Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a blood pump that includes an axial shaft configured for insertion, over a guidewire, into a subject's body, and for rotation within the subject's body. The axial shaft is shaped to define a shaft lumen for passage of the guidewire therethrough. An impeller is coupled to the axial shaft such that, as the axial shaft rotates, the impeller pumps blood of the subject. A thrust bearing is disposed distally from the axial shaft so as to inhibit distal movement of the axial shaft beyond the thrust bearing. The thrust bearing is shaped to define a bearing lumen that is configured to be continuous with the shaft lumen. At least a portion of the bearing lumen is frustoconically-shaped, a wider end of the frustoconically-shaped portion of the bearing lumen facing distally. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a blood pump that includes an axial shaft configured for insertion into, and rotation within, a subject's body, and an impeller coupled to the axial shaft such that, as the axial shaft rotates, the impeller pumps blood of the subject. A frame surrounds the impeller and includes a distal conical portion. A bearing adjacent to the axial shaft is configured to stabilize the axial shaft while the axial shaft rotates. A bearing housing houses the bearing. The bearing housing is disposed at least partly within the distal conical portion of the frame such that at least 50% of the length of the bearing housing is disposed within the frame. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A system for simulating cardiovascular fluid flow having a target fluid flow profile, which has target pulsatile flow and target systemic resistance components, in a test member is disclosed. The system includes a reservoir, a pump, input and output channels, a first valve in the input channel, a second valve in the output channel, and a processor. The input and output channels are connectable to the test member so as to form a fluid circuit with the test member. The processor is configured to execute a method for controlling the first valve to generate the target pulsatile flow component in the input channel, and controlling the second valve to generate the target systemic pressure component. Other systems are also disclosed. Methods for simulating target fluid flow profiles in a test member are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including inserting a drive-cable end of a drive cable, which includes a plurality of coiled wires, and a hollow-shaft end of a hollow shaft, which hollow-shaft end is shaped to define multiple shaft pores, into opposing ends of a coupling tube, which is shaped to define multiple coupling-tube pores. While the drive-cable end and hollow-shaft end are inside the coupling tube, a molten material is flowed between the coiled wires at the drive-cable end via the coupling-tube pores, and into the hollow-shaft end via the coupling-tube pores and shaft pores, such that, upon solidifying, the material bonds the drive cable to the shaft. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bio-implantable bladder treatment device, and a method for manufacturing an electronic web and an electronic thread included therein. The bio-implantable bladder treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an electronic web which is installable to cover the outer circumference of the bladder; and an electronic thread inserted into the electronic web to be coupled to the electronic web and configured to measure a state of the bladder.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to implantable systems for cancer treatment including electrodes that can aid in thermal management. In an embodiment, an implantable lead for a cancer treatment system is included having a lead body with a proximal end and a distal end. The lead body can define sides of a tissue exclusion channel. The lead can include one or more supply electrodes, wherein the electrodes are disposed along a length of the lead body. The tissue exclusion channel can be disposed circumferentially around the electrodes. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A pacing device, such as a pacing lead or a biostimulator, includes a tip electrode electrically connected to an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor conveys pacing impulses from pacing circuitry to the tip electrode. The tip electrode extends along a spiral axis and has a surface that, at a position along the spiral axis, includes an insulative portion and a conductive portion. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an MRI compatible magnet for a cochlear implant, comprising a base, an upper shell, a bracket, a magnet, needle rollers and a lower shell, wherein the upper shell and the lower shell form a closed space, and the magnet and the bracket are arranged in the closed space; the magnet is in an axisymmetric polygonal disk shape; the magnetic pole of the magnet is divided into two halves from the top view, one half is an N pole, and the other half is an S pole; the magnet is arranged in the bracket; the bracket is matched with the magnet in shape, and the bracket rotates with the magnet when the magnet rotates axially; a plurality of positioning slots are provided on the outer side face of the bracket; and , the needle rollers are accommodated in the positioning slots, and the needle rollers are cylindrical and can axially roll in the positioning slots without slipping off.

