Abstract: A method and an system for vaccinating a mammalian subject. The method includes the steps of: arranging a source of electromagnetic radiation proximate to a target zone of skin of the mammalian subject; controlling the source of electromagnetic radiation to deliver a dose of electromagnetic radiation to the target zone determined to create one or more thermally-denatured zones in the target zone; and intradermally injecting a vaccine within the target zone to vaccinate the mammalian subject. The system for vaccinating a subject may include an electromagnetic radiation source configured to be arranged proximate to a target zone on an exterior of the subject; a user control configured to selectively cause the electromagnetic radiation source to deliver a dose of electromagnetic radiation toward the target zone to create one or more thermally-denatured zones in the target zone; and a vaccine-delivery system configured to deliver a vaccine to the target zone.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a robot main body, a slave controller, a display device that displays an endoscopic image, and an manipulation input device. The robot main body includes an entry guide having a plurality of guide bores, an entry guide support device that supports the entry guide, an instrument manipulator that has a surgical instrument provided at a distal end and is inserted into the entry guide, and an endoscope manipulator that has an endoscopic camera provided at a distal end and is inserted into the entry guide. The slave controller operates the robot main body such that the surgical instrument advances from an exit of the entry guide after the endoscopic camera advances from the exit of the entry guide and starts capturing in response to input of a body cavity insertion manipulation received by the manipulation input device.

Abstract: Injection systems comprising a powered injector and one or more hazardous agents are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices, systems, and methods for use in surgery. In particular, the disclosed system and methods relate to an intervertebral spinal implant sized and dimensioned for the lumbar spine implantable via a posterior approach. The system includes an implant, instruments for delivering the implant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment, management and/or control of pain, in particular pain associated with, or caused or contributed to by, certain dermatological conditions.

Abstract: A flow reducing implant for reducing blood flow in a blood vessel having a cross sectional dimension, the flow reducing implant comprising a hollow element adapted for placement in the blood vessel defining a flow passage therethrough, said flow passage comprising at least two sections, one with a larger diameter and one with a smaller diameter, wherein said smaller diameter is smaller than a cross section of the blood vessel. A plurality of tabs anchor, generally parallel to the blood vessel wall, are provided in some embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: To efficiently assess, prioritize, and re-assess individuals respectively for intervention OR for ongoing programs/activities OR for personalized rehabilitation or training activities: A Computerized Interactive Psychological Assessment Protocol including the steps of: using a predetermined interactive media, interfacing with a client, (A) accepting some predetermined goal-relevant self-assessment responses from the client, regarding the client's respective motivation, belief, know-how, state-of-mind, activity, etc.

Abstract: A stent graft for treating an arterial aneurysm includes a ligature traversing at least a portion of struts of stents, the ligature having ends that, when linked, at least partially constrict a radial dimension of the stents. The ends of the ligature can be linked by a wire in a stent graft delivery system that threads anchor loops longitudinally spanning ends of the ligature to maintain the stent in a radially constricted position during delivery to the aneurysm. The stent graft can be implanted at the aneurysm by retracting the wire from the linked ends of the ligature and from the anchor loops, thereby releasing the associated stent from the radially constricted position.

Abstract: Improved formulations for topical treatment that ensure at least localized transdermal or systemic delivery of an active agent through skin, nails or hair follicles are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a therapeutic agent delivery device with anti-roll features. In one embodiment, a therapeutic agent delivery device may include a tubular body including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a lumen extending between the first end portion and the second portion. An outer surface of the tubular body includes a first opening in communication with the lumen. The outer surface of the tubular body further may include a ledge extending around a periphery of the first opening, and a portion of the ledge closest to the second end portion of the tubular body may be shaped as an arrowhead. The therapeutic agent delivery device also may include a cap configured to engage the second end portion of the tubular body, which may include a curved sidewall extending radially outward. The curved sidewall may include a protrusion.

