Abstract: A synchronous drive system for simultaneously driving more than two or more rotational tissue screws and a method for simultaneously affixing a medical device to tissue employing the synchronous drive system. The synchronous drive system is particularly configured to affix an apical cuff to cardiac muscle tissue by simultaneously driving a plurality of rotational tissue screws through the apical cuff and into cardiac muscle tissue thereby affixing the apical cuff to the cardiac muscle tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a left-ventricular assist device that includes a pump-outlet tube shaped to define one or more blood-outlet openings and configured for insertion, through an aorta of a subject, into a left ventricle of a heart of the subject such that the pump-outlet tube traverses an aortic valve of the subject with the blood-outlet openings being disposed within the aorta. A blood pump is disposed at least partly within a distal portion of the pump-outlet tube and is configured to pump blood of the subject proximally through the pump-outlet tube. A proximal end of the pump-outlet tube is folded inwardly so as to define one or more surfaces configured to direct the blood through the blood-outlet openings by virtue of being oblique with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pump-outlet tube. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Treatment applicators and methods including treatment applicators for delivering electrical energy to a target tissue that are configured to reduce or eliminate arcing as well as provide enhance targeting to tissue surfaces or regions just below the surface of the tissue.

Abstract: An implantable electrode lead, comprising: at least one electrode pole, at least one electrical conductor, which is electrically conductively connected to the at least one electrode pole, and at least one longitudinally extended electrical insulator. According to the present invention, the at least one electrical conductor is helically wound in a first direction of rotation about a longitudinal axis of the electrode lead, and in that the at least one electrical insulator is helically wound in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A heating pad without electric field radiation is disclosed. The heating pad without electric field radiation includes a heating wire, a shielding layer, a cotton layer and flannel. The shielding layer is disposed on the heating wire, and the shielding layer is symmetrically provided with two groups. The cotton layer is disposed on the shield layer, the cotton layer is symmetrically provided with two groups. The flannel is disposed on the cotton layer, and the flannel is symmetrically provided with two groups. The present disclosure relates to the field of heating pads, and specifically to a heating pad without electric field radiation.

Abstract: An under-lid device (ULD), at least a portion of which is coated with a hydrogel comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and/or hyaluronic acid, is described. Methods of using the ULD to treat dry eye, kits for the ULD, and methods of incorporating the tear retention polymers hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or hyaluronic acid into the hydrogel are also described.

Abstract: Catheter systems include direction-sensitive, multi-polar tip electrode assemblies for electroporation-mediated therapy, electroporation-induced primary necrosis therapy and electric field-induced apoptosis therapy, including configurations for producing narrow, linear lesions as well as distributed, wide area lesions. A monitoring system for electroporation therapy includes a mechanism for delivering electrochromic dyes to a tissue site as well as a fiber optic arrangement to optically monitor the progress of the therapy as well as to confirm success post-therapy. A fiber optic temperature sensing electrode catheter includes a tip electrode having a cavity whose inner surface is impregnated or coated with thermochromic/thermotropic material that changes color with changes in temperature. An optic fiber/detector arrangement monitors the thermochromic or thermotropic materials, acquiring a light signal and generating an output signal indicative of the spectrum of the light signal.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to systems and devices for material delivery, energy delivery, and/or monitoring electrophysiological activity, and method of use thereof. In particular, the present invention provides devices and systems, and methods of use thereof, configured to deliver therapeutic compositions, to provide electroporation and/or sonoporation to increase therapeutic efficiency, and to monitor electrophysiological activity, for example, before and after treatment.

Abstract: A method of reducing peripheral nerve stimulation in a subject that is being treated using alternating electric fields, the method including selectively turning off one or more different electrode elements during respective different periods of time while alternating electric fields are being applied; accepting feedback that indicates whether peripheral nerve stimulation is occurring during each of the respective different periods of time; and determining whether turning off a given one or more of the electrode elements reduces the peripheral nerve stimulation.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes coupling a plurality of electrodes to skin of a subject caudally to a neck of the subject, such that the electrodes are spread over a plurality of dermatomes. Using a computer processor, in response to the subject experiencing a headache, without using any element that is implanted in the subject, and without using any element that penetrates skin of the subject, the headache is treated by transcutaneously stimulating the subject, by applying an electrical current to the skin, via the electrodes. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A magnet apparatus including a case defining a central axis, a frame, defining a receptacle, within the case and rotatable about the central axis of the case, a magnet holder within the receptacle and including a plurality of tubes that together define an integral structure, and a plurality of elongate diametrically magnetized magnets that are respectively located in the plurality of tubes, the magnets defining a longitudinal axis and a N-S direction and being rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the tubes.

