Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway of a patient's intestines. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the intestinal tissue wall) at least one portion of the intestinal tissue wall to influence the flow in the intestinal passageway, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the intestinal passageway. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the intestinal passageway, or for actively moving the fluid in the intestinal passageway, with a low risk of injuring the intestines.

Abstract: A surgical delivery instrument for delivering a vascular hole closure device having first and second flexible members and a first and second engagement members extending from the respective flexible member. The delivery instrument includes a housing having first and second longitudinally extending openings and first and second projecting surfaces, the first projecting surface extending into the first opening for engagement by the first engagement member and the second projecting surface extending into the second opening for engagement by the second engagement member. The first engagement member is held by the first projecting surface until a predetermined force is applied to the first engagement member during placement of the closure device at a target site.

Abstract: An air delivery system for providing a supply of air from a source of air at positive pressure to an interfacing structure located at the entrance to the airways of a patient includes a manifold adapted to connect with the supply of positive air pressure and at least one tube connected to the manifold and adapted to deliver the supply of air to the interfacing structure. Each tube is structured to allow movement between an open phase in which the tube allows the passage of air and a collapsed phase in which the tube is collapsed. Each tube is structured such that weight of a typical patient's head against bedding apparel is sufficient to collapse the tube from the open phase to the collapsed phase.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to hold values indicative of known relative positions of multiple position sensors of a position tracking system that are coupled to a medical device. The processor is configured to receive one or more signals indicative of estimated positions of the position sensors, as measured by the position tracking system, and to initiate a responsive action in response to detecting a discrepancy between the known relative positions and the estimated positions.

Abstract: A system is provided for causing hemostasis at a puncture and a puncture tract. The system includes an inner member comprising an expandable member at its distal end and an inflation lumen that extends from inner member proximal end to an interior of the expandable member. The system further includes an outer member comprising a lumen sized and shaped to allow the inner member to slide therein, an occlusion balloon at its distal end, and an inflation lumen that extends from its proximal end to the interior of the occlusion balloon. The expandable member can be inflated by fluid flowing through the inner member inflation lumen so that the expandable member can close a puncture in a subcutaneous vessel of a living being. The occlusion balloon can be inflated by fluid flowing through the outer member inflation lumen so that the occlusion balloon can contact and apply pressure to a puncture tract extending from the skin of the living being to the puncture.

Abstract: Biodegradable antimicrobial films are provided that are solid at room temperature and substantially liquefy in situ after implantation into a mammal, such as a human patient. Methods of using the films to cover a medical device, such as a breast implant, prior to insertion into a subject are also provided.

Abstract: A device for supplying energy to a medical device is disclosed, comprising an external energy source, an external control unit, an external signal receiver, and a coil displacement unit connected to the external control unit and configured to adjust an energy transfer efficiency by repeatedly adjusting a position of a primary coil relative to a secondary coil by displacing the primary coil relative to the secondary coil in a plurality of different directions.

Abstract: A test system for measuring a volume of fluid dispensed by a fluid infusion device includes a test housing. The test housing includes an inlet and an internal channel. The inlet is to be coupled to the fluid infusion device to receive the volume of fluid, and the internal channel is in fluid communication with the inlet. The test system includes an input electrode coupled to the internal channel to be in fluid communication with the volume of fluid, and an output electrode coupled to the internal channel to be in fluid communication with the volume of fluid. The test system includes a power source configured to create a voltage potential between the input electrode and the output electrode. The volume of fluid in the internal channel conducts current between the input electrode and the output electrode to facilitate measurement of the volume of fluid dispensed.

Abstract: Methods and uses of biological tissues for various stent and other medical applications. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of processing a tissue of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of acquiring a mammalian tissue comprising at least a portion of a pulmonary region tissue, selecting a sample of pulmonary region tissue from the at least a portion of a pulmonary region tissue, and fixing the sample of pulmonary region tissue using a fixative, resulting in a fixed sample. In at least one embodiment, the step of selecting a sample of pulmonary region tissue comprises selecting a sample of pulmonary ligament tissue from the mammalian tissue.