Abstract: A system for delivering a vascular implant into a body lumen including a vascular implant having a first engagement portion at a proximal portion and an elongated delivery member having a second engagement portion at a distal portion releasably engageable with the first engagement portion. An elongated member extends through the delivery member wherein in the extended position the elongated member extends into at least a portion of the implant to prevent release of the implant from the delivery member and in the retracted position the elongated member enables release of the implant from the delivery member.

Abstract: A nerve stimulation system including a stimulation probe including a handle and a stimulation head at an end of the handle; a reference electrode; and a control system in communication with the stimulation probe and the reference electrode, the control system configured to generate an electrical stimulation signal that, when delivered to a skin surface of a patient using the stimulation probe, induces an activation potential in a plurality of nociceptors while remaining below a threshold that induces a muscle contractile response.

Abstract: An estimate of a functional capacity such as VO2Max is made by applying the vital signs of a monitored human to a trained encoding neural network producing a cardio profile vector. The vector is applied to a trained functional capacity (VO2Max) neural network to estimate the functional capacity. Once estimated, an action is taken.

Abstract: An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery.

Abstract: A bone graft containment device includes a body formed via one or more helical structures extending about a longitudinal axis of the body from a first end to a second end to define a channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The channel is configured to receive a bone graft or bone graft substitute material therein, the one or more helical structures formed of a material permitting the body to be one of expanded, compressed and curved to fill a target space of a target bone.

Abstract: A system for treating a heart includes a catheter that is advanceable into a chamber of the heart and that is repositionable within the chamber between a septal wall and an external wall to enable penetration of the septal and external walls via a needle that is disposed within a lumen of the catheter. A first guidewire is deliverable through the penetration of the septal wall so that a distal end of the first guidewire is disposed within another chamber of the heart. A second guidewire is deliverable through the penetration of the external wall so that a distal end of the second guidewire is disposed externally of the external wall. The first guidewire is connectable to the second guidewire to join or form a path within the chamber that extends between the septal wall and the external wall.

Abstract: A modular engineered tissue construct includes a plurality of fused self-assembled, scaffold-free, high-density cell aggregates. At least one cell aggregate includes a plurality of cells and a plurality of biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles and/or microparticles that are incorporated within the cell aggregates. The nanoparticles and/or microparticles acting as a bulking agent within the cell aggregate to increase the cell aggregate size and/or thickness and improve the mechanical properties of the cell aggregate as well as to deliver bioactive agents.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for compressing, cutting, incising, reconfiguring, remodeling, attaching, repositioning, supporting, dislocating or altering the composition of tissues or anatomical structures to alter their positional or force relationship to other tissues or anatomical structures. In some applications, the invention may be used to used to improve patency or fluid flow through a body lumen or cavity (e.g., to limit constriction of the urethra by an enlarged prostate gland).

Abstract: A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a prosthetic heart valve within an atrioventricular valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having an inflow end, an outflow end, and struts forming a plurality of cells connected to one another in a plurality of annular rows around the stent. The stent further includes a collapsible and expandable valve assembly secured to the stent. The valve assembly includes a cuff and a plurality of leaflets having an open configuration and a closed configuration. A cord connected to the stent includes an attachment device adapted to couple the stent to heart tissue of a patient. A method of stabilizing a prosthetic heart valve within an atrioventricular valve annulus is also described.

Abstract: Various aspects of a generator, ultrasonic device, and method for estimating a state of an end effector of an ultrasonic device are disclosed. The ultrasonic device includes an electromechanical ultrasonic system defined by a predetermined resonant frequency, including an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade. A control circuit measures a complex impedance of an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the complex impedance is defined as Z g ? ( t ) = V g ? ( t ) I g ? ( t ) . The control circuit receives a complex impedance measurement data point and compares the complex impedance measurement data point to a data point in a reference complex impedance characteristic pattern. The control circuit then classifies the complex impedance measurement data point based on a result of the comparison analysis and assigns a state or condition of the end effector based on the result of the comparison analysis.

