Abstract: Intravascular imaging devices as well as methods for making and using intravascular imaging devices are disclosed. An intravascular imaging device, may include a catheter shaft assembly including a telescoping assembly and a catheter body. The catheter body may include a hypotube region, an imaging window region, and a distal end region having a guidewire lumen formed therein. At least a portion of the hypotube region may have a plurality of slots formed therein. An imaging core may be disposed within the catheter shaft assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter capable of preventing guide wire retention comprising a catheter body and a guide wire. The guide wire is made of a magnetic material or provided with a magnetic element and is configured to be inserted through the catheter body; wherein the catheter body is provided with at least one detachable magnetic attraction mechanism for attracting the guide wire and thereby holding the guide wire in position after the guide wire is inserted through the catheter body.

Abstract: Inflatable balloons for balloon catheters are disclosed, the inflatable balloons including varying compliance segments. As one example, an inflatable balloon for a medical catheter includes a first segment that has a first compliance and a second segment that has a second compliance, the first compliance higher than the second compliance. The first segment and the second segment extend axially along a length of the balloon and the first segment is configured to rupture prior to the second segment in an axial direction under pressure from an inflation fluid introduced into the balloon.

Abstract: An indeflation system includes a control unit configured to control an operation of a pump configured to pressurize or depressurize an inside of a catheter at a distal portion of which a balloon is provided, in which the control unit acquires a medical image of the balloon provided at the distal portion of the catheter inserted into a lumen, the balloon pressurized by the pump, detects presence or absence of an abnormality of the balloon on the basis of the medical image of the pressurized balloon, and controls the pump so as to depressurize the balloon in a case where the abnormality of the balloon is detected.

Abstract: A control device configured to control a pressurization and decompression operation of a pump configured to inflate and deflate a balloon by pressurizing and decompressing the balloon attached to a distal portion of a catheter through the catheter inserted into a luminal organ of a patient includes a control unit configured to acquire image data obtained by imaging the luminal organ at least while the pump is caused to perform a pressurization operation, determine whether air bubbles are mixed in an expansion medium injected into the balloon in the pressurization operation with reference to the acquired image data, and when it is determined that the air bubbles are mixed, cause the pump to perform a decompression operation before a preset decompression timing.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to implantable medical devices including one or more communication elements configured to transmit and/or receive communication signals. The one or more communication elements can be coupled to one or more components of the device. The communication signals can be used to control, transmit, and/or to receive information from one or more of the components. The communication element(s) can additionally be coupled to a power source and used to transfer power to the components, and/or to transfer operational signals from a first component to a second component. The communication element(s) can be configured to perform a first function at a first (e.g., high) frequency or frequency range, and to perform a second function at a second (e.g., low) frequency or frequency range.

Abstract: A method of diverting fluid flow from a first vessel including an occlusion to a second vessel includes deploying a prosthesis at least partially in a fistula and making valves in the second vessel incompetent. Making the valves in the second vessel incompetent includes at least one of using a reverse valvulotome to cut the valves, inflating a balloon, expanding a stent, and lining the second vessel with a stent.

Abstract: An implant delivery system includes an outer sheath and a shaft. An outer sheath distal end has an implant holding pod. An implant holding pod lumen extends between an implant holding pod proximal opening and an implant holding pod open tip. The implant holding pod lumen is for selectively holding an implant therein. An implant holding pod open slit extends at least partially between the implant holding pod open tip and an implant holding pod proximal end. A shaft distal end has an implant delivery element. At least one of a shaft body and the implant delivery element has a shaft open slit. When the shaft is operably joined to the outer sheath, at least a portion of the shaft open slit is selectively laterally spaced from the implant holding pod open slit.

Abstract: An interventional system is used to treat a lesion in a target anatomy. The interventional system includes a balloon catheter and a guidewire. The balloon catheter includes a balloon coupled to a catheter shaft. The catheter shaft includes a guidewire lumen having a lumen diameter. The guidewire includes a coil tip coupled to a guidewire shaft at a proximal joint. A coil diameter of the coil tip at the proximal joint is larger than the lumen diameter of the catheter shaft. The interventional system can be used to access and treat the lesion in the target anatomy. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices comprising one or more microstructures that are used to relieve, treat or prevent pain. The devices are designed such that they are inserted into the superficial layers of the skin to achieve pain relief. The devices are designed such that the microstructures are able to grasp and secure to the skin. The devices may consist of microstructures in arrays that are attached to a backing to enable the devices to adhere to the skin. Also provided are wound closure systems that comprise one or more microstructure devices along with other components, such as protective covers and therapeutics. A variety of packaging specifications are disclosed, as is a dispenser apparatus configured to enable simple one-handed application of the devices. Methods described herein provide for treatment of pain.

