Abstract: A bifurcated catheter, which can deploy a bifurcated stent constructed as a single piece into a bifurcated vessel, is disclosed. The system may have two main parts—a y-shaped catheter with a splittable seam, and a custom made stent, which can be deployed with the bifurcated catheter. The disclosed bifurcated catheter permits a physician or operator to stent a vessel at a bifurcation of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing a tumor by radiofrequency ablation, comprising providing a guiding device (6) having at least two first concentric through holes (8, 81, 82) and a plurality of second through holes (10, 11) at a periphery of the guiding device (6). The method further comprising placing the guiding device against the skin of a patient and inserting two first electrodes (3, 4, 5) into the first through holes (8, 81, 82) of the guiding device and into a patient's skin and then applying a first radiofrequency current between the two first electrodes (3, 4, 5). The method further comprising inserting a second electrode (5) through a second through hole (10, 11) and into the patient's skin and then applying a second radiofrequency current between a first electrode (3, 4) and the second electrode (5).

Abstract: A stimulation lead includes a lead body having a longitudinal length, a distal portion, and a proximal portion; terminals disposed along the proximal portion of the lead body; an electrode carrier coupled to, or disposed along, the distal portion of the lead body; segmented electrodes disposed along the electrode carrier; and conductors extending along the lead body and coupling the segmented electrodes to the terminals. The electrode carrier includes a lattice region defining segmented electrode receiving openings. Each of the segmented electrodes extends around no more than 75% of a circumference of the lead and is disposed in a different one of the segmented electrode receiving openings of the electrode carrier.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for stimulating a target tissue, particularly a dorsal root ganglion. The devices and systems have one or more electrodes, wherein the electrodes are positionable in disperse locations within the specific target area. In some embodiments, the position of at least some of the electrodes is adjustable and optionally independently positionable. Some or all of the electrodes may be used to stimulate the desired tissue, such as to stimulate a specific portion of the target area. Or, the one or more electrodes that fall near the target tissue may be used to stimulate the tissue while the other electrodes are not used. When stimulating the dorsal root ganglion, sensory pain signals are blocked providing relief to the patient.

Abstract: An implant tool and cannula facilitate the implantation of a medical device into a patient. The implant tool includes a housing that is held by a user and a needle attached to the housing. The cannula may be positioned over the needle and delivered to a target tissue within the patient. The cannula includes an electrode at a distal portion to deliver test stimulation to confirm the location of the target site or placement of the implant tool relative to the target site before removing the needle of the implant tool. In this manner, the cannula may be repositioned within the patient until the position of the implant tool and cannula relative to the target site is verified with the test stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and tools for directed assembly of nanoelements across a large area using a nanosubstrate. The nanosubstrate has a substrate layer, an adhesive layer, a conductive layer, and an insulating layer that is interrupted by one or more nanotrenches or nanowells having a width of at least 20 nm. The nanosubstrate allows the rapid assembly of linear assemblies and arrays of single walled carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles by DC electrophoresis. The density of nanoelements assembled can be controlled by varying the voltage and trench size. Functionalized nanoparticles can be assembled into arrays useful, e.g., as biosensors.