Abstract: Providing a treatment adjustment plan for a user based on blood glucose data may include obtaining a user profile comprising health information for a user; obtaining, from a camera, image data capturing a food product in front of the user; and identifying the food product based on the image data. Providing the treatment adjustment plan may also include detecting user consumption of the food product; obtaining blood glucose characteristics associated with the food product; determining an estimated blood glucose response based on the blood glucose characteristics and the user profile; and determining a treatment adjustment based on the estimated blood glucose response.

Abstract: An apparatus including a joint spacer for treatment of a joint of a human subject. The joint spacer includes a bioresorbable stent having compressed and expanded configurations and a covering that covers an external surface of the stent. The joint spacer is configured to be inserted into a space of the joint, and is shaped, when the bioresorbable stent is in the expanded configuration, to provide mechanical support to the joint until the bioresorbable stent resorbs into a body of the subject. Treating a joint of a human subject includes inserting a joint spacer into a space of the joint while a bioresorbable stent of the joint spacer is in a compressed configuration, and transitioning the bioresorbable stent to an expanded configuration within the joint, such that the joint spacer provides mechanical support to the joint until the bioresorbable stent resorbs into a body of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention will provide a device in which a movement-impairing episode, such as freezing of gait, is overcome by electrically monitoring and stimulating the individual as soon as the episode is anticipated. The device will be simple and effective when used by individuals suffering from diseases such as Parkinson's Disease without the side effects of oral treatments. This is accomplished through a signal sensing unit, a signal processing unit, a signal generating unit, and an actuation unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods for full thickness tissue resection of an organ (e.g., intestine). In some embodiments, a device includes a conduit, and a plurality of arms rotatably coupled to the conduit. Each of the plurality of arms is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, wherein the plurality of arms extends radially outward from the conduit in the expanded position. The device may further include an electrocautery wire coupled to each of the plurality of arms, the electrocautery wire positioned directly adjacent an exterior tissue wall when the plurality of arms is in the expanded position. The device may be advanced back in towards a lumen of the organ until a targeted section of tissue is cut by the electrocautery wire and removed.

Abstract: A method for treating neural disorders is provided. The method includes the following operation. A stimulation is delivered to a layer of a cortex of a patient with a neural disorder, wherein the stimulation is delivered to less than all layers of the cortex of the patient. In another method for treating neural disorders, a stimulation is delivered to a cortex of a patient with a neural disorder, wherein the stimulation delivered to one of a plurality of layers of the cortex is stronger than to other layers of the cortex. The system for treating neural disorder is also provided. The system includes a stimulation signal generator and a layer-specific stimulation means. The layer-specific stimulation means is coupled to the stimulation signal generator, configured to deliver a stimulation to a specific layer of a cortex of a patient with a neural disorder.

Abstract: Provided is an intraocular lens including: an optic portion; and a haptic portion extending from the optic portion, wherein a pattern having ridges and grooves is formed on at least one of the optic portion and the haptic portion, and each of the grooves has a nanostructure roughness. Provided also is a method of manufacturing an intraocular lens, the method including: seating an object to be processed including an optic portion and at least one haptic portion extending from the optic portion, processing a predetermined pattern for guiding cells by performing laser irradiation on the haptic portion and the optic portion, forming grooves having a nanostructure surface roughness in the predetermined pattern formed by laser beams, and the surface of each of the grooves has an average roughness Ra less than 200 nm.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure disclose a system for delivering a medication. In one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a medical dispensing device that includes a label with a series of zones of varying widths, with each of the zones corresponding to a pre-determined volumetric dose of a drug that is correlated to a physical characteristic of a patient. In one specific example, the label is further affixed to the medical dispensing device such that a smallest dose of the drug to be administered corresponds to a first zone that is proximate an opening through which the drug is to be dispensed.

