Abstract: The present invention relates to a respiratory device with a housing comprising a pneumatic unit and at least one further component, in particular a respiratory gas drive, and at least one measuring unit, and also an expiration unit, an accumulator, a control unit and a cooling fan.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4 activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: An eyeshade and an electroencephalogram detection system are provided. The eyeshade includes an eyeshade main body; and an electroencephalogram acquisition unit and a controller which are disposed on the eyeshade main body. The electroencephalogram acquisition unit is configured to acquire a brain electrical signal of a wearer. The controller is configured to receive the brain electrical signal from the electroencephalogram acquisition unit, is detachably coupled to the electroencephalogram acquisition unit, and is configured to convert the brain electrical signal into a communication signal and transmit the communication signal to an outside of the eyeshade while coupled to the electroencephalogram acquisition unit.

Abstract: A catheter includes a shaft having a lumen inside the shaft, and a reinforcing body that is inserted in the shaft and extended along the lumen. The reinforcing body includes a first portion (main body part), and a second portion (distal end portion) that is positioned on the more distal end side than the first portion while being at a distal end portion of the shaft and has larger direct or indirect joining force relative to the shaft than the first portion. Such a catheter is able to increase the breaking strength.

Abstract: A reusable urinary catheter assembly comprises a storage container defining a cavity, a hydration liquid and a reusable urinary catheter. The hydration liquid includes a disinfection medium and a hydrophilic polymer. The viscosity of the hydration liquid is 40 cP or lower. The reusable urinary catheter includes a shaft, and at least a part of the shaft is provided with a hydrophilic surface. During storage, the shaft is enclosed within the cavity in a storage position. The hydration fluid hydrates and regenerates the hydrophilic surface and disinfects the catheter. The catheter is configured to be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the storage container.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for intracranial vessel access. In particular, a system including a co-axial combination of a steerable variable thickness microwire operatively supporting a tapered larger bore support and larger bore distal access catheter is described. Methods of advancing the intracranial access system through the vasculature are also described.

Abstract: A urodynamic investigation apparatus for receipt of urine from a bladder is provided. The apparatus is characterized by a tubular element, first and second fittings, and a sleeve element, for select passage of urine there through, within the tubular element. The tubular element is characterized by opposing first and second end portions, and a port. The fittings are adapted to be received by the opposing end portions of the tubular element so as to delimit an apparatus chamber. The sleeve element, suspended between the fittings within the chamber, has collapsed and open configurations. The collapsed configuration is indicative of a no urine flow condition, and the open configuration indicative of a urine flow condition, with the sleeve element urine flow condition being a function of pressure applied to the chamber via the port of the tubular element.

Abstract: A catheter that can have improved strength includes a first tube including a first lumen, and a second tube including a second lumen. The first tube includes an inner layer that is the innermost layer of the first tube, an outer layer surrounding the inner layer, and a reinforcing layer sandwiched between the inner layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: A catheter may include a withdrawal lumen wall extending around a withdrawal lumen. The withdrawal lumen may have a withdrawal lumen profile. The catheter may include an infusion lumen wall coupled with the withdrawal lumen wall. The infusion lumen wall may extend around an infusion lumen. The infusion lumen may have an infusion lumen profile smaller than the withdrawal lumen profile. A flexible septum may extend between the withdrawal lumen and the infusion lumen. The flexible septum may isolate the withdrawal lumen from the infusion lumen. In another example, a blood filtration system may monitor blood flow velocity within vasculature. The blood filtration system may guide operation of a blood pump or a filtrate bump based on the blood flow velocity within the vasculature.

