Abstract: A balloon catheter including a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon secured to a distal end region of the catheter shaft. The inflatable balloon has a generally conical shape in a fully inflated configuration having a proximal conical portion that tapers away from the central longitudinal axis in a distal direction from a proximal waist of the balloon and a distal conical portion that tapers toward the central longitudinal axis in a distal direction toward a distal waist of the balloon, with a radially outermost extent of the balloon located between the proximal conical portion and the distal conical portion. The proximal conical portion, the distal conical portion and/or the radially outermost extent of the balloon has an elliptical cross-section taken in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A neuromodulation such as ultrasound therapy having a cuff and transducer to removably position on a penis of a patient in order to treat premature ejaculation. The transducer stimulates a dorsal nerve of the penis in order to stimulate or inhibit the nerve pathway between the penis and the brain in order to delay ejaculation until the user or their partner desires to have an ejaculation occur.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to electroporation systems and utilizing algorithms for electroporation pulse delivery including a patient's EKG/EGM monitoring. In some embodiments, an electroporation delivery system may include an electrocardiogram operatively connected to a processing device and a memory. One or more sensors may be operatively connected to the electrocardiogram for measuring electrical activity QRS complex of a patient's heart. One or more electrodes for treatment may be disposed in, at, or near the patient's heart, the one or more electrodes operatively connected to a pulse delivery mechanism. The electroporation delivery system may be configured to determine whether an electroporation pulse is deliverable to a patient based on the electrocardiogram.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for tracking and guiding a patient's clinically directed medication usage. Medicaments are placed in secure passive packaging that must be unlocked to enable dispensing of a dose or a set of doses. This packaging is designed to be difficult to open manually, and instead is designed to dispense only when used in combination with an unlocking device. The unlocking device is a separate device containing electronics, mechatronics or both, to unlock and dispense from the packaging and to track and guide usage. Together, the secure container and the unlocking device track medication usage, deter an excessive rate of patient usage, and deter unauthorized access to medication.

Abstract: An example assembly for use with a vacuum system and an esophageal positioning device esophageal positioning device includes an introducer, in which the esophageal positioning device includes a first segment and a second segment. The second segment is pivotally connected to the first segment. A gap portion of an outer tube of the introducer is defined along a longitudinal axis between a tube tip of the introducer and the distal end of the second segment of the esophageal positioning device when the esophageal positioning device is disposed within the introducer. The gap portion defines one or more radial vacuum holes.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques that enable electroporation of the cells of a recipient of a tissue-stimulating prostheses while the tissue-stimulating prosthesis is implanted in the recipient. Tissue-stimulating prostheses in accordance with embodiments presented herein are configured such that the stimulation electronics (e.g., current sources and integrated circuit) of the prosthesis are not exposed to the high voltages used in electroporation.

Abstract: A balloon catheter that includes an elongated main body extending in an axial direction and a balloon connected to the distal portion of the elongated main body. The balloon includes an interior and is inflatable and deflatable. The balloon catheter also includes a plurality of elongate bodies extending radially away from the outer surface of the balloon. The elongate bodies are crystals of a water-insoluble drug. The elongate bodies each possess an independent longitudinal axis. Each of the elongate bodies includes a base portion at the proximal end of the elongate body. A plurality of elongate body proximal portions extend radially inwardly from the base portion of each of the elongate bodies toward the interior of the balloon. The elongate body proximal portions are continuous extensions of the crystal of the water-insoluble drug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument with an instrument handle, an instrument shank connected to the instrument handle, an instrument tip with a work point, which instrument tip is connected to the instrument shank, and a first locator arranged on the instrument handle or the instrument shank. During a use of the surgical instrument, the instrument shank can be deflected, e.g. on account of transverse forces, at least between the first locator and the work point. A second locator is arranged at a distance from the first locator and, by comparison with the latter, closer to the work point, wherein the second locator is designed to detect five degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A device for transport of ions and/or charged molecules between a source and a target electrolyte, comprising: a first electrode provided at or in said source electrolyte, and a second electrode provided at or in said target electrolyte; and wherein said first and second electrodes provides an electrical control of an ion flow, and further comprising means for limiting an electronic current between said source and said target electrodes, such that at least after a voltage is applied a potential difference between said source and target electrodes is maintained, which effects ion transport from said source to said target electrode; wherein the device further comprises an ion- and/or permselective polyelectrolyte for transport ions and/or charged molecules via electrophoresis and functions as an ion-selective membrane; and wherein said polyelectrolyte comprises a cross-linked hyperbranched polymer.