Abstract: An electrostimulation treatment device is provided for performing handheld microcurrent muscle toning treatments in absence of the assistance of another person. The electrostimulation treatment device includes a handle section disposed between a treatment end and an accessories end. The treatment end includes one or more electrodes that are configured to supply an electric microcurrent to the skin and muscles of the user. The electrodes may be being pressed against the skin to manipulate the skin and muscles such that the muscles are forced into a desired form for re-education. The accessories end is adapted to receive one or more accessory connectors and a USB connector. The USB connector is configured to be coupled with an external computing device for operating the electrostimulation treatment device. The accessory connectors facilitate coupling the electrostimulation treatment device with external accessory devices, such as a lip mask, an eye mask, or a conductive glove.

Abstract: A sexual modulation device, including: a skin patch including a body. wherein the skin patch has a surface configured to attach the skin patch to a skin surface of an anatomical region located near a genital organ: wherein the skin patch body. includes: a central portion, at least two extensions extending from the central portion. wherein the extensions include a first extension and a second extension: at least one opening between the first extension and the second extension shaped and sized to receive a genital organ: at least two electrodes, suitable to transcutaneously deliver electrical impulses. wherein each of the at least two electrodes is located at a different extension, and at opposite sides of the genital organ: an electronic circuitry and power supply configured to deliver the electrical impulses between the at least two electrodes: and wherein the central portion is soft enough to be used during sexual intercourse.

Abstract: A device for treating sleep disordered breathing includes a stimulation element to stimulate an airway patency related nerve.

Abstract: A means for treating breathing disorders by stimulating respiratory muscles or nerves to entrain respiratory systems while leaving respiratory drive intact. Embodiments of the invention employ frequency analysis to determine if appropriate stimulation energy is being applied.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for optimizing electrode placement that directly exploits the thresholding phenomenon of neurons. The method employs a loss function which only becomes non-zero when the electric field is above a user-specified threshold in the cancel region, thereby allowing for fields which can have significant non-zero current in the cancel region, but still provide more focused neural activation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described to produce therapeutic effects in a patient by utilizing an energy source that transmits energy non-invasively to nervous tissue. A device for modulating a nerve within a body of a patient comprises a housing comprising a power supply and a signal generator for generating an electrical impulse. The electrical impulse comprises bursts of 2 to 20 pulses, wherein each of the bursts has a frequency of 15 to 50 Hz. The device further comprises first and second electrodes coupled to the housing and having a contact surface configured for contacting an outer skin surface of a neck of a user. The energy source is configured to transmit the electrical impulse from the first and second electrodes through the outer skin surface of the user to a vagus nerve.

Abstract: An electrical muscle stimulation system that includes at least one electrode configured to transmit an electrical current, at least one sensing device configured to detect a physiological characteristic of a user, and at least one controller in communication with the at least one electrode and the at least one sensing device. The at least one controller is configured to activate the at least one electrode in response to the at least one sensing device detecting the physiological characteristic of the user.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical formulations are provided for modulating permeability and other properties of the blood labyrinth barrier (BLB) of the inner car. Such methods could be used in known control systems for monitoring and treating CI recipients and individuals have hearing loss-related conditions, disorders and diseases, including for example. Meniere's disease.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed to establish programming of an implantable electrical neurostimulation device for treating chronic pain of a human subject, through the use of a dynamic model adapted to determine pain treatment parameters for a human patient and identify a new device operational program to implement the pain treatment parameters to address the chronic pain condition.

