vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrode configured to be implanted on or within a recipient's body. The electrode includes a first portion having a surface configured to be in electrical communication with the recipients body and a second portion integral with the first portion and in mechanical and electrical communication with the first portion. The electrode further includes a plurality of pores extending from the surface of the first portion to the second portion such that the first portion has a substantially non-uniform porosity along a direction from the surface to the second portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea, habitual mouth breathing, and/or myofunctional therapy includes a body including an anterior end, a posterior end, and lateral portions shaped for introduction into a subject's oral cavity to position the anterior end adjacent front teeth of the subject and the posterior end adjacent the pharyngeal airway of the subject with or without the posterior end adjacent the pharyngeal airway. Sensors and/or stimulators may be provided, to generate electrical current, chemical release, vibration, and/or other stimulations, e.g., to activate neuromuscular contraction, stimulate salivation and subsequent swallowing movement, and/or induce partial wakefulness of the subject and/or to record data regarding the subject's tongue movements and/or position.

Abstract: A neurostimulation lead for stimulating neural tissue of a patient. The neurostimulation lead includes a lead body comprising insulative material, a plurality of electrodes, a plurality of terminals, a plurality of conductors. The plurality of electrodes may be electrically coupled to the plurality of terminals through coupling of the plurality of conductors which are disposed along a length of the lead body.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implanting spinal cord stimulation devices, including thin-film spinal cord stimulation devices. In some embodiments, the devices include an introduction needle and/or sheath, a stylet, and a pushing device for urging a stimulation device into the epidural space by controlling the proximal end of the device, including, in some cases, deformable thin-film spinal cord stimulation devices. Further implementations include a deployment device for ensuring deployment of the stimulation device in the epidural space. In other embodiments, the devices include sutures attached to a distal portion of the stimulation device, at least one introduction tube, a lead introduction device, and/or a suture introduction device for urging a stimulation device into the epidural space by controlling both the proximal and distal ends of the device, including, in some cases, deformable thin-film spinal cord stimulation devices.

Abstract: A microcurrent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptom treatment device includes an adaptive trigger circuit configured to dynamically determine a triggering threshold for applying a therapeutic microcurrent via a treatment electrode to a treatment location on a person's skin for treatment of a TMJ symptom.

Abstract: A microcurrent migraine treatment device includes an adaptive trigger circuit configured to dynamically determine a triggering threshold for applying a therapeutic microcurrent via a treatment electrode to a treatment location on a person's skin for treatment of a migraine condition.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: multiple exterior electrodes; and means for controlling input electrical signals provided to a sub-set of the multiple exterior electrodes to control a three-dimensional location in a body of a subject where the input electrical signals combine to selectively stimulate at least first sensational receptors of the body.

Abstract: A cochlear implant and analysis system includes a stimulator, an input source, a signal processor, a wireless communication interface, and an external device. The system can receive an acoustic stimulus, generate an input signal representative thereof, and apply a transfer function to the input signal to generate and output a stimulation signal to the stimulator. The signal processor can receive an analysis input indicating a first signal for analysis and generate an analysis signal based on the received analysis input. The first signal can be an input signal from an input source or a result of one or more processing steps. The signal processor can output the analysis signal to the wireless communication interface with the wireless communication interface configured to output a signal representative of the analysis signal to an external device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recording evoked potentials evoked during electrical stimulation of a patient's neural tissue are disclosed. The methods and systems are useful with treatment modalities, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The disclosed methods and system allow for stimulation artifacts to be reduced in, or removed from, the recorded signals. A residual portion of the stimulation artifact can be modeled and subtracted from a recorded signal that includes both artifact and neural response contributions.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for inhibiting the neural activity of a carotid sinus nerve (CSN) or carotid body of a subject, the device comprising: one or more transducers configured to apply a signal to the CSN or associated carotid body of the subject, optionally at least two such transducers; and a controller coupled to the one or more transducers, the controller controlling the signal to be applied by the one or more transducers, such that the signal inhibits the neural activity of the CSN or carotid body to produce a physiological response in the subject, wherein the physiological response is one or more of the group consisting of: an increase in insulin sensitivity in the subject, an increase in glucose tolerance in the subject, a decrease in (fasting) plasma glucose concentration in the subject, a reduction in subcutaneous fat content in the subject, and a reduction in obesity in the subject.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for treating obstructive sleep apnea in a subject. The system can include a power source and a neuromuscular stimulator in electrical communications with the power source. The neuromuscular stimulator can include a controller and at least one electrode. The controller can be configured to receive certain power and stimulation parameters associated with a therapy signal from the power source. The at least one electrode can be configured to deliver the therapy signal to a target tissue associated with control of a posterior base of the tongue of the subject.