Abstract: Diagnostic screening tests that can be used to identify if a patient is a good candidates for an implantable vagus nerve stimulation device. One or more analyte, such as a cytokine or inflammatory molecule, can be measured from a blood sample taken prior to implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator to determine the patient's responsiveness to VNS for treatment of an inflammatory disorder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for controlling orthostatic hypotension in a patient are described. Embodiments are configured to monitor for changes in the patient's state and apply stimulation when needed. The change in state may be a change in the patient's inertial state, such as a change in posture, activity, or the like. The change in state may also be indicated based on sensed neural activity. Embodiments provide closed-loop feedback control of the stimulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing neuromodulation field design for pain therapy are discussed. An exemplary neuromodulation system includes an electrostimulator to stimulate target tissue to induce paresthesia, a data receiver to receive pain data including pain sites experiencing pain, and to receive patient feedback on the induced paresthesia including paresthesia sites experiencing paresthesia. The neuromodulation system includes a processor circuit configured to generate a spatial correspondence indication between the pain sites and the paresthesia sites over one or more dermatomes, determine an anodic weight and a cathodic weight for each of multiple electrode locations using the spatial correspondence indication, and generate a stimulation field definition for neuromodulation pain therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in some aspects, are endotracheal stimulation platforms, systems, and methods of their use for pacing the phrenic nerves, right and/or left phrenic nerves, of a subject. In some embodiments, one or more pairs of electrodes are provided through an ET tube to contact a portion of a tracheal wall, or trachea, so as to enable phrenic nerve pacing. In some cases, the one or more pairs of electrodes are configured to send electrical pulses that stimulate the phrenic nerve, thereby helping promote contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm muscle.

Abstract: A method of phrenic nerve pacing. The method comprises positioning an electrical sensor within vasculature of a subject. The method comprises directly sensing, via the electrical sensor during spontaneous respiration of the subject, efferent activity of a phrenic nerve of the subject.

Abstract: A method of delivering neurostimulation therapy to a patient from an implantable medical device is provided. The method includes delivering, by the implantable medical device, the neurostimulation therapy to the patient. The method further includes determining, by the implantable medical device, that the patient has received a defibrillation shock from a defibrillation device. The method further includes adjusting, by the implantable medical device, the neurostimulation therapy based on determining that the patient has received the defibrillation shock.

Abstract: A method and external device for providing sub-perception stimulation to a patient via an implantable stimulator device is disclosed. Stimulation parameters for the patient are determined that provide sub-perception stimulation to address a symptom of the patient. A schedule is determined to provide scheduled boluses of stimulation, where each bolus comprises a duration during which stimulation is applied to the patient in accordance with the stimulation parameters, and where the scheduled boluses are separated by off times when no stimulation is provided to the patient. Preferably, the duration of each of the scheduled boluses is 3 minutes or longer, and the duration of each of the off times is 30 minutes or greater. Additional boluses can be provided on demand in addition to the scheduled boluses by selecting an option on the external device, although the provision of such additional boluses may be constrained by a lockout period.

Abstract: A current switcher including: a positive supply bus and a negative supply bus; a floating-output current amplifier configured to make flow, as an output, an intermediate current dependent on a flowing setpoint current implied as an input; at least one anodic reference dipole connected between the positive supply bus and the floating-output current amplifier; at least one cathodic reference dipole connected between the floating-output current amplifier and the negative supply bus; and at least two stimulation bridges, each stimulation bridge including an anodic current source and a cathodic current source each configured to copy the intermediate current.

