Abstract: The invention is directed to a remote controlled shower assembly having an electronically controlled shower head that is controlled by a computerized control unit as well as related methods of installation and use. The assembly can automatically bathe a user by following a program that dictates time of bathing, shower head position and motion, and the dispensing of bathing agents such as body wash or shampoo.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include measuring at least one effect of a combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience on an individual and/or modifying at least one of the bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least partially based on the at least one effect.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable plug implant, suitable for bone tissue regeneration, includes a first portion, and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion, the first and second portions formed from expandable material. A method for bone tissue regeneration includes providing a bioabsorbable plug implant, wherein the implant has a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. The first and second portions are formed from expandable material. The second portion is inserted into a defect or gap of a bone. The first surface engages the outside contour of the defect or gap. The plug implant is allowed to contact body fluids, thereby expanding the size of the plug implant so that the plug fits into the defect or gap.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for accessing and traversing one or more complex data structures and generating a functional user interface that can enable non-technical users to quickly and dynamically edit and generate detailed reports. The user interfaces are interactive such that a user may make selections, provide inputs, and/or manipulate outputs. In response to various user inputs, the system automatically accesses and traverses complex data structures (including, for example, a mathematical graph having nodes and edges), calculates complex data based on the traversals, displays the calculated complex data to the user, and/or enters the calculated complex data into the reports. The reports may be automatically updated based on a context selected by the user, and the system may automatically publish reports in multiple contexts.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices for adjusting a glossopexy system are also disclosed. Adjusting a distance between two body-engaging structures can be performed without disengaging a tether from either of the body-engaging structures in some embodiments.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for repairing heart valves through percutaneous transcatheter delivery and fixation of annuloplasty rings to heart valves via a trans-apical approach to accessing the heart. A guiding sheath may be introduced into a ventricle of the heart through an access site at an apex of the heart. A distal end of the guiding sheath can be positioned retrograde through the target valve. An annuloplasty ring arranged in a compressed delivery geometry is advanced through the guiding sheath and into a distal portion of the guiding sheath positioned within the atrium of the heart. The distal end of the guiding sheath is retracted, thereby exposing the annuloplasty ring. The annuloplasty ring may be expanded from the delivery geometry to an operable geometry. Anchors on the annuloplasty ring may be deployed to press into and engage tissue of the annulus of the target valve.

Abstract: An implant for use in orthognathic surgery of a maxilla may include a longitudinal plate member and a plurality of pre-shaped fingers extending from an upper edge of the plate member. The longitudinal plate member is pre-shaped to correspond to the pre-operative shape of the maxilla; and the fingers are pre-shaped to correspond to the shape of the maxilla. The fingers may be pre-shaped to correspond to either the pre-operative shape or the post-operative shape of the maxilla.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for external manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles in vasculature using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the systems and methods relate to the control of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow.

Abstract: A voice control device includes a calculation section configured to calculate a response time representing a time difference between a voice in a received signal and a voice in a sending signal; a hearing estimate section configured to estimate hearing of a user based on the calculated response time; and a voice control section configured to control the received signal by a compensation quantity responsive to the estimated hearing.

Abstract: A surgical robot including a slave device performing a surgical operation upon a patient and a master device controlling the surgical operation of the slave device. The slave device includes an image capture unit including a first lighting unit radiating visible light, a second lighting unit radiating UV light, and a camera capturing a visible-light image and a surgical tool coated with a UV reactive material emitting light in response to UV light radiated by the second lighting unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking a target by tracking the location of an imaging device while the imaging device is tracking the target is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for creating a tactile sensation through non-invasive brain stimulation by using ultrasonic waves. The apparatus includes: an ultrasonic transducer module for inputting the ultrasonic waves to stimulate a specific part of the brain of a specified user non-invasively through at least one ultrasonic transducer unit; a compensating module for acquiring information on a range of tactile perception areas in the brain of the specified user and compensating properties of ultrasonic waves to be inputted to the specified user through the ultrasonic transducer unit by referring to the acquired information thereon; and an ultrasonic waves generating module for generating ultrasonic waves to be inputted to the specified user through the ultrasonic transducer unit by referring to a compensating value decided by the compensating module.