Abstract: A first tubular medical device having a lumen through which a guidewire is insertable and over which the first tubular medical device may be guided to a target site within a patient. The proximal end of the guidewire may be extended into a lumen defined through a second medical device so the second medical device may be guided over the guidewire alongside the first tubular medical device to the target site. The guidewire may be extended into a distal opening in the first tubular medical device and out a side opening of the first tubular medical device to be available for guiding the second medical device alongside the first tubular medical device.

Abstract: A valve hub assembly for use with a sheath includes a valve hub with a proximal end opposite a distal end, a first arm defining a lumen, and a second arm defining a lumen. A tightening port is arranged at the proximal end of the valve hub. The tightening port includes a hub cap engaged with the tightening port, a radially expandable seal positioned in a lumen of the hub cap, a pusher engaged with the radially expandable seal and at least partially disposed within the hub cap, and a lock nut arranged around the pusher and configured for pressing of the pusher against the radially expandable seal.

Abstract: A Y-type connector includes a main tube portion and a side tube portion and allows a catheter or a guide wire to be smoothly inserted and removed with small resistance when the catheter or the guide wire is inserted from the side tube portion. A Y-type connector includes a main body, a sliding member, and a lid member, in which the main body has a sliding member insertion hole formed at least in a merging portion between a main tube passage portion and a side tube passage portion, the sliding member is made of a material having higher slidability than a material of a Y-type connector main body portion, and is formed to be insertable into the sliding member insertion hole, and the lid member is formed to be attachable to the main body in a state in which a sliding member is inserted into the sliding member insertion hole.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a stem including optimized geometry configured to maximize fluid flow while facilitating engagement with a lumen of a catheter. The stem can define a lumen having a distal opening defining a first diameter. The tip structure can define a tip structure lumen having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The tip structure can include one or more fingers extending longitudinally distally and defining one or more slots. The tip structure can fit within the catheter lumen, facilitating engagement therewith, while the one or more slots can improve fluid flow, providing little or no reduction in fluid flow relative to the distal opening.

Abstract: A universal cap for connection to medical connectors facilitates easier cap alignment and engagement with threaded male or female Luer medical connectors and enhanced connector disinfection. A split-collar protrusion projects axially from a closed end wall of the cap towards the open bottom and comprises at least an opposed pair of parallel, sector-shaped, collet fingers/prongs that terminate in protrusion tips. The inner wall of each collet finger respectively defines a split-flange cantilever. Inner and outer walls of each collet finger define split threads, which are respectively sized for mating engagement with respective corresponding threads of Luer connectors. An antibacterial infused absorbent material is oriented between the split flanges and the cap bottom. As the cap is affixed to a Luer connector, absorbent material compression biases the split flanges and deflects the collet fingers/prongs, for easier cap alignment and engagement with Luer medical connectors and enhanced connector disinfection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a pump for supporting heart function, that includes a housing with a rotor disposed within the housing and spaced from an internal surface of the housing to define a clearance therebetween. An impeller is coupled to the rotor for propelling blood from a first inlet to an outlet of the housing along a primary blood flow path. The housing includes a second inlet fluidly coupled to the clearance between the rotor and the housing to define a secondary flow path through the clearance. The blood flowing through the secondary flow path continuously flushes the space between the rotor and the housing to minimize the formation and/or growth of blood clots and/or to remove heat generated by the pump.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided, including inserting an impeller and a delivery tube into a subject's body, the delivery tube including a braid having a pick density that varies along the delivery tube's length such that a flexural rigidity of the delivery tube at a first portion of the delivery tube is less than the flexural rigidity at a second portion of the delivery tube, and the flexural rigidity at the second portion is less than the flexural rigidity at a third portion of the delivery tube. The impeller and delivery tube are positioned such that the impeller is disposed within the subject's left ventricle and the delivery tube passes the subject's aorta into the left ventricle. Using a drive cable, which passes through the delivery tube, the impeller is rotated so as to pump blood from the left ventricle into the aorta. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An intravascular blood pump comprises a pumping device including an impeller and an electric motor for driving the impeller. A rotor of the electric motor is rotatable about an axis of rotation and coupled to the impeller so as to be able to cause rotation of the impeller. An outer sleeve forms a casing of the pumping device, wherein stator components are fixed inside the outer sleeve by means of a casting compound. In a method of manufacturing the blood pump the stator components are placed on a molding base, including the outer sleeve to thereby form an interspace between the molding base and the outer sleeve in which the stator components are disposed. The casting compound is then injected into the interspace via the molding base to fix the stator components inside the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve preferably comprises a magnetically conductive material to form a yoke of the electric motor.