Abstract: A dental irrigation device for heating a solution and mixing solutes within the solution. The present invention utilizes an oscillator and inductive coil to heat and/or mix the solution. A pump then delivers the heated and mixed pressurized solution from a basin ultimately into a dispenser.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating a sensing and/or actuator device, comprises the steps of providing a sensing and/or actuator device having a demarcation structure thereon. The sensing and/or actuator device comprises at least a substrate and a sensing and/or actuator element on the substrate. The demarcation structure contacts the substrate and defines an enclosed area of the substrate. The enclosed area comprises at least the sensing and/or actuator element. The method also comprises providing an encapsulation material outside the enclosed area, so the sensing and/or actuator element is left uncovered by the encapsulation material. The demarcation structure further comprises a capping structure overlaying the sensing and/or actuator element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method for the vacuum-assisted delivery of drugs through an intact surface membrane of an organ.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to medical device systems including electric field shaping elements for use in treating cancerous tumors within a bodily tissue. In an embodiment, a medical device system for treating a cancerous tumor is described. The medical device system can include one or more electric field generating electrodes and an electric field shaping element configured to be implanted along with the one or more electric field generating electrodes. The electric field shaping element can be made from a material that alters the spatial area of tissue exposed to the electric field. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: An iontophoresis system for positioning against skin of a subject is disclosed. The iontophoresis system can comprise at least one vessel having a solvent therein. An anode apparatus can couple to the at least one vessel. The anode apparatus can comprise a first reservoir configured to receive the solvent from the at least one vessel so that, when received into the first reservoir, the solvent makes contact with the skin of the subject, and a first electrode positioned above the first reservoir. A cathode apparatus can couple to the at least one vessel. The cathode apparatus can comprise a second reservoir configured to receive the solvent from the at least one vessel so that, when received into the first reservoir, the solvent makes contact with the skin of the subject, and a second electrode positioned above the second reservoir.

Abstract: A method for laser assisted delivery of therapeutic agents includes selectively controlling a valve connected to a first channel disposed within a first sidewall of a nozzle, applying, through the first channel, a first substance to penetrate dermis to a predetermined depth, and administering, through a second channel unconnected with the valve and disposed within a second sidewall of the nozzle, a second substance to remove debris.

Abstract: A device for delivery of TENS current or electrostimulation has a first skin contact electrode mounted on a first non-conductive fingertip base and having at least one contact area for current-bearing contact with skin and a connection to a TENS current source and has a second skin contact electrode, mounted on a non-conductive fingertip base that is the same as the first non-conductive fingertip base or is a second non-conductive fingertip base and having at least one contact area for current-bearing contact with skin and a connection to TENS current source. A control and power unit that supplies TENS current to flow through skin contacting and positioned between the first and second electrodes, and enables selecting the level of the current or energy supplied.

Abstract: A set of genes for the molecular classifying of medulloblastoma is disclosed, including the following 24 genes: EPHA7 gene, OTX2 gene, ROBO1 gene, TTR gene, LGR5 gene, IGF2BP3 gene, TBR1 gene, ZFPM2 gene, TRDC gene, TRAC gene, PEX5L gene, NKD1 gene, RALYL gene, GABRA5 gene, GAD1 gene, TNC gene, KCNA1 gene, EOMES gene, MAB21L2 gene, WIF1 gene, DKK2 gene, PDLIM3 gene, IMPG2 gene, and KHDRBS2 gene. In addition, the present invention also discloses the use of the genome in the preparation of a kit and a gene chip for the molecular classifying of medulloblastoma. After validation, the present invention can accurately differentiate medulloblastoma WNT subgroup, SHE subgroup, Group3 subgroup, and Group4 subgroup, and has important clinical significance for the precise treatment of patients due to the objective results, high accuracy, and short experimental period.

Abstract: A sensing and treatment device includes an array of metal nanorod electrodes formed on a substrate, the array including first electrodes for sensing, and second electrodes for electrical pulsation. A data processing system is configured to monitor a parameter using the first electrodes and to activate the electrical pulsation in the second electrodes in accordance with a reading of the parameter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for magnetic particle conjugates, methods of making the magnetic particle conjugates, methods of using magnetic particle conjugates, micelles (also referred to as a “magnetic composite nanocarrier” (MCNC)), methods of making micelles, methods of using micelles, and the like.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a self-powered sheet which is configured to absorb a liquid content and to be applied on a human skin. The self-powered sheet includes a base layer and a plurality of electrically conductive inks. The base layer is configured to absorb the liquid content and adapted to be applied on the human skin. The base layer has a contact surface. The electrically conductive inks are disposed on the contact surface of the base layer. Each of the electrically conductive inks has a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes. When each of the first electrodes and each of the second electrodes are soaked in the liquid content, an electrical potential difference between one of the plurality of first electrodes and one of the plurality of second electrodes generates a current in the human skin.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation apparatus is provided. The electrical stimulation apparatus includes an electrode module receiving current for applying electrical stimulation to a skin of a user from a current providing part, a plurality of monitoring electrodes positioned spaced apart from each other on the electrode module, the current flows from the electrode module to the plurality of monitoring electrodes, and a current monitoring part monitoring the current flowing to each of the plurality of monitoring electrodes.