Abstract: A powering system for constant current neural stimulators provides adaptive supply voltage for neural stimulators to decrease power dissipation by taking advantage of varying voltage compliance of constant current stimulation. The powering system includes an adaptive voltage supply generator, a monitoring circuit, a charge pump, a step-down converter, and a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A method of treating a neurological condition in a medical patient includes implanting first and second sets of leads at first and second target tissue sites, receiving first and second signals from the first and second sets of leads, determining that a parameter of the first signal satisfies a condition, determining that a parameter of the second signal does not satisfy the condition, and removing only the second set of leads from the medical patient. Each lead comprises one electrode or more than one electrodes spaced apart from each other along a length of each lead. The first signal is indicative of electrical activity at the first target tissue site during an event, and the second signal is indicative of electrical activity at the second target tissue site during the event.

Abstract: Techniques for determining baseline voltages to assess sensed neural responses or other sensed signals in an implantable stimulator device are disclosed, which allows features of the neural responses or other signals to be more easily and reliably established. Features of the neural response, indicative of the AC characteristics of the responses, may be used to control or monitoring stimulation in the device, and certain features may vary with a DC offset voltage in the tissue. The determined baseline voltages compensate for such DC offset voltages, and therefore allow certain AC features of the neural response to be determined more accurately and meaningfully.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques for adjusting electrical stimulation based on a posture state of a patient are described. For example, processing circuitry is configured to receive an input from a user adjusting an informed stimulation parameter that at least partially defines a plurality of informed pulses, determine a ratio of a first value of an informed stimulation parameter to a first value of a control stimulation parameter that at least partially defines a plurality of control pulses, change, according to the input, the first value of the informed stimulation parameter to a second value of the informed stimulation parameter, and change, based on the input and the ratio, the first value of the control stimulation parameter to a second value of the control stimulation parameter. The processing circuitry' can then control delivery of the adjusted control pulses and informed pulses.

Abstract: An example method for electrical stimulation of a subject includes creating multiple circuits using implantable electrodes positioned in the subject, transmitting a signal of a first frequency through a first circuit of the multiple circuits and the first circuit generates a first electrical field, and transmitting a signal of a second frequency through a second circuit of the multiple circuits and the second circuit generates a second electrical field. The implantable electrodes are positioned in a substantially linear configuration along a same axis such that the first electrical field and the second electrical field are in an axial bias configuration, and the first electrical field and the second electrical field interfere with each other at an area of overlap to produce a beat signal.

Abstract: An example implantable medical device includes a stimulating lead includes receive one or more signals indicative of one or more physiologic parameters; deliver electrical therapy to stimulate a muscle wrapped around a heart via one or more electrodes of a stimulating lead; and adjust an amount of the electrical therapy delivered, via the stimulating electrodes, based on the one or more physiologic parameters.

Abstract: A method and device for dynamic device based AV delay adjustment are provided. The method provides electrodes that are configured to be located proximate to an atrial (A) site and a right ventricular (RV) site. The method utilizes one or more processors, in an implantable medical device (IMD), for detecting an atrial paced (Ap) event or atrial sensed (As) event. The method determines a measured AV interval corresponding to an interval between the Ap event or the As event and a ventricular sensed event and calculates a percentage-based (PB) offset based on the measured AV interval. The method automatically dynamically adjusting an AV delay, utilized by the IMD, based on the measured AV interval and the PB offset and manages a pacing therapy, utilized by the IMD, based on the AV delay after the adjusting operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to deliver electrical stimulation using wireless controlled neuromuscular electrical stimulation devices are disclosed. The electrical neuromuscular stimulation device allows the delivery of short electrical impulses triggered and controlled by transmitters directed towards a receiver. The proposed method and apparatus may enable the recreation of realistic haptic sensory feedback. Possible uses include, but are not limited to gaming, entertainment, learning, training, medical, rehabilitation, and educational purposes.