Abstract: Membranes are provided to be specially developed for use in chambers for artificial circulatory assistance which may be employed primarily in cardiovascular procedures, notably to produce arterial capacitance, to regulate blood pressure, to produce aortic counterpulsation and to pump blood. The membrane may have circular sections that may vary in size or not depending on the function to be performed and are interconnected so that the transition between one section and the other is smooth, regardless of the size of each section. Further, chambers and pumps may be used for cardiopulmonary bypass and a pumping system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to control units for extracorporeal circulatory support as well as systems comprising such a control unit and corresponding methods. Accordingly, a control unit (10) for an extracorporeal circulatory support is suggested, which is configured to receive a measurement of an ECG signal (12) of a supported patient over a predetermined period of time and to provide said measurement for the extracorporeal circulatory support, wherein the ECG signal (12) comprises a signal level from at least one ECG lead (14A, 14B) for each time point within a cardiac cycle. The control unit (10) comprises an evaluation unit (16) which is configured to determine a signal difference (18) of a signal level of a current time point (12A) and a signal level of the preceding time point (12B) and to compare the signal difference (18) with a predetermined threshold value (20).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a ventricular assist device that includes an axial shaft and an impeller disposed on the axial shaft, the impeller being configured to pump blood. A frame is disposed around the impeller. The distal end of the axial shaft is configured to engage with a distal thrust bearing such as to prevent the axial shaft from undergoing axial motion in response to variations in the pressure gradient against which the impeller pumps blood. An impeller-stabilizing spring is disposed around the axial shaft between a distal end of the impeller and the thrust bearing, the impeller-stabilizing spring being configured to stabilize the distal end of the impeller. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method for coating a cannula having a proximal portion opposite a distal portion and a cannula body extending between the distal portion and the proximal portion includes, providing the cannula body, loading the cannula body onto a mandrel, dipping the cannula body into a polymer solution to form a dip coating along an inner surface of the cannula body, and applying an outer layer of polymer onto a cannula.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a blood pump including an axial shaft configured for insertion into, and rotation within, a body of a subject, 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. One or more steering wires are coupled to the frame and configured to extend from the frame, to outside the body of the subject, while the frame is within the body. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A cardiac assist system for pumping blood which can be introduced into a blood vessel through a catheter. The system comprises the pump, a pump housing and a tube connected to the pump housing. An inlet guide nozzle in fluid communication with the tube may have a minimum-width constriction, e.g. located at about 50%, or more or less, of the length of the nozzle in the flow direction. The nozzle may have a curved contour protruding into the flow channel with a single concavity or convexity along an entire length thereof. A distal lip of the nozzle may be curved.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating chronic pain occurring secondarily to subacromial impingement syndrome in a human body. A system is provided to deliver percutaneous electrical stimulation through at least one electrode to neurological motor points of the posterior and middle deltoid muscles to mediate such pain. One-time, continued and/or periodic dosing of treatment methods according to the present invention may result in a change to central nervous system maladaptive neuroplasticity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for deep brain stimulation. In one implementation, a deep brain stimulation system comprises a neural probe configured for placement within a brain; at least one signal lead; a sensing assembly including at least one sensing micro-electrode and at least one stimulation electrode; and at least one processor assembly configured to: receive at least one sense signal generated in response to interaction between the at least one sensing electrode and one or more electrical signals generated by at least one neuron in the brain; deliver at least one of a library of preset target stimulation patterns; determine a target stimulation pattern based on at least one characteristic of the at least one sense signal; and cause a signal generator to deliver stimulation signals to stimulation electrodes among the at least one stimulating electrode to activate the set of stimulation electrodes according to the target stimulation pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode comprising an electrode base material, a carbon material, and an anchoring layer, wherein the anchoring layer is located between the electrode base material and the carbon material and comprises an anchoring structure having a chain of at least eight consecutive covalently bonded atoms.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a sensor configured to output sensor data and a hearing device comprising a processor. The processor of the hearing device may be configured to detect, based on the sensor data, a triggering event that occurs during use of the hearing device by a recipient of the hearing device. The triggering event may be indicative of possible damage to at least one of the hearing device or the recipient. The processor may further, apply, in response to the detecting of the triggering event, stimulation to the recipient, detect a signal that occurs in response to the stimulation and that is recorded by an electrode associated with the hearing device, compare the signal to a baseline signal recorded by the electrode prior to the triggering event, and determine, based on the comparing of the signal to the baseline signal, an operational effectiveness state of the hearing device.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating an intervertebral disc of a subject is provided. The apparatus includes at least three intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces, which are configured to be implanted within a nucleus pulposus of the disc, at different respective locations; and one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces, which are configured to be implanted outside the nucleus pulposus, in electrical communication with the disc. Control circuitry is configured to (a) configure the intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces to be cathodes, and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces to be one or more anodes, and (b) drive the intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces to electroosmotically drive fluid into the nucleus pulposus to increase pressure in the disc.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostimulation appliance for stimulating one or more nerves and/or muscles of a living being with electrical signals, having the following features: a) the electrostimulation appliance has at least one signal output device through which electrical stimulation signals can be fed into at least one nerve and/or one muscle, b) the electrostimulation appliance has at least one control device which is configured to activate the at least one signal output device in such a way that the stimulation signals output by the at least one signal output device are able to generate muscle contractions in the living being, by which the respiration of the living being can be influenced in a targeted manner.