Abstract: A device for assisting robotic surgery of soft tissue, that comprises a shell with a flexible sealing rim, instrument ports, and a vacuum port. The flexible sealing rim seals the shell around a surgical area and allows for the application of negative pressure via the vacuum port. The negative pressure manipulates soft tissue to allow a surgeon to perform an incision with a robotic surgery apparatus.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, the present invention includes an instrumentation system for preparing a bone for soft tissue repair, the instrumentation system including a flexible drill pin capable of bending along a curved path; an aimer capable of engaging the flexible pin to bend the flexible pin; and a flexible reamer having a flexible portion along at least a portion of its length, the flexible portion comprising a plurality of laser cuts.

Abstract: A cover layer for a vacuum wound therapy dressing includes a backing layer formed from a flexible polymeric membrane and an adhesive layer for affixing the backing layer over a wound bed to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal around a perimeter of the wound bed. The cover layer is reinforced with a reinforcement layer extending to a peripheral region of the backing layer to distribute forces associated with evacuating a reservoir, as defined by or within the cover, to stimulate healing of the wound bed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the palatal tissue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the soft palate and may be secured to other surrounding, less mobile structures such as the hard palate or the mucosa overlying the hard palate. The implant may be manipulated to displace at least a portion of the soft palate in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the soft palate.

Abstract: A fluoroscopy C-arm drape clip for attaching a sterile drape to a C-arm of a fluoroscopy C-arm imaging unit and method of providing a sterile outer surface on a C-arm of a fluoroscopy C-arm imaging unit is provided. The drape clip includes a generally U-shaped band having a pair of legs and an arm. Each of the legs has a first end attached to the arm and a second end spaced from the arm. The legs extend away from the arm in non-parallel, laterally spaced relation with one another and have inner surfaces facing one another and an outer surfaces facing away from one another. Further, an elastic pad is attached to the inner surface of each of the legs adjacent the second ends.

Abstract: A power morcellation system, apparatus, and methodology. Structurally, the device includes a sturdy, pliable (e.g., able to be inserted and retracted through a 10-15 mm morcellator port), distensible, waterproof/watertight retaining bag/pouch/carrier to be deployed into the pelvic cavity of the subject. The device further includes a plurality (e.g., three (3)) of port tube channels extending outwardly from the bag, wherein the interior of each channel is in communication with the interior of the bag. Each channel has an open end (opposite from the end that terminates in the bag) through which a laparoscopic/robotic camera and other instruments (e.g., camera, control instrument) may pass. A smaller tube channel also extends outwardly from the bag and can be suited as an insufflation port channel, among other uses. The bag also includes a large opening surrounded by an elastic drawstring for receiving the specimen to be removed within the bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rod-shaped body (1) comprised of one or more filaments (2) and of a non-ferromagnetic matrix material (3). The matrix material (3) surrounds the filament(s) (1) and/or adheres them to one another. The rod-shaped body is also comprised of a dopant consisting of particles that generate magnetic resonance tomographic artifacts that is introduced into the matrix material (3). Rod-shaped bodies of this type can be used to construct guide wires, catheters and other instruments to be used in minimally invasive surgical interventions.

Abstract: A vaginal insert device including a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion is disclosed. The vaginal insert relaxes in the vagina to deliver outward compression force against the bladder neck via the anterior vaginal wall to assist prevention of urinary stress incontinence. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior section with a plurality of struts extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of struts helically curve as the plurality of struts extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of struts are twisted together and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of struts are extended outward into a convex position larger than the insertion diameter.

Abstract: Effective systems and methods for improving neural communication impairment of a vertebrate being and affecting motor activity of a peripheral body part including a first signal-providing component configured to provide pulsed peripheral stimulation signals at the peripheral body part, a second signal-providing component configured to provide a pulsed motor cortex stimulation signal to a motor cortex area, a substantially DC signal-providing component configured to provide direct current spinal stimulation signal at a neural spinal junction and a controller component configured to control timing of the pulsed peripheral stimulation signals and the pulsed motor cortex stimulation signal.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a controller for remotely controlling an implantable device that is used to adjust a gastric band, and the controller transmits a telemetric signal to the implantable device. The apparatus further comprises a table that provides support for the controller. A rail is oriented in a first direction with respect to the table, and a tray is slidably coupled to the rail. The tray receives the controller, and the rail moves the tray and the controller in the first direction with respect to the table. The apparatus further comprises a roller coupled to the rail. The roller aids in moving the rail, the tray, and the controller in a second direction with respect to the table. The apparatus further comprises an attachment mechanism for securing the controller to the tray. The apparatus locates the controller in a desired location with respect to a patient.

Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure resembling the double helix most commonly associated with DNA is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for health applications and/or medical applications.

Abstract: A medical article is used to repair prolapses of various pelvic organs including vaginal vault prolapse. The medical article can include a first flap comprising a dual density mesh formed of a first and second filament, a second flap comprising a single density mesh formed of the first filament, and a third flap comprising a single density mesh formed of the second filament. The first, second, and third flap can share a common intersection that can form an arc. The medical article can be formed by knitting a uniform piece of mesh and the arc can be configured to conform to a surface of a pelvic organ. Methods of manufacturing and methods of using the medical article are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are provided for synchronous, asynchronous, or independent triggering the firing multiple of electromagnets from either a single power source or multiple energy sources. These methods are particularly useful for stimulation of deep (e.g., sub-cortical) brain regions, or for stimulation of multiple brain regions, since controlled magnetic pulses reaching the deep target location may combine to form a patterned pulse train that activates the desired volume of target tissue. Furthermore, the methods, devices and systems described herein may be used to control the rate of firing of action potentials in one or more brain regions, such as slow or fast rate rTMS. For example, described herein are multiple electromagnetic stimulation sources, each of which are activated independently to create a cumulative effect at the intersections of the electromagnetic stimulation trajectories, typically by means of a computerized calculation.

Abstract: A device for loading and customizing brachytherapy carriers based on the principles of optimizing a more precise and predictable dosimetry, and adaptable to the geometric challenges of a tumor bed in a real-time setting. The present invention relates to a specialized loading device designed to enable a medical team to create a radionuclide carrier for each patient and tumor reliably, reproducibly and efficiently.

Abstract: A transponder string comprising multiple transponders is configured for injection into human tissue. In one embodiment, the transponders are sized to move through a needle for injection into the human tissue. Positions of the transponders with reference to one another may be maintained by coupling the transponders via a filament, adhesive backed substrate, shrink tubing, and/or any other suitable substrate. The transponders are configured to transmit data to a mobile computing device, e.g., a wand, smart phone or wireless tablet positioned outside the human tissue such that positions of the transponders are determinable, e.g., during an excision surgery.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method are directed to qualifying an image(s) and exposing an individual to the qualified image(s) for the purpose of eliciting a relaxation response. More specifically, a sequential rendition of qualified images are presented to either a normal or cognitively impaired person in order to elicit relaxation and/or reduce agitation. Qualified images include those with both particular natural landscape content or elements (e.g., low vegetative growth, an open area, trees, a horizon, a visible sky, an absence of any man-made structures, and fresh water) and a particular average fractal dimension.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sleep aid device including: an electrode arranged on the surface of a pillow in such a manner as to come into contact with the scalp of a user; a brain wave signal acquisition section adapted to acquire a brain wave signal of the user via the electrode; an analysis section adapted to analyze the acquired brain wave signal; and a control section adapted to control the execution of a preset process according to the sleep stage representing the depth of sleep of the user identified by the analysis result.

Abstract: Sleep mask for reducing sleep inertia. In an embodiment, the sleep mask comprises a foam layer having a shape that covers both of a human subject's eyes so as to attenuate ambient light. Visual stimulation element(s), configured to emit light, are positioned between the foam layer and the subject's eyes. In addition, a plurality of sensors positioned on the forehead of the subject collect electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), and electromyogram (EMG) signals. A soft exterior cover houses the foam layer, the visual stimulation element(s), and the sensors. The sleep mask further comprises processor(s) that determine and record each sleep stage of the subject, determine when to wake the subject, and, when it is determined to wake the subject, control the visual stimulation element(s) to wake the subject using emitted light.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders by support of the levator. A pelvic implant (100, 102) may comprise a tissue support portion (104) to be placed in contact with tissue to be supported, extension portions (106, 110) that extend from the tissue support portion to provide additional support, and tissue fasteners (108, 112) to attach extension portions to supportive tissue.

Abstract: A transducer holder for holding a transducer in signal-receiving contact with a patient's body, the holder comprising: a base adherently attachable to the patient's skin; and a retainer attached or attachable to the base; wherein, in use, the retainer holds the transducer in signal-receiving contact with the patient's body and retains the transducer in the holder.