Abstract: A cannula includes a hollow cylindrical body which is open at one end and closed at the other end. A slot extends from the open end toward the closed end, terminating with an opening that is larger in width than the slot, the width being measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in which the slot extends. The opening allows the passage of a guide wire for relative sliding. The configuration of the cannula is such that the end of the wire coming out of the cannula through the opening cannot, once inserted into the openings, penetrate into the part of the cannula beyond the opening between the latter and the closed end of the cannula. Related methods for inserting a tube shaped probe into a tear duct are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for simulating a vitality metric, the system comprising a computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to retrieve, from a user, a biotic extraction, generate a vitality metric, using a machine-learning model, wherein generating a vitality metric further comprises training a machine-learning model with training data corresponding to measuring biotic parameters present in the biotic extraction data and determining a metric that is a summation of all individual biotic parameters present in the biotic extraction data. Computing device determines a simulated metric, using a simulation machine-learning process, wherein the simulation perturbs a biotic parameter present in the vitality metric, wherein a biotic parameter is an element of numerical data relating to an element of data present in the at least a user biotic extraction. Computing device provides, to a user, a vitality metric and at least a user effort that resulted in a simulated metric.

Abstract: The invention consists in a product for the closed reduction and, more specifically, in a new type of an intramedullary cannulated guide for fracture reduction with an endoscopic camera for use in intramedullary nailing surgeries. The intramedullary cannulated guide for fracture reduction is consisted of a flexible, unbreakable, modular and cannulated shaft, a T-handle with a hole in the upper surface, a camera, which is located at the edge of the guide, bears a lightning source and is connected wired or wireless to an image reproduction device, a sealing flange with a slot or spout, an input/output cannula for liquid suction and/or washing of the camera glass. The intramedullary cannulated guide for fracture reduction with an endoscopic camera is inserted in a bone that has suffered a fracture. The intramedullary image that the camera transmits, when it encounters the fracture point, is shown on the screen.

Abstract: An interactive treatment mapping and planning system enables a user to more quickly, thoroughly, and efficiently aggregate fibroid and/or treatment information from a user and/or one or more sets of databases, construct a fibroid map providing a visual representation of the aggregated fibroid information, generate information from the aggregated information about the fibroid to be treated and/or treatment procedure, develop a treatment plan based on the fibroid and/or treatment procedure information, provide real-time information gathered from treatment devices during the treatment procedure, and allow the user to interact with the treatment data.

Abstract: There is provided a suture passer device used in procedures of robotic assisted minimally invasive suspension of the hyoid and tongue base in treatment of sleep apnea. The suture passer device is a dual use suture passer, having both suture insertor and extractor functionality on a single unitary instrument section of the device by means of insertion and extraction hooks positioned on an elongated needlelike body which is connected to a handle grip. The insertion and extraction hooks receive a suture via an opening in the body of the instrument, with the suture capable of removal and fastening to the extraction hook by robotic forceps. Procedures for using the device are disclosed which include a single point of entry on a patient and the device moved to first and second positions above and below the hyoid bone during robotic assisted surgery.

Abstract: A puncturing device and an anchoring device, the puncturing device including: a puncturing needle, an inflatable anchoring balloon, and a catheter which passes through a proximal end and distal end of the anchoring balloon, the puncturing needle being movably accommodated within the catheter; in a filled state, a central area of an end portion of the distal end of the anchoring balloon is depressed towards the proximal end to form a depressed area, and a distal end of the catheter is located within the depressed area. The anchoring device includes the anchoring balloon and the catheter. The puncturing device may improve the accuracy and success rate of puncturing, and after puncturing is complete, an expansion balloon may be transported along a guide wire to expand a puncturing opening by simply withdrawing the puncturing needle and a push rod.