Abstract: Provided herein is a medical device, including an instrument having a proximal end and a distal end, an introducer configured to moveably receive the instrument and having and outer housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining an inner volume and an inner housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining an inner volume, the inner housing slidably received within the outer housing, the distal end of the introducer configured to couple the introducer to an intravenous line. The inner housing is configured to move relative to the outer housing to move the instrument between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Provided herein is an instrument delivery device for advancing an instrument into a vascular access device. The instrument delivery device includes an outer housing, an introducer portion positioned at the distal end of the outer housing and configured to mate with the vascular access device, and an inner housing having a distal end positioned within an inner volume of the outer housing and engaged with a proximal end of the instrument, with the inner housing moveable relative to the outer housing. A wheel member is positioned on the outer housing and rotatable relative thereto and is operably coupled to the inner housing to move the inner housing distally within the outer housing when the wheel member is rotated in a first direction, thereby also moving the instrument distally from to a position where the distal end of the instrument is disposed beyond the distal end of the outer housing.

Abstract: Provided herein is a medical device, including an instrument having a proximal end and a distal end, an introducer configured to moveably receive the instrument and having an outer housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining an inner volume and an inner housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining an inner volume, the inner housing slidably received within the outer housing, the distal end of the introducer configured to couple the introducer to an intravenous line. The inner housing is configured to move relative to the outer housing to move the instrument between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A medical device including an instrument, and an introducer configured to moveably receive the instrument and having an outer housing defining a curved passageway and an inner housing slidably received within the outer housing. The introducer couples to an intravenous line. The inner housing is movable relative to the outer housing and moves the instrument between a first position, in which the instrument is disposed within the outer housing, and a second position, in which the distal end of the instrument is disposed beyond the distal end of the outer housing and a portion of the instrument is disposed within the intravenous line. The curvature of the passageway of the outer housing may follow an arc of a circle or be coiled. The inner housing may be straight, curved, or coiled. Also, a system including a catheter assembly comprising a catheter adapter and a catheter, and the medical device.

Abstract: Provided herein is a medical device, including an instrument having a proximal end and a distal end, an introducer configured to moveably receive the instrument and having an outer housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining an inner volume and an inner housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining an inner volume, the outer housing slidably received within the inner housing, the distal end of the introducer configured to couple the introducer to an intravenous line. The inner and/or outer housing are configured to move relative to each other to move the instrument between a first position and a second position and to reduce an effective length of the device.

Abstract: Provided herein is a medical device, including an instrument having a proximal end and a distal end, an introducer configured to moveably receive the instrument and having an outer housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining an inner volume and an inner housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall therebetween defining an inner volume, the inner housing slidably received within the outer housing, the distal end of the introducer configured to couple the introducer to an intravenous line. The inner housing is configured to move relative to the outer housing to move the instrument between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a needle with a distal tip for insertion into a vessel of a patient, the needle defining an outer surface. The apparatus can include a catheter with a distal end and an inner surface that defines a lumen through which the needle extends. The apparatus can include a longitudinally extending stiffener positioned between the outer surface of the needle and the inner surface of the catheter. The stiffener can be movable to a distally advanced position relative to the needle to deploy the catheter and can be removable from the catheter along with the needle while in the distally advanced position. The stiffener can include a region of weakness at which the stiffener is predisposed to bend, which is closer to the distal tip of the needle than to the distal tip of the stiffener when the stiffener is in the distally advanced position.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a balloon catheter, a medical balloon at the distal end of the catheter. On the outside of the balloon catheter and medical balloon is a roll-sock sheath. The sheath is in formed of two layers able to slide over one other extending towards the proximal end of the assembly. The roll-sock sheath extends to a distal fold line which, before employment, extends over at least a portion of dilator tip and covers completely the medical balloon. The roll-sock sheath can be pulled back by withdrawing the outer layer of the roll-sock sheath, gradually to expose the medical balloon. A hydrophilic coating is provided on the outer surface of the outer layer of the roll-sock sleeve, which promotes the pushability of the balloon catheter assembly through a lesion. The coating makes it easier to push the distal end of the catheter assembly through a lesion, reduces friction between the lesion and the distal end of the balloon catheter assembly.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters with first and second expandable members are configured so that one expandable member dilates the Sphincter of Oddi and the second anchors within the biliary duct distal to the Common Bile Duct/Cystic Duct junction or within the cystic duct. The multi-lumen catheters include a primary lumen sized and configured for delivering a flushing agent to remove gallstones together or separately with a dye to complete a Cholangiogram and also include at least one lumen in fluid communication with the first and second expandable members.

