Abstract: A device for connecting an implantable heart prosthesis to the vascular system of a patient. The connecting device, intended for connecting a heart prosthesis, implantable in the pericardial cavity of a patient, to the vascular system of the patient, has an interface component equipped with a mitral interface element, a tricuspid interface element, an aortic interface element and a pulmonary interface element, which are intended for connection to the left atrium, the right atrium, the aorta and the pulmonary artery of the patient, each of the interface elements being provided with an orifice, and at least some of the interface elements having different orientations appropriate for taking up the orientations of the heart prosthesis and for respecting the anatomy of the patient, this connecting device making it possible in particular to fit the heart prosthesis in place more easily and more quickly.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an electrode array to a body of a user comprises a compressible pad having a first side that is configured to face toward the user, and a second side that is configured to face away from the user. The compressible pad comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first front facing side having a first front facing surface and a first back facing side having a first back facing surface. The first front facing side is spaced from the first back facing side in a front facing direction. The second portion has a second front facing side having a second front facing surface and a second back facing side having a second back facing surface. The first front facing side is configured to face toward the user. The first front facing side extends outwardly in the front facing direction to form an apex.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to using a lead ribbon with a catheter. In an illustrative example, the lead ribbon may include exposed electrode pads disposed on a surface in electrical communication with a conductive trace running towards a proximal end of the lead ribbon. For example, the lead ribbon may be bent and inserted within the catheter. For example, a bent end of the lead ribbon may be disposed at the catheter distal end. For example, in a deploy mode, the bent end extends out of the catheter distal end to form a lead ribbon ring. For example, the lead ribbon ring may engage a lumen of tissue and the exposed electrode pads may be oriented radially outward from the horizontal plane in electrical contact with the tissue. Various embodiments may advantageously provide a cost effective. damage mitigated, and size adjustable intro vivo simulation device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-frequency energy transmission device which noninvasively transmits high-frequency energy to the deep layer of the skin. The high-frequency energy transmission device includes: a tip; and a handpiece mechanically and electrically combined with the tip. The tip includes: an electrode for noninvasively emitting high-frequency energy to the deep layer of the skin; and a plurality of temperature sensors arranged in such a way that the electrode is interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A system advantageously includes a handheld device with a body with two pairs of electrodes mounted or carried by respective arms extending from the handheld body, where at least one pair of arms is movable (e.g., pivotal, rotatable) with respect the body and hence with respect to the other pair of arms. The moveable arms can be biased toward an un-rotated position or orientation, applying a tension to bodily tissue via the moveable arms when rotated out of the un-rotated position or orientation. The system optionally includes a circuit integral to the handheld device, or integral to a console to which the handheld device is coupled, the apparatus operable to deliver microcurrent signals via two separate channels and via interferential signals between the two separate channels, to facilitate kinesiology facial sculpting application in conjunction with the delivery of microcurrent signals, which can be employed in cosmetic applications.

Abstract: A method for aesthetic soft tissue treatment includes placing at least one applicator in contact with the patient's body. The applicator has at least one electrode. Electrotherapy and radio frequency therapy are provided to the soft tissue, optionally with overlay or sequentially. A handheld applicator may be used, with the applicator moving during the therapy, which may provide muscle stimulation in the patient, or provide an analgesic effect during the treatment. A spacing object may be positioned between the skin of the patient and the applicator.

Abstract: Increasing the strength of tumor treating Fields (TTFields) or other alternating electric field treatments will typically increase the efficacy of treatment. This application discloses methods of determining where to position a plurality of electrode elements on a subject's body so that higher currents (which yield higher-strength fields) can be driven through the electrode elements during a treatment session without overheating the electrode elements. The position selection is based on the fact that some regions on the surface of a given subject's body are better at carrying heat away from the electrode elements, as compared to other regions that may only be a short distance away. And the methods disclosed herein rely on positioning the electrode elements at the regions that are better at carrying heat away from the electrode elements.

