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: Provided herein are lanthanide-containing upconverting nanoparticles, methods of their preparation, compositions, and methods of using the same. The polymers and compositions provided herein may be used, for example, in photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive therapy and diagnosis of a human or animal comprising at least one first radiation source for emission of a diagnostic radiation, at least one second radiation source for emission of a therapeutic radiation, and at least one radiation conductor adapted to conduct radiation to a tumor site at or in said human or animal. A non-mechanical operation mode selector directs the therapeutic radiation and/or the diagnostic radiation to the tumor site through the radiation conductors. The operation mode selector means is preferably a non-mechanical optical switch and/or an optical combiner. The system may be used for interactive interstitial photodynamic tumor therapy.

Abstract: Invention for determining a patient's adherence to various prescribed medications. Here a variety of different types of patient pulse wave measurements (blood pressure, pulse oximeter, ECG) and other physiological measurements are obtained. This actual data is compared to calculated measurements that would be expected based on the various patient baseline measurements in the absence of medication, schedule of medications, and impact of medications the various patient baseline measurements. If the actual data meets expectations, then the patient is likely adhering to the regime. Depending on which types of data do not meet expectations, non-adherence to various previously described medications may be reported.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite of silver nanoparticles decorated with graphene quantum dots (Ag-GQDs) using pulsed laser synthesis. The nanocomposites were functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG). A concentration of 150 ?g/mL of Ag-GQDs, a non-toxic level for human cells, exhibits strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for iontophoretically administering an anesthetic medicament and simultaneously providing electroanesthesia to a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a generator operable to produce an electrical current comprised of a direct current superimposed with either an alternating current or a pulsed direct current. A conductive mask is configured to cover the anesthetic medicament applied to a treatment area on the skin of the patient, wherein the conductive mask includes an electrical contact connectable to the generator for receiving the electrical current such that the conductive mask functions as an electrode. One or more additional electrodes are applied to the skin of the patient, wherein each of the additional electrodes is connectable to the generator for receiving the electrical current. At least one of the additional electrodes may comprise a conductive applicator for a cosmetic treatment device.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems and methods for treating a tissue region provide straightforward, yet reliable ways for installing diverse functional components within the confined space of a catheter-based instrument.

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: The present disclosure provides methods for reducing bioburden on a tissue product, as well as the tissue products produced according to the disclosed methods. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods of electroporating tissue in the presence of one or more bactericides in order to reduce bioburden. The methods allow for reduced exposure to electrical energy and/or bactericide while reducing bioburden.

Abstract: An iontophoresis drug delivery system and method for denervation of the renal sympathetic nerve and iontophoresis drug delivery. The system includes an iontophoresis catheter fitted with a drug coated balloon. The iontophoresis catheter includes a balloon near its distal tip or end that contacts the vessel wall circumferentially when inflated. One or more electrodes are associated with a surface of the balloon, and may be disposed on an outer surface of the balloon. The electrodes are operably coupled to an energy source configured to produce a bipolar or monopolar electric field between two balloon electrodes and/or between one balloon electrode and another electrode placed in contact with a part of the patient's body. During use, the disclosed drug-delivery catheter produces an electric potential gradient within adjacent tissue, that, in turn, facilitates iontophoresis delivery of a drug. The disclosed catheter can also include a store of one or more drugs to be delivered to the targeted tissue.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of degenerative diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a device for electroporating and delivering one or more antigens and a method of electroporating and delivering one or more antigens to cells of epidermal tissues using the device. The device comprises a housing, a plurality of electrode arrays projecting from the housing, each electrode array including at least one electrode, a pulse generator electrically coupled to the electrodes, a programmable microcontroller electrically coupled to the pulse generator, and an electrical power source coupled to the pulse generator and the microcontroller. The electrode arrays define spatially separate sites.

Abstract: The invention is applicable to the field of medical care products, and provides a wound care apparatus. The wound care apparatus comprises a pump and a sealed dressing connected to the pump via a first pipeline, a laser being disposed at the upper end of the sealed dressing. The wound care apparatus further comprises a pus bottle that is connected with a piece of sponge and the pump via rubber hoses, respectively. In the invention, the pump of the wound care apparatus is connected with the sealed dressing via the first pipeline, after the wound is dressed by the sealed dressing, the pump is controlled to pump the wounded area into a vacuum state, and ulceration caused by airborne bacterial infection is thus prevented. More importantly, the wound healing rate under a near-negative pressure environment is two to three times of that under normal environment.

Abstract: A medical device for carrying out at least one medical function, comprising at least one element that can be at least partially inserted into a body tissue of a user and further comprising at least one housing that can be placed on a skin surface of the user. The housing has a multipart design and comprises at least one functional component. The functional component can be connected to the insertable element. The housing further comprises at least one protective component. The protective component is designed to at least partially enclose the functional component. The protective component can be connected to the functional component, particularly after insertion of the insertable element.

Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of the vaginal canal by a laser beam, includes a vaginal canal wall retractor, associated to a system for directing the laser beam towards a wall of the vaginal canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for fluoride iontophoresis, comprising at least one electrochemical cell device containing at least one electrode and a fluoride-containing electrolyte, wherein the electrode is operated via an electromotive force to drive the fluoride-containing electrolyte into a biological interface; and a power supply connecting electrically to the cell device and at least providing a periodic pulse voltage signal to the electrode.

Abstract: A contact sensing assembly including a catheter and an electrode including a tip portion and a base portion, and a generally central axis, with the electrode being connected to a distal end of the catheter. Optical sensor(s) may be provided for emitting and/or receiving an optical signal, with a part of the optical signal being transverse to the central axis. Optical interference member(s) may be provided for interfering with the optical signal. A method for sensing contact force exerted by an electrode on a tissue includes directing an optical signal along a portion of a catheter, emitting and/or receiving an optical signal, with a part of the optical signal being at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis, and sensing changes in intensity of the optical signal based on displacement associated with the electrode tip portion based on the contact force exerted by the electrode on the tissue.

Abstract: A light-diverting catheter tip is provided according to embodiments disclosed herein. The light-diverting catheter tip may be coupled with the distal tip of a laser catheter and divert at least a portion of the light exiting the distal tip of the laser catheter such that the spot size of the laser beam on an object after exiting the catheter tip is larger than the spot size of the light entering the catheter without the catheter tip. The catheter tip may be removably coupled with the catheter or constructed as part of the catheter. In other embodiments, the catheter tip may conduct fluid and/or divert fluid at the tip of the laser catheter.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications, including a tubular member having a handling end portion having a flexible portion and actuating devices located at the other end portion, and longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating devices to the handling end portion resulting in a change of orientation thereof, whereby the handling end portion includes at least two independent flexible portions, whereby the actuating end portion has a corresponding number of actuating devices, and whereby each actuating device is connected by its own set of longitudinal elements to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a change of orientation of one of the flexible portions.

Abstract: In an aspect, a medication delivering injector which includes a housing having opposing proximal and distal ends and an accessible internal cavity for inserting and removing a medicament container such as a syringe. The injector is designed to hold and manipulate a medication delivery device such as a large variety of standard and non-standard medical syringes with fixed or attached needles, assembled such that centrally located is a cylinder containing a liquid medicament and attached either permanently or removably to the distal end of the cylinder, is a hypodermic needle or cannula in fluidic communication with the cylinder. The needle can be from one-half inches to one-and-one-half inches in length in the illustrated embodiment and other sizes are possible by changes in scale of the injector. At the proximal end of the cylinder is an opening with an inserted seal or bung with an attached rod thus constituting a plunger.

Abstract: Iontophoretically administering a cosmetic agent requires an active electrode and a return electrode secured to the skin (150). The active electrode includes a flexible biocompatible substrate (20, 170) having a therapeutic face (106, 206) configured for disposition toward the skin (150) and an exterior periphery (32, 182) shaped to facilitate conformance of the substrate (20, 170) to the skin (150) over an intended treatment region. A flexible electrically conductive layer (110, 210) is disposed on the therapeutic face (106, 206). The side of the conductive layer (110, 210) opposite from the substrate (20, 170) defines a driving face (120, 220) to which is affixed an electrically conductive adhesive matrix (82, 192) comprised of a material capable of repeatedly releasably securing the active electrode to the skin (150) through an applied solution (156, 158) of the cosmetic agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient having a head with a first ear and a second ear, function by mounting a support structure to the head of the patient; aligning the support structure with a target tissue in an ear canal of the first ear; stabilizing the support structure relative to the target tissue by injecting a material into the canal and hardening the material; and actuating a device while the device is supported by the support structure so that the device therapeutically remodels the target tissue of the first ear.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing the immune response to an IRM compound by depositing within a localized tissue region an IRM depot preparation that provides an extended residence time of active IRM within the localized tissue region.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors.

Abstract: A method for treating the lung dining an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device for the treatment of keratoconus includes a cylindrical reservoir made of a non-conductive material, open at the top and bottom, and formed by two telescopically engaged portions, a lower one open at the bottom and connected to a cylindrical chamber of smaller diameter, also open at the bottom and formed by an external annular chamber that is concentrically arranged around the chamber and is closed at the top, open at the bottom, and adapted to be placed on the eye; a first metallic conductor, housed in the container and connected to a terminal of a DC voltage generator, to the other terminal of which a second metallic conductor is connected; a first conduit provided with a closing device, one end of the first conduit flowing into the annular reservoir, the other end being located externally thereto, whereby vacuum may be applied through the first conduit; and a second conduit provided with a closing device, one end of the second conduit passing through the annular reservoir at its