Abstract: An ablation system is provided. The ablation system includes an ablation device having a handle assembly and an electrode assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing configured for operable engagement by a user. The electrode assembly includes a tubular electrode having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The tubular electrode is movable relative to the housing to adjust an insertable length of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient, comprising a stimulation device adapted to stimulate an erectile blood flow passageway to increase the amount of blood in the female erectile tissue and thereby obtaining engorgement with blood of the female erectile tissue by affecting said erectile blood flow passageway. Moreover there is disclosed a system and an operation method for treating a sexual dysfunctional female patient.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for fusion of adjacent vertebral bones using distractor platforms for exposure and resection of at least a portion of the facet joint, such as in performance of a TLiF procedure. In one embodiment, the distractor platform contains at least a first receptacle and/or extension adapted to couple to the implanted screw/bone marker and the method includes advancing a threaded segment of a bone fastener assembly into the identified first pedicle of the first vertebral bone, the first bone fastener assembly further comprises a second segment adapted to couple with a distraction platform adapted to concurrently attach onto at least one tissue retention blade and adapted to retain the tissue retention blade in the displaced position. Stabilization of a spinal segment is also provided by advancing a substantially concave orthopedic implant through an opening made in a posterior aspect of a disc space.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a handle comprises an actuator. A shaft extends distally from the handle. A first shaft segment extends proximally from the handle and has a proximal end and a distal end. A second shaft segment has a proximal end and a distal end and is pivotably supported with respect to the distal end of the first shaft segment at a position offset from a longitudinal axis of the shaft in a first offset direction. A third shaft segment has a proximal end and a distal end and is pivotably supported with respect to the distal end of the second shaft segment at a position offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft in a second offset direction different from the first offset direction. A first member extends through at least a portion of the first shaft segment and is operatively associated with the actuator. A second member extends through at least a portion of the second shaft segment.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include system and method for transmitting neural data extracted from an electrical signal of a non-human mammal to a human. The system includes an electrode implantable into the animal auditory nerve, brainstem, or midbrain of the non-human mammal, configured to record the electrical signal of the non-human mammal, the electrical signal being in the form of sequences of pulses or pulse trains encoding frequency information of the non-human mammal, a processing device electrically coupled with the electrode, configured to process the electrical signal and convert the processed electrical signal into a digital signal, a transmitting device electrically coupled with the processing device, configured to transmit the digital signal, and a receiving device electrically coupled with the transmitting device, configured to receive the transmitted digital signal, convert the received digital signal into a sensory output perceptible to the human, and apply the sensory output to the human.

Abstract: Multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a multi-filter blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodge or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a dual filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.

Abstract: Two or more telemanipulated surgical instruments are inserted through a guide tube. Each instrument has a transmission mechanism that transmits actuating forces from actuators to components of the instrument. The transmission mechanisms are arranged around an extended centerline of the guide tube and are wedge-shaped so that they can be positioned more closely to the extended centerline.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at surgery. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a system and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.

Abstract: Medical devices may include an electrode that has been processed to increase its surface area. In some cases, an electrode may be processed using an ultrafast laser to produce an electrode surface that includes macrostructures formed within the electrode surface and nanostructures formed on the macrostructures. The nanostructures may be formed of material that was removed from the electrode surface in forming the macrostructures.

Abstract: A stimulation lead includes a lead body having a longitudinal length, a distal portion, and a proximal portion; terminals disposed along the proximal portion of the lead body; an electrode carrier coupled to, or disposed along, the distal portion of the lead body; segmented electrodes disposed along the electrode carrier; and conductors extending along the lead body and coupling the segmented electrodes to the terminals. The electrode carrier includes a lattice region defining segmented electrode receiving openings. Each of the segmented electrodes extends around no more than 75% of a circumference of the lead and is disposed in a different one of the segmented electrode receiving openings of the electrode carrier.

Abstract: Provided is a biosignal measurement method and device that may measure a biosignal by connecting a simple electrode or a capacitive coupling active electrode to a biosignal processor to analyze the biosignal. The biosignal processor may change a frequency band in which the biosignal is to be filtered based on a type of the connected electrode. The biosignal measurement device includes a first signal connector capable of removably attaching to an electrode unit that is configured to sense a biosignal, wherein the first signal connector is configured to receive the biosignal from the electrode unit; a power supplier configured to supply power to the electrode unit in response to the power supplier being connected to the electrode unit; and a signal processor configured to process the biosignal received by the first signal connector.

Abstract: A method for defining connections between a plurality of lead bodies and a plurality of output ports of a neurostimulator, and an external control device for performing the method are disclosed. The external control device includes a user interface and control circuitry. The method includes displaying the lead bodies and the output ports of the neurostimulator; selecting a first one of the lead bodies; dragging a connector from the first lead body to a first one of the output ports of the neurostimulator; and dropping the connector onto the first output port of the neurostimulator, thereby defining a connection between the first lead body and the first output port of the neurostimulator. In another embodiment, a method includes defining the connection between the first lead body and the first output port, and graphically displaying the connection between the first lead body and the first output port of the neurostimulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a neural sensing device and method for making the same. The neural sensing device includes a base, an integrated circuit portion, a plurality of microprobes and at least one conductive via. The base has an active surface and a backside surface. The integrated circuit portion is disposed on the active surface of the base. The microprobes protrude from the backside surface of the base. The through silicon via is disposed in the base and electrically connects the integrated circuit portion and the microprobes. Each of the microprobes includes an isolation layer partially covering a conductive layer.