Abstract: A method to provide skin care treatment is provided. The method includes receiving, by an electrical stimulator apparatus, programmable instructions from an external device for a skin care treatment. The electrical stimulator apparatus delivers an electric current to an area of skin through a plurality of electrodes. The electric current is controlled based on the skin care treatment. The external device presents guidance corresponding with the skin care treatment. The guidance is configured to aid a user in operating the electrical stimulator apparatus.

Abstract: Transcranial electrostimulation systems and methods are contemplated in which a high current level, charge balanced alternating current electrical signal is generated for delivery to the occipital region of a patient's brain. By stimulating the brain with a charged balanced stimulation current with a stimulation current envelope defining one or more series of pulses at particular frequencies and durations designed to evoke metabolic response in the neurons, significant improvements in efficacy and reductions in patient discomfort may be achieved relative to earlier methods of transcranial electrical stimulation, especially those in which result in a resultant rectified direct current component being administered to the patient.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, methods and system for increasing coagulation potential and/or triggering a higher platelet activation rate in a subject via auricular neurostimulation include contacting skin of the subject with one or more therapeutic electrodes, each electrode positioned in a respective region of nerve structures of the auriculotemporal nerve (ATN), nerve structures connected to the ATN, nerve structures of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN), or nerve structures connected to the ABVN, applying, to the electrodes, one or more stimulation patterns.

Abstract: Generally discussed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a therapy (e.g., stimulation) and/or data signal using an implantable device. Systems, devices and methods for interacting with (e.g., communicating with, receiving power from) an external device are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing pain uses a multiplexed modulation/stimulation signal to provide pain relief during spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation.

Abstract: A durable nerve cuff electrode for achieving block of an action potential in a large diameter nerve.

Abstract: A corrective sleep apnea device using physically separate actuator portions that active the actuator combination when in proximity one another, that is easy to use and does not require significant invasive surgery to be installed in the user or that may be, but is not limited to, a device that does not require a battery be implanted in the user and does not require further medical procedures in the future to replace an implanted battery.

Abstract: Described is a low voltage, pulsed electrical stimulation device for modulating the expression of sestrin, a useful protein, by tissues. Also described are methods of enhancing expression of sestrins in cells, particularly a method of stimulating the expression and/or release of sestrins in a cell having a gene encoding a sestrin, wherein the method includes applying a bioelectric signal comprising a biphasic constant current at a frequency of, within 15%, 10 Hz to 20 Hz, with a pulse width of, within 15%, 300 to 400 microseconds (?sec).

Abstract: An implantable stimulator can control delivery of the neurostimulation to a patient according to a stimulation configuration and adjust the stimulation configuration by using a closed-loop control algorithm. In an example, the system may include a remote controller (RC) configured for use by the patient. The RC may transmit stimulator adjustment information to the implantable stimulator. The stimulator adjustment information may include direct control adjustment information for adjusting the stimulation configuration and adaptation adjustment information for adjusting the closed-loop control algorithm. The RC may generate the stimulator adjustment information based on patient adjustment instructions.

