Abstract: An ablation tool includes a trocar and cannula with a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft is configured to permit passage of the trocar therethrough and has a proximal segment and a distal segment. The distal segment includes a distal tip aligned with the hollow shaft of the cannula to permit passage of the trocar within the hollow shaft of the cannula, and has tissue-adhering irregular surfaces protruding therefrom. An auxiliary port extends from an exterior surface of the cannula and defines a hollow passageway into the hollow shaft. Notably, an insert is provided as part of the tool. The insert defines a hollow shaft and is adapted to be inserted into the hollow shaft of the cannula and includes a diameter of less than an interior diameter of the hollow shaft of the insert so as to permit passage of a laser fiber through the hollow shaft of the insert. An auxiliary port extends from an exterior surface of the insert defining a hollow passageway into the hollow shaft of the insert.

Abstract: Provided herein are small molecules for the induction of fibroblast proliferation and increased secretion or production of proteins. The small molecules described herein can be used for the promotion of skin regeneration. Also provided herein are methods for promoting skin regeneration and wound healing.

Abstract: Iontophoresis, a minimally-invasive methodology that uses a weak electric current to enhance penetration of ionized molecules into tissues, was found to be an effective technique for the intraocular delivery of large bioactive molecules, specifically lutein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified surface capable of having bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity when it is light irradiated, thus converting the surface of the substrate into a bacteriostatic and a bactericidal surface as many times as it is desired, and for a long time. According to the invention, the modified surface upon light irradiation avoids the attachment of a microorganism to this surface, inhibits the formation of a biofilm on this surface and destroys an already formed biofilm on this surface. These effects can be achieved as many times as it is desired, and for indefinite time.

Abstract: Methods for treating androgen receptor related diseases and suppressing androgen receptor related function by administering an effective amount of minoxidil are provided. Methods for treating or prophylactically treating acne by administering an effective amount of minoxidil are also provided. An anti-acne medication is optionally administered to treat or prophylactically treat acne.

Abstract: A protective case for a mobile electronic device is provided. The case includes at least one light emitting diode that emits electromagnetic radiation in the range of UV-C light for sanitizing contaminated surfaces. The case also includes additional LEDs that emit light at wavelengths known to have a therapeutic effect such as a blue light for treating seasonal affective disorder. The LEDs are provided in a separate encasement that is detachable from the protective cover configured to receive and protect the mobile electronic device. A short-range wireless receiver is included to communicate with an application installed on the mobile electronic device for controlling the activation, intensity, duration and mode of the LEDs including predetermined treatment or sanitization protocols.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for delivering energy to tissue having a necrotic threshold may generally comprise an electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes, a central electrode positioned intermediate the plurality of electrodes, and a controller configured to not only apply a first sequence of electrical pulses to the electrode array to induce thermal heating in the tissue and reduce the necrotic threshold of the tissue but also apply a second sequence of electrical pulses to the central electrode to induce cell necrosis in the tissue by irreversible electroporation. Electrical ablation devices and methods of using the same are also described herein.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of and for an ophthalmic illuminated infusion line are provided. An example ophthalmic illuminated infusion line may include an infusion arrangement having a first flexible elongate member and a flow tube. The first flexible elongate member may have a lumen configured to deliver a fluid to an eye of a patient during a surgical procedure. The flow tube may be sized to penetrate the eye of the patient and deliver the fluid to an interior of an eye to maintain intraocular pressure during a surgical procedure. The ophthalmic illuminated infusion line may also include an optical fiber coupled to the infusion arrangement and configured to penetrate the eye of the patient with the flow tube and transmit light to illuminate the interior of the eye during the surgical procedure at the same time that the flow tube delivers the fluid to the interior of the eye.

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.

Abstract: A teeth whitening device and method are presented. The teeth whitening device is configured for controllable application of AC activation signal to a regular toothpaste contacting teeth under treatment, thereby providing relatively short and effective whitening process while avoiding a need for strong oxidizing agents.