Abstract: A position detection system includes: a detection target; detection coils each outputting a detection signal of strength of the alternating magnetic field; a guidance magnetic field generator including a magnetic field generation source, and a driving mechanism, wherein at least a part of the guidance magnetic field generator is formed of a conductor that generates an interference magnetic field; and a processor configured to: control an operation of the driving mechanism; calculate a correction value by using at least one of a position and a posture of the conductor; correct the measured value by using the correction value; and calculate at least one of a position and a posture of the detection target based on the corrected measured value.

Abstract: A control console is disclosed for controlling one or more medical devices. The control console communicates to at least one medical device, and at least one peripheral module associated with the medical device if needed. The control console has a microprocessor for processing data to direct an operation of the medical device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a radio-frequency identification device for use in a wellbore includes a housing made of a polymer; and an antenna disposed in the housing. The polymer may be selected from the group consisting of an elastomer, a plastic, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, and combinations thereof. The RFID device may also include a fill material disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for powering micron-scale implantable and injectable integrated circuit (IC) chips for in-vivo sensing and acquisition of various physiological signals are provided. The disclosed subject matter includes the integration of piezoelectric transducers, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or lead zirconate titanate (PZT), onto implantable and injectable IC chips for power transfer and data transmission using ultrasound waves generated from commercial ultrasound imaging equipment.

Abstract: A system for locating an implanted device including magnetic coils within a subject is provided. The system includes a magnetic sensor array including a plurality of magnetic sensors, the magnetic sensor array configured to measure a magnetic field generated by the implanted device, and a position detection module communicatively coupled to the magnetic sensor array, the position detection module configured to receive the measured magnetic field from the magnetic sensor array, and calculate a position of the implanted device based on the measured magnetic field.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus may acquire a two-dimensional, flat image of a curved region within a curved plane. The apparatus includes a processor for localizing the region with respect to a transducer array and a processor for operating the transducer array for the imaging of the region and for projecting the region onto a flat image plane. An ultrasound imaging apparatus may acquire a flat image of a curved region within a curved plane. The apparatus may include a module for extracting a centerline of a curved object that contains the curved region, and a processor for: projecting the centerline onto a face of an array, selecting, from among the elements, a set along the projection onto the face, receive beamforming, specifically using the set, to image the curved region and thereby acquire a curved image, and projecting the curved region onto a flat image plane.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of snoring is provided. The device may include a flexible substrate configured for removable attachment to a subject's skin, a primary antenna disposed on the flexible substrate, an interface configured to receive a feedback signal that varies based upon a breathing pattern of the subject; and at least one processing device. The processing device may be configured to analyze the feedback signal and determine whether the subject is snoring based on the analysis of the feedback signal, and if snoring is detected, cause a hypoglossal nerve modulation control signal to be applied to the primary antenna in order to wirelessly transmit the hypoglossal nerve modulation control signal to a secondary antenna associated with an implant unit configured for location in a body of the subject.

Abstract: Retrieval assemblies configured to capture an obstruction located in a bodily duct of a patient and associated methods of manufacture are provided. According to one implementation a retrieval assembly is provided that includes a distal collar fixed stationary on an elongate wire, a proximal collar slideable along a portion of the length of the elongate wire, and a plurality of shape memory elongate clot capturing elements that each has a proximal end coupled to the proximal collar and a distal end coupled to the distal collar. The retrieval device is configured to automatically transition from a radially constrained state to an expanded rest state with the proximal collar located nearer the distal collar when in the expanded rest state. As the retrieval device transitions from the radially constrained state to the expanded rest state, proximal portions of the clot capturing elements invert around the proximal collar.