Abstract: A system to analyze data for neurostimulation programming may include capabilities to collect and analyze relevant input data (training data) for training a neurostimulation programming model. In an example, the system may: determine usage of a particular neurostimulation treatment, for a neurostimulation treatment that is associated with a set of parameters used by a neurostimulation device to deliver neurostimulation to a patient; evaluate patient feedback data (e.g., obtained from the patient) associated with the usage of the neurostimulation treatment; calculate, based on the patient feedback data, an amount of training data required to perform training operations on a programming selection model, with such training data being provided at least in part from the patient feedback data and optionally device data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing electrostimulation in a patient is discussed. An exemplary system includes an implantable stimulator to provide electrostimulation, a programming device for in-clinic stimulation testing, an a therapy titration device for in-home therapy titration. In response to electrostimulation delivered in accordance with first stimulation settings defined in an electrode configuration and parameter value search space, the programing device evaluates patient clinical response in the patient, and determines a subspace of the search space based on the clinical response. During an in-home therapy titration phase, the therapy titration device can use cloud-based services to evaluate clinical responses to electrostimulation in accordance with candidate stimulation settings defined in the identified subspace.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a neural interface. In one implementation, a neural interface comprises a neural probe configured for placement within a brain; at least one signal lead extending from the neural probe; and a sensing assembly included on the neural probe, where the sensing assembly includes: a plurality of dual-role electrodes positioned on the neural probe, wherein each of the dual-role electrodes is configured to sense electrical signals generated by one or more neurons in the brain and to convey to the at least one signal lead one or more sense signals generated based on the sensed electrical signals, and wherein each of the dual-role electrodes is configured to receive, via the at least one signal lead, a stimulation signal selectively delivered from a stimulus generator.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques are disclosed for managing electrical stimulation therapy and/or sensing of physiological signals such as brain signals. For example, a system is configured to receive, for each electrode combination of a plurality of electrode combinations, information representing a signal sensed in response to first electrical stimulation delivered to a patient via a lead, wherein the plurality of electrode combinations comprise different electrode combinations comprising electrode disposed at different positions around a perimeter of the lead implanted in the patient. The system may also be configured to determine, based on the information for each electrode combination of the plurality of electrode combinations, values for a threshold at different locations around the perimeter of the lead and determine, based on the values for the threshold, one or more stimulation parameter values that at least partially define second electrical stimulation deliverable to the patient via the lead.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for use with Implantable Medical Devices (IMD) such as Implantable Stimulator Devices. The system includes a permanent magnet which can be used to reset the IMD (such as during an emergency) and to place the IMD in a pairing mode to establish communications with an external device. An external device paired to the IMD can be used to place the IMD in an MRI mode that renders the IMD safe during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. In the event that the external device is unavailable to cause the IMD to exit the MRI mode, the bar magnet can also be used in the MRI mode to pair the IMD with another external device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for powering an implant for a human patient and a method for powering an implant for a human patient. Wherein said apparatus comprises an implantable energy source for providing energy to the implant, an energy provider connected to the implantable energy source and connected to an energy consuming part of the implant.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) comprises a plurality of deep tines configured to be advanced into a septum of a heart of a patient in different directions that are not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the implantable medical device, wherein each deep tine of the plurality of deep tines is configured to deliver cardiac pacing to cardiac tissue distal to a chamber of the heart in which the IMD is implanted, and one or more shallow electrodes engageable with the septum, wherein the one or more shallow electrodes are configured to deliver cardiac pacing to the chamber of the heart in which the IMD is implanted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical system (1) comprising an implantable medical device (2), comprising an energy storage device for supplying electrical energy to the medical device (2), and a secondary coil (20) for transferring electrical energy to the energy storage device, and a charging device (3) which is designed to charge the energy storage device, the charging device (3) having a primary coil (30) via which electrical energy can be transferred to the energy storage device via the secondary coil of the implantable medical device (2).

Abstract: A defibrillation control device includes a power source unit that supplies electrical energy to an electrode catheter, an abnormality detection unit that detects an earliest abnormal waveform by using a plurality of electrocardiographic waveforms measured by a plurality of electrodes of the electrode catheter after supplying the electrical energy, and a warning unit that issues an alert upon detecting the earliest abnormal waveform.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes a waveform acquisition unit that acquires an electrocardiographic waveform, a waveform providing unit that provides the electrocardiographic waveform to a defibrillation control device that supplies electrical energy to an electrode catheter, a reception unit that receives a trigger signal indicating a possible supply start timing of the electrical energy from the defibrillation control device, and a synchronization determination unit that determines whether the trigger signal is synchronized with the electrocardiographic waveform.

Abstract: A remote alarm for use with a wearable medical device. The remote alarm is configured to receive alarms, voice messages and prompts issued by the wearable medical device and to repeat those alarms, voice messages and prompts in a manner that can more easily be perceived by a patient wearing the wearable medical device or a bystander. The remote alarm can be configured to receive a communication from the wearable medical device, and in response, to identify one or more messages to be provided to the patient or a bystander. The messages may be provided audibly, visually, tactilely or combinations thereof. The remote alarm may further be configured to take certain actions depending upon the content of the communication, such as sending a telephone message to alert emergency personnel to the identity, location and medical condition of the patient, or sending an email.