Abstract: A sequentially deployed prosthetic cardiac valve includes a self-expanding frame having an atrial skirt, a ventricular skirt, and an annular region disposed therebetween. A first anterior tab is disposed on an anterior portion of the frame. A posterior tab is on a posterior portion of the self-expanding frame. The frame may be designed so that any portion may expand sequentially in any desired order. For example, a portion of the first anterior tab and a portion of the posterior tab may partially self-expand first. Next, the first anterior tab may fully self-expand before the posterior tab fully self-expands. The posterior tab may fully self-expand next followed by the ventricular skirt, or the ventricular skirt may self-expand next followed by full expansion of the posterior tab.

Abstract: A locking member of a suture locking device includes a loop portion formed in an ?-shape when viewed from a width direction, and a pair of extensions extending from the loop portion towards a distal side, and an intersection portion in which the pair of extensions intersect is formed at a distal end of the loop portion. The loop portion is inserted into the hollow portion from the distal side with the thread being inserted through an inner space of loop portion, and the thread is pulled from a proximal side towards the intersection portion in the inner space of the loop portion so that the thread is locked to the loop portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of tissue dissection. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to medical devices which lift and retract tissue during a dissection procedure to improve visualization of the target tissue and mitigate obstruction of dissection tools. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a tissue retraction device which moves from a constrained to relaxed configuration to immobilize and retract the dissected portion of target tissue during a dissection procedure.

Abstract: A method of attaching hair extension to customer's hair includes steps of forming beads with strands of customer s hair using bead forming devices and attaching hair extension to the beads using a hair extension attachment device. The hair extension attachment device includes a weft that holds extension hair strands, an attachment thread fixed to the base weft, an attachment needle fixed to a free end of the attachment thread. The bead forming devices includes a bead tube, a first bead thread that passes through the bead tube, a first bead handle that connects both ends of the first bead thread, a second bead thread that passes through the bead tube and a second bead handle that connects both ends of the second bead thread. The bead tube is positioned between the first bead handle and the second bead handle.

Abstract: Implants and methods for augmentation, preferably by minimally invasive procedures and means, of body tissue, including in some embodiments repositioning of body tissue, for example, bone and, preferably vertebrae are described. The implant may comprise one or more chain linked bodies inserted into the interior of body tissue. As linked bodies are inserted into body tissue, they may fill a central portion thereof and for example in bone can push against the inner sides of the cortical exterior surface layer, for example the end plates of a vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the body tissue to its original or desired treatment height. A bone cement or other filler can be added to further augment and stabilize the body tissue. The preferred implant comprises a single flexible monolithic chain formed of allograft cortical bone having a plurality of substantially non-flexible bodies connected by substantially flexible links.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and methods for forming a seal covering an incision in tissue. In some embodiments, a deformable member can be loaded into a catheter and inserted into the tissue incision. The deformable member can unfold into a cup-shape which can form a seal around the incision during a procedure. Once the procedure is finished, the deformable member can be drawn back into the tube.

Abstract: Stomach tissue is manipulated to form, for example, a restored flap of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The manipulation includes gripping stomach tissue from within the stomach while the stomach is inflated to promote visualization and stabilization of the gripped stomach tissue. Once the stomach tissue is gripped, the stomach is deflated and pulled into a mold. The molded tissue is then fastened with at least one fastener. The stomach is inflated to a first pressure during visualization and then to a second higher pressure during the stomach tissue gripping.