Abstract: A medical method is provided, including a medical device having a distal assembly including at least one electrode and at least one treatment element, the medical device generating information regarding at least one of a physiological measurement and an operational parameter of the medical device; a plurality of surface electrodes affixable to a skin of the patient, wherein the surface electrodes are in electrical communication with the distal assembly to obtain position information of the medical device; and a processor pairing the position information and the at least one of a physiological measurement and an operational parameter of the medical device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wireless connector system are described. The system has a transmitter module and a receiver module that are configured to wirelessly transmit electrical energy and/or data via near field magnetic coupling. The wireless connector system is designed to increase the amount of wirelessly transmitted electrical power over a greater separation distance. The system is configured with various sensing circuits that alert the system to the presence of the receiver module to begin transfer of electrical power as well as undesirable objects and increased temperature that could interfere with the operation of the system. The wireless connector system is a relatively small foot print that is designed to be surface mounted.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods that provide patients with diagnostic measurement tools and clear and concise audio/video guidance to reliably and accurately perform clinical grade diagnostic measurements of key vital signs. In various embodiments, this is accomplished by using an automated remote (or local, e.g., in the form of a kiosk) end-to-end medical diagnostic system that monitors equipment usage for accuracy. The diagnostic system analyzes patient responses, measurement data, and patient-related information to generate diagnostic and/or treatment information that may be shared with healthcare professionals and specialists, as needed. Automation provides for timely, hassle-free, and cost-effective health care management that takes the stress out of doctor visits, while delivering personalized health care. The high accuracy of generated diagnostic data improves health care to patients and reduces the risk of medical malpractice for treating physicians.

Abstract: Verifying whether a magnetic field resistance mechanism is properly engaged in a drainage valve having an adjustable valve unit including a rotating construct and a pair of primary magnetic elements for programming the valve unit. Using a toolset, a determination is made whether the magnetic field resistance mechanism is properly engaged. An alert is generated whether the magnetic field resistance mechanism is at least one of properly engaged or not properly engaged based on: (i) a measured angular position of a detected one of the pair of primary magnetic elements relative to a direction of flow of fluid through the valve; and/or (ii) a measured distance separation between respective centers of the pair of primary magnetic elements.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating patients having cardiopulmonary disease such as cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, or heart failure comprising a tracheal approach. The method includes ablating a deep cardiac plexus of a patient by advancing an treatment apparatus into a trachea of the patient, extending an ablative energy delivery element of the treatment apparatus through a wall of the trachea at a level of the trachea proximate a tracheal bifurcation, positioning the ablative energy delivery element at a target space between the trachea, an aorta and a pulmonary artery, and ablating, by the ablative energy delivery element, tissue within the target space to substantially disable the deep cardiac plexus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to real-time in vivo spectrophotometric analysis of skin tissue. In some implementations, the spectrophotometry is implemented using a wireless microchip with at least one sensor implanted beneath the skin of an individual. The absorption of light at different wavelengths by the skin tissue is correlated to various skin states, revealing transient conditions or pathologies in real time. An external interrogation device is positioned on or adjacent to the surface of the skin and includes one or more energy sources for emitting light of different wavelengths. The external device may provide signals for wirelessly powering the implanted microchip, as well as have communication capabilities for receiving wireless transmissions from the implanted microchip. The sensors on the implantable microchip can be used to measure light intensity attenuated by the skin tissue between the light sources and the sensors.

Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a catheter, a distal segment, a needle, and a tracking sensor. The catheter is configured to be inserted into an anatomical passageway of a patient and includes a catheter lumen. The distal segment includes a port that communicates with the catheter lumen. The needle is slidably disposed within the catheter lumen and is translatable relative to the catheter between a retracted position and an extended position. A needle distal end is configured to extend through the port when the needle is in the extended position. The tracking sensor is coupled to the needle and is configured to generate a signal corresponding to a location of the needle distal end within the patient.