Abstract: A male contraception apparatus for obtaining temporary sterility of a male mammalian individual is provided. The apparatus comprising an implantable restriction device adapted to restrict vas deference in the region downstream the ampulla during a controlled period, said device thereby being capable of preventing sperms to reach the urethra, a control device for controlling the operation of the restriction device, and at least one implantable sensor adapted to send a measurement or an indication of the measurement to the control device.

Abstract: A method for a genital tissue treatment comprises providing a device including a central control unit, an energy generator and an internal applicator, wherein the internal applicator is detachable and includes at least one ring-shaped circular energy delivery element encircling or around the internal applicator, with the at least one circular energy delivery element, inserting the internal applicator into vagina and into or onto the genital tissue, transferring radiofrequency energy into the genital tissue, heating the genital tissue and, wherein the applicator includes at least one temperature sensor in communication with the central control unit or the energy generator and providing a feedback during treatment, wherein the feedback includes changing output of at least one energy delivery element.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for delivering energy impulses (and/or fields) to bodily tissues for therapeutic purposes. A system for stimulating a nerve within a patient comprises a stimulator having an electrode configured for contacting the outer skin surface at, or near the target location and an energy source coupled to the stimulator, The energy source is configured to generate at least one electrical impulse and to transmit the electrical impulse transcutaneously from the electrode through the outer skin surface of the patient to a selected nerve in the patient adjacent to, or near, the target location. The system further comprises a software application configured for downloading onto a user interface. The software application controls parameters of the stimulator, which may be based on a physiological parameter of the patient and/or user status information related to the effectiveness of the therapy.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation within or mounting on a patient's body includes an accelerator unit, a data memory unit and a processor which are electrically interconnected. Three orthogonal axes (XD, YD, ZD) are defined for the medical device and three orthogonal axes (XP, YP, ZP) are defined for the patient's body. The accelerator unit is configured to determine 3-dimensional proper acceleration data along sensitive axes corresponding to the three orthogonal axes of the medical device (XD, YD, ZD). In order to provide an automatic estimation of medical device orientation with regard to a patient's body (thereby overcoming the drawbacks of manual calibration methods) which does not make a priori assumptions about the device's orientation or specific prevalence, the processor is configured to process said acceleration data determined by the accelerator unit.

Abstract: When transducer arrays (i.e., arrays of electrode elements) are used to apply alternating electric fields to a subject's body, the subject may experience electrosensation. This electrosensation can be ameliorated by increasing the number of steps when the voltage ramps up from zero to its peak when the AC voltage is first applied to any given transducer array, and also when the alternating electric field switches direction.

Abstract: When transducer arrays (i.e., arrays of electrode elements) are used to apply alternating electric fields to a subject's body, the subject may experience electrosensation, particularly during portions of the waveform where the amplitude of the AC voltage is ramping up. This electrosensation can be ameliorated by synchronizing the step-to-step transitions in amplitude with the AC signal so that when a given step-to-step transition occurs while the AC signal has a given polarity, the very next step-to-step transitions will occur while the AC signal has the opposite polarity.

Abstract: A noninvasive/minimally invasive neuromodulation system and method for providing therapy to a target neural tissue of a patient. In one arrangement, an example method comprises applying at least two input waveforms to respective pairs of electrodes affixed on the patient's skin or subcutaneously disposed relative to the target neural tissue, wherein the frequencies of the input waveforms are configured such that they combine, when simultaneously applied, to generate a beat waveform having a beat frequency due to interference. The beat waveform is causative of a transcutaneous/subcutaneous temporal interference (T/STI) electric field generated in the patient body, the T/STI electric field including an interference region at least partially overlapping the target neural tissue of the patient, wherein the beat frequency is of a value operative to impart a therapeutic effect to the target neural tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for applying stimulation therapy to a patient, the system including a first stimulation strip that includes a first elongated portion configured to be placed on the upper eyelid of the first eye of the patient and a second elongated portion configured to be placed on the lower eyelid of the first eye of the patient, wherein the first stimulation strip includes: a first plurality of individually controlled electrodes configured to deliver a microcurrent stimulation therapy to the patient, a first plurality of individually controlled light emitters configured to deliver light stimulation therapy to the patient, and a first plurality of individually controlled heat sources configured to deliver heat therapy to the patient; and a controller operatively coupled to the first stimulation strip and configured to control delivery of the microcurrent stimulation therapy, the light stimulation therapy, and the heat therapy.