Abstract: An assemblable device including an intravascular catheter with a catheter shaft having an outer wall defining a single through lumen from a proximal end to an opposite distal end; proximate the distal end a portion of the outer wall of the catheter shaft is a membrane valve with an opening defined therein. The catheter shaft is devoid, free of, and has no dedicated fluid/inflation lumen. Instead, a separate, independent, removable fluid conduit device having a fluid lumen defined therein is assemblable so as to be slidable in the single through lumen of the intravascular catheter.

Abstract: Provided is a balloon for a balloon catheter that can suppress circumferential fracture by generating longitudinal axial fracture in the central part of the balloon, and prevent the fracture in the longitudinal axis direction from extending to the proximal or distal side of the balloon to form a L-shaped crack by keeping the longitudinal fracture within the straight tubular part. A balloon (2) for a balloon catheter has a main orientation direction of the molecular orientation in a proximal section (23a) and a distal section (23e) of a straight tubular part (23) is the circumferential direction z, and a component of the molecular orientation in the longitudinal axis direction x in the central section (23c) of the straight tubular part (23) is more than a component in the longitudinal axis direction x in the proximal section (23a) and the distal section (23e) of the straight tubular part (23).

Abstract: A balloon angioplasty inflation device and method of inflating a balloon includes a syringe body having a fluid chamber, a plunger slidably disposed within the fluid chamber, and a coupling member coupling the plunger to the syringe body. The plunger includes a plunger valve and a seal including a pressure valve allowing air through the seal. The plunger valve is rotatable between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow air to escape the fluid chamber. The method includes connecting the inflation device to a balloon, drawing the plunger to create a negative pressure to withdraw air from the balloon to the fluid chamber, rotating the plunger valve to the open position to evacuate the air from the fluid chamber, rotating the plunger valve to the closed position to seal the fluid chamber, and inflating the balloon to a desired pressure with a contrast-saline solution.

Abstract: Devices are provided with a bridge made of a biocompatible material that surrounds a neck region of an encapsulated shunt. In one embodiment, the bridge is configured to maintain an outer diameter while the diameter of the neck region is reduced or increased in vivo to adjust the fluid flow rate through the device. The bridge may have an outer diameter that is configured to be placed within an enlarged septal hole. Methods for adjusting the flow of fluid and methods for the manufacture of such devices are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a conformable and compressible nasopharyngeal tampon and a method for delivering the tampon to an anatomical cavity of a patient. The tampon is configured to collect and remove posterior nasal fluid from a patient. The tampon may be compressably and slidably disposed in a longitudinally extending deployment tube having mutually opposed proximal and distal ends. A longitudinal plunger is slidably disposed within and extends out of the proximal end of the deployment tube. The distal end of the plunger is disposed in choanae and/or nasopharynx of the patient. Upon manual actuation, the plunger is activated to deliver the tampon to the nasopharyngeal region of a mammalian patient. Optionally, positioning strings may be joined to the tampon, to fine tune positioning of the tampon within the choanae and/or nasopharynx.

Abstract: A drug delivery device having a central axis, the drug delivery device comprising a first body part, a second body part, an attachment part; and an actuator mechanism configured to rotate the first body part in relation to the second body part about a primary axis of the drug delivery device, wherein the drug delivery device comprises only a single attachment part.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a skin treatment assembly comprises a handpiece comprising a distal end, the handpiece comprising a recess or cavity configured to receive a cartridge or other fluid container, a tip configured to be positioned along the distal end of the handpiece, the tip being configured to contact a skin surface of a subject during use, and at least one rollerball configured to extend to or near the tip, wherein the rollerball is configured to be in fluid communication with an interior of a cartridge or other fluid container secured to the handpiece, wherein the at least one rollerball is configured to contact the skin surface of the subject during use and to facilitate the delivery of fluids to said skin surface as the rollerball is moved relative to said skin surface.