Abstract: Techniques for administering therapy and monitoring a subject based on communication between medical devices are described. An example method includes receiving, by an external defibrillator, data from a mechanical chest compression device that is administering chest compressions to a subject, determining, by the external defibrillator analyzing the data, a control parameter for controlling administration of a therapy to the subject by the external defibrillator, and administering, by the external defibrillator, the therapy to the subject in accordance with the control parameter.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system comprises a support structure comprising a garment configured to be worn by a patient, a plurality of patient parameter electrodes configured to contact the patient's skin when the patient is wearing the garment, a patient monitoring device configured to receive one or more patient parameters via the plurality of patient parameter electrodes when the patient is wearing the garment, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a likelihood whether the garment has been changed or washed after a predetermined period of use by the patient, and provide an indication regarding garment change or wash status based on the likelihood that the garment has been changed or washed.

Abstract: EMR applicators of an EMR applicator array are provided in an openable applicator housing to allow easy patient entrance to and exit therefrom so that the portion of the patient's body that contains the tissue to be treated can be positioned directly into the applicator housing without the applicator housing having to be moved along the patient's body. This can eliminate or reduce the need for full body supporting structure as part of the applicator housing. The applicator housing provides support for the portion of the body positioned therein, and support pads or pillows, separate from the applicator housing, can replace the need for a full body support as part of the applicator housing. The housing can reduce the size and complication of prior art applicator housings, and can be placed along with the patient, on a patient support surface, such as in a standard MRI system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system comprising a pulsed electromagnetic field (EMF) device configured to generate an EMF pulse, and a second device. The second device comprises a coil loop and a light generating unit electrically coupled to the coil loop. The coil loop is configured to induce a current in response to the EMF pulse. The light generating unit is arranged to receive at least some of the induced current and emit a light pulse having an intensity proportional to the received current.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a light emitting layer, a light conversion layer and an adjustable structure. The light emitting layer has a plurality of light emitting units for emitting light. The light conversion layer converts the wavelength of the light emitted by at least one light emitting unit to provide converted light. The adjustable structure is controlled to adjust a light penetrating area to correspond to the affected part to be treated, wherein at least one of the light and the converted light passes through the light penetrating area to irradiate the affected part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laser irradiation device for oral treatment includes (a) molding a base frame having a tongue fixing frame part convexly formed upward so that the tongue is inserted into a lower space thereof and a teeth seating part concavely formed so that human teeth are seated therein, (b) assembling an LED strip with respect to the base frame, the LED strip having a plurality of laser diodes installed on a flexible circuit board to correspond to the shape of the base frame, (c) injecting a liquid light-transparent resin material into an upper light-transparent cover and a lower light-transparent cover respectively corresponding to the shapes of upper and lower parts of the base frame, and (d) respectively pressing the upper light-transparent cover and the lower light-transparent cover vertically upward and downward with respect to the base frame.

Abstract: Methods and therapeutic devices with noninvasive means for improving brain function including memory and sleep, improving eye health, improving digestive system health and improving immune functions are described. The non-invasive means is selected from electrical stimulation, heat stimulation, IR (infrared) radiation, mechanical stimulation or their combinations. In some embodiments, the method and device utilize stimulation to selected skin area on human body to achieve desired therapeutical effects.

Abstract: The invention concerns an confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope for providing retinal therapy of an eye comprising: a first light source configured to emit a treatment beam with a first wavelength to a selected area of the retina, whereby the retina is external to the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope; a retinal functional tracking means comprising a second light source and a detector, wherein the second light source is arranged to emit light within a spectrum to the selected area of the retina, and wherein the detector is configured to analyse reflected light by the retina at the selected area, wherein the detector is adapted to determine a change in the spectrum of the reflected light; and wherein the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope is configured to adapt a therapeutic dose emitted by the first light source in response to the determination of a change in the spectrum of the reflected light.