Abstract: An implant (1) to be used for the occlusion of bifurcation aneurysms, with the implant (1) having an expanded state in which it is implanted in the blood vessel (Z) and a contracted state in which it is movable through the blood vessel (Z) and a proximal fixing section (3) a distal section (5) where the implant (1) is radially widened relative to the fixing section (3) and which is intended for placement in or in front of the aneurysm (A), and a transition section (4) located between the fixing section (3) and the distal section (5), wherein the implant (1). The implant is composed of interconnected or intersecting filaments (10) originating from the fixing section (3) or distal section (5) which meet centrally in the transition section (4), wherein the filaments (10) in the transition section (4) at least to some extent pass through a sleeve (7).

Abstract: A breast implant system comprises at least one casing with a flexible outer shape for implantation in a patient's body so as to form part of a breast implant and further comprises at least one first element contained in the casing and optionally at least one second element also contained in the casing. The first and second elements are either displaceable within the casing and/or their volume can be changed in order to change the shape and/or size of the breast implant. A reservoir comprising a lubricating fluid is connected to the casing so as to allow lubricating fluid to be supplied to and removed from the casing in order to reduce surface friction between adjacent elements and/or between the casing and the elements before the shape of the breast implant is changed.

Abstract: A pacemaker defibrillator system implantable in the intercostal space of a mammalian patient is configured with sensors to sense electrical, mechanical and blood flow activity of the heart from the base to the apex, and the patient position, and to generate corresponding signals responsive to the sensed cardiac situation, as well as to provide instantaneous display of the cardiac situation and the system operational situation using an LCD and multicolor LEDs generating signals which can be seen through the skin of the patient. The system includes at least two flexible electrical generators contoured to conform to the anatomy of the intercostal space and embedded with electrodes for measuring electrical activity, as well as echocardiographic piezoelectric electrodes for measuring mechanical activity of the heart and Doppler blood flow.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a 3D micro-scale structure. A 2D net including a plurality of panels and a plurality of hinges is provided. The panels are arranged in a pattern. The hinges interconnect immediately adjacent ones of the panels within the pattern. An energy source remote from the 2D net is powered to deliver energy to the 2D net. The delivered energy triggers the 2D net to self-fold into a 3D micro-scale structure. The delivered energy creates an eddy current within at least one component of the 2D net, with the eddy current generating heat sufficient to melt at least one of the hinges. The melting hinge causes the corresponding panels to fold or pivot relative to one another. In some embodiments, the energy source is a microwave energy source. In other embodiments, the energy source delivers a magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adherent resorbable matrix for use in surgical applications. The adherent resorbable matrix includes a biocompatible adherent material including chitosan.

Abstract: A skin rejuvenation resurfacing apparatus comprising an oscillating, reciprocating high speed, needle-based device and its related procedure for inducing mechanical trauma to an area of the skin to be treated.

Abstract: In various embodiments methods are provided for delivering an agent of interest (e.g., protein, antibody, nucleic acid) into cells. In certain embodiments the method comprises contacting the cells with anisotropic magnetic particles in the presence of the agent; and applying a substantially uniform magnetic field to said magnetic particles where movement of said particles induced by said magnetic field introduces transient openings into said cell facilitating entry of said agent of interest into said cells.

Abstract: A method includes providing an indwelling tool having a magnetic body at the inside of a luminal organ by inserting the tool into a working channel inserted from a natural opening of a living body to the luminal organ, in a manner such that an axis along a length of the magnetic body is arranged substantially parallel to a length direction of the working channel; disposing the tool in a vicinity of a diseased part of the luminal organ; applying a magnetic field to the magnetic body by using a magnetic field generating device provided at the outside of the luminal organ, so as to attract the magnetic body and make a side face of the magnetic body along the axis thereof push against a tissue in the vicinity of the diseased part; and lifting a tissue around a position of the tool, which includes the diseased part, by applying a magnetic force to the magnetic body by using the magnetic field generating device.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor for determining a position of a magnet, the position identified by one or more position variables can include: one or more magnetic field sensing element operable to generate one or more magnetic field measurements of the magnet and an associated one or more measured magnetic field variable values; a first module for identifying calculated magnetic field variable values associated with a plurality of positions of the magnet; a second module operable to perform an optimization process to determine a value of a distance function, the distance function using the one or more measured magnetic field variable values and the calculated magnetic field variable values; and a third module operable to determine the position of the magnet by associating the value of the distance function with corresponding values of the one or more position variables. A complimentary method can be used in the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: Instrumentation for percutaneous delivery of blood filtration devices to atrial appendages includes a curved access sheath and a delivery tube. A compressed filter device attached to a tether wire is loaded in the delivery tube. The access sheath and the delivery tube can be mechanically locked and moved together to place the device in a suitable deployment position. The device is deployed by expelling it from the delivery tube either by retracting the delivery tube over the tether wire, or by moving the tether wire forward through the delivery tube. A filter membrane in the deployed device extends across the appendage ostium to filter blood flow through the ostium. The filter membrane is configured to present a flat surface to atrial blood flow past the ostium.