Abstract: An apparatus that for delivering a conformable and compressible nasopharyngeal tampon to an anatomical cavity of a patient and method of delivering the tampon to the patient. The tampon is configured to collect and remove posterior nasal fluid from a patient. The tampon may be compressably and slidably disposed in a longitudinally extending deployment tube having mutually opposed proximal and distal ends. A longitudinal plunger is slidably disposed within and extends out of the proximal end of the deployment tube. The distal end of the plunger is disposed in choanae and/or nasopharynx of the patient. Upon manual actuation, the plunger is activated to deliver the tampon to the nasopharyngeal region of a mammalian patient. Optionally, positioning strings may be joined to the tampon, to fine tune positioning of the tampon within the choanae and/or nasopharynx.

Abstract: Apparatus for transdermal delivery of a powdered agent to a patient, the apparatus comprising a fluid source comprising a fluid; a nozzle extending distally from the fluid source, the nozzle comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a blister containing a powdered agent disposed within the lumen of the nozzle; and an actuation element for releasing the fluid from the fluid source, wherein the actuation element causes the released fluid to be propelled through the blister with sufficient pressure to entrain the powdered agent into the released fluid and move the entrained powdered agent through the lumen of the nozzle and out the distal end of the nozzle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using microneedle arrays to deliver bioactive compounds are presented. In general, the microneedle array comprises at least three layers: a base layer, a separation layer, and a bioactive layer, wherein the separation layer is situated between the base layer and the bioactive layer. Upon exposure to physiological conditions, the separation layer dissolves and/or disperses, allowing the base layer to be removed while the bioactive layer remains embedded in the outer surface of the skin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using microneedle arrays to deliver bioactive compounds are presented. In general, the microeconomic array comprises at least three layers: a base layer, a separation layer, and a bioactive layer, wherein the separation layer is situated between the base layer and the bioactive layer. Upon exposure to physiological conditions, the separation layer dissolves and/or disperses, allowing the base layer to be removed while the bioactive layer remains embedded in the outer surface of the skin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides microneedles and microneedle patches for transdermal drug delivery and methods of making and using the same. The microneedles are porous and contain a drug in particulate form within the pores.

Abstract: A pellet delivery system is provided that comprises a needle having an inner surface defining a passageway. The needle has a first portion that extends along a longitudinal axis and a curved second portion comprising an opening that is in communication with the passageway. The second portion extends transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pellet is positioned in the passageway. A plunger is slidably positioned in the passageway. The plunger comprises a shaft having a rounded tip configured to push the pellet through the first and second portions and out of the opening without the pellet becoming stuck within the passageway or the opening. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein is an instrument delivery device for advancing an instrument into a vascular access device. The instrument delivery device includes an outer housing, a connector coupled to the outer housing and including a projection member that mates with the vascular access device, and an inner housing having a distal end positioned within the outer housing and engaged with a proximal end of the instrument. The inner housing moves relative to the outer housing so that a distal movement thereof moves the instrument from a first position to a second position, with a distal end of the instrument moving from within the outer housing to out beyond the distal end of the outer housing and the projection member. A fluid flow preventing seal provided in or adjacent the connector prevents a transfer of fluid between the vascular access device and the inner volume of the outer housing.

Abstract: Implantable devices and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. The devices and systems of the present technology may be equipped with electronic components that provide a platform for remote patient and/or device monitoring. Operation of an implantable devices and/or one or more components thereof can be modulated over time depending on certain conditions. This modulation can include limiting wireless data communication with external devices to certain time intervals, varying parameters of data collection by sensing elements, and/or controlling power supplied to electronic components, for example. In some examples, an implantable device may operate in a low-power standby state in which data is obtained via sensing elements and stored in local data storage, but the data is not wirelessly transmitted to an external device until a modulation signal is received by the implantable device, causing the implantable device to change to a more active power state.