Abstract: A multifunctional near-infrared orthodontic accelerator for inhibiting dental plaque formation is provided, including a bottom brace, an outer periodontal brace, an inner periodontal brace, a tooth groove disposed between the outer periodontal brace and the inner periodontal brace, and micro vibrators disposed on a side close to the tooth groove. The outer periodontal brace and the inner periodontal brace are respectively provided with a holding groove therein, which is communicated with openings facing towards the tooth groove. The holding grooves are provided with tooth cleaning bars, which are connected through universal joints and disposed linearly. The tooth cleaning bars are provided with cavities, which are provided with blue light germicidal lamps fitted to inner walls of the cavities. The outer periodontal brace and the inner periodontal brace are equipped with infrared laser lights, and outer peripheries of the tooth cleaning bars are equipped with bristle strips.

Abstract: A transparent loading apparatus (also referred to herein as a “loader”) may partially or entirely comprise transparent material that allows light to pass through the loader and provides the viewer (whether manual or automated) a view of a radioactive seed, a seed carrier, a loading needle, etc. within the loader. In some embodiments, carrier material (e.g., collagen and/or other biocompatible material) and radioactive seeds (e.g., including a metal shielding and radioactive isotope) may transmit light to different degrees. For example, certain carriers, such as collagen carriers, may be translucent, while seeds may be opaque (or mostly opaque) to light. The systems discussed herein allow a viewer to detect location of a seed within a loader, and even within a carrier, because of these different light transmissivity characteristics.

Abstract: A dose control system, including a processing device configured to obtain the real drug concentration in plasma of a patient. The processing device is further configured to calculate the corrected dose rate distribution datum based on the real drug concentration in plasma and a set of correction coefficients. The processing device is further configured to calculate the irradiation time based on the corrected dose rate distribution datum and the prescribed dose distribution datum. The processing device is further configured to control the irradiation device to irradiate the patient for the irradiation time.

Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) measurement data of the patient is acquired using a CT device having a quantum counting X-ray detector, and the CT measurement data is processed to generate result data, considering a specific information content of the CT measurement data resulting from the use of the quantum counting X-ray detector in acquiring the CT measurement data. The result data is suitable for use in the planning of irradiation of the patient. The result data is provisioned to an interface such that the result data is usable for planning the irradiation of the patient.

Abstract: A multiplanar motion management system to aid in administering non-invasive radiation therapies. The disclosed devices and techniques enable clinicians to accurately monitor the position and motion of the heart with respect to a reference situation of the simulation stage. In addition, information is provided about the respiratory phase of the patient as well as about possible drifts of the anatomical structures. This information can be used by the clinician to interrupt the radiation treatment manually when necessary. The information can also be used to automatically, and in real-time, provide the appropriate gating signals to the therapy machine. The disclosed system may be configured to cover all motion aspects required during a typical radiotherapy workflow with just one device, from patient setup (inter-fraction motion monitoring) to cardiac and respiratory motion monitoring during the treatment (intra-fraction motion monitoring).

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods for performing personalized dosimetry of a patient receiving a radiopharmaceutical are described. In an example method, anatomic data is generated by performing a computed tomography (CT) scan on the patient when they are lying down and wearing a garment. Based on the anatomic data, locations of organs of the patient are determined with respect to one or more fiducial markers integrated with the garment. Detectors for detecting photons from a radiopharmaceutical are placed on the garment based on locations of the organs. Subsequently, the patient may be administered a dose of the radiopharmaceutical. When the patient wears the garment, the detectors may detect photons released from the decaying radiopharmaceutical that is distributed in the organs. The radiation dosage to the organs may be determined based on the detected photons.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling neutron beams includes performing a calibration process for a monitoring dosimeter at a first set of conditions for directing a neutron beam towards an object location, the neutron beam being emitted from a neutron-generating target in response to an incident charged particle beam, the process comprising: obtaining data indicating a first neutron flux measured by the monitoring dosimeter between the monitoring dosimeter and the object location, the monitoring dosimeter offset from the axis by a distance equal to or greater than the beam radius; obtaining data indicating a second neutron flux measured by a reference dosimeter between the target and the object location; storing calibration data including a correlation between the first neutron flux and the second neutron flux; and based on the calibration data, using the monitoring dosimeter to monitor neutron flux incident on a patient during boron neutron capture therapy treatment.