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: An implantable wireless lead includes an enclosure, the enclosure housing: one or more electrodes configured to apply one or more electrical pulses to a neural tissue; a first antenna configured to: receive, from a second antenna and through electrical radiative coupling, an input signal containing electrical energy, the second antenna being physically separate from the implantable neural stimulator lead; one or more circuits electrically connected to the first antenna, the circuits configured to: create the one or more electrical pulses suitable for stimulation of the neural tissue using the electrical energy contained in the input signal; and supply the one or more electrical pulses to the one or more electrodes, wherein the enclosure is shaped and arranged for delivery into a subject's body through an introducer or a needle.

Abstract: The present disclose generally relates to systems and methods for active titration of one or more cranial or peripheral nerve stimulators to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The active titration can be accomplished in an automated fashion by a closed-loop process. The closed-loop process can be executed by a computing device that includes a non-transitory memory storing instructions and a processor to execute the instructions to perform operations. The operations can include defining initial parameters for the one or more cranial or peripheral nerve stimulators for a patient; receiving sensor data from sensors associated with the patient based on a stimulation with the one or more cranial or peripheral stimulators programmed according to the initial parameters; and adjusting the initial parameters based on the sensor data.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation system having a stimulation unit coupled to a programmable controller, a stimulation circuit and an array of electrodes disposed on a pair of flexible paddles is provided for selectively stimulating at least one pelvic (e.g., cavernous) nerve. The implantable stimulation system may be programmed to run a first stimulation pulse sequence corresponding to a first mode for invoking a rapid erectile response for sexual performance and potential ejaculation, a second mode for invoking a rapid erectile response sufficient to facilitate a medical procedure such as application of a urinary catheter, a third nerve rehabilitation stimulation mode for rehabilitating neural transmission to thereby treat urinary incontinence and/or bowel dysfunction, and/or a fourth penile rehabilitation mode for reducing penile fibrosis. Methods of operating the system also are provided.

Abstract: Examples are directed to an apparatus, device and/or method comprising selectively stimulating, via at least one stimulation element, glossopharyngeal-related tissue of a patient to promote upper airway patency.

Abstract: Evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) may be used to determine therapy. For example, a medical device includes stimulation generation circuitry and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to determine if a characteristic of a first ECAP is greater than a threshold ECAP characteristic value. Based on the characteristic of the first ECAP being greater than the threshold ECAP characteristic value, the processing circuitry is configured to decrease a parameter of a first set of pulses delivered by the stimulation generation circuitry after the first ECAP. Additionally, the processing circuitry is configured to determine if a characteristic of a second ECAP is less than the threshold ECAP characteristic value and based on the characteristic of the second ECAP being less than the threshold ECAP characteristic value, increase a parameter of a second set of pulses delivered by the stimulation generation circuitry after the second ECAP.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for nerve conduction block that can involve the delivery of relatively high amounts of charge safely to tissue. Such systems and methods can include control systems for safely monitoring a direct current electrode system, including delivering direct current via an electrode lead to a target tissue of a patient; measuring the driving voltage across the electrode; comparing the driving voltage across the electrode to predetermined threshold range values; measuring the body impedance; determining a voltage drop across the lead from the body impedance measurement; and adjusting the driving voltage to maintain the voltage drop across the lead within a predetermined voltage range.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes multiple stimulation engines for independently stimulating respective electrode sets of a lead system while avoiding collisions and/or channel contention during stimulation delivery. A first voltage multiplier is configured to generate an adjustable target voltage having sufficient headroom at an output node that is commonly coupled to anodic nodes of respective stimulation engines. Each stimulation engine includes a secondary voltage multiplier to drive the respective anode and a current regulator powered by a floating voltage supply, wherein the current regulator is coupled to a cathodic node and configured to control how much stimulation current is pulled from the patient tissue.