Abstract: An example of a system for controlling delivery of neurostimulation from a stimulation device to a patient according to a selected neurostimulation program may include a programming device. The programming device may be configured to be communicatively coupled to the stimulation device and to select the neurostimulation program. The programing device may include a user interface and a program selection circuit. The program selection circuit may be configured to receive life factor information indicative of at least one of an environmental factor and a biopsychosocial factor of the patient, to select the neurostimulation program from a plurality of neurostimulation programs based on the received life factor information, to present a recommendation using the user interface based on the selected neurostimulation program, and to receive a user command responding to the recommendation using the user interface.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient comprises a stimulator for stimulating brain tissue, a controller for setting stimulation parameters and a diagnostic tool for measuring patient parameters and producing diagnostic data. The stimulation parameters comprise test stimulation parameters and treatment stimulation parameters. The stimulator delivers test stimulation energy to the brain tissue based on at least one test stimulation parameter and delivers treatment stimulation energy to the brain tissue based on at least one treatment stimulation parameter. One or more treatment stimulator parameters are determined based on the diagnostic data produced by the diagnostic tool The system is constructed and arranged to treat a neurological disease or a neurological disorder. Methods of treating a neurological disease or neurological disorder are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to wirelessly monitoring and controlling implantable magnetoelectric devices. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a system that includes an implantable device, a base station, and one or more sensors that are physically connected or wirelessly connected to the base station. The implantable device includes a magnetoelectric film, an electrical circuit coupled to the magnetoelectric film, and one or more electrodes. The base station includes a magnetic field generator and a magnetic transceiver.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nerve stimulation apparatus and system, and a control method. The apparatus comprises: a pulse generator, an evoked compound action potential (ECAP) sensor, and a controller. The pulse generator is used for generate a pulse according to an instruction of the controller; the ECAP sensor is used for sensing an evoked compound action potential according to an instruction of the controller; and the controller is used for instructing, after a pulse is generated within a current pulse generation cycle, the ECAP sensor to sense an evoked compound action potential, acquiring a peak-to-peak ratio of the evoked compound action potential, and when the peak-to-peak ratio is not within a comfort range, adjusting the amplitude of a pulse to be generated within a subsequent pulse generation cycle iteratively until the peak-to-peak ratio is within the comfort range.

Abstract: This application is generally related to systems and methods for providing a medical therapy to a patient by tracking patient activity and adjusting medical therapy based on occurrence of different types of activities performed by the patient while automatically balancing stimulation program duration.

Abstract: Techniques and systems disclosed herein are directed to determining pacing attributes for a patient and include determining use of a beta blocker with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA) by the patient, receiving a current physiological input, and determining pacing attributes based on the determining use of the beta blocker with ISA and the current physiological input. They further include receiving a current physiological input, determining pacing attributes based on the current physiological input, causing a pacing device to output pacing outputs based on the pacing attributes, receiving an updated physiological input after causing the pacing device to output the pacing outputs, determining that a difference between the current physiological input and the updated physiological input does not meet a threshold difference, and generating an indication of a presence or use of a non-ISA beta blocker based on the difference not meeting the threshold difference.

Abstract: An electrode apparatus includes a portable amplifier and a plurality of external electrodes to be disposed proximate a patient's skin. A portable computing apparatus is operably coupled to the electrode apparatus. The portable computing apparatus is configured to monitor electrical activity from tissue of a patient using the plurality of external electrodes to generate a plurality of electrical signals over time. The portable computing apparatus is configured to perform at least one of optimizing at least one parameter of the of the implantable pacing device based on the plurality of electrical signals and determining cardiac synchrony based on the plurality of electrical signals.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an implantable device. The method comprises: receiving at least one cardiac vector signal, wherein the at least one cardiac vector signal is acquired by the implantable device between at least one pair of electrodes; extracting two or more separate features from the at least one cardiac vector signal by signal processing; deriving a hardware status (pnoise) of the implantable device based at least in part on a classification of the extracted two or more separate features.

