Abstract: A catheter assembly and a method of manufacturing are described. A catheter assembly comprises a catheter body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen formed by an inner wall of the catheter body that extends between the proximal end and the distal end along a longitudinal axis. A device may include the catheter body further comprising an external surface that extends between the proximal end and the distal end, the external surface comprising a first portion and a second portion. A device may include the second portion of the external surface including a micro-textured surface configured to spread drops of a liquid tissue adhesive across the second portion of the external surface by capillary action to form a thin film and/or micro-droplets of the liquid tissue adhesive to achieve faster curing and hence adhesion between catheter to skin.

Abstract: A clip used in a catheter assembly, the clip comprising a first leg and a second leg angularly connected to the first leg, wherein the second leg includes a substantially U-shaped spade configured to engage a needle housing of the catheter assembly to secure the clip to the needle housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to guidewire devices with an outer tube and a core. The distal section of the core extends into and is surrounded by the outer tube. One or more centering mechanisms are also disposed within the outer tube and are arranged to fill a portion of the annular space between the core and the inner surface of the tube. The one or more centering mechanisms thereby assist in keeping the distal section of the core axially aligned within the tube, which enables effective control of the device and minimizes undesirable whip movements of the guidewire.

Abstract: The guide wire includes a core shaft, a coil including a strand that is spirally wound around and covers an outer periphery of the core shaft, and a distal end joint part that joins a distal end of the core shaft and a distal end of the coil. The distal end joint part includes a dispersion portion in which a radiopaque first material is dispersed.

Abstract: A recanalization catheter for facilitating reentry into a lumen of a vessel having an occlusion therein from a subintimal space in a wall of the vessel. The recanalization catheter includes a catheter shaft extending distally from a hub. The catheter shaft defines a guidewire lumen extending therethrough. First and second inflatable balloon members are disposed on a distal end region of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft includes an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the first and second inflatable balloon members. A lateral opening which is in communication with the guidewire lumen opens to an exterior of the catheter shaft between the first and second inflatable balloon members on a first side of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft also includes an imaging lumen extending through the catheter shaft configured to receive an IVUS imaging device therein.

Abstract: Implantable shunt devices and methods for draining cerebrospinal fluid from a patient's subarachnoid space include a shunt having opposed first and second ends, the second end being constructed to penetrate a wall of a sigmoid, transverse, straight, or sagittal sinus of the patient, a one-way valve, a hollow passageway extending between the second end and the one-way valve such that cerebrospinal fluid can be drained through the second end and out through the valve, and a mechanism coupled to the shunt and configured to anchor the shunt at a desired location proximal to the subarachnoid space.

Abstract: Methods for treating hydrocephalus using a shunt, the shunt having one or more CSF intake openings in a distal portion, a valve disposed in a proximal portion of the shunt, and a lumen extending between the one or more CSF intake openings and the valve, the method comprises deploying the shunt in a body of a patient so that the distal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within a CP angle cistern, a body of the shunt is at least partially disposed within an IPS of the patient, and the proximal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within or proximate to a JV of the patient, wherein, after deployment of the shunt, CSF flows from the CP angle cistern to the JV via the shunt lumen at a flow rate in a range of 5 ml per hour to 15 ml per hour.

Abstract: The disclosure belongs to the technical field of capsule robotics, and in particular, relates to a magnetically driven capsule robot with controllable drug administration and sampling functions and a fabrication method thereof. A magnetically driven capsule robot provided by the disclosure includes a robot body and a magnetic field-driven control module. The robot body includes a capsule shell, two ends of the capsule shell are provided with hollow air chambers, and a carrier chamber is disposed between the hollow air chambers disposed on the two ends. A substance transfer channel, a magnetic lock disposed around the substance transfer channel, and a magnetic soft switch valve matched with the magnetic lock are disposed on a side wall of the carrier chamber. The soft valve automatically closes due to the magnetic attraction force between the lock and valve, and can be flexibly opened under a magnetic torque acting on the valve.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a shower therapy device that is designed to be affixed inline and between a shower arm and a showerhead of a shower. The shower therapy device provides filtered water along with aroma therapy and the provision of mineral treated water. The shower therapy device includes a junction component that is detachably attached to a housing. The shower therapy device includes a fragrance pod in the junction component that provides aromatic therapeutic to the user, in addition to filtering action provided by filters accommodated in the housing.