Abstract: A catheter with an elongated catheter body which, with regard to a position of use, has a distal and a proximal end, wherein at the distal end, a sponge- or cushion-like elastic deformation body is arranged which has, in particular, electrically, mechanically or optically acting measuring means or a measuring connection for detecting a pressing force exerted on the deformation body.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: A perineal probe (1) is provided mainly extending along a main axis (1a) and including at least two electrodes (2) protruding from the axial direction (1a), spaced one another and electrically insulated along the axial direction (1a), one junction element (3) being apt to mechanically connect the electrodes (2) and mainly extending along the main axis (1a), in which at least one of the electrodes (2) includes a seat (20) for the junction element (3) apt to realize a first interlocking coupling (4) between the junction element (3) and the seat (20), the junction element (3) including an inner cavity (30) mainly extending along the main axis (1a) and elastically deformable portions (31) apt to realize the first interlocking coupling (4), the probe (1) further including an inner body (5) apt to be inserted into the inner cavity (30) and being apt to hinder the elastic deformation of the deformable portions (31) of the junction element (3) in such a way as to prevent the release of the first interlocking coupling

Abstract: The present invention provides a neural sensing device and method for making the same. The neural sensing device includes a base, an integrated circuit portion and a plurality of microprobes. The base has an active surface and a backside surface. The integrated circuit portion is disposed on the active surface of the base. The microprobes protrude from the backside surface of the base. The conductive vias are disposed in the microprobes and electrically connected to the integrated circuit portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongated male connector (1), for a medical device, and a method of producing the male connector (1). The male connector (1) has a longitudinal axis (2) and comprises a plurality of conductive members (3), each having an outer contact surface (4) and being separated from each other by insulating members (5). The conductive and insulating members (3, 5) are disposed along the male connector (1), such that the outer contact surfaces (4) are arranged essentially at the same surface level, and that each of the conductive members (3) has an elongated extension along the longitudinal axis (2) of the male connector (1). Each conductive member (3) is provided with an insulated microrod (6) extending at least partially along the length of the male connector (1), and the conductive members (3) are hollow and have an essentially cylindrical cross-section and form, together with the insulating members (5), a self-supporting male connector (1) having no core wire.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a distal end and an elongate body for insertion into an organ of a patient. The distal end is connected to the elongate body and includes multiple arms that, when inserted into the organ, extend to form multiple respective spirals each having electrodes disposed thereon.

Abstract: A device, kit and method for monitoring muscle activity. The device may include an electrode having an annular profile substantially similar to that of the muscle. During a monitoring operation, the electrode contacts a substantial portion of the muscle and detects the muscle activity. In some cases, the electrode may be positioned around a catheter device to facilitate advancing of the electrode to the desired muscle. The catheter device may then be advanced through a lumen of the body to the muscle to be monitored. A balloon of the catheter device may be expanded once the catheter device is properly positioned to secure the electrode against the muscle.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a nerve includes a Foley type catheter having an exterior surface, and first and second pairs of ring electrodes formed on the exterior surface of the Foley catheter. Each of the first and second pairs of ring electrodes is configured to perform at least one of stimulating the nerve and recording nerve activity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the diagnostics of biological conditions using impedance measurements.

Abstract: A lead for active implantable medical devices comprising a chip, notably for electrode multiplexing. The lead (10) includes an insulating supporting tube (20) interposed in a flexible elongated tube, with a central bore (22) coaxial with the lumen of the lead. The supporting tube comprises on its surface at least one crossing conductive strip (28) extending in the axial direction. A chip (18) on a flexible substrate is disposed with a bent or curved conformation in a receptacle of the supporting tube isolated from the conductive strip. An electrode, e.g., for cardiac sensing/pacing, (16) on the supporting tube (20) is electrically connected to an outer conductive pad (24) of the chip. The conductive strip is connected (i) at each end (28b), face to face to a conductive connection (12), housed in the sheath, and (ii) in a central region (28a), to an inner conductive pad (26) of the chip.

Abstract: An expandable tip cannula system, comprising: a hollow cannula shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and an expandable tip mounted at the distal end of the hollow cannula shaft, the expandable tip comprising a plurality of generally-triangular shaped petals held together in a radially-inwardly tapered arrangement between adjacent petals, each petal comprising a nerve sensing electrode disposed therein.

