Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for treating heart failure by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal The present disclosure includes methods for creating and maintaining an opening in the atrial septum. Tools for making an opening and enlarging the opening are also disclosed. Use of the techniques and tools described herein prolongs the patency of an intra-atrial pressure relief opening.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of arterial or venous thrombosis in patients undergoing an endovascular intervention or a surgical procedure, and more particularly, administering alfimeprase directly into the thrombus or adjacent to the thrombus in a coronary, cerebral, or peripheral vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology described herein relate, at least in part, to methods of modulating the activity of a neuron by contacting the neuron with a photo-sensitive TrpA1 agonist and then illuminating the neuron with electromagnetic radiation. Also described herein are photo-sensitive TrpA1 agonists.

Abstract: Particular aspects of the invention provide methods for decreasing the amount of fluid present in the subretinal space of the eye by administering interferon gamma to the basolateral side of the retinal pigment epithelium. Adverse ocular conditions associated with the accumulation of fluid in the subretinal space can be treated by administering an amount of interferon gamma to the basolateral side of the retinal pigment epithelium effective to remove excess fluid from the subretinal space.

Abstract: The invention relates, inter alia, to melanin synthesis inhibitors for use in treating skin illnesses, wherein the skin is additionally irradiated with an artificial radiation source. The invention further relates to cosmetic treatments.

Abstract: A system and method for light stimulation within a medium. The system has a reduced-voltage x-ray source configured to generate x-rays from a peak applied cathode voltage at or below 105 kVp, and a plurality of energy-emitting particles in the medium which, upon radiation from the x-ray source, radiate at a first lower energy than the x-ray source to interact with at least one photoactivatable agent in the medium. The method introduces the plurality of energy-emitting particles into the medium, radiates the energy-emitting particles in the medium with x-rays generated from a peak applied cathode voltage at or below 105 kVp; and emits a lower energy than the x-ray source to interact with the medium or with at least one photoactivatable agent in the medium.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for ocular application of an active principle (1) comprising a main electrode (2) including an insulating layer, an adhesive layer designed to bind the insulating layer to a conductive layer, characterized in that the main electrode comprises a zone (21, 22) designed to be urged into contact with an eyelid.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems and methods for methods for neuromodulation of deep-brain and other neural targets in mammals using optogenetics to treat clinical conditions or achievement of a physiological state. The neuromodulation can produce acute or long-term effects. The latter occur through Long-Term Depression (LTD) and Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) via training. Included is control of optical intensity/amplitude, pulse width, pulse shape, pulse rate, burst frequency, pulse pattern, burst rate, burst width, and optical-fiber configuration including through the stimulation of incorporated opsins in the target neural membranes accomplishing up-regulation and/or down-regulation.

Abstract: A combination therapy pad that includes a first layer and a second layer operatively coupled to the first layer. A fiber-optic array is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A third layer is operatively coupled to the first layer. The third layer includes a vacuum tube in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a therapeutic fluid tube in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The third layer provides at least one of vacuum therapy and therapeutic fluid treatment to a wound area.

Abstract: A medical microelectrode includes an elongate electrode body including a tip section, a main body section and, optionally, a coupling section. The tip section, the main body section and, optionally, the coupling section are embedded in a first electrode matrix element, which is substantially rigid, biocompatible and soluble or biodegradable in a body fluid. Additionally the microelectrode includes a dissolution retarding layer on the first electrode matrix element and/or a second electrode matrix element disposed between the first electrode matrix element and the electrode. Upon dissolution or biodegradation of the first electrode matrix element a drug comprised by the first electrode matrix element or the second electrode matrix element is released into the tissue. Also disclosed are bundles and arrays of the electrodes and their use.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating hair loss, treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a degenerative skin disorder, treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), generating new hair follicles (HF), and increasing the size of existing HF. The methods comprise epidermal disruption or administration of wnt, and administration of a fibroblast growth factor-9 polypeptide or another compound that upregulates sonic hedgehog gene signaling.