Abstract: A transdermal device (1) comprising at least one substrate (2) arranged to be applied against the dermal surface or the mucous membrane. The at least one active ingredient is grafted to the substrate (2) by at least one photolabile ligand, and at least one light source (11) operated by a control mechanism arranged to generate light pulses, of a predetermined wavelength, intended to break covalent bonds between the active ingredient and the ligand in order to release the active ingredient from the substrate (2). The substrate (2) comprises at least one porous matrix (6) with a three-dimensional structure comprising a plurality of pits (7) organized in a sponge-like fashion and constructed of a polymer chosen between chitin and chitosan, and the matrix (6) defines at least one three-dimensional tank (8). The active ingredient is contained and grafted by the ligand.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and techniques associated with diagnostics, therapies, and other applications, including skin-associated applications, for example, devices for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin. In some embodiments, the device includes a system for accessing an extractable medium from and/or through the skin of the subject at an access site, and a pressure regulator supported by a support structure, able to create a pressure differential across the skin at at least a portion of the access site. The device may also include, in some cases, a sensor supported by the support structure for determining at least one condition of the extractable medium from the subject, and optionally a signal generator supported by the support structure for generating a signal relating to the condition of the medium determined by the sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents for the treatment of addictive cravings e.g., nicotine compounds for the treatment of nicotine cravings from tobacco use. An embodiment of a method for such delivery comprises positioning at least one electrode assembly in electrical communication with a patient's skin. The assembly includes a solution comprising a therapeutic agent which passively diffuses into the skin. A dose of agent is delivered from the assembly into the skin during a first period using a first current having a characteristic e.g., polarity and magnitude, to repel the agent out of the assembly. During a second period, a second current having a characteristic to attract the agent is used to retain the agent in the assembly such that delivery of agent into skin is minimized. A dose of agent may be delivered on demand by an input from the patient.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and systems for the biphasic iontophoretic transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents. An embodiment of a method for such delivery comprises positioning at least one electrode assembly in electrical communication with a patient's skin. The assembly includes a solution comprising a therapeutic agent which passively diffuses into the skin. A dose of agent is delivered from the assembly into the skin during a first period using a first current having a characteristic e.g., polarity and magnitude, to repel the agent out of the assembly. During a second period, a second current having a characteristic to attract the agent is used to retain the agent in the assembly such that delivery of agent into skin is minimized. A dose of agent may be delivered on demand by an input from the patient. Embodiments may be used for delivery of agents which cause adverse effects from unwanted passive diffusion.

Abstract: An electrode for an iontophoretic drug delivery system includes a retainer having a malleable characteristic. The retainer and a conductor are connected to a platform. The conductor and a dose controller are electrically coupled to the iontophoretic drug delivery system. A drug delivery matrix is operably connected to the platform and proximate the conductor wherein the conductor, the drug delivery matrix, and the dose controller cooperate to deliver a drug to a user when the electrode is affixed to the user and operably connected to the iontophoretic drug delivery system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a consumable capsule containing an active ingredient in at least one compartment movably sealed by a stimuli responsive actuator, and an activation device configured to communicate with the consumable capsule. The activation device is configured to emit a wireless signal to activate the stimuli responsive actuator of the consumable capsule, and the consumable capsule is configured to release the active ingredient into an external environment based on the activation of the stimuli responsive actuator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide patch assemblies for iontophoretic transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents. An embodiment provides a patch assembly comprising a conformable patch for delivery of the agent and having a tissue contacting side including an adhesive. The housing has a bottom surface for engaging a non-tissue contacting side of the patch, a current source such as a battery and a controller for controlling the delivery of the agent. The housing has sufficient flexibility such that when it is engaged with the patch to form the patch assembly and the patch is adhered to a target site on the patient's skin, the assembly has sufficient flexibility to deform with movement of the patient's skin to remain sufficiently adhered to the skin over an extended period of time to transdermally deliver a desired dose of the agent. Embodiments of the assembly may used to deliver a variety of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A system is provided for testing whether an iontophoretic drug delivery device is in an appropriate state for administering a therapeutic agent into an animal body. An electrical characteristic of at least one electrical path associated with an electrode test point is used to determine whether the iontophoretic device is in an appropriate state. The measured electrical characteristic indicates that the iontophoretic device is in an appropriate state for administering the therapeutic agent into the animal body when the therapeutic agent is properly disposed with respect to the electrodes of the iontophoretic device.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrostimulation and/or iontophoresis device comprising a patch (10) suitable for application to a user's skin (12) and a voltage generator (22) suitable for applying a low intensity current through the user's skin by a system of electrodes located in said patch; This device is characterized in that it comprises a self-regulator (16) that varies the voltage supplied by the voltage generator as a function of the continuous measurement of the resistivity of the user's skin beneath said patch The resistance value of the skin provided by an element for measuring the resistance of the skin (24) yields the resistivity measurement.

Abstract: An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Abstract: A skin dressing comprising first and second electrodes, an electrical power supply not electrically connected to either or both of the first and second electrodes, and further comprising a physiologically or antimicrobially active precursor substance, the dressing being operable, when placed on a skin site to be treated, to connect the electrical power supply to both the first and second electrodes, thereby to trigger the electrochemical oxidation or reduction of the precursor substance on one of the electrodes to produce a physiologically or antimicrobially active oxidized or reduced compound which is