Abstract: A method for directing an electrostimulation therapy includes receiving a scan image of a treatment region and determining a purported location of a stimulation probe inserted within the scan image. A modeling application or computational engine determines a position of a target region within the scan image relative to the purported location, and computes a strength of the electrical energy at the position based on a Fast Multipole Method (FMM) using LU (Lower/Upper) factorization, and concludes an efficacy resulting from activation of an electrode delivering the electrical energy resulting from the stimulation probe at the purported location.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of the stroke by electrically operating sodium-potassium (Na/K) pumps that consume one ATP to actively transport 3 Na+ and 2 K+ ions. The system and method provide a specially designed energy generating synchronization modulation electric field and utilizing a 4-electrode array to apply the field to the brain to effectively run the pump molecules in their physiological running mode by first consuming one ATP molecule to actively extrude 3 Na by exchanging 2 K ions; synchronizing the pump molecules down to individual steps throughout the pumping cycle; accelerating the moving ions to inject electric energy to the pumps; using electric energy to synthesize one ATP molecule at end of each pumping cycle; and modulating the pumping rate going up or going down to a pre-determined value. Consequently, the ATP molecules are recycled in the process of build-up ionic concentration gradient but not consumed. Electric energy becomes the driving force for the pumping cycle.

Abstract: A system includes a memory and processing circuitry coupled to the memory. The processing circuitry is configured to cause stimulation circuitry to deliver an electrical stimulation signal to a target neural population, wherein the electrical stimulation signal is modulated between a first level and a second level over time, wherein the delivery of the electrical stimulation signal at the first level recruits a first collateral neural population, and the delivery of the electrical stimulation signal at the second level recruits a second collateral neural population.

Abstract: A neural stimulation device is disclosed, including: a pulse generator, an evoked compound action potential (ECAP) sensor, and a neural stimulation controller. The neural stimulation controller instructs the ECAP sensor to sense an ECAP after a pulse is generated by the pulse generator within a first pulse generation cycle, adjust an amplitude of a pulse generated within a second pulse generation cycle in response to a peak-to-peak value of the ECAP being not in a comfort range, and adjust, according to an expected peak-to-peak value, an amplitude of a pulse generated within a third pulse generation cycle in response to a peak-to-peak value of the ECAP after the pulse is generated within the second pulse generation cycle being still not in the comfort range. The expected peak-to-peak value is in the comfort range including an amplitude dimension of the pulse and a peak-to-peak value dimension of the ECAP.

Abstract: The present invention discloses means and methods for performing evaluation of an electrocardiogram (ECG) morphology in an implantable device, optionally the implantable device has a single ECG sensing lead.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMO) includes one or more stimulation engines (SEs) and selectively connectable output switching circuitry for driving a plurality of output nodes associated with a respective plurality of electrodes of the IMO's lead system when implanted in a patient. The output switching circuitry may be configured to facilitate self-test mode (STM) functionality in the IMO (e.g., when it is in a hermetically sealed package) by using a dual mode switch in series with a stimulation engine selection switch with respect to each output node in the output switching circuitry under mode selection control.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering stimulation to a patient is provided. The apparatus includes an external system for transmitting one or more transmission signals and having at least one antenna, a transmitter, a power supply, and a controller. The apparatus further includes an implantable system for receiving the one or more transmission signals and having at least one antenna, a receiver, at least one stimulation element, a controller, and an energy storage assembly. The at least one stimulation element delivers stimulation energy to tissue of the patient. Methods of delivering stimulation energy are also provided.

Abstract: An illustrative timing-based power control apparatus includes a signal generation circuit and a power control circuit. The signal generation circuit is configured to generate a carrier signal for wireless transmission of output power and output data, the carrier signal associated with a first fundamental component having a particular frequency, a particular phase, and a first amplitude. The power control circuit is configured to generate a time-adjusted version of the carrier signal that maintains an amplitude of the carrier signal and adjusts a timing profile of the carrier signal such that a second fundamental component associated with the time-adjusted version of the carrier signal has the particular frequency, the particular phase, and a second amplitude lower than the first amplitude. The second amplitude may be associated with a target power level for the output power of the wireless transmission. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to absorb a portion of a positive or negative manufacturing tolerance of at least one component of a stacked bore assembly are disclosed, the stacked bore assembly comprising a first component having a distal mechanical feature and a second component having a proximal mechanical feature configured to engage the distal mechanical feature the first component to a shoulder on a first one of the distal mechanical feature of the first component or the proximal mechanical feature of the second component. The shoulder can be positioned at a distance from an end of the first one of the distal mechanical feature of the first component or the proximal mechanical feature of the second component shorter or longer than a length of a second of the distal mechanical feature of the first component or the proximal mechanical feature of the second component.