Abstract: Methods are described and related devices, compositions, and systems, in which a caged compound is administered to a biological environment, the caged compound being caged with a long wavelength absorber, the long wavelength being a wavelength greater than or equal to 750 nm; and irradiating the biological environment to excite the long wavelength absorber with light at a wavelength in a range from 900-1100 nm, thus decaging the compound.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the ability of an individual, exposed to sunlight, to produce vitamin D via the skin. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising provitamin D and at least one of lumisterol and tachysterol and analogs and derivatives thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable multi-electrode device (300) and related methods and apparatuses. In one embodiment, the invention includes an implantable device (300) comprising: an assembly block (320); and a plurality of leads (340 . . . 348) radiating from the assembly block (320), each of the plurality of leads (340 . . . 348) containing at least one electrode (342A), such that the electrodes are distributed within a three-dimensional space, wherein the assembly block (320) includes a barb (350) for anchoring the assembly block (320) within implanted tissue.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods, of treating a skin abnormality in a mammalian subject, that involve introducing, into a vasculature of the subject, red blood cells (RBCs) that comprise a photosensitive compound; and then permitting to pass a time-period sufficient for some of the RBCs to enter a region of the subject that comprises the skin abnormality; and then exposing RBCs in the region to an amount of radiation energy sufficient to result in the photosensitive compound mediating a hyperthermic therapy, a thermal therapy, an oxygen singlet therapy, a radical molecule therapy, or a combination thereof on the skin abnormality. In some embodiments, the photosensitive compound comprises a dye and is substantially encapsulated within the RBCs. In some embodiments, the radiation energy consists essentially of radiation wavelengths absorbed substantially more efficiently by the photosensitive compound than by an epidermal tissue of the subject.

Abstract: An active transdermal medicament patch includes a planar substrate with a therapeutic face releasably retainable against the skin of a patient. A return electrode and a medicament matrix susceptible to permeation by medicament are secured at separated locations on the therapeutic face and electrically conductively engage the skin. A detector monitors iontophoretic medicament migration into the skin. An integrator operating on the output of the detector produces a running cumulative total of the amount of medicament delivered during a plurality of temporally non-contiguous therapy subsessions. A circuit breaker terminates medicament migration, when the output of the integrator equals a predetermined medicament quantity. A timer active during medicament migration stimulates a driver to operate a light-emitting diode in a distinct delivery confirmation mode during each a sequence of non-overlapping predetermined therapy subsessions, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved photodynamic treatment to treat subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for killing or preventing the growth of microbes. It has been discovered that a class of porphyrins can kill or prevent the growth of microbes. The porphyrins can be used in a number of different applications where microbes grow.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for providing light therapy to a subject's tissues. The devices, systems, and methods include a phototherapeutic lamp comprising light generating sources that emit light capable of causing a medical and/or cosmetic treatment of tissues. Also included are uses of the devices. The devices and methods may also include a photoactivatable composition.

Abstract: A cochlear implant includes an active base section with a front surface configured to lie against an inner modiolar wall of the scala tympani. Electrode contacts are on the front surface configured to face the inner modiolar wall to deliver electrode stimulation signals to nearby modiolar neural tissue. A passive apex section has a front surface without electrode contacts configured to lie against an outer lateral wall of the scala tympani. A U-shape transition bend section is at an apical end of the active base section bending in a reverse direction and transitioning into a basal end of the passive apex section such that the back surface of an apical tip of the passive apex section lies adjacent to a back surface of a basal end of the active base section at an electrode opening in the cochlea when the electrode is implanted in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, uses, systems and kits for laser-assisted delivery of at least one bioactive agent to a subject. Specifically, laser light is used to create channel(s) in tissue of the subject, and the bioactive agent (s) is applied to the opening of the channel(s). The bioactive agent may be a cell, such as a functional cell, including stem cells, protein, peptide, peptide fragment, nucleic acid, nucleotide fragment, gene, pharmaceutical compound, therapeutic compound, medicament, small molecule, aptamer, or any combination of the above. Delivery may be accomplished locally or systemically, and can be used to treat local or systemic conditions or disorders. Functional reconstitution and gene therapy is also possible with the present invention. Other uses include directing bioactive agent migration, stimulating endogenous stem cell circulation, treating biofilms, and regrowth of hair. Tissue explants are also incorporated in some embodiments.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser including a body (6) receiving a dispenser member (3) connected to a reservoir (1) and to a fluid dispenser orifice (73), an actuator member (4) for actuating the dispenser member (3) and a module (5) comprising at least one source of radiation (51), such as a LED, the body (6) having a module housing (65) wherein the module (5) is received. The dispenser also includes a dispenser and diffuser head (7) mounted on the body (6) and forming an application wall (74) into which the fluid dispenser orifice (73) opens out for applying the fluid coming from the dispenser orifice (73) onto the skin. The module (5) is integral with the dispenser and diffuser head (7), thus forming together an integral unit (U) which is received on and within the body (6).