Abstract: A hydrogen-enhanced drug delivery system for hydrogen-assisted transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided. The system includes a hydrogen-generating compartment comprising at least one dry chemical. Addition of an activator, such as a liquid composition, from within or outside of the system, causes the dry chemical(s) to generate molecular hydrogen (H2) within the system. The molecular hydrogen passes through a skin-contacting surface of the system, which is permeable to hydrogen and not permeable to the dry chemical(s) and the liquid composition, and enhances the release of the therapeutic agent from the system as H2 is delivered to the subject's body. The H2 can also enhance the therapeutic effect of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention discloses a microneedle system comprising cooperating arrays of microneedles (12, 16) having particular geometries and orientations, and a method of manufacturing such a microneedle system which provides improved efficacy to the deployment and operation of devices employing the microneedle arrays manufactured according to the invention.

Abstract: An automatic tattoo apparatus can be used to robotically apply tattoos. A customer can shop on an online tattoo marketplace to select designs created by various artists located anywhere. The online tattoo marketplace can process and manage payments, artist and/or customer profiles, bookings, tattoo design uploads, browsing and design selection, design changes, and/or perform other actions. The automatic tattoo device can apply tattoos precisely, quickly, and may with reduced pain. The tattoo apparatus can apply a wide range of different types of tattoos, including but not limited to micro tattoos, dotwork, blackwork tattoos, realism tattoos, fine-line tattoos, etc.

Abstract: An operating rod for a tattoo device includes: a drive mechanism, configured to drive an injection needle of the tattoo device to move; a first rod body, having a receiving cavity and a first fastening portion, wherein the receiving cavity is configured to receive the drive mechanism, and the first fastening portion is configured to fastened with the injection needle; and a second rod body, connected to at least part of the first rod body in a sleeved manner and configured with a second fastening portion, wherein the second fastening portion is configured to connect to the injection needle.

Abstract: A catheter system including a vascular catheter having a catheter tube configured for placement within a patient body. A system module incorporated into the catheter tube adjacent the distal tip includes first and second electrodes disposed within the lumen and coupled with the luminal wall adjacent the distal tip. A console coupled with the first and second electrodes includes logic that determines an electrical impedance between the first and second electrodes, where the impedance is related to thrombus formation and/or the bacterial adhesion within the lumen. The system module provides a wireless notification when the impedance exceeds a defined limit. A secondary system includes a light activated surface coating applied to an inside luminal wall surface. Energizing a light source activates the surface coating to release an agent (e.g., an active pharmaceutical ingredient or an anti-coagulant agent) to reduce effects of the thrombus formation and/or the bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: An introducer sheath system comprising including a gasket disposed around an outer surface of a dual layered sheath. The gasket providing a radially inward force on the sheath to seal the sheath an outer layer of the sheath against an inner layer to prevent fluid flow therebetween.

Abstract: A male luer connector is described herein. The luer connector can include a luer slip, a collar, and a spigot. The luer slip can include a first end and a second end and define a lumen extending between the first end and the second end. The first end of the luer slip can be configured to engage with a mating connector. The collar can be disposed around the luer slip. The collar can be translatable relative the luer slip. The collar is configured to couple with the mating connector adjacent to the first end of the luer slip. The spigot defines a fluid port. The spigot is coupled to the luer slip and the fluid port is in fluid communication with the lumen at the second end of the luer slip.

Abstract: Swivel connection devices are provided that are configured for attachment to a range of respiratory equipment, including respiratory tubes and fittings, particularly those associated with a nebulizer for delivering medication to a patient. The swivel connection devices are universal in that they can accommodate connection to multiple sizes of respiratory equipment.