Abstract: A surgical port includes an end face comprising a channel extending through the end face, the channel having a cross section shaped to receive a surgical instrument cannula, and a lateral wall extending around a perimeter of the end face, the lateral wall and end face enclosing an open volume. An end portion of a wound retractor is received in the open volume of the surgical port and in engagement with an inner surface of the lateral wall, and the surgical port is configured to abut a body wall in an inserted position of the wound retractor through the body wall.

Abstract: Needleless connectors are described herein. A needleless connector includes a housing and a flexible valve element. The housing includes a cavity, a proximal fluid port in fluid communication with the cavity, and a distal fluid port in fluid communication with the cavity. The flexible valve element is disposed within the cavity. The flexible valve element can selectively permit flow between the proximal fluid port and the distal fluid port.

Abstract: A cap for a closed male luer connector having a housing and a male luer, with the closed male luer connector having a closed position where a fluid path through the closed male luer connector is closed and an open position where a fluid path through the closed male luer connector is open, the cap including a body having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, with the body defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the male luer of the closed male luer connector. The body is configured to actuate the closed male luer connector from the closed position to the open position when the cap is fully inserted into the closed male luer connector. The body is configured to expand in a radial direction.

Abstract: A blood flow assist system can include an impeller assembly including an impeller shaft and an impeller on the impeller shaft, a primary flow pathway disposed along an exterior surface of the impeller. The system can include a rotor assembly at a proximal portion of the impeller shaft. A secondary flow pathway can be disposed along a lumen of the impeller shaft. During operation of the blood flow assist system, blood can be pumped proximally along the primary flow pathway and the secondary flow pathway. The system can include a sleeve bearing distal the impeller. The system can include a drive unit having a distal end disposed distal a proximal end of the second impeller. The drive unit comprising a drive magnet and a drive bearing between the drive magnet and the impeller assembly.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device with an expandable cup (4) having a transport state and an operational state, the expandable cup comprising a plurality of inflow apertures (5), and an outflow nozzle (6), and an inflatable balloon (8) positioned inside the expandable cup (4). A catheter assembly (3) is connected to the inflatable balloon (8) during operation, and a control unit (2) is connected to the catheter assembly (3). The control unit (2) is arranged to operate the inflatable balloon (8) with a frequency of more than 100 beats per minute.

Abstract: Inlet device and connecting devices for a minimally invasive miniaturized percutaneous mechanical circulatory support system. The inlet device includes an inlet portion and a transfer portion with a support structure. The inlet device can be used for transmitting a body fluid of a patient, for example blood, to an impeller of a pump of the circulatory support system. The connecting device can include a receiving element and an insertion element. The receiving element of the connecting device can include a receiving structure that the insertion element of the connecting device can be pushed into. The insertion element can include at least one slide-on ramp, the slide-on ramp being connectable to the receiving structure in a form-fitting, non-positive, force-locking, and/or self-locking manner. The inlet device can include a receiving element or an insertion element of the connecting device.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for pumping blood in a patient in need of circulatory assistance or a replacement heart. Instead of providing a temporary solution for these patients, the devices may be permanently implanted. The devices linearly reciprocate a shuttle within a housing to move blood into and out of the housing, and rotate the shuttle to selectively direct the movement of blood into and out of a plurality of ports in the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high frequency current output device enabling sequential output and continuous output of monopolar- and bipolar-type current. The device comprises: an electrode unit including one or more first electrodes and one or more second electrodes; a first high frequency power generation unit; a switching circuit; and a control unit for controlling a switching operation of the switching circuit so as to output, on the basis of the power generated from the first high frequency power generation unit, a monopolar-type current, in which the same polarity is applied to the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and/or a bipolar-type current, in which currents of different polarities are applied.

Abstract: An apparatus, including an electrode, wherein the electrode is at least one of directly or indirectly fixed to an otic capsule or tissue associated with the otic capsule of a human at least in part with cured securement material, wherein the electrode is part of a human ailment treatment and/or mitigation system, at least in part implantable in the human.