Abstract: An implantable device controls the movement of fluid to an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device includes a body. The body has an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The body defines a fluid passage from the inlet to the outlet. The implantable device also includes a diaphragm. The diaphragm has one or more edges coupled to the body. The diaphragm is made of an elastomeric material and capable of being moved between a closed position that blocks the valve seat and does not allow the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet and an open position that does not block the valve seat and allows the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: An endoluminal and intracorporeal negative pressure, wound care treatment, and prophylaxic system 10 and method includes a pressure distributor 40 for placement substantially within an internal organ or tissue abscess 34. A fluidic communication means 22 is provided between the pressure distributor 40 and a negative pressure source 20. A collection canister 24 is provided between the negative pressure source 20 and the pressure distributor 40 for collecting any effluents 36 that may be drawn from the abscess 34 during application of negative pressure. An introducing conduit 44 is provided for introducing the pressure distributor 40 into the abscess 34. A positioning conduit 46 is provided to properly position the pressure distributor 40 within the abscess 34. Negative pressure is applied to the pressure distributor 40 in order to provide negative pressure therapy within the abscess 34.

Abstract: A patient colonoscopy abdominal compression device and method. Spaced pressure columns are configured to press on the iliac. A palpation arch between the spaced pressure columns is configured to allow monitoring of scope movement and to insure loop control is correct and is also configured to transfer pressure from the patient or a nurse to the iliac via the pressure columns.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes an apparatus main body (11) configured to execute imaging or treatment of an object in accordance with an imaging plan or a treatment plan, an electric power calculation unit (29) configured to calculate an electric power required for the imaging or the treatment based on the imaging plan or the treatment plan, a communication unit (23) configured to receive power information from a plurality of other medical apparatuses, a total electric power calculation unit (30) configured to calculate a total electric power from the calculated electric power and the received electric power, a comparing unit (31) configured to compare the calculated total electric power with a threshold, and a display (25) configured to display a comparison result obtained by the comparing unit.

Abstract: A treatment planning system for generating patient-specific treatment. The system including one or more processors programmed to receive a radiation treatment plan (RTP) for irradiating a target over the course of one or more treatment fractions, said RTP including a planned dose distribution to be delivered to the target, receive motion data for at least one of the treatment fractions of the RTP, receive temporal delivery metric data for at least one of the treatment fractions of the RTP, calculate a motion-compensated dose distribution for the target using the motion data and the temporal delivery metric data to adjust the planned dose distribution based on the received motion data and temporal delivery metric data, and compare the motion-compensated dose distribution to the planned dose distribution.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing incontinence includes a tubular body with a first guiding element connected to a tube-shaped retaining element with a second guiding element that opens axially into a termination on a side of the retaining element. The retaining element is formed of a reversible stretchable and compressible metal grille that is air-tight and fluid-tight at the termination in a region of a transition thereof to the tubular body. A fixing device that fixes the apparatus when the apparatus is immovably implanted in a body tissue of a patient is formed of the first guiding element defining areas with axially spaced projections. In a non-extended state, the projections are formed as slits protruding out of the surface of the first guiding element and, in an axially extended state, the projections are immovably implanted in the body tissue when the first guiding element is compressed in an axial direction.

Abstract: A surgical procedure for repairing vaginal prolapse, including apical descent (vaginal vault or uterine descensus), cystocele and/or rectocele, avoids bladder injury, the need for laparoscopic suturing, and difficulties in tensioning the mesh used to hold the vagina in the correct anatomical position, and can be practiced with off the shelf components. The procedure typically comprises exposing a female patient's peritoneum; making a peritoneal incision (e.g. over the patient's sacrum); mobilizing the peritoneum; incising the patient's vagina and attaching the anterior and posterior surfaces of a first (e.g. generally rectangular) mesh component, with a truncated stem and first locking element, to the apex of the patient's vagina; passing a mesh base component having a second locking element at a distal end, and a proximal end, underneath the peritoneum; moving the first and second locking elements together into locking relationship; anchoring the mesh base (e.g.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting at least one indication of bioactive agent use by an individual and/or modifying an artificial sensory experience to alter at least one effect of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: A method for performing a surgical or medical procedure on a portion of a patient's body within a surgical environment enclosure may involve preparing the surgical environment enclosure for performing the procedure, advancing the portion of the patient's body into the surgical environment enclosure through a first port on the enclosure, and performing the surgical or medical procedure on the portion of the patient's body inside the surgical environment enclosure, through at least a second port on the enclosure. The first port forms a seal around a surface of the patient's body upon or after insertion. In some embodiments, neither the entire body of the patient nor an entire body of any medical or surgical personnel fully enters the surgical environment enclosure during performance of the surgical or medical procedure.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for controlling from a first location a laser at a second location are disclosed. Laser orientation data is determined at a first location. The laser orientation data is communicated to the second location. Video data is received from the second location that includes imagery of a laser beam emitted by a laser, and the imagery is presented on a display at the first location.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of an instrument within an anatomy is provided. The system can include a first instrument, which can define at least one lumen. The system can further include a second instrument, which can be received through the at least one lumen. The system can include at least one electrode, which can be coupled to a distal end of the first instrument. The electrode can be responsive to electrical activity to generate at least one signal. The system can include a sensing unit, which can be in contact with the anatomy to sense electrical activity within the anatomy at a location near the instrument. The sensing unit can be in communication with the electrode to receive the signal. The system can further include a control module that can determine, based on the sensed electrical activity and the signal, the location of the first instrument.