Abstract: A disinfection cap is described for connection to a medical connector; the disinfection cap includes a housing having a top wall and sidewall forming a cavity. In one or more embodiments, a retention rod forming a fluid reservoir is disposed within the cavity for retaining disinfectant. In one or more embodiments, a corrugated capsule is disposed within the cavity for retaining disinfectant. Pressure buildup within the cavity due to insertion of a luer connector causes expulsion of disinfectant, thereby disinfecting the luer connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter valve for controlling the fluid flow of a medium, in particular a self-closing catheter valve, wherein a main body comprises: —an inlet and an outlet, —a flexible tube, —as a cover, a slider which is movable in the longitudinal direction, and —at the inlet of the catheter valve, a stepped barbed part for connecting a supply line; and, in the interior of the main body that comprises two laterally opposite vertical chambers, the catheter valve has two contradirectional downward inclines on the longitudinally movable slider. The problem addressed by the invention is that of developing a catheter valve, which: 1. is ergonomically effectively shaped, so that the patient can become accustomed to it even if they are bedridden for a long period of time, 2. since care costs are particularly significant for long-term patients, the catheter valve must be extremely economical, 3.

Abstract: An extracorporeal circuit includes a tube holder holding a pump tube and line tubes. The tube holder has first and second tube holding portions holding the pump tube in a loop shape and holding the line tubes and a fixing plate coupling the first tube holding portion and the second tube holding portion to each other. The fixing plate is configured such that a line-tube-side end thereof is inclined to a pump tube side from a second tube holding portion side toward a first tube holding portion side.

Abstract: A method for implanting a device into a heart of a mammal can include a fluid conduit passing from the atrium into the aorta. The fluid conduit may also include a pump and sensors in the atrium for feedback to a controller for operation of the pump. An outflow portion of the fluid contact may include a diffuser or flow-directing hood for managing type and direction of flow into the aorta.

Abstract: Techniques for delaying initiation of coagulation and suppressing fibrin formation may be provided. The disclosed techniques may include providing a percutaneous blood pump that may include a metal or ceramic surface (such as a surface of a shaft, bearing, rotor, stator, etc.) that has been modified with a bifunctional modifier. The modified surface may be within a motor section and/or pump section of the blood pump. The modified surface may be configured to interact with blood. When blood is allowed to interact with the modified surface, a desirable microenvironment may be formed. The bifunctional modifier may be a functionalized aminosilane, a functionalized aminosiloxane, and/or a functionalized silanetriol. The blood pump may be configured to have a purge fluid pass through at least a portion of the motor section and/or the pump section. The purge fluid may be free of anticoagulants.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to percutaneous heart pumps including a self-expandable and collapsible impeller housing fabricated from a mesh of a shape memory alloy, such as nitinol, and a base polymer coating and a top polymer coating. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to highly flexible and fluid-impermissible polymer coatings having improved adherence and performance properties on the metallic surfaces of the impeller housing mesh thus improving the overall performance of the percutaneous heart pumps.

Abstract: A blood pump with a rotor can be driven to rotate about an axis of rotation for conveying blood. A control is being configured to operate the rotor successively in time, or alternately several times, in a first conveying mode and at least in one second conveying mode. In order to avoid dead water areas in the region of the rotor and possible thrombus formation the direction of rotation of the rotor is reversed in the second conveying mode compared to operation in the first conveying mode.