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient having a head with a first ear and a second ear function by mounting a support system to the head of the patient so that the support system is aligned with a target tissue of the first ear; applying a therapeutic agent to the first car by energizing an iontophoresis electrode supported by the support system; and actuating a device while the device is supported by the support system so that the device therapeutically remodels the target tissue of the first ear.

Abstract: An implantable intragastric volume occupying device system is provided which generally includes a volume occupying device and an active agent, for example, a metabolic agent or satiety inducing agent. The volume occupying device may be structured to contain the agent and permit controlled release of the agent to the patient while the volume occupying device is positioned within the patient's stomach. Methods for treating obesity are also provided which include positioning a volume occupying device in the stomach of a patient and administering a satiety inducing agent to the patient while the volume occupying device is positioned in the stomach. In one embodiment, the active agent may be contained in a reservoir and dispensed to a portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: Embodiments associated with a transdermal delivery device are described. In one embodiment, a transdermal delivery device comprises material coated on one surface with a mixture of a non-water soluble adhesive and an anesthetic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for an electrotherapeutic system including a first and second electrode. Each electrode includes a respective resistance wherein during operation of the electrotherapeutic system, an electrochemical reaction involving one or both of the electrodes varies the respective resistance of at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A system for delivering light and/or ultrasound across a skin surface is provided. The system includes a device having a layered structure comprising one or both of a light source and an ultrasonic transducer. The light source comprises a flexible light emitter layer electrically coupled to a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a flexible ultrasound emitter layer electrically coupled to a third conductive layer and a fourth conductive layer. The system also includes one or more sensors in contact with the skin surface and a controller electrically coupled to the device and the sensor. The controller is operable to receive sensor data from the sensor and dynamically control the device in response to the received sensor data.

Abstract: A device for delivering light and ultrasound across a skin surface is provided. The device has a layered structure comprising a light source and an ultrasonic transducer. The light source comprises a flexible light emitter layer electrically coupled to a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a flexible ultrasound emitter layer electrically coupled to a third conductive layer and a fourth conductive layer. In one embodiment, the light source comprises an organic light emitting diode or a plurality of printed light emitting diodes and the ultrasonic transducer comprises a piezoelectric coating. The device may be provided with a therapeutic or cosmetic composition to be applied to the skin surface, wherein the light and ultrasound emitted from the device cause transdermal transport of the composition through the skin surface.

Abstract: We report a method of treating an epileptic seizure in a patient, comprising: detecting said epileptic seizure, based on body data from said patient; and reducing a flow of blood to a brain of said patient in response to said detected seizure; wherein said reducing is effected by: increasing the parasympathetic input to said patient's heart, such as by electrically stimulating a parasympathetic nervous structure, applying cooling energy to a sympathetic nervous structure, or administering a cholinergic or a sympatho-blocking agent to said patient. We also report a medical device system configured to implement the method. We also report a non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method.

Abstract: A method for treating skin in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of administering a stem cell composition into a target body site in the subject by subcutaneous, intradermal or topical delivery, and contacting the target body site with a treatment device designed for introducing CO2 into subcutaneous tissue, wherein the CO2 and the stem cell composition are provided in an amount effective for treating a skin-related disorder or improving the condition of skin. Also disclosed is a method for generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in a subject.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing an immune response to a vaccine using co-administration of radiation.