Abstract: A method of mitigating the development of myopia, includes measuring elasticity of collagen of an eye; identifying an eye for which the elasticity measured is above a preselected threshold; selectively applying a collagen cross-linking reagent proximate collagen of a sclera of a posterior pole portion of the eye for which the elasticity measured is above the preselected threshold; and irradiating at least the posterior pole portion of the eye with radiation of an appropriate wavelength to initiate covalent bonding and cross-linking of the collagen for which the elasticity measured is above the preselected threshold.

Abstract: An electroporation device having a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells and at least one lead in electrical communication with a circuit board. The battery pack including a safety switch and a controller for selectively placing the battery cells in electrical communication with the one lead. Where the controller is in operable communication with the safety switch such that when the controller detects one or more operating conditions the controller instructs the safety switch to electrically isolate the lead from the battery cells. The battery pack also includes a manual switch, and where activation of the switch causes the controller to instruct the safety switch to electrically isolate the lead from the battery cells.

Abstract: A wavelength specific photo-modulation treatment device and method are disclosed which provide specific wavelength colors from a group of four different electromagnet colors arranged in a repeating scalable matrix array. The device includes a control system connected to the array for driving the devices in two different modes and three different color combinations.

Abstract: An implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to treat an ear of a patient includes a body having a distal end region and a proximal end region. The body defines, at least in part, a reservoir configured to contain the therapeutic agent. The device includes a shaft attached to the distal end region of the body and a lumen extending through the shaft having at least one inlet at a proximal end region in fluid communication with the reservoir and at least one outlet at a distal end region. Upon implantation of the body in a region of the ear, a length of the shaft is sufficient to extend from the body to at least the round window membrane of the ear. The device is configured to deliver the therapeutic agent to the ear from the reservoir via passive diffusion. Related devices and methods are described.

Abstract: An active molecule delivery system whereby active molecules can be released on demand and/or a variety of different active molecules can be delivered from the same system and/or different concentrations of active molecules can be delivered from the same system. The active molecule delivery system includes a first electrode, a plurality of microcells, and a porous conductive layer. The microcells are filled with a medium including active molecules.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of treating cancer, such as (but not limited to) metastatic bladder and breast cancer. The disclosed method comprises using two treatment modalities to synergistically treat primary and secondary tumor cells in a subject. The first element of the method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a plasmonics-active metal nanoparticle to a subject comprising a primary cancer and a distant metastatic site, wherein the nanoparticle concentrates at the primary cancer. The method further comprises exposing the subject to photon radiation at the site of the primary cancer. The second element of the disclosed method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of an immune checkpoint modulator to the subject. The synergistic combination provides a rapid, safe, and effective treatment of local and distant lesions, better than each modality alone.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for the selective and rapid application of DC voltage to drive irreversible electroporation are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a voltage pulse generator and an electrode controller. The voltage pulse generator is configured to produce a pulsed voltage waveform. The electrode controller is configured to be operably coupled to the voltage pulse generator and a medical device including a series of electrodes. The electrode controller includes a selection module and a pulse delivery module. The selection module is configured to select a subset of electrodes from the series of electrodes. The selection module is configured identify at least one electrode as an anode and at least one electrode as a cathode. The pulse delivery module is configured to deliver an output signal associated with the pulsed voltage waveform to the subset of electrodes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hand piece having a fixed branch and a displaceable branch for actuating a first tool and/or second tool, a guide device in which a force transmission device is arranged to be displaceable longitudinally and/or rotationally, the force transmission device coupled, on the proximal side, to the fixed branch and/or displaceable branch and coupled, on the distal side, to the first tool and/or second tool, and a connection device on which the guide device can be coupled to the hand piece in an insertable and detachable manner by a coupling simultaneously providing a holding force for holding the guide device in the connection device, a bipolar electrical contact on the distal side of the hand piece for parts of the instrument requiring energy, and degrees of freedom for longitudinal and/or rotational movement of the guide device and/or force transmission device.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system (1) includes a reservoir (7) for storing a fluid, a pumping chamber (8) and an actuator (20). The pumping chamber (8) has a volume, an inlet valve (48) providing selective fluid communication between the pumping chamber volume and the reservoir, an outlet valve (49), and a membrane (47) the displacement of which changes the pumping chamber volume. The actuator (20) moves a drive member (21) in reciprocating motion. The actuator (20) is disposed in a housing (9) having an aperture (36) from which the drive member projects. The reservoir (7) and the pumping chamber (8) are arranged in a cartridge (3) removably attachable to the housing. When the cartridge (3) is attached to the housing (9) the drive member (20) is operatively coupled to the pumping chamber membrane (47). The fluid delivery system may be applied to an infusion system for the infusion of a liquid therapeutic product, such as insulin.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for treating skin, which combine administration of glucosamine hydrochloride and red light having a peak wavelength of about 600 nm to about 750 nm, near infrared light having a peak wavelength of about 750 nm to about 1000 nm, or both.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions methods of use and methods of manufacturing, hydrous hydrogel compositions useful as topical oral analgesics including cannabinoids and menthol where the menthol component can be a stabilized menthol composition comprising menthol and at least one menthol stabilizer compound including undecylenic acid methyl ester, undecylenic acid or a salt of undecylenic acid.