Abstract: A driving device and a blood pump. The driving device comprises a driving housing, a shaft sleeve assembly, a rotating shaft, a driving component and a sensing assembly. An accommodating cavity and a detection port in communication with the accommodating cavity are provided on the shaft sleeve assembly, and the detection port is located on an outer wall of the shaft sleeve assembly; the rotating shaft is rotatably arranged on the shaft sleeve assembly; the driving component can drive the rotating shaft to rotate; and the sensing assembly comprises a sensor, the sensor comprising a probe, the probe being accommodated in the accommodating cavity, a position of the probe corresponding to a position of the detection port, and the probe being capable of detecting pressure of a fluid outside the driving device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an axial shaft and an impeller configured for rotation within a subject's body. A coupling element includes a first portion, which is disposed around the axial shaft, is shaped to define one or more slits that facilitate a radial expansion of the first portion such that the first portion is placeable around the axial shaft, and is shape-set to have an inner diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the axial shaft such that, following placement of the first portion around the axial shaft, the first portion becomes radially contracted around, and thus locked in place with respect to, the axial shaft. A second portion of the coupling element is coupled to a bushing of the impeller. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an H-bridge control circuit for an electro-stimulation therapeutic instrument for neuromodulation. The H-bridge control circuit includes an H-bridge circuit and a constant current source, where the H-bridge circuit includes a first positive channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor, a second PMOS transistor, a first negative channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor and a second NMOS transistor. Corresponding switching diodes are additionally arranged between the first PMOS transistor and a load and between the second PMOS transistor and the load to avoid an influence of safety of the therapeutic instrument by discharging charges during an interval of stimulation; and moreover, a resistance-capacitance (RC) circuit is additionally arranged between the first PMOS transistor, the second PMOS transistor and a control device such that connection and disconnection of the PMOS transistor can be controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed are a control circuit and control method for an electro-stimulation therapeutic instrument for neuromodulation. The control circuit includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, a first signal end, a second signal end and a constant current source, where a first end of the first switch is connected to a power supply, and a second end of the first switch is connected to the first signal end; a first end of the second switch is connected to the power supply, and a second end of the second switch is connected to the second signal end; a first end of the third switch is connected to the first signal end, and a second end of the third switch is connected to the constant current source; and a first end of the fourth switch is connected to the second signal end.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for the treatment of pain using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB). Contrary to other methods of pain treatment, the ENCB can establish a direct block of neural activity, thereby eliminating the pain. Additionally, the ENCB can be administered without causing electrochemical damage. An example method can include: placing at least one electrode contact in electrical communication with a region of a subject's spinal cord; applying an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to a nerve in the region through the at least one electrode contact; and blocking neural activity with the ENCB to reduce the pain or other unwanted sensation in the subject.

Abstract: Stents for intravascular neural stimulation are disclosed herein that at least partially contact a vessel wall. The stent comprises a scaffold extending in a longitudinal direction and having an outer perimeter that at least partially contacts the wall. A pulse generator can generate electrical signals for delivery to a nerve for intravascular neural stimulation. The scaffold has mounted thereon a first set of one or more electrodes electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The stent further comprises a second set of one or more electrodes electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The second set of electrodes is unconnected to the scaffold, i.e. not directly mounted on the scaffold. Methods of implanting a stent into a vessel using a deployment catheter are disclosed herein. The stent to be implanted comprises a pulse generator, a scaffold, and a distal set of one or more electrodes electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The distal set of electrodes is unconnected to the scaffold, i.e.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead and methods of implanting medical electrical leads in lumens. Leads in accordance with the invention employ preformed biases to stabilize the lead within a lumen and to orient electrodes in a preferred orientation.

Abstract: A device for killing blood-borne pathogens, and a method of using the device to effectively remove the blood-borne pathogens from a body of a human or an animal is claimed. The device comprises a wire that is inserted into a bloodstream of a patient, which releases metallic ions which effectively kill the pathogens. There are several embodiments, each of which has a combination of covered and uncovered portions of the wire. The wire is electrically connected to both a source of power and a power supply with printed circuit board or controller/software, which controls the intensity and duration of the treatment.

Abstract: This application discloses a beauty instrument which includes: a housing, where the housing includes a working head; and an electrical stimulation component which includes an EMS stimulation circuit, an RF radio frequency circuit, and a first group of electrodes, a second group of electrodes, and a third group of electrodes that are all disposed on the working head, the first group of electrodes is separately connected to the EMS stimulation circuit and the RF radio frequency circuit, the second group of electrodes includes a plurality of second electrodes that are distributed at intervals around the first group of electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes are all connected to the RF radio frequency circuit and/or connected to the EMS stimulation circuit, the third group of electrodes includes a plurality of third electrodes that are all connected to the EMS stimulation circuit.