Abstract: A pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system. This lead (24) includes a lead body with a hollow sheath (26, 28) of deformable material, having a central lumen open at both ends, and at least one telescopic microcable (42) of conductive material. The microcable slides along the length of the lead body and extends beyond the distal end (32) thereof. The party emerging beyond the distal end is an active free part (34) comprising a plurality of distinct bare areas (36, 38, 50, 50?, 50?), intended to come into contact (40) with the wall of a target vein (22) of the coronary system (14-22), so as to form a network of stimulation electrodes electrically connected together in parallel. The microcable further comprises, proximally, a connector to a generator of active implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or a resynchronizer.

Abstract: A sensing/pacing lead including a microcable having a diameter of at most 2 French (0.66 mm). The microcable includes an electrically conductive core cable including a plurality of strands and a composite structure formed from at least a structuring material and a radiopaque material, the radiopaque material constituting at least about 0.008 mm2 of the core cable cross section. The plurality of strands of the core cable comprises a first set of individual strands formed from the structuring material and a second set of individual strands formed from the radiopaque material, or a plurality of strands each comprising a first and second layer, one of which is the structuring material and the other the radiopaque material. The microcable further includes a polymer insulation layer at least partially surrounding the core cable and at least one electrode.

Abstract: A biomedical conductor assembly adapted for at least partial insertion in a living body. The conductor assembly includes a plurality of the first electrical conductors each covered with an insulator and helically wound in a first direction to form an inner coil with a lumen. A plurality of second electrical conductors each including a plurality of un-insulated wires twisted in a ropelike configuration around a central axis to form a plurality of cables. Each cable is covered with an insulator and helically wound in a second opposite direction forming an outer coil in direct physical contact with the inner coil. The inner and outer coils are covered by an insulator. A method of making the conductor assembly and implanting a neurostimulation system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A kit includes a swallowable capsule (1, 45) with a potentiometric sensor (3), such as a pH sensor, with an unfilled electrolyte cell (31). The kit further includes a separate container (46) containing a liquid electrolyte. The kit can, e.g., be packed in a blister package. After unpacking the capsule the electrolyte cell (31) is filled with the electrolyte.

Abstract: A contact sensing assembly including a catheter including an electrode having a base portion mounted adjacent a head portion of the catheter body. A sensor is disposed adjacent the base portion for measuring compression or tensile forces applied to an electrode tip portion, and includes a predetermined sensitivity. The base and head portions include predetermined rigidity so that forces applied to the electrode tip portion are determinable as a function of the sensitivity and a sensor output. A contact sensing assembly also includes an electrode pipe operatively connected to the catheter body for movement and bending with the catheter body, and an electrode wire disposed in the electrode pipe and including isolation. A change in capacitance resulting from movement of the electrode wire toward the electrode pipe or contact of the electrode wire with the electrode pipe during bending of the catheter correlates to a force applied to the catheter.

Abstract: Impedance devices for obtaining conductance measurements within luminal organs. In at least one embodiment of an impedance device of the present disclosure, the device, comprises an elongated body and an detector positioned upon the elongated body, the detector comprising at least five electrodes and configured to obtain one or more conductance measurements generated using a first arrangement of four of the at least five electrodes and further configured to obtain one or more fluid velocity measurements using a second arrangement of four of the at least five electrodes when the elongated body is positioned within a fluid environment of a mammalian luminal organ, wherein the first arrangement is different from the second arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wireless implantable communication system, method and sensing device, wherein an implantable data conversion module is adapted for operative coupling to a distinct or integrated implantable sensing device for the conversion of a characteristic signal for transmission thereof to an external receiver, e.g. by way of an inductive element. Upon positioning an external inductive element in the vicinity of the implanted device, a corresponding signal is induced within the external element allowing for reconstruction of the converted signal, and thereby allowing for recovery of the characteristic signal. Embodiments for the communication of data across a biological barrier, including communications from an external transmitter to an implanted receiver, an implanted transmitter to an external receiver, and an implanted transmitter/receiver pair are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved deformable carrier or connector for an implantable neural interface device is described. The neural interface device comprises a carrier supporting at least one electrode array. The carrier comprises a tubular sidewall extending from a proximal carrier portion to a distal carrier portion. At least one deformable segment is provided in the carrier sidewall. The deformable segment is more pliable than the remainder of the carrier sidewall to preferably move in response to forces imparted on the carrier and the electrode array by the shifting forces in body tissue. The deformable segment takes the form of a thinned sidewall segment or a slitted wall segment.