Abstract: A mammary implant and method of making are provided herein. The implant includes an outer shell configured to retain fluid therein, an injection element coupled to the outer shell and adapted to receive therethrough an injection device for injecting fluid into the outer shell, and an injection marker zone made of a material having ultrasonically detectable markers incorporated therein. The markers are a plurality of microcavities that are located relative to the injection element so that, when ultrasonically detected, such detection indicates a location of the injection element.

Abstract: A guidance device includes: a magnetic field generation unit configured to generate the magnetic field; a movement mechanism configured to move the magnetic field generation unit in a vertical direction; a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the magnetic field generation unit in a vertical plane including a magnetization direction of the magnetic field generation unit; an input unit configured to input first operation information for changing posture of a capsule medical device; and a control unit configured to: cause the rotation mechanism to rotate the magnetic field generation unit to change the posture of the capsule medical device based on the first operation information; and control the movement mechanism to change a distance between the magnetic field generation unit and the capsule medical device to correct a magnetic attracting force in a vertical direction of the capsule medical device.

Abstract: Continuum robots and similar devices and methods and systems for controlling such devices are provided. The devices can include rods comprising strips, that are pre-curved, or both. Also provided is a system and method for modeling and controlling the configuration and operation of such devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices, systems, and methods that precisely identify a minimum of one predetermined spot which is hidden under a skin. The system comprises a locator device and corresponding implanted target device. The port locator device preferably comprises one magnet with north and south magnetic pole, a body and a suspending component. The body may utilize specific geometry which improves accuracy. The implanted target device may include at least one magnet and at least one target or a plurality of targets and at least one magnet. Various configurations can be provided that precisely identify a single spot or a plurality of spots which are hidden under a skin.

Abstract: Provided in accordance with the present disclosure are systems for identifying a position of target tissue relative to surgical tools using a structured light detector. An exemplary system includes antennas configured to interact with a marker placed proximate target tissue inside a patient's body, a structured light pattern source, a structured light detector, a display device, and a computing device configured to receive data from the antennas indicating interacting with the marker, determine a distance between the antennas and the marker, cause the structured light pattern source to project and detect a pattern onto the antennas. The instructions may further cause the computing device to determine, a pose of the antennas, determine, based on the determined distance between the antennas and the marker, and the determined pose of the antennas, a position of the marker relative to the antennas, and display the position of the marker relative to the antennas.

Abstract: A surgical or laparoscopic method of treating obesity of a patient using a device adapted to stretch a portion of the stomach wall of said patient. The method comprising the steps of: cutting a hole in the abdominal wall of said patient, dissecting an area around the stomach, placing said device in contact with the stomach, and fixating, direct or indirect, through invagination of the stomach wall, said device to the stomach wall such that said device can stretch a portion of said stomach wall.