Abstract: Electrical stimulation systems and methods for preventing and treating pressure ulcers is provided. The system includes a washable sheet with one or more conductive signal pathways and integral or removable electrodes and a connectable controller that cooperates with the sheet and electrodes to provide periodic electrical stimulation to a patient's skin. Various sensors may provide feedback and optional closed-loop control. The electrical stimulation patterns may help maintain tissue health, prevent development or worsening of pressure ulcers, or manage pain.

Abstract: An implantable device can be positioned within a patient proximate to a target site. Electric fields can be generated with the implantable device through the target site at a frequency from about 50 kHz to about 500 kHz. The target site can be a tumor or a peritumoral region. The implantable device can comprise a thin substrate and at least one electrode coupled to the thin substrate or an elongate body and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the elongate body.

Abstract: A wearer can smoothly perform the plantar-dorsiflexion motion of the toes in coordination with physical stimulating power according to one's own intention while maintaining the left/right balance of one's gait by adjusting the hybrid ratio of voluntary control and autonomous control so that the left/right balance of the wearer's gait will fall within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An electric current stimulation device includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are arranged in a body, and an output circuit that outputs an electric signal; wherein the electric signal by which the user feels no pain is output from the output circuit, and the electric signal is applied to a distal portion of extremities or near the same by the first electrode and the second electrode when arranging the body at the distal portion of the extremities of the user or near the same.

Abstract: Method for reversing demyelination in a patient having a demyelinating disorder may include detecting one or more biomarkers for demyelination from the patient, receiving, in an implanted vagus nerve stimulator, a command to apply a remyelinating stimulation to the patient based on a level of the detected one or more biomarkers for demyelination; and applying electrical stimulation of between about 0.25 mA and about 5 mA at a duty cycle of less than 10 percent to the patient's vagus nerve from the implanted vagus nerve stimulator to reverse demyelination and increase remyelination of the patient's nerves. The electrical stimulation may be adjusted based on the level of the detected one or more biomarkers.

Abstract: Electrical stimulation devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the electrical stimulation device comprises an elongated member configured to be orally or nasally inserted into a patient's pharynx. The device may further include a conductive element carried by a distal portion of the elongated member and configured to deliver stimulation energy to nearby tissue. The device can include a cover configured to move relative to the conductive elements to selectively cover or expose the conductive elements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for electrically modulating tissue. Systems can include a current generator; at least one implantable working electrode, the at least one implantable working electrode configured to be in electrical communication with the current generator; at least one indifferent electrode; and a controller configured to signal the current generator to: generate a set of currents with a set of initial polarities to be delivered to the working electrodes; and wherein the at least one indifferent electrode absorbs a bias current which is equal in magnitude and opposite in polarity to a summation of the set of currents.

Abstract: Systems for delivering therapy to a nerve in a patient may comprise a plurality of sensors, such as a cardiac sensor, a disease activity sensor, and a bodily activity sensor, an implantable pulse generator, and an implantable signal delivery device. The implantable signal delivery device may be configured to deliver a stimulation signal to the nerve.

Abstract: A method, electrical tissue stimulation system, and programmer for providing therapy to a patient are provided. Electrodes are placed adjacent tissue (e.g., spinal cord tissue) of the patient, electrical stimulation energy is delivered from the electrodes to the tissue in accordance with a defined waveform, and a pulse shape of the defined waveform is modified, thereby changing the characteristics of the electrical stimulation energy delivered from the electrode(s) to the tissue. The pulse shape may be modified by selecting one of a plurality of different pulse shape types or by adjusting a time constant of the pulse shape.

Abstract: Field optimization techniques for targeted neural stimulation are provided using finite element method (FEM) model of electrodes and of target region of interest (ROI) biological features. The FEM model estimates the electric potential fields generated by applied stimulation, and include single or multiple electrode configurations and further include biological features, such as encapsulation, dorsal rootles, dura mater, and the vertebral column, in various examples of spinal cord stimulation. The techniques use a single- or multiple-factor optimization that maximize stimulation to the ROI while minimizing effects on a region of avoidance (ROA). Various configurations apply a generalized Lagrange multiplier method to formulate the optimization problem and an epsilon-constraint method to find the Pareto front for multi-objective optimization problems.