Abstract: A test battery method and system for use in assessing auditory function (e.g., the screening or diagnosis of impairments, fitting of hearing aids, etc.) is provided which performs one or more auditory tests including, for example, an acoustic reflectance test. Such an acoustic reflectance test may be a reflectance tympanometry test that includes a feedback system to control static pressure in the ear canal. Such acoustic reflectance tests may be used alone or in combination with one or more other auditory tests. Further, for example, such a battery of tests may include middle-ear muscle reflex tests in combination with one or more other auditory or hearing tests.

Abstract: An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone, where the ferric element is disposed to face along a treatment vector from the hyoid bone, and the treatment vector is oriented relative to a sagittal plane of a human. The orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device further includes an external orthotic neck device having a contoured housing with a shape disposed to conform about a neck of the human subject, where the housing includes a force delivery element disposed at an exterior-front neck region of the human subject and is disposed to provide an attractive force to the ferric element along the treatment vector. A force sensor is disposed to measure a force exerted on the hyoid bone, a skin contact pressure, tissue compression between the ferric element and the force delivery element.

Abstract: A system, method and kit for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region and having at least one aperture therethrough, and a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross section along its length. The ribbon-like element is adapted for implantation in a tongue with the first and second ends extending through the at least one aperture in the first implant for coupling the ribbon-like element with the first implant.

Abstract: A contact force sensor package includes a substrate layer having a vibration detection unit and a pair of first junction pads that are electrical connection ports which are provided on an upper surface of the substrate layer, a flexible circuit substrate layer having a pair of second junction pads provided at a position corresponding to the first junction pads and electrically connected to the first junction pad, a vibration transfer unit having one side contacting the vibration detection unit and the other side contacting a human body and transferring a sphygmus wave of the human body to the vibration detection unit, and an adhesion layer formed between the substrate layer and the flexible circuit substrate layer to reinforce a junction force between the substrate layer and the flexible circuit substrate layer, the adhesion layer being not formed in an area overlapping at least the vibration transfer unit.

Abstract: A compact implantable medical assembly is comprised of a medical device connected to an electrochemical cell. The medical device is comprised of a housing enclosing at least one electrical circuit and including an end having a perimeter edge and a contact opening therethrough. The electrochemical cell is comprised of a casing having a sidewall extending to a distal end and a proximal end forming a proximal opening. The proximal casing end is joined to the medical device housing. A glass-to-metal seal supports a terminal pin extending from within the casing through the proximal casing opening and through the contact opening in the end of the housing. The terminal pin is connected to the electrical circuit contained within the housing. That way the cell serves as the power source for the medical device with both the cell and medical device being exposed to body fluid.

Abstract: A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an anchoring element having scar tissue located in an inframandibular region, and a tongue implant having at least one arm extending therefrom, whereby the tongue implant is implantable in a tongue with the at least one arm being connectable with the anchoring element for coupling the tongue implant with the anchoring element. In one embodiment, the anchoring element includes a first implant part such as a flexible layer implantable in the inframandibular region and the scar tissue is formed on, in, and/or around the first implant part. The tongue implant is coupled with the anchoring element and/or the scar tissue through the at least one arm. The length of the at least one arm may be adjusted for shifting the tongue anteriorly.