Abstract: An implantable medical device configured to provide for an intracardiac function comprises a body, a sensor arrangement arranged on the body and configured to receive a cardiac sense signal, and a processing circuitry operatively connected to the sensor arrangement. The processing circuitry is configured to process the cardiac sense signal received using the sensor arrangement to detect a signal deflection in the cardiac sense signal potentially indicative of an atrial event caused by atrial activity, and to start a peak detection window based on the detection of said signal deflection for determining a peak amplitude associated with said atrial event. The peak detection window comprises one or more sub-windows, the processing circuitry being configured to determine a candidate peak value in each sub-window and to set the peak amplitude based on the valid candidate peak values of the one or more consecutive sub-windows.

Abstract: Ambulatory medical devices may occasionally improperly administer a therapeutic stimulation pulse to a patient upon an incorrect detection of arrhythmia in the patient. To address these improperly administered therapeutic stimulation pulses, an ambulatory medical device includes processes and systems for verifying an initial declaration of an arrhythmia. The ambulatory medical device described include at least one first sensing electrode and at least one second sensing electrode distinct from the at least one first sensing electrode. First electrocardiogram (ECG) signals detected by the first sensing electrode are analyzed to provide an initial declaration of the arrhythmia condition of the patient. As a treatment protocol is being initiated in response to the analysis of the first ECG signals, second ECG signals detected by the second sensing electrode are analyzed to verify the initial declaration of the arrhythmia.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a lead configured to be located within a septal wall, a monitor configured to obtain cardiac activity signals, and a memory configured to store program instructions. The system also includes one or more processors that, when executing the program instructions, are configured to obtain morphology data related to the cardiac activity signals indicative of the lead located at different depths within the septal wall, the morphology data including a set of data values associated with different depths of the lead within the septal wall, and determine when the lead is located at a target depth within the septal wall based on the morphology data.

Abstract: An ear-piece assembly includes (i) an antenna portion enclosing a transmitting antenna configured to send one or more input signals containing electrical energy to a passive implantable neural stimulator device such that the passive implantable neural stimulator generates one or more stimulation pulses suitable for stimulating a neural structure in the craniofacial region solely using the electrical energy in the input signals; and (ii) an enclosure coupled to the antenna portion, wherein enclosure is sized and shaped to be mounted on a helix portion of an ear such that, when worn by a patient, weight from the enclosure is distributed over the helix portion of the ear for the enclosure to rest thereon, wherein the enclosure comprises (i) a controller module configured to provide the one or more input signals to the transmitting antenna, and (ii) a battery adapted to provide energy to the ear-piece assembly.

Abstract: An implantable medical device can include a housing including electronic devices within the housing; a header attached to the housing and including one or more bores configured to receive a lead; and wherein one of the bores includes a structure wherein a first section of the bore includes walls having a relatively lower coefficient of friction compared to walls of the bore at a closed tip end section of the bore.

Abstract: An implantable medical device can include a housing including electronic devices within the housing; a header attached to the housing and including one or more bores configured to receive a lead; and a set screw positioned in the header and configured to clamp to a lead inserted to the bore; wherein, a gel is inserted into a cavity around a head of the set screw.

Abstract: An implantable medical device can include a housing including electronic devices within the housing; a header attached to the housing and including one or more bores; a wire extending from the housing into the header and coupled to an electrical contact within the bore; and a wire clip configured to position and retain the wire relative to the header.

Abstract: An implantable medical device can include a housing including electronic devices within the housing; a header attached to the housing and including one or more bores; and a feedthrough assembly between the housing and the header; wherein the electronic devices include a PCB electronically connected to the header by a feedthrough wire running from the feedthrough assembly to the PCB, wherein the feedthrough wire extends through the PCB and includes a dome-shaped end adapted to be attached to a connector ribbon by laser wire bonding.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to affix or print an identifier material on a lead port assembly to identify a type of the lead port assembly before placement in a header of an implantable medical device.