Abstract: A spinal bone graft includes one or more cortical bone portions forming a first unit. The first unit includes an engagement surface for contacting bone, and a mating surface. The mating surface forms at least one first undercut. The bone graft also includes one or more cortical bone portions forming a second unit. The second unit includes an engagement surface for contacting bone, and a mating surface. The mating surface forms either at least one second undercut, or at least one connector. In the former, at least one connector is received in each of the first and second undercuts to interconnect the first and second units. In the latter, the at least one connector of the second unit is received in the first undercut of the first unit to interconnect the first unit and second unit.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting and administering an injectable fluid distributed to practitioners in dry-form includes receiving a drug or medicine in dry form, selecting a reconstitution concentration for the drug or medicine, reconstituting a desired number of units of the drug or medicine by adding diluent to the dry-form drug or medicine, selecting a syringe having units marked according to the selected reconstitution concentration, drawing up a desired number of drug or medicine units using the selected syringe, and administering a desired number of units according to the unit markings on the selected syringe. Such a syringe includes a barrel, a plunger assembly that has a plunger handle and a piston, a needle, and a needle cap. The syringe includes a visual indicia, representing a first drug concentration contained in the barrel, that is distinguishable from a corresponding visual indicia, on a second syringe, representing a second drug concentration.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein extending an audio track by joining similar portions. Audio features (e.g., spectral features, modulation features) may be extracted from the audio track. The audio track may be segmented, e.g., based on the audio features, and each segment may be slid through the audio track using a timestep. In each timestep, the sliding segment may be compared to the underlying portion of the audio track and a similarity score (e.g., a cross-correlation) may be generated. A self-similarity matrix may be generated based on the comparisons involving all the segments. The self-similarity matrix may be analyzed for peak values and segments corresponding to the peak values may be joined to extend the audio track. The embodiments may be applied to any kind of audio including music, ambient noise, speech, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (1) for hernia repair comprising a reinforcement layer (2), a first barrier layer (3) of anti-adhesion material covering at least a part of a surface of the reinforcement layer, and a second barrier layer of anti-adhesion material covering a remaining part of the surface of the reinforcement layer, the second barrier layer being formed of one or more flap member(s) (4).

Abstract: A gastroscopic method and instrument for treating obesity of a patient, using a device adapted to stretch a part of the stomach wall of said patient. The method comprises the steps of: inserting the device into the stomach through the esophagus, placing the device in contact with the stomach wall, and fixating the device to the stomach wall such that the device can stretch a part of the stomach wall.

Abstract: An inflatable central distractor is inserted in to a disc space between two vertebral endplates. A perimeter balloon is inserted into the disc space in such a manner as to surround the central inflatable distractor. The perimeter balloon and the central inflatable distractor are simultaneously expanded such that as the central inflatable distractor expands the perimeter balloon surrounds the central inflatable distractor and such that the central inflatable distractor and the perimeter balloon, when expanded, contribute to forcing adjacent vertebral endplates apart.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are provided for occluding a left atrial appendage. In one embodiment, a medical device includes a cover portion and a foam anchor portion with a flexible member coupled therebetween. The cover portion is configured to be positioned over an ostium of the left atrial appendage. The foam anchor portion extends between a proximal end and a distal end to define a length and an axis defined along the length of the foam anchor portion. The foam anchor portion defines a curved external surface radially extending relative to the axis such that the curved external surface extends between the proximal and distal ends of the foam anchor portion. The foam anchor portion is configured to self-expand to provide an outward biasing force from the curved external surface such that a circumferential surface area of the curved external surface biases against tissue of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis. A second member is axially translatable relative to the first member. A cutting element is connected with the second member and has a cutting surface. The cutting element is rotatable relative to the second member to transversely move cut tissue. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field generating apparatus for treating pathological cells, in particular with tumor suppression function. The ratio of static magnetic field to alternating magnetic field is in the range of 0.5-2.5, and the total intensity is in the range up to 100 mT. It provides non-invasive low toxicity and side effects, significantly inhibiting a plurality of tumors, influencing the intracellular superoxide radical content, and promoting cell autophagy. The mechanism of action of the magnetic field is on the electron spin energy levels and consequently on free radical concentration. Additional magnetic field having frequency up to 100 MHz and intensity down to microTesla range can be also used to improve the antitumor efficacy in combination with the static as well as the extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (1-300 Hz) influencing the spin hyperfine resonance. A combination method is also provided of a power-frequency electromagnetic field generating device and a platinum-based medicine.