Abstract: A biostimulator, such as a leadless cardiac pacemaker, having a flexible circuit assembly, is described. The flexible circuit assembly is contained within an electronics compartment between a battery, a housing, and a header assembly of the biostimulator. The flexible circuit assembly includes a flexible substrate that folds into a stacked configuration in which an electrical connector and an electronic component of the flexible circuit assembly are enfolded by the flexible substrate. An aperture is located in a fold region of the flexible substrate to allow a feedthrough pin of the header assembly to pass through the folded structure into electrical contact with the electrical connector. The electronic component can be a processor to control delivery of a pacing impulse through the feedthrough pin to a pacing tip. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for a medical device includes connector apparatus of a medical device to provide electrical contact to at least one conductive lead, the apparatus comprising: at least one lead receptacle including an opening to receive the at least one conductive lead, wherein the at least one lead receptacle includes: at least a first electrode to contact the at least one conductive lead when the conductive lead is inserted into the lead receptacle; and a moveable visual indicator to be moved to become visible through the connector apparatus when the at least one conductive lead is inserted in the lead receptacle and contacts the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A wearable medical monitoring (WMM) system may be worn for a long time. Some embodiments of WMM systems are wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) systems. In such systems, ECG electrodes sense an ECG signal of the patient, and store it over the long-term. The stored ECG signal can be analyzed for helping long-term heart rate monitoring of the patient. The heart rate monitoring can be assisted a) by special filtering techniques that remove short-term variations inherent in patients' short-term heart rate determinations, and b) by indication techniques that indicate when conditions hampered sensing of the ECG signal too much for a reliable heart rate determination.

Abstract: Blood stagnation within a left atrial appendage (LAA) may be reduced by creating movement within the LAA. A variety of different actuatable devices, including magnetically actuated devices, may be implanted within the LAA. The actuatable device may be caused to become actuated, thereby causing the motion within the LAA. In some cases, causing the actuatable device to become actuated may include application of a magnetic field. In some cases, causing the actuatable device to become actuated may include subjecting the actuatable device to blood flow within the LAA.

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device includes an energy storage component having a metal case and one output pin; a circuit board including a supply connection and a ground connection; a first conductive wire connected to the supply connection of the circuit board and the output pin of the energy storage component; and a second conductive wire connected to the ground connection of the circuit board and the metal case of the energy storage component.

Abstract: A medical device for providing nonthermal plasma treatment to a patient by generating sufficient nonthermal plasma in the presence of the flow of an oxygen-free gas mixture that can quickly and safely treat infection or promote wound healing in the desired region wherein the device is flexible and easy to maneuver in difficult to access regions such as the nose, paranasal sinuses, throat, esophagus, and ears of a patient and wherein the device comprises an integrated vacuum/suction to capture reactive species that are generated by plasma to prevent the patient from inhaling harmful byproducts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to a patient is disclosed. In some embodiments, the PEMF therapy may be provided through an applicator that includes one or more PEMF emitter coils and a ferromagnetic field director. The ferromagnetic field director can direct a magnetic field away from an unused side of the applicator and towards the patient. In some embodiments, the applicator may include alternative therapy pads (e.g., heating pads, cooling pads, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) pads, and the like) in addition to the PEMF emitter coils.