Abstract: A method for skin ligament injection incorporates the benefits of regenerative medicine to provide more natural and longer lasting results in the revitalization of a patient's face. The method includes a first phase in which through the use of aspiration tubes with reduced diameter, small aspiration holes and controlled aspiration pressure with aspiration in a superficial plane of the skin, a user collects tissue rich in stein cells with waste of fibrotic tissue. A second phase includes the sterile manipulation and washing of fat to collect only the tissue containing the stein cells arranged around vascular structures and growth factors collected inside organelles called exosomes. Lastly, a third and final phase includes injecting the obtained product into the skin of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new filter cleaning method that has cleaning performance superior to that of ultrasonic cleaning. The method for cleaning a filter of the present invention includes the steps of: generating a shock wave; and bringing the shock wave into contact with a filter to which a filler adhered, wherein in the shock wave contacting step, a pressure applied to the filter by the shock wave is 0.07 MPa or more.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sustained drug release system useful for treating eye diseases. There is provided a device for sustained release of an ophthalmic drug, comprising a drug enclosing part and an intraocular retention gas enclosing part adjacent to the drug enclosing part, the enclosing parts being provided in a hollow container having at least one opening part, wherein the drug enclosing part is isolated from the opening part by the intervention of the intraocular retention gas enclosing part.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for reverse irrigation of an ablation or treatment site. In one embodiment, a reverse irrigation device comprises at least one ablation electrode and at least one reverse irrigation port, the at least one reverse irrigation port being located at at least one of immediately proximate the at least one ablation electrode and on the at least one ablation electrode, the at least one reverse irrigation port being configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid removal component. A medical system may include an ablation system and a reverse irrigation system that are configured to operate synchronously such that the reverse irrigation system is activated to remove fluid from the ablation site during a period of time during which the ablation system is activated to deliver ablation energy through the at least one ablation electrode to the ablation site.

Abstract: A dental irrigation device for heating a solution and mixing solutes within the solution. The present invention utilizes an oscillator and inductive coil to heat and/or mix the solution. A pump then delivers the heated and mixed pressurized solution from a basin ultimately into a dispenser.

Abstract: Medical devices comprising applicators that present a microneedle array and a separate electroporation array configured to simultaneously contact a tissue surface, a fluidic system connected to the microneedle array, and an electronic system connected to the electroporation array, for the coordinated delivery of a fluid biologic and electroporation energy to a tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus, kits, and methods for administering a substance are presented. A device for administering a substance includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated body defining an internal chamber extending between the proximal end and the distal end to direct the substance to the distal end, the distal end to connect with a tip, the tip to be at least partially inserted into an orifice of a body lumen of a subject, the tip having a shape configured to reduce leakage of the substance from the orifice upon the at least partial insertion. The tip includes an opening to pass the substance from the internal chamber into the body lumen; and a transducer to emit an ultrasound wave from the tip into the body lumen, thereby administering the substance to tissue in the body lumen.

Abstract: A skin treatment device includes a substrate and a plurality of discrete galvanic couples provided on the substrate, each discrete galvanic couple including a first conductive electrode that is an anode and a second conductive electrode that is a cathode, wherein the anode of each galvanic couple includes a first metal and the cathode of each discrete galvanic couple includes a second metal, different from the first metal, the first and second metal having a different standard potential.