Abstract: Post-operative infection in joint prostheses is a problem due to adverse consequences such as surgical debridement or implant removal. Embodiments create a coating that can be powered to release microbicidal agents to both ensure the prevention of infections, and avoid the development of antibiotic resistance. Silver ions have been well established for antimicrobial characteristics, and thus make an advantageous implant coating. Reverse electrolysis allows the ions to be released for a sustained period of time, and then collected back onto to the implant to avoid silver poisoning. A wireless reverse electrolysis system releases a sufficient amount of silver ions to break down biofilm surrounding a joint implant. By applying a modulated current waveform that has a net negative value to a conducting copper strip, the mirror current induced on the silver coating surface has a net positive flow, allowing ions to be released into surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A phthalocyanine compound or targeted conjugate thereof having the formula (I).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an electrode. The electrode includes an orthorhombic Na-containing niobium titanium composite oxide as a first composite oxide and a second composite oxide represented by a general formula of Li2+aNa2+bTi6O14, wherein ?0.2?a?2 and ?0.2?b?0.2.

Abstract: A gum massaging device includes a sheet member closely attachable to a gum, a gum-condition sensor disposed on the sheet member, and a massaging element disposed on the sheet member at a position corresponding to a position at which the gum-condition sensor is disposed, the massaging element operating in accordance with a detection result from the gum-condition sensor. The gum-condition sensor detects, for example, a color tone of a portion of the gum adjacent to the gum-condition sensor. The massaging element provides, for example, a pinching massage to a portion of the gum adjacent to the massaging element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting inserts helically into soft tissue is provided. The inserter is made up of a housing assembly, a hollow helical needle; and a matched first and second hypoid gear. In its basic form, the apparatus includes a housing assembly, a hollow helical insert guide, a helical insert drive and a guide removal device. The hollow helical insert guide is held in functional relationship by the housing assembly and is adapted to be loaded with the insert for helical transport therewith into the soft tissue. The helical insert drive drives the helical insert guide in rotation and translation into the soft tissue. When an insert is present within the insert guide, the guide removal device removes the insert guide while leaving the insert in its intended implant location in the soft tissue. The method and apparatus insert an implantable member helically into soft tissue, thereby better fixing the implantable member in the soft tissue when such tissue is deformed.

Abstract: A sub-epidermal electric warning device has electrodes penetrating through the patient's epidermis and bipolar electric warning signals are transmitted to the sub-epidermal tissue by these electrodes. A device for surveillance of vital signs, analyte levels, or treatment parameters is using a sub-epidermal electric warning device for notifying the patient in situations requiring intervention.

Abstract: A method for preparing a vaccine for immunization against the disease Porcine Circovirus Disease and/or Enzootic Pneumonia in pigs in which a first container is only partly filled with a first vaccine and a second container is filled with a second vaccine, the second vaccine being transferred into the first container through an adapter device, when a closure device is penetrated for the first and/or only time, and the vaccinating agent is prepared therein, thus making the operation simple, less error-prone and more hygienic, while reducing the materials required.

Abstract: A method for evaluating treatment outcome in a patient having a genetic predisposition for a malignant neoplasm before clinical manifestation of the neoplasm can be seen radiographically. The method permits visualization of any tumor, whether located externally on a patient's body or located internally in the body, and as small as 2 mm in diameter, using a biomarker. The method uses biomarkers conjugated with nanoparticles which include but are not limited to quantum dots, with the conjugated form collectively termed functionalized nanoparticles, that are heated under specified conditions to produce a photoacoustic signal that is then visualized to locate and/or treat the tumor.

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 relates to electroporation (EP) devices that are able to generate an electroporation causing electrical field at the mucosal layer, and preferably in a tolerable manner. Further, it includes the generation of a protective immune response, cellular and/or humoral, using the oral EP device along with a genetic construct that encodes an immunogenic sequence.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sensing fluid in a dressing on a patient and producing an electrical signal. In one instance, a galvanic cell is used as an electronic detection device. The galvanic cell is placed in the dressing and produces voltage when the dressing is substantially saturated. In one instance, the dressing is a reduced-pressure, absorbent dressing. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.

Abstract: Embodiments of photoactivatable, lipid-based nanoparticles are disclosed, as well as methods of making and using the nanoparticles. Pharmaceutical compositions including the nanoparticles also are disclosed. The lipid-based nanoparticles include a vesicle wall surrounding a cavity, wherein the vesicle wall includes (i) a lipid bilayer comprising 1,2-bis(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and (ii) 2-[1-hexyloxyethyl]-2-devinyl pyropheophorbide-a (HPPH) within the lipid bilayer. The nanoparticles may further include an agent within the cavity.