Abstract: A device for geomagnetic ion cyclotron resonance feedback-controlled by a variation in specific body impedance comprises an exposure system (2), a signal generator with an amplifier (3), an impedance meter (4), at least one gaussmeter (5) and a feedback circuit, which, guides the administration based on the specific body impedance (per single frequency) for a selected duration of time. The gaussmeter (5) generates a reference signal (R) representing an intensity value of a spatial distribution of the magnetostatic or magnetoquasistatic field, with a reading of components in three dimensions, inside the treatment volume (T). The signal generator with amplifier (3) is configured to control the coils (2a) by modulating one or more characteristics of the electromagnetic field as a function, simultaneously, of the impedance signal (I) received from the user's body, and the operating signal (C) with an operating signal at a frequency of between 100 kHz and 300 kHz.

Abstract: A signal generator is configured to generate a signal to be converted into a biocompatible electromagnetic signal. A coil assembly is configured to receive the signal, and to produce a biocompatible electromagnetic frequency. A magnet assembly is positioned in relation to the coil assembly to augment the range of transmission of the biocompatible electromagnetic field (signal) in the environment. In this manner, the biocompatible electromagnetic signal is broadcast into the environment of a living organism, including a human, and imparts at least some beneficial influence to the living organism.

Abstract: A folded dipole patch antenna for use in a hyperthermia applicator is described. The antenna includes a dielectric circuit board, and a folded dipole microstrip antenna. The dielectric circuit board has a top side and a bottom side. The folded dipole microstrip antenna is formed on the top side and includes two meander paths mirror each other. A pair of parallel metallic strips is located on the bottom side. A coaxial feed port is connected to the pair of parallel metallic strips. The antenna is configured to resonate in a frequency range of about 434 MHz upon application of an input signal at the coaxial feed port. The folded dipole patch antenna has a small size and does not require an impedance matching circuit. The hyperthermia applicator is configured to emit microwave energy toward a target tissue within a human body.

Abstract: A floating ultraviolet irradiator is disclosed.

Abstract: A multifrequency neurostimulation device for improving cognitive performance of brain is disclosed. The device includes a portable brain entrainment device, comprising a body, a plurality of buttons enable plurality of operations, a light flicker module for emitting varying range of light frequency, a light intensity adjustment knob, a sound module for generating varying range of sound frequency, a volume adjustment knob, a control unit to synchronize the operation of the light flicker module and sound module as per a user's command, a timer tracks time duration of a light and/or sound therapy, a plurality of time-indicating LED (Light emitting diodes) lights indicates remaining time, a rechargeable battery for supplying power, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port enables establishment of a wired connection between the device and an external power source via a USB with an inbuilt voltage converter for recharging the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for photodynamic therapy includes: a catheter movable to a lesion site of tissues; a stent installed to be inserted into and retracted from an end of the catheter such that a length thereof is adjustable, and coated with a photosensitizer, and an optical fiber inserted into the catheter to be movable to be positioned at a central portion of the stent. The optical fiber irradiates the photosensitizer with a laser to activate the photosensitizer in a state where the stent is pulled out from the catheter and expanded.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may be drawn to brachytherapy applicators. Exemplary applicators may include an interstitial tube having a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a central conduit extending from the distal end of the body, wherein the central conduit includes a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a channel extending from the proximal opening to the distal opening, and wherein the proximal opening is offset from an axis of the body. The proximal opening may be configured to fluidly connect to a brachytherapy guide tube, and the channel of the central conduit may be dimensioned to receive at least one of a needle or a catheter therethrough.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a radiation therapy method can include loading a planning image of a target in a human. In addition, the position of the target can be monitored. A computation can be made of an occurrence of substantial alignment between the position of the target and the target of the planning image. Furthermore, after the computing, a beam of radiation is triggered to deliver a dosage to the target in a short period of time (e.g., less than a second).