Abstract: An accessory dock is described, the accessory dock for docking wireless accessories that are configured to be used with a medical device. The accessory dock has at least one docking receptacle configured to receive a wireless accessory. In some examples, the wireless accessory receives power from the medical device upon being positioned within a threshold distance of the medical device to charge a battery of the wireless accessory. In some examples, the wireless accessory pairs with the medical device upon being positioned within a threshold distance of the medical device. In some examples, a processor of the medical device causes performance of an accessory health check upon the wireless accessory being docked in the docking receptacle, the accessory health check for determining a readiness of the wireless accessory.

Abstract: A garment configured to generate an AC voltage, the garment including: a support layer configured to be worn on a subject's body; an amplifier for converting an input voltage to the AC voltage; control circuitry communicatively coupled to the amplifier and configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage output from the amplifier; and at least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to supply the input voltage to the amplifier; wherein the amplifier, the control circuitry, and the at least one battery are integrated into the garment such that the weight of the amplifier, the control circuitry, and the at least one battery is supported by the support layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a radio frequency (RF) array control device, a therapy instrument and a treatment method. The device includes: an electrode group determination module to determine at least one target electrode group from multiple candidate electrodes of the RF electrode array according to the target output mode; a control module to control the RF power supply to output RF energy to the target electrode group according to the preset treatment duration so that the target electrode group transmits the RF energy to the target area; and an electrode group update module to delete the target electrode group from multiple candidate electrodes and to obtain updated multiple candidate electrode groups.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a dual mode, high-sensitivity, and low-cost applicator array based on split-ring resonators (SRR) and microstrip coupled lines serves as both an imaging and treatment tool for skin cancers. The applicator array consists of 3×3 unit cells, in which each unit in a row is tuned to a separate frequency, ranging from 8 to 15 GHz (unloaded). Via fences surrounding the unit cells provide E-field shielding and enhance resonance. The excitation is coupled magnetically from microstrip to SRRs and generates strong E-fields across the gap between SRR loop terminals. By observing the resonance shift and attenuation under different material under test (MUT), skin in one case, permittivity differences can be analyzed to distinguish malignancies from healthy tissue. Using the same applicator array, hyperthermia capability requires less than 5 W of power to cause significant temperature elevation.

Abstract: Systems and devices for continuous heating combined with oscillatory magnetic stimulation of the ST36 acupoint and/or other acupoint(s) by noninvasive noninvasive heating and transcutaneous magnetic field stimulation, and applied to the treatment of several physical conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for destroying or inhibiting cancer cells and other rapidly-dividing cells including an alternating polarity (AP) magnetic field generator and one or more AP electromagnetic coil adapted to be coupled to at least a portion of a patient's body, and a controller to control the AP magnetic field generator and at least one AP electromagnetic coil and cause the field generator and coil to apply AP magnetic field having a frequency of 0.5-500 KHz and a field strength of 0.5-5 mT to the at least a portion of the patient's body area to achieve a desired inhibiting effect on cancer cells or other rapidly-dividing cells. Treatments provided by the system may be co-administered with an anti-cancer therapy such as a chemotherapy drug, a hormone therapy drug, targeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy drugs, an angiogenesis inhibitor drug, or tumor treatment field therapy.

Abstract: The invention deals with a patch antenna (28) for a near field radiation. The patch antenna comprises an element (52) that has a surface intended to cover a skin of a user. Furthermore, the element (52) intended to cover the skin is arranged to make the impedance of the antenna (28) matching an impedance of skin.

Abstract: Methods are provided for regulating tooth movement and for maintaining or improving tissue health using heavy forces. Such methods comprise allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted. The light can have a wavelength in the range of about 585 nm to about 665 nm, or about 815 nm to about 895 nm. An apparatus useful for providing light therapy is also provided.

Abstract: An emission enhancement structure having at least one energy augmentation structure; and an energy converter capable of receiving energy from an energy source, converting the energy and emitting therefrom a light of a different energy than the received energy. The energy converter is disposed in a vicinity of the at least one energy augmentation structure such that the emitted light is emitted with an intensity larger than if the converter were remote from the at least one energy augmentation structure. Also described are various uses for the energy emitters, energy augmentation structures and energy collectors in a wide array of fields, such as color enhancement, and color enhancement structures containing the same.