Abstract: A buffered suspension includes a surfactant and a solid buffer particulate having a point of zero charge at least 1.2 pH units different that the pH of the buffered suspension. The buffered suspension can be prepared by mixing a stock solution with the solid buffer particulate and titrating. A method of preforming a pH sensitive process includes drawing the buffered suspension from a reservoir, filtering the solid buffer particulate from the buffered suspension, and applying the filtered solution to a sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive skin treatment device (200) for generating a multiphoton ionization process at a target position (110) in skin tissue (102). The skin treatment device (200) comprises a laser source (105) configured and constructed for generating a laser beam (106), an optical system (109, 112) for focusing the laser beam into the target position below a skin surface (103), and a plasma unit (117) configured and constructed for generating a plasma (100) such that, in use, at least a portion of the plasma penetrates the skin tissue for generating at least one free electron at the target position. The skin treatment device further comprises a control unit (123) configured and constructed for controlling the laser source and the plasma unit such that, in use, at least a portion of the light of the laser beam is absorbed by said at least one free electron generated at the target position, thereby generating the multiphoton ionization process.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic treatment apparatus and to a beam control method therefor. The ophthalmic treatment apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a beam generating unit for generating beams having different pulse energies; a bubble sensing unit for sensing whether or not bubbles have been generated, as well as the amount of generated bubbles, on the basis of the pulse energy of the beam generated by the beam generating unit and radiated onto the treatment region of an eyeball; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the beam generating unit such that the pulse energy of the beam generated by the beam generating unit can be adjusted in accordance with the signal from the bubble sensing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for mineralizing a biological material includes an ultrasonic source, operable to generate an ultrasonic signal, an ultrasonic probe and one or more mineralizing probes, operable to receive a mineralizing agent. The mineralizing agent is transferred from at least one mineralizing probe to the biological material using the ultrasonic signal. Also disclosed are a mineralization agent and a method of mineralizing a biological material that includes the steps of: providing an ultrasound source, providing a mineralizing agent, generating an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasound source, and applying the ultrasonic signal and the mineralizing agent to the biological material separately, sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: A preparation for the transdermal delivery of a biologically active substance into the body of a patient comprises particles of a formulation comprising the active substance. The particles are irregular in size and shape and may be produced by a low cost manufacturing method such as grinding from a thin film. The particles are angular, i.e. they have sharp edges and corners that allow them to penetrate the outer layer of the skin when subjected to pressure from a roller or an array of blunt-tipped microstructures. Sucrose may be used as an excipient with the active substance to form suitably rigid and angular particles.

Abstract: Systems, methods, sensors, and software for providing enhanced measurement and detection of patient pain response are provided herein. In a first example, a measurement system is provided that includes a capacitive system configured to measure a capacitance signal of tissue of the patient using a capacitive sensor proximate to the tissue of the patient. The measurement system also includes a patient monitor configured to measure an electrical signal representing brain activity of the patient. The measurement system also includes a processing system configured to determine pain metrics based at least on the capacitance signal and the electrical signal, and determine a pain response of the patient based at least on the pain metrics and pain calibration information for the patient.

Abstract: A method for selectively powering a battery-operated drug-delivery device, the device having a battery and a battery circuit, the method comprising: providing a battery isolator in a first position whereat it interrupts a battery circuit, whereby no power is provided to the device; and activating a fastening mechanism configured for fastening the device to a user, the activating causing the battery circuit to be uninterrupted by the isolator, such that power is provided to the device. Additionally, there is provided a selectively powered battery-operated drug-delivery device, comprising: a selectively-removable isolator disposed in a first position whereat it interrupts a battery circuit; the isolator movable to a second position whereat the battery circuit is uninterrupted by the isolator; and a mechanism for fastening the device to a user, activation of the fastening mechanism moving the isolator from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treatment of a biological tissues comprising target tissues and other tissues. The method includes elevating a temperature of the target tissues above a physiological temperature of the biological tissues to treatment temperature, and generating an electric field extending through at least a portion of the target tissues using a pre-defined sequence of short voltage pulses applied between at least two electrodes. In the method, the treatment temperature is maintained during the generating. Further, the pre-defined sequence is selected such that a magnitude of the electric field generated is sufficient to induce electromanipulation in the portion of the target tissues without substantially elevating of the temperature of the portion of the target tissues above the treatment temperature.