Abstract: Techniques for determining the location of a physiological midline are disclosed. A first technique evaluates the response to stimulation of spinal electrodes at peripheral electrodes on different sides of the body. In this technique, a spinal electrode's position relative to a physiological midline is determined based on a relationship between responses to its stimulation observed on different sides of the body. A second technique evaluates the response of spinal electrodes to stimulation of peripheral electrodes on different sides of the body. In this technique, a spinal electrode's position relative to a physiological midline is determined based on the different responses that it observes to stimulation on different sides of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable apparatus for obtaining urinary control and emptying of the urinary bladder. The apparatus operates with a powered member (100) operating from the outside of the urinary bladder assisted by a support structure to discharge urine from the urinary bladder. A control device (200) controls the operation of the powered member. The control device further comprises a source of energy for operating the powered member and other energy consuming parts of the apparatus and a control assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving conducted i2i communication between first and second implantable medical device (IMDs) are described, wherein at least one of the IMDs comprises a leadless pacemaker (LP). Respective information is stored within each of the first and second IMDs that specifies a primary communication window (PCW) for performing the conducted communication with one another when using a primary conducted communication protocol (PCCP), and also specifies an alternate communication window (ACW) for performing the conducted communication with one another when using an alternate conducted communication protocol (ACCP). At least one of the first and second IMDs monitors quality metric of the conducted communication therebetween while the PCCP is being used, and in response to the quality metric falling below a corresponding threshold, the first and second IMDs perform conducted i2i communication with one another in accordance with the ACCP during the ACW of one or more cardiac cycles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to connectors for high density neural interfaces and methods of microfabricating the connectors. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a connector having a core and a supporting structure wrapped around at least a portion of the core. The supporting structure may have a first layer of a high temperature liquid crystal polymer, and the second layer of a low temperature liquid crystal polymer that is reflowed to attach the supporting structure to the core. Conductive traces are buried between the first layer and the second layer, and the conductive traces terminate at conductive contacts formed on a surface of the first layer. The connector may have a predetermined shape or profile, which facilitates alignment and insertion of the connector into a header of a neurostimulator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved user experience with rechargers for implantable medical devices. An external charging device for providing power to a rechargeable implantable device can determine a firmware state of the external charging device during recharging of the rechargeable implantable device, display a searching indication using a light indicator when the firmware state is determined to be in a searching state, display a charging indication using the light indicator when the firmware state is determined to be a charging state, and display an error indication using the light indicator when the firmware state is determined to be an error state. An optional user device application can provide complementary graphical user interfaces according to the firmware states.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise an electrocardiograph device for detecting electrical signals of a ventricular fibrillation event in a patient and producing ECG data, a classifier, and a display device. The classifier comprises a memory and a processor, the memory storing a model and one or more parameters of the model. The memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor the processor to receive the ECG data, and generate a determination indicating whether the ventricular fibrillation event has been caused by heart muscle ischemia based on the model, the parameters of the model. The display device is configured to output the determination, which can also be communicated to follow-on provider systems. The determination can also indicate a predicted coronary perfusion pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a person having cardiac arrest includes a processor and a lead in communication with the processor, the lead being configured to receive a segment of electrocardiogram (ECG) data from the person while undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Abstract: A method of treating a subject that includes positioning a plurality of magnetic sources in proximity to a head of the subject, each magnetic source being configured to provide a magnetic field, selecting a phase offset between a first magnetic field provided by a first magnetic source of the plurality of magnetic sources and a second magnetic field provided by a second magnetic source of the plurality of magnetic sources, operating the plurality of magnetic sources with the selected phase offset, and applying the magnetic fields provided by the plurality of magnetic sources to the head of the subject to provide a therapeutic treatment within a target area of the subject's brain, wherein the magnetic fields combine to produce a rotating magnetic field vector in proximity to the target area of the subject's brain.

Abstract: A system for providing treatment to a subject including a first magnetic source, a motor coupled to the first magnetic source, a second magnetic source positioned in proximity to the first magnetic source, at least one memory storing computer-executable instructions, and at least one processor for executing the instructions stored on the memory. Execution of the instructions causes the at least one processor to, when the second magnetic source is positioned in proximity to a head of the subject, operate the motor to rotate the first magnetic source causing the first magnetic source to produce a first magnetic field, wherein the first magnetic field is applied to the second magnetic source and causes the second magnetic source to rotate and produce a second magnetic field that is applied to the head of the subject to provide a therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for localising activation under transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The method includes computing activation parameter statistics with activation location as an activation parameter, wherein the activation parameter statistics includes a probability distribution of the activation location.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing a portable magnetic field therapy system for inducing an effect of a chemical or biochemical agent to a mammalian subject, such as for the treatment of diseases and adverse health conditions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines molecules and increasing anti-inflammatory signaling molecules in a mammal are provided. A device can include a power supply; an amplifier; an antenna, and a waveform generator. The one or more signals can have an aperiodic continuous waveform function or an aperiodic pulse train that reduces inflammation, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines molecules, and/or increases anti-inflammatory signaling molecules in a mammal.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide an LED based vaginal light therapy device for a plurality of bacterial and fungal infections. The device comprises an LED body, a cervix support, a single or a plurality of LEDs, a switch, a tether, microchip and a battery. One end of the device comprises a cervix support to place the device smoothly against the cervix. A plurality of LEDs is provided over the LED body. The LED body comprises one or more LEDs and each LED emits a light having a wavelength in a therapeutic zone of light. The light emitted are in a range of blue light and/or red light. The microchip is housed within the LED body. The microchip connects a battery to the single or plurality of LED's and is further connected to the switch.