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy is used for treating degenerative dementia. A focal point of an ultrasonic transducer beam is directed at a target area of the brain to promote removal of substances that accumulate in the interstitial pathways that are at least partially responsible for the degenerative dementia. In one example, the target area of the brain may comprise the hippocampus and the degenerative dementia may be Alzheimer's disease. The ultrasonic beam may stimulate brain tissue at a frequency that corresponds to a naturally occurring deep sleep burst frequency of neurons and subsequent astrocyte activation patterns that drive a convective process responsible for brain solute disposal. For example, the transducer may generate a burst frequency of between 1-4 hertz to stimulate deep sleep brain functions that help remove amyloid plaque.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of using planar or defocused acoustic waves for providing non-invasive sonodynamic therapy. The method includes acoustically coupling an array of piezoelectric transducers to a patient. A controller is configured to generate an electrical drive signal at a frequency selected from a range of frequencies, modulate the drive signal, and drive the transducer with the modulated drive signal at the frequency to produce modulated acoustic waves to produce an average acoustic intensity sufficient to activate a sonosensitizer in a treatment region without damaging healthy cells in the treatment region.

Abstract: An escape structure is applied to an external wall of a building and includes at least two slide bars, a plurality of foot board units, and a surround cover unit. The slide bars are mounted to the external wall of the building, and the two slide bars are spaced from each other by a distance. The plurality of foot board units are mounted to the slide bars, and the foot board units are arranged on the two slide bars in an alternate manner. The surround cover unit surrounds the slide bars to form an escape space. When a disaster (fire) occurs, an escaping person enters the escape space to follow the two slide bars to slide down in an alternate manner, and the foot board units receive the feet of the escaping person to stand thereon and provides an elastic cushioning effect.

Abstract: A tempered glass crushing device including a support unit (110) that is disposed in contact with a surface of a tempered glass to be crushed and has a tip movement hole (111a) formed in a plate surface thereof. The device further includes hitting unit (120) that is vertically movably coupled to an upper portion of the support unit (110) and has a crushing tip (123) for hitting the tempered glass through the tip movement hole (111a) while lowered to a central region. The device further includes a safety pin (140) inserted between the support unit (110) and the hitting unit (120) to prevent the hitting unit (120) from being lowered arbitrarily.

Abstract: An air quality monitoring device and associate method of monitoring air quality is provided. An example air quality monitoring device may include a housing comprising a chamber and an inlet port, a plurality of sensors to measure air quality data, and a controller. The inlet port is structured to selectively receive ambient air flow such that the sensors measure air quality data associated with the ambient air flow and to selectively receive air flow directly from an outlet port of a positive airway pressure machine such that the sensors measure air quality data associated with the air flow from positive airway pressure machine. The controller compares the measured air quality data associated with the ambient air flow with the measured air quality data associated with the air flow from the positive airway pressure machine to determine net air quality data associated with air flow from the positive airway pressure machine.

Abstract: Protective garments are disclosed having a fabric material treated with a durable water resistant treatment. In accordance with the present disclosure, the durable water resistant treatment is substantially free of fluorocarbon chemicals and yet provides not only excellent water resistance, but also has excellent durability properties.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a method for operating a blower so as to generate an at least substantially consistent output flowrate comprising programmatically determining an optimized motor speed based at least in part on blower motor data and a blower characterization curve, wherein the blower characterization curve defines a correlation between motor speed and motor voltage of a blower motor configured to generate a desired respirator output flowrate; and programmatically adjusting a motor voltage based at least in part on a comparison of measured motor speed data to the optimized motor speed, wherein the blower characterization curve is defined by one or more blower characterization equations derived based at least in part on a plurality of motor output calibration points. Various embodiments are directed to a respirator apparatus configured to generate an at least substantially consistent respirator output airflow.

Abstract: A face mask that covers at least the nose and mouth openings of a user. The face mask includes a body and one or more straps for securing the facemask to the head of the user. The body includes a support portion and a central portion, wherein the central portion is circumscribed by the support portion. The central portion is made from porous material, such as polypropylene, and is dome shaped. The central portion further has an opening for receiving a straw.

Abstract: A fall-protection safety harness is configured so that when the harness is worn by a user, a first ventral strap of the harness extends from the right shoulder of the user to the right hip of the user and a second ventral strap of the harness extends from the left shoulder of the user to the left hip of the user. A first buckle portion is mounted on the first ventral strap and a second buckle portion is mounted on the second ventral step.