Abstract: This application discloses an improved approach for delivering Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) at a therapeutically effective strength to the infratentorial regions of the brain. A first set of electrode elements is positioned on top of the head and a second set of electrode elements is positioned on the back of the neck. Third and fourth sets of electrode elements are positioned on the lower back right and the lower back left portions of the scalp, respectively. Applying an AC voltage between the first and second sets of electrode elements generates a generally vertical field in the infratentorial regions of the brain; and applying an AC voltage between the third and fourth sets of electrode elements generates a generally horizontal field in those regions.

Abstract: Provided are implantable biomedical devices and related methods for interfacing with a target tissue. The devices comprise a substrate, an electronic device supported by the substrate and a freely positionable injectable needle electronically connected to the electronic device by a deformable interconnect, where the injectable needle has one or more optical sources provided on a distal tip end. The injectable needle may further comprise a photodetector.

Abstract: A method of directing energy to tissue using a fluid-cooled antenna assembly includes the initial step of providing an energy applicator. The energy applicator includes an antenna assembly and a hub providing at least one coolant connection to the energy applicator. The method also includes the steps of providing a coolant supply system including a fluid-flow path fluidly-coupled to the hub for providing fluid flow to the energy applicator, positioning the energy applicator in tissue for the delivery of energy to tissue when the antenna assembly is energized, and providing a thermal-feedback-controlled rate of fluid flow to the antenna assembly when energized using a feedback control system operably-coupled to a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path.

Abstract: Provided are methods for manufacturing a conjugate containing a phthalocyanine dye, including methods that include one or more steps of preparing or producing the conjugate, formulating the conjugate and packaging the conjugate. In some aspects, the manufacturing methods result in the generation of a stable conjugate. Also provided are stable phthalocyanine dye conjugates, compositions and articles of manufacture containing the stable conjugates, and methods for their administration to subjects for photoimmunotherapy. In some embodiments, the phthalocyanine dye conjugates are conjugated to a targeting molecule, such as an antibody, that targets the conjugate to a cell or pathogen, such as by binding to a cell surface protein.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device, such as a transducer, includes a polymer element disposed between electrodes, and a control circuit configured to apply electrical potentials having the same polarity to the electrodes. A separation distance between the electrodes may be increased by an electrostatic repulsion between the electrodes. Various other devices, systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive device (100) for treatment of skin tissue using laser light, and it provides a method and a computer program product. The non-invasive device comprises a light emission system (110) for generating a first laser pulse (130) and a subsequent second laser pulse (150) at a predefined time delay (?T) after the first laser pulse. The non-invasive device further comprises an optical system (160) for focusing, in use, the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse at a treatment location (210) inside the skin tissue (200). The first laser pulse comprises a first power density, a first pulse duration and a first pulse energy for initiating a plasma (205) at the treatment location.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering a molecule to a specific area of a tissue by controlling temperature and impedance is presented. The method is generally comprised of applying heat to a biological structure, such as cells or tissues, to heat the biological structure to a preset temperature after which at least one electroporation pulse is administered to the biological structure. Impedance is measured as a feedback control mechanism after each pulse and pulse parameters are adjusted accordingly until desired impedance is reached. The system generally comprises an electroporation system capable of generating at least one pulse, measuring impedance and measuring temperature. The method may be used to deliver a molecule such as a vaccine or therapeutic to a biological structure, such as for prevention or treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a wound dressing, a negative pressure source, and a controller. The negative pressure source can provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to the wound dressing. The controller can monitor a rate of fluid removal from the wound, wirelessly communicate the rate of fluid removal to a remote device, and output an indication when the rate of fluid removal meets a threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for the removal of objects from the body. The device may be a urethral catheter configured to aspirate kidney stones from the urinary tract through one or more aspiration ports at the distal face or along a lateral side of the catheter. The catheter may include one or more irrigation ports at the distal face or along the lateral side of the catheter for dislodging kidney stones. The device may be steerable. The spatial arrangement of the one or more irrigation ports with respect to the one or more aspiration ports may vary. The device may include an irrigation tube and/or a shield member configured to spatially confine the kidney stones adjacent the catheter. Various temporal patterns of aspiration and irrigation are disclosed for optimizing removal of kidney stones.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for body temperature management using a heat transfer catheter carrying a heat transfer fluid to heat or cool a desired, focused portion of a patient's body. In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, the heat transfer catheter may include hollow nodes that have greater rigidity than the remainder of the catheter to aid in placement of the heat transfer catheter within and navigation of the desired portion of the patient's body. Methods of using such heat transfer catheter to effect temperature management of the patient's body are also disclosed.