Abstract: A capsule for mixing and dispensing a dental material which has a body forming a cavity. The cavity is closed by a liquid container. The body and the liquid container in combination form a mixing chamber containing a first component of the dental material. The liquid container has a cup-shaped cartridge formed by a cartridge front wall and a cartridge side wall and having a rear opening. A plug is movably joined within the cartridge through the rear opening for extruding a liquid second component of the dental material. The cartridge further has a channel extending through the cartridge side wall for releasing the second component into the mixing chamber. The body side wall inwardly has a recess being dimensioned for establishing a fluid communication between the channel and the cavity in an activated position, where the activated position corresponds to a second axial position of a two different axial positions of the of the cartridge and the body relative to each other.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system includes a therapeutic agent delivery platform and a therapeutic guest agent. The therapeutic agent delivery platform is capable of being implanted in a tissue being treated. The platform includes a substrate and at least one host molecule coupled to the substrate. The therapeutic guest agent is capable of reversibly coupling with the host molecule when administered to the tissue being treated. The reversible coupling is defined by the binding affinity between the host molecule and the therapeutic guest agent. The therapeutic guest agent is delivered at a rate determined by the affinity release rate between the host molecule and the therapeutic guest agent. The degradation rate of the therapeutic guest agent may be slower than the affinity release rate between the host molecule and the therapeutic guest agent.

Abstract: A phototherapy device for applying light from a plurality of low-level light sources, such as LEDs or laser diodes, to male genitalia. The plurality of light sources are located on the interior of a tube, cup or helical band or ribbon, which is then applied to some or all portions of the male genitalia. One or more straps or arms may be used to position the device and hold it in place. A control unit may be wired or wirelessly connected to the device to power and control the frequency and timing of the light therapy application.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for treating a central nervous system disorder, said method comprising steps of first transnasally administering to or immediately adjacent the sphenopalatine ganglion a first pharmaceutical agent that effectively enhances permeability of the blood-brain barrier; and thereafter administering a second pharmaceutical agent with known efficacious value for action upon central nervous system tissue. The central nervous system disorder may be related directly to the brain or to other central nervous system tissues and cells.

Abstract: A device for delivery of particles into biological tissue includes at least one conduit and a propellant source configured to release a propellant into the conduit. A source of first particles is configured to release first particles into the conduit. A source of second particles is configured to release second particles into the conduit. The second particles comprise a functional material intended to interact with the biological tissue and having a density less than a density of the first particles. The propellant source and the conduit are configured to propel the particles in a collimated stream toward the biological tissue. The first particles are configured to penetrate the biological tissue to create micropores that increase porosity of the biological tissue and the second particles configured to enter the porous biological tissue.

Abstract: A microneedle application device for moving a microneedle array toward a target skin location includes a feedback sensor. The feedback sensor is operably connected to the microneedle application device, and is capable of generating an output corresponding to forces between the target skin location and the microneedle application device.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible main body; a drug layer attached to a bottom surface of the main body and formed of an additive mixed with a drug and formed of anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs; a vibrating module attached on a top surface of the main body and including a vibration motor and a battery; and a plurality of legs installed along the perimeter of the main body and being adhesive. Through this configuration in which the main body is formed of a flexible material, and the plurality of legs are adhesive and are attached along the perimeter of the main body, the vibrating stimulus pad may be easily attached on an unwell body region to which attachment is difficult such as a joint region.

Abstract: A wearable device for monitoring the body parameters of an individual and for delivering a drug and/or therapeutic agent. The device comprises a processing unit and a drug delivery unit. The processing unit comprises a sensor to determine body parameters of a user; a reservoir to store the drug; a processor to receive signals indicative of the body parameters from the sensor and determine a quantity of the drug to be delivered from the reservoir based on the body parameters; and a signal generator to generate electrical signals based on control instructions received from the processor. The drug delivery unit comprises a chamber to receive the determined quantity of the drug from the reservoir and a transducer connected to the chamber, wherein the transducer transdermally delivers the drug from the chamber to skin based on an electrical signal received from the signal generator.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to controllably regulate cells at a target site. A quantum dot-targeting agent complex is administered to a patient in need of therapy, and the complex is stimulated using an implanted fiber optic system. In embodiments, the system includes an electrical sensor that detects and monitors electrical activity of the stimulated controllably regulated cells, and relays this information to a controller that can regulate further stimulation.

Abstract: A method for elevating a TRAIL-R1 expression in cancer cells to induce apoptosis. The method comprises the steps of receiving electrical energy having a specific voltage, frequency and power from an electrosurgical generator, up-converting the voltage and down-converting the frequency with a high voltage transformer having a primary coil and a secondary coil, the secondary coil having a larger number of turns than the primary coil, applying said converted electrical energy to an electrode in an electrosurgical hand piece, flowing an inert gas through said electrosurgical hand piece to produce a cold plasma at a distal end of said electrosurgical hand piece; and applying said cold plasma to cancer cells for 1 to 3 minutes. The inert gas may comprise, for example, helium or argon. In a preferred embodiment the cold plasma is applied to cancer cells for about 2 minutes.