Abstract: A method at a computer system includes obtaining an electronic document comprising document elements, and injecting into the document in association with one of the document elements one or more hotspot attributes, the hotspot attributes defining attributes of a hotspot that is displayable in conjunction with the document element when the document is displayed, the hotspot attributes being associated with predefined physical gestures and respective document actions; such that the hotspot, when displayed as part of a displayed document, indicates that a viewer of the displayed document can interact with the displayed document using the predefined physical gestures (i) performed at a position that overlap a displayed version of the document in a field of view of a camera system and (ii) captured by the camera system, wherein a physical gesture results in a respective document action being performed on the displayed document.

Abstract: An ischemic stroke device includes a telescoping member, a first or proximal expandable member connected to the telescoping support member, and a second or distal expandable member connected to the first expandable member. A proximal portion of the first expandable member is attached to a distal end of an outer shaft of the telescoping support member, and a distal end of the first expandable member is attached to a distal portion of an inner core wire of the telescoping support member. The proximal end of the second expandable member is permanently joined to the distal end of the inner core wire. The first expandable member everts to cover the second expandable member that is used to capture an obstruction or clot, prior to pulling the obstruction or clot into a catheter for removal from a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A medical system comprises a probe comprising a terminal distal end. The system further comprises a first coil in the probe and comprises a guide instrument including a terminal distal end and defining a lumen sized to guide the probe. The probe can be inserted through the lumen to reach a worksite. At the worksite, the terminal distal end of the probe is configured to reach at least the terminal distal end of the guide instrument. The system further comprises a sensor embedded in a wall of the guide instrument and comprises processing hardware configured to receive a first induced signal from the first coil and to receive from the sensor an indication of a pointing direction of the guide instrument. The processing hardware is configured to use the first induced signal and the indication of the pointing direction to determine a roll angle of the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining the position of a medical instrument, particularly for the purpose of medical navigation. In order to use a simple system to provide a relatively inexpensive technique for determining positional information, the position and/or orientation of the medical instrument is determined by ascertaining the same on the basis of position finding operations. Electromagnetic fields are first measured and the results of relative field strength measurements are taken as a basis for ascertaining the direction of a line from a transmitter to a receiver. After this direction information is known, it is used to determine the positional information of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A closing system for a bag. The closing system comprises a first plate and a second plate. The closing system further comprises a plurality of constriction rods extending between the first plate and the second plate. The constriction rods present a constriction area configured to receive a portion of the bag. Each of the first plate and the second plate is configured to rotate. Rotation of the plates is configured to shift the constriction rods so as to reduce a size of the constriction area.

Abstract: Various embodiments of wirelessly detectable objects to be used in medical procedures are provided. Such may employ ionizing radiation hard wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, all of which retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization dosages of ionizing radiation. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, may retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization temperatures and/or pressures.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting an electrode structure into nerve in tissue of a living body includes a nerve fixing part which fixes the nerve such that at least part of the nerve is hung thereon, and an electrode structure ejector on which the electrode structure is mounted, and which moves the electrode structure in insertion direction to insert the electrode structure into the fixed part of the nerve, wherein the nerve fixing part and the electrode structure ejector are disposed on the same axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying or locating a tag within a patient's body that include a probe that transmits synchronized electromagnetic signals, e.g., RF energy, and optical signals, e.g., infrared light pulses into the patient's body, whereupon the tag converts the optical signals into electrical energy to open and close a switch in the tag to modulate signals, e.g., backscatter signals, transmitted by the tag in response to the electromagnetic signals. For example, the tag may include photodiodes coupled to the switch that transforms the optical signals to alternately short the antenna to modulate the backscatter signals. Alternatively, the tag may include a smart circuit that harvests electrical energy from the optical signals to power the smart circuit and/or modulate the backscatter signals, e.g., to include data related to the tag and/or alternate the tag between an information mode and a distance mode.

Abstract: A flexible probe has an assembly in its distal end that includes a transmitter and a receiver that receives signals from the transmitter for sensing a position of the receiver relative to the transmitter. A pair of flat spring coils disposed between the transmitter and the receiver deform in response to pressure exerted on the distal tip when the distal tip engages a wall of a body cavity.