Abstract: An implantable electrode arrangement provides spatially-selective detection of neuronal electrical signals, which propagate along at least one nerve fiber contained in a nerve fascicle, and for selective electrical stimulation of the at least one nerve fiber, comprising a biocompatible carrier substrate, which has at least one carrier substrate region that can be placed around the nerve fascicle in a cuff and has a straight cylinder-shaped carrier substrate surface which faces the nerve fascicle in the implanted state. The carrier substrate surface has an axial extension and an extension oriented circumferentially in a direction and a first electrode arrangement attached thereto.

Abstract: A biostimulator and a biostimulator system for septal pacing, is described. The biostimulator includes a joint to allow an electrode to pivot relative to a housing. The housing contains electrical circuitry that is electrically connected to the pacing electrode. The joint allows the pacing electrode to affix to target tissue of an interventricular septal wall of a heart when the housing is pivoted toward an apex of the heart. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that include a power supply having positive and negative terminals. The negative terminal defines a reference ground. First and second electrodes are positioned within a patient and configured to be located proximate to tissue of interest that is associated with a target region. A control circuit is configured to control delivery of current for a therapy between the first and second electrodes. A current regulator (CR) circuit is connected to, and configured to control current flow through, at least the first electrode during delivery of the therapy under direction of the control circuit. A floating power supply is connected across power supply terminals of the CR circuit. The CR circuit and floating power supply are coupled to a floating ground node that is electrically separate from the reference ground.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively assessing muscle contraction of a facial muscle in a person and determining the ability of a treatment material to reduce contraction of the facial muscle is disclosed. The method can include applying an external electrical stimulus to facial skin sufficient to contract a facial muscle, measuring the contractile activity of the contracted facial muscle by measuring the compound motor action potential (CMAP) of the contracted facial muscle to obtain a first average measurement of contractile activity of the contracted facial muscle, administering the treatment material by topically applying the treatment material to the facial skin, and repeating steps (a) and (b) to obtain a second average measurement of contractile activity of the contracted facial muscle.

Abstract: A stimulation device for guiding movement of a part of a body of a subject is provided. The device comprises a flexible substrate configured to at least partially conform to an outer surface of the part of the body, in use. The device further comprises a stretchable stimulator circuit that is at least partially embedded within the flexible substrate. The stimulator circuit comprises at least one stimulator configured to provide a stimulus to a part of a body to cause movement. A system for guiding movement of a subject is also provided including the stimulation device, a controller operably connected to the stimulation device for controlling the stimulation device, at least one sensor for sensing monitoring data, and a processor for comparing the obtained monitoring data with pre-determined movement information to determine whether a desired movement has occurred.

Abstract: An example medical device includes processing circuitry configured to determine an electrode impedance value for each of one or more electrodes of a lead coupled to the medical device, identify one or more of the electrodes having electrode impedance values that are greater than electrode impedance values of other electrodes of the lead, from the identified one or more electrodes, determine a recommendation of electrodes to use for sensing a signal, and output information indicative of the recommendation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of electronic medical treatment, and provides an electroencephalograph device and system, a computer device, and a storage medium. The electroencephalograph device includes: a stimulation unit, configured for generating a stimulation signal; and an acquisition unit, configured for acquiring physiological electrical signals of a human brain. The acquiring, by the acquisition unit, the physiological electrical signals of the human brain includes: when the stimulation unit does not apply the stimulation signal to a human body, acquiring, by the acquisition unit, the physiological electrical signals of the human brain according to a first acquisition parameter; and when the stimulation unit applies the stimulation signal to the human body, acquiring, by the acquisition unit, the physiological electrical signals of the human brain according to a second acquisition parameter, the first acquisition parameter being different from the second acquisition parameter.

Abstract: This disclosure corresponds to methods and devices for tissue stimulation with electromagnetic fields by frequency scan, wherein the frequency scan refers to varying the electromagnetic field applied to a tissue via increments in frequency deltas while adapting to a tissue impedance response feedback. In addition, some methods of this disclosure allow determination of stimulation frequency bands so as to focus stimuli in said bands until the tissue impedance response returns to a tolerable level or exceeds a maximum stimulation time.