Abstract: Device and method for treating hyperhidrosis by application of a fabric including an elemental zinc particle deposition to a treatment area of the skin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides biophotonic materials and methods useful in phototherapy. In particular, the biophotonic materials of the present disclosure include a cohesive matrix, and at least one chromophore, wherein the at least one chromophore can absorb and emit light from within the biophotonic material. The biophotonic materials and the methods of the present disclosure are useful for promoting wound healing and skin rejuvenation, as well as treating acne and various skin disorders.

Abstract: A method and device for stimulating a dysfunctional mitochondria in a human brain afflicted with a neurological disorder by stimulating the dysfunctional mitochondria at more than one level of its electron transport chain by co-administering more than one type of external stimulation such as the co-administration of both light and a therapeutic agent such as vitamin K2.

Abstract: Various systems and methods provide iontophoretic delivery of anesthesia at a patient's tympanic membrane. Some implementations provide channel switching enabling a single current sink to pull current through two electrodes in an alternating fashion based on clock pulses. The iontophoretic delivery of anesthesia may be driven by an AC modulated current. Some implementations provide for continuous flow of fresh iontophoresis fluid to the ear canal during iontophoresis. The fluid flows from a source reservoir into the cavity between the tympanic membrane and a plug, and then drains out of the cavity to a reservoir. An iontophoresis system may also detect capacitance between an anode electrode and an auxiliary electrode in a patient's ear canal, watching for reduced capacitance to indicate presence of a bubble in the iontophoresis fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticles including a metallic core having a length along each axis of from 1 to 100 nanometers and a coating disposed on at least part of the surface of the metallic core, wherein the coating comprises polydopamine, along with methods for making and using such nanoparticles. The metallic core may be gold, silver or iron oxide and the polydopamine coating may have other substances bound to it, such as silver, targeting ligands or antibodies, or other therapeutic or imaging contrast agents. The disclosed nanoparticles can be targeted to cells for treating cancer or bacterial infections, and for use in diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a scaffold with a gel or liquid composition deposed on at least a portion of a luminal surface, the gel or liquid composition adapted to include microbubbles. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, the above scaffold, a manifold adjacent the scaffold, and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above scaffold at the tissue site and disrupting a substantial portion of the microbubbles to induce fluid flow to the scaffold. Further provided is an apparatus that includes a scaffold that comprises a slowly degradable material and a quickly degradable material. Additionally provided is a system for coupling nerve tissue and a microchip assembly.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering a reagent, such as a pharmaceutical agent, a diagnostic agent, a nutrient, or another type of reagent, to an intravascular or intralumenal location, is disclosed. The medical device has a coating, where exposing the coating to light severs a photosensitive bond that releases the reagent into the immediate vicinity of the location.

Abstract: The present invention discloses polymeric materials that incorporate a modified quinone moiety, either to cross-link the polymer or as a monomeric unit of the polymer. These polymeric materials can be efficiently degraded through electrochemical reduction of the quinone leading to rapid hydrolysis of the pendant chemical groups and degradation of the polymer. Quinone-containing compositions and methods of producing electrochemically degradable polymers are disclosed. The methods and compositions of the present invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, including, but not limited to, drug delivery, tissue regeneration, biomedical implants, and electronic systems.