Abstract: An expandable apparatus and method configured for inserting into a mammalian stomach and adapted for sensing the activity of the stomach wall. The apparatus comprising: a) an inflatable balloon insert-able into the stomach, when deflated; and b) one or more sensors, mounted to the external surface of the balloon. The inflatable balloon is adapted to attach the one or more sensors to the stomach wall, when the balloon is fully inflated in the stomach; such that the sensors are immovably affixed to the stomach wall, sufficient to sense at least one of mechanical-activity and electric-activity, emanating from the stomach wall.

Abstract: Fixation mechanism assemblies and methods are disclosed. A fixation mechanism assembly can include a first fixation member and a second fixation member moveably engaged with the first fixation member. The first fixation member can include a housing having a tissue facing surface and an opposing non-tissue facing surface, one or more guide apertures extending between the tissue facing surface and the non-tissue facing surface, and one or more first fixation elements. The first fixation member includes a longitudinal body and a proximal end attached to, or integrated with, the tissue facing surface of the housing. The second fixation member can include one or more second fixation elements. The second fixation element can correspond to a guide aperture and includes a longitudinal body, a proximal end attached to, or integrated with, the second fixation member, and a distal end movable through the corresponding guide aperture.

Abstract: A catheter for the treatment of tissue, particularly for the treatment of cardiac tissue to alleviate cardiac arrhythmias includes a handle housing a combination of steering components, electronic circuitry and/or infusion tubing. An interior notch in the handle around a circumference of the handle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle provides a means for access to the sealed handle in case a repair to the interior components is necessary during manufacture or reprocessing. The circumferential frangible connection of the two halves of the handle provides access without the use of cutting or drilling devices that could damage the interior components.

Abstract: A graphene biosensor is formed on an electrically insulating substrate with a single-layer graphene sheet arranged between two metallic electrodes. The graphene sheet is in electrical contact with the metallic electrodes. The graphene sheet has perforations creating edges in the graphene sheet. The perforations may be holes on a micrometer scale or in a nanometer scale. The biosensor can be configured as an ISFET. The graphene sheet may comprise affinity probes immobilized on the edges for attaching specific molecules to the graphene sheet. Several graphene sheets may be arranged in a microarray with different affinity probes on different graphene sheets. The sensor may also be arranged on the distal end of a catheter for in situ measurements in a body vessel.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a probe, including a first electrode disposed at least partially on the probe surface, a second electrode disposed at least partially on the probe surface, a first conductor electrically coupled to the first electrode, a second conductor electrically coupled to the second electrode, and a reactive element electrically coupling the first conductor and the second conductor.

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: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.

Abstract: Exemplary systems for loading a pre-curved electrode array onto a stylet include a loading tool and a stylet retainer. The loading tool includes a docking assembly comprising a plurality of wing members that form a receptacle configured to receive a proximal portion of the stylet, a channel assembly comprising a channel configured to receive and allow passage therethrough of the pre-curved electrode array, the channel further configured to receive a distal portion of the stylet, and a connecting member configured to connect the channel assembly to the docking assembly. The stylet retainer is configured to couple to the loading tool to retain the stylet within the loading tool while the pre-curved electrode array is loaded onto the stylet. Corresponding methods are also described.

Abstract: An electrode for conducting electrical signals from or to an organ, and also to a kit for examining or treating an organ, said kit including an electrode that can be anchored to the organ. In order to reduce the risk of inflammation of the organ caused by the treatment or examination thereof, the electrode is formed in accordance with the present disclosure with a guide tunnel for a cannula for the administration of an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a physiological recording electrode, and, more particularly, to an EEG (electroencephalography) recording electrode that can be used without the need for numerous steps in preparing the subject's skin and the electrode itself. The invention further relates to a surface feature or penetrator with a size and shape which that will not bend or break, which limits the depth of application, and/or anchors the electrode or other device during normal application; and a packaging system comprising a well and electrolytic fluid for maintaining a coating of said electrolytic fluid on the surface feature or penetrator.