Abstract: A method for performing ablative radiotherapy includes registering a first coordinate system of a tracking system for tracking a distal end of an intra-body catheter with a second coordinate system of a beam-directing system, tracking the location of a distal end of the catheter, receiving instructions from a user to ablate target tissue within the body with the beam-directing system and based on the registration and the tracking, aiming the beam-directing system at the target tissue so as to facilitate directing the therapeutic beams of radiation at the target tissue.

Abstract: A radiotherapy device, a computer-implemented method and a computer-readable medium are provided. The radiotherapy device comprises an accelerating structure, a magnetron and a controller communicatively coupled to the accelerating structure and the magnetron. The controller is configured to determine a predicted resonant frequency change of the accelerating structure based on an predicted operation of the radiotherapy device. The controller is further configured to adjust an output frequency of the magnetron by the predicted resonant frequency change.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an image director of a patient monitoring system to obtain calibration images of a calibration sheet or other calibration object at various orientations and locations. The images are then stored and processed to calculate camera parameters defining the location and orientation of the image detector and identifying internal characteristics of the image detector, and the information are stored. The patient monitoring system can be re-calibrated by using the image detector to obtain an additional image of a calibration sheet or calibration object. The additional image and the stored camera parameters are then used to detect any apparent change in the internal characteristics of the image detector (10)(S6-4).

Abstract: An ion source 3 includes a discharge chamber 36 for generating ions, gas pipes 24 and 25 for supplying a sample gas to the discharge chamber 36, and an extraction hole 37 for extracting the ions from the discharge chamber 36, and at least two discharge chambers 36 are arranged side by side. As a result, provided are a circular accelerator, a particle therapy system, and an ion source in which an operation rate and maintainability of an apparatus are improved as compared with the related art.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound system, such as a handheld ultrasound device or a flexible patch, includes an ultrasound transducer in direct contact with a portion of facial skin. The ultrasound transducer generates surface acoustic waves (SAW) across the portion of facial skin to improve properties of the skin and/or enhance absorption of a facial skin care product by enabling an active ingredient of the facial skin care product to penetrate the stratum corneum layer and be delivered to sub-dermal tissues of the skin.

Abstract: A climb safety device where movement of a load bearing member relative to an attachment member is resisted by a biasing element.

Abstract: A glass breaking tool that includes an impact head optimized to improve impact force and retraction of glass. The glass-breaking tools system includes an impact head, solid rubber or plastic handle or telescoping baton and adapters to connect the impact head to the baton. The impact head has glass-breaking projections aligned to accommodate a lateral swinging motion so that at least one pin will make contact with the glass even when the baton is swung laterally to the longitudinal axis of the baton. The shape and orientation of the components are designed to optimize performance. The impact head extends along a longitudinal axis from a first axial end to a second axial end and a handle attached to the second axial end of the impact head.

Abstract: A safety harness for an operator of a machine includes an air bladder attached to the safety harness such that the bladder is positioned between the operator and the harness. A pressure sensor is connected to the pressure sensor. A comparator circuit receives an output voltage of the pressure sensor and compares it to a reference voltage setpoint. When the safety harness is not worn by the operator the voltage output of the air pressure sensor is below the threshold reference voltage of the comparator circuit and when the safety harness is worn and tensioned the air bladder results in an increase in the output voltage from the air pressure sensor to determine whether the safety harness is being worn to switch the machine interlock when the operator is safely fastened into the harness.

Abstract: Various devices, assemblies, components, systems, and methods are provided relating to a waist padding assembly. An example assembly may include a center portion and two side portions. The center portion may comprise a porous ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material and configured to contact a back of a user. The center portion may further comprise a warp mesh material and a 3D spacer fabric. The EVA material may comprise a plurality of holes to assist with the breathability of a waist padding assembly. The two side portions may be configured to secure to respective opposite sides of the center portion. The two side portions may comprise a polyurethane foam material configured to contact the flanks of the user.