Abstract: An applicator for use in tissue repair is provided. The applicator includes a base configured to dispense a material and an applicator tip operably connected to the base. The applicator tip includes a body having a distal end configured to engage a tissue defect and a mold disposed about the body configured to engage tissue about the tissue defect. The mold is configured to be selectively positioned about the distal end of the body between at least a first position and a second position to deposit material to form at least a first layer and a second layer. Also provided are applicator tips, methods and kits for tissue repair.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that reduce the likelihood of infection caused by microorganisms. In general, microorganism population control can be achieved by exposing the population to an effective dose of electromagnetic radiation sufficient to cause a reduction in proliferation of the microorganism, wherein the electromagnetic radiation has a center wavelength between about 385 nm and about 425 nm. In preferred embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be embodied in catheterization systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the therapeutic efficacy of curcuminoids and analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for increasing the therapeutic efficacy of systemically administered formulations that contain curcuminoids and the equivalent therapeutics thereof. The method is characterized in that together with the administration of the formulation the patient is irradiated with visible, and optionally ultraviolet, radiation during a treatment. The invention also relates to phototherapy devices that emit visible radiation over a surface area greater than 0.2 m2 with an irradiance of more than 2 mW/cm2, the devices being suitable for use in the treatment of proliferative diseases, particularly moderate-to-severe psoriasis or tumor processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medicament use, in particular to the clinical use of photosensitizers for inactivating viruses in the treatment of blood vessel plaque, leukemia, AIDS, hepatitis and the like. The invention is based on the affinity of photosensitizer to blood vessel plaque focus, leukemia cells, tumor, and/or virus, which is several times higher than that to normal tissues, to destroy focus cells or virus by generating singlet oxygen (1O2) under the effect of a method using laser, X-ray, ultrasound and medicament. The effects for treating the above diseases are achieved without serious side effects to the normal human tissues and organs.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents systems, devices and methods for injection of drugs, substances and/or chemicals to a patient and for improving their effectiveness once they are injected are disclosed. Additional treatment can be applied to a tissue region on the patient into which a drug (e.g., insulin) is injected, to expose the tissue region to various forms of energy or a substance to improve the drug's pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic profile.

Abstract: Compositions are provided in which dendrimers and/or nanoparticles are synthesized with multi-photon responsive elements and self-immolative oligomers. The compositions may be utilized to selectively deliver Payloads within tissue by irradiating the compositions. The compositions may also be used to amplify sensitivity to irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to DNA vaccines that target multiple arenavirus agents singly or simultaneously.

Abstract: A system for controlling and modulating a mammalian's body temperature and thermoregulation system includes: a. a display monitor; b. a pulse generator; c. at least one channel of electrical or electromagnetic stimuli connected to the pulse generator, and adapted for cutaneous application on the body's spinal cord; d. a control panel, and e. at least one Measurement Analysis and Command (MAC) unit. The control panel and the MAC units are adapted to implement the optimal stimulating procedure for blocking the afferent neural pathways, evoking the afferent neural pathways, attenuating the afferent neural pathways, blocking and evoking the efferent neural pathways, blocking and attenuating the efferent neural pathways, attenuating and evoking, or blocking, attenuating, and evoking the efferent neural pathways, involved in the thermoregulation system, thereby controlling and modulating the body's temperature and thermoregulation system.

Abstract: Disclosed are imaging agents having the following Formula I: (I); wherein F is a near infrared fluorophore, S is an enzymatically cleavable oligopeptide, Q is a fluorescence quencher molecule, and M is a moiety selected from the group consisting of PEG or derivative thereof and a targeting ligand, and wherein F, Q and M are linked to separate amino acids of the enzymatically cleavable oligopeptide. Compositions comprising such compounds, as well as methods of use, methods of identifying a cell or a population of cells in vivo expressing a protease of interest, and methods of treating a disease through imaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments provide devices, systems and methods for the transdermal delivery of chelated compounds. One embodiment provides a method for the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of a chelated iron complex for the treatment of anemia. A first patch comprising an active electrode and a chelated iron complex is applied to the skin; a second patch containing an electrode is also applied. An electrical current is then delivered to the skin from the active electrode. The chelated complex is transported across the skin via electromotive force from the current, with the iron being substantially chromogenically unreactive with the skin during transport so that there is little or no tattooing of the skin due to the formation of insoluble oxidative products. The complex is then dissociated by phagocytosis or related process to release the iron where it may be bound by transferrin or ferritin and carried to other sites for storage or metabolic use.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system includes a power source and at least two electrode assembles. The power source that an output current that alternates between a maximum current value and a minimum current value; a pair of electrode assemblies. Each electrode assembly is configured to be held in contact with a skin layer of a user. Additionally, each electrode assembly includes an electrode that is coupled to the power source to receive the output current from the power source. At least one of the electrode assemblies in the pair includes a medium that carries an active agent having a charge, the medium being provided on the at least one electrode assembly to enable the output current to repel the active agent into the skin layer for a duration in which the output current has a polarity that is the same as a polarity of the active agent.