Abstract: A teeth whitening device includes a generator configured to generate a teeth whitening fluid that whitens teeth and humidified gas, a mouthpiece configured to supply the teeth whitening fluid and the humidified gas, and a coupling part that couples the generator and the mouthpiece with each other. The mouthpiece includes a first supply port through which the teeth whitening fluid is supplied, and a second supply port through which the humidified gas is supplied, the second supply port being separated from the first supply port. The mouthpiece further includes a first supply passage configured to guide the teeth whitening fluid to the first supply port, and a second supply passage configured to guide the humidified gas to the second supply port, the second supply passage being separated from the first supply passage.

Abstract: Bioactive implant for myocardial regeneration and ventricular chamber support including an elastomeric microporous membrane. The elastomeric microporous membrane being at least one non-degradable polymer and at least one partially degradable polymer. The non-degradable polymer is selected from polyethylacrylate and polyethylacrylate copolymerized with a hydroxyethylacrylate comonomer. The partially degradable polymer is selected from caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester and caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester copolymerized with ethylacrylate. The elastomeric microporous membrane further includes a nanofiber hydrogel, and cells. The bioactive implant, having one or two helical loops, contributes to the restoration of the heart conical shape.

Abstract: A system that does conversion from regular hot plasma produced by ESU to cold plasma which is thermally harmless for the tissue. The system is comprised of Conversion Unit and Cold Plasma Probe. Output signal for ESU connects to CU along with Helium flow. The CU converts signal from ESU and send it to the output connector along with helium flow. Cold Plasma Probe is connected directly to the CU output. At the end of the CPP probe cold plasma is produced.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pad for herbal medicine in which the release of medicinal ingredients can be controlled, which comprises: separating two or more medicinal herbal ingredients prescribed or prepared according to pharmacological effects on the basis of the weight ratio of each medicinal ingredient to total weight of the medicinal ingredients; grinding the medicinal ingredients separated on the basis of weight ratio, wherein fine particles are ground to different sizes according to the setting of release duration; preparing herbal medicine by mixing the ground medicinal ingredients together, and then mixing the ingredients with a binding agent; and adhering the herbal medicine to a base sheet. The pad for herbal medicine manufactured according to the method allows for persistent permeation of medical ingredients through the skin with different release rate for each medicinal ingredient, thus maximizing the efficacy of the medicinal ingredient layer and the effect of treating disease.

Abstract: The electrode set for a stimulation device, such as a TENS or EMS stimulation device comprises at least a plurality of neighboring electrically active zones close to each other said active zones forming a succession of poles of alternating polarity or being grouped to form groups of poles of alternating polarity, wherein at least one of said active zone or group of zones has a lateral size (D2) of approximately 1 mm to 40 mm, wherein at least one of spacing (D1) between neighboring active zones or groups of zones is approximately of 1 mm to 40 mm, and said set further comprises contacting means connected to said active zones or groups of active zones.

Abstract: A health care band operably attaches a biosensor to a patient. The biosensor includes one or more sensors for collecting vitals of a patient and a wireless transmitter that is configured to communicate with an EMR network that stores and maintains an EMR of the patient. The biosensor stores a unique identification associated with the patient's EMR such that vitals measured by the biosensor may be transmitted with the patient's unique identification for storage in the patient's EMR. The sensors in the biosensor may include a temperature sensor and motion detector/accelerometer. In an embodiment, one of the sensors includes a photoplethysmography (PPG) based sensor configured to continuously or periodically measure a patient's vitals, such as heart rate, pulse, blood oxygen levels, NO concentration levels, or other blood analytics.

Abstract: A biosensor includes an optical sensor circuit that emits light directed at skin tissue of a patient at a plurality of wavelengths. A first and second spectral response of light reflected from the tissue is obtained around a first wavelength in a UV range and a second wavelength in an IR range. A measurement of nitric oxide (NO) is then determined from the spectral responses. A risk of septic condition is obtained using the measurement of NO.

Abstract: A new and novel method for determining post procedural treatment is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for a treating a patient following a surgical procedure on at least one eye comprises determining a depth at which the surgical procedure is to be performed or was performed, and providing instructions for administering medication for a length of time to the at least one eye of the patient, the length of time based at least in part upon the depth.