Abstract: An indwelling medical device with stimuli-responsive antimicrobial properties. The medical device includes a polymeric substrate having one or more light-responsive antimicrobial compounds. The medical device includes a light source to provide light to the polymeric substrate and a sensor to detect infection or bacterial colonization. A controller is connected to the light source and to the sensor. The controller controls operation of the sensor and receives sensing signals from the sensor. The controller activates the light source in response to infection detection and release the antimicrobial compound. The light-responsive antimicrobial compound may include a nitric oxide donor, such as S-nitroso-n-acetylpenacillamine, S-nitrosoglutathione, or N-diazeniumdiolate (NONOate). The light-responsive antimicrobial compound may include a photocatalyst metal oxide, such as ZnO, CuO, or TiO2.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a low-level laser therapy device using a light-emitting diode (LED) endoscope cap. One aspect of the present disclosure may include a catheter formed to extend so as to be inserted into a body of a patient and including an air insufflation part for stretching the mucosal folds of the duodenum of the patient, an endoscope cap having a through hole therein to allow the catheter to be inserted therethrough, a hood disposed in one region outside the endoscope cap and disposed such that at least one region thereof protrudes forward from the endoscope cap, and one or more LEDs disposed on each of the endoscope cap and the hood.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to devices for use in radiation therapy. Various configurations of shielding materials within shielding layers, such as for use in shielding radiation from radioactive sources within implanted radioactive carriers, are discussed herein.

Abstract: A fixed-point mammalian spine-like apparatus and a tumor tracking block with a variable size, shape, density target object and metal fiducial markers used to mark tumors in human treatment are disclosed. The tumor tracking block is configured in shape and size to fit into a dock of a dynamic radiation oncological phantom system with the target tracked in coordination with a linear accelerator. The fixed-point mammalian spine-like apparatus provides an accurate and fixed alignment point of reference for pre-treatment dose delivery evaluation the target is in motion. The fixed-point mammalian spine-like apparatus includes a connector that attaches to a frame of the phantom system, ensuring that the alignment point of reference of planning CT data to pre-treatment CT (kV or MV) is proper and accurate, while allowing the phantom with its detectors to be in motion, realistically representing a human under treatment.

Abstract: A microsphere delivery apparatus providing real-time measuring of delivered radioactivity during medical procedures utilizing radioactive emitting microspheres wherein an administration housing includes a holder to receive a vial containing microspheres for delivery to a patient, a detector holder to receive a radiation detector and a delivery tube assembly for transporting fluid containing the microspheres.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer-implemented method for use in aligning pieces of equipment of a medical system, comprising determining, for a piece of equipment of a medical system, a viewing direction of the piece of equipment, the viewing direction being a normal to a predetermined portion of the surface of the piece of equipment, determining whether the viewing direction is within a predetermined interval around a target viewing direction of the piece of equipment, and upon determining that the viewing direction is outside of the predetermined interval around the target viewing direction of the piece of equipment, initiating an adjusting of the alignment of the piece of equipment.

Abstract: A device for stationary delivery of focused ultrasound therapy to a body surface treatment area of a patient includes a plurality of ultrasound emitters arranged in a flexible array, each emitter of the plurality of emitters having a polygonic geometry and a plurality of edges. At least one edge of each emitter is adjacent to and forms a narrow gap between the at least one edge and an edge of at least one other emitter of the plurality of emitters. Each emitter has an external face and an opposite internal face. The flexible array provides an area of uniform emitter coverage so that uniform ultrasonic waves are applied to the body surface treatment area of the patient when the device is placed onto, so as to conform to, a curvature of the body surface treatment area, and the external face of each emitter is adjacent to the treatment area.

Abstract: A headset apparatus for a subject has an ultrasound transducer mounted within an earpiece of the headset, wherein the ultrasound transducer is configured to nest against an ear of the subject. A headband is coupled to the earpiece and is configured to extend across a parietal region of the head and to provide flexure that exerts a force for urging the ultrasound transducer against a pinna surface of the subject's ear. An alignment projection extending from the earpiece is configured as an alignment feature for positioning the ultrasound transducer against the pinna surface when the alignment projection is seated within the opening of an ear canal of the subject. The transducer and alignment projection are in fixed positions relative to each other within the earpiece.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for producing and registration of an acoustic holographic lens for trans-skull focused ultrasound (FUS). In one example embodiment, the lens is produced using a heterogenous angular spectrum approach that performs computations in the frequency domain, enabling pressure fields created with selected frequencies. In another example embodiment, precise registration of the lens with skull geometry is achieved via use of a nonlinear parametric array effect.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasonic treatment tip and a therapeutic instrument. The ultrasonic treatment tip includes: a shell provided with a first sound-transmitting hole, and the first sound-transmitting hole being covered with a sound-transmitting membrane; a cover fixed to the shell, and the cover and the sound-transmitting membrane jointly forming a sealed accommodation cavity; an ultrasonic transducer provided at the accommodation cavity, and a sound-emitting unit of the ultrasonic transducer facing the first sound-transmitting hole; and a buffer member provided at the accommodation cavity, the buffer member and an inner surface of the accommodation cavity being enclosed to form a buffer chamber, and the buffer chamber being configured to offset a pressure change in the accommodation cavity when the sound-emitting unit is working.