Abstract: Brugada syndrome and related forms of ion channelopathies, including ventricular asynchrony of contraction, originate in the region near the His bundle or para-Hisian regions of the heart. Manifestations of Brugada syndrome can be corrected by delivering endocardial electrical stimulation coincident to the activation wave front propagated from the atrioventricular (AV) node early enough to compensate for the conduction problems that start in those regions. The stimulation can be delivered in multiple modes and can include waveforms of the same polarity delivered to a site within the region near the His bundle or para-Hisian regions of the heart associated with a low cardiac electrical asynchrony level or can include at least two single-phased superimposed waveforms of opposite polarity delivered through a pair of pacing electrodes relative to a reference electrode, which can be delivered to any site within the region near the His bundle or para-Hisian regions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling blood pressure via electrical stimulation of the heart are disclosed. Embodiments may include at least two different stimulation patterns, each configured to reduce blood pressure to a different degree, and may alternate between stimulation patterns based on the need of a patient, for example, alternating between day and night or between periods of strenuous and light activity. Some embodiments may take advantage of a slow baroreflex response that occurs after treatment is stopped, suspending treatment for extended periods, and then resuming treatment before blood pressure levels reach pretreatment values. Embodiments may control blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure and atrial stretch.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker that delivers cardiac pacing therapy that includes delivering the cardiac pacing therapy from a cardiac pacing device, sensing a pacing event from a plurality of electrodes of the pacing device, and sensing an electromechanical signal from an electromechanical sensor of the pacing device. A pre-ejection period is determined in response to the sensed electromechanical signal, and a left ventricular ejection time is determined in response to the sensed electromechanical signal. The pacemaker device performs one or both of adjusting a pacing parameter setting and generating an alert in response to the determined pre-ejection period and the determined left ventricular ejection time.

Abstract: A method of therapeutically treating a subject includes the steps of: sensing sympathetic nerve activity; communicating the sensed sympathetic nerve activity to a processor; using machine learning in the processor to identify input data sets correlated to a physiological end point in the subject by processing the input data input sets to experientially optimize an algorithmically defined physiological goal defined in output data sets by the machine learning; and dynamically controlling a therapeutic device in real time with the processor using the output data sets to treat the subject mediated by the therapeutic device by establishing or tending to establish the physiological end point in the subject.

Abstract: Various techniques include advancing an implantable medical device comprising a tissue-piercing electrode toward the triangle of Koch region of the right atrium or through the coronary sinus to deliver cardiac therapy to or sense electrical activity of the left ventricle in the basal region, septal region, or basal-septal region of the left ventricular myocardium of a patient's heart. The tissue-piercing electrode may include an imagable material. The implantable medical device may include an imagable member made of an imagable material coupled to a housing or a lead of the implantable medical device. Image information representing the patient's heart and the imagable material may be acquired using two-dimensional imaging. Orientation information representing the implantable medical device may be generated based on the acquired image information.

Abstract: An example of a system may include a processor subsystem; and a memory device comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor subsystem, cause the processor subsystem to: receive at an application executing on a user device, a request to modify the application; transmit the request to an administrative user device for approval; receive a response to the request from the administrative user device; and modify a functionality of the application in response to receiving the response.

Abstract: A user interface of a computing device for programming a medical device configured to review historical user session data while disconnected from the medical device. During a programming session, the user interface on the computing device may include features to control the functionality of the medical device as well as view and manipulate available data stored at the medical device. The user interface may interactively view screens and features and manipulate data using the programming user interface, e.g., as if the external programming device were in a live programming session with the medical device, but while disconnected from the medical device and not in a live programming session. As one example, the user interface of the external programming device may permit flexible, extensive manipulation and viewing of sensed signals, patient events, and operational information, such as patient adjustments made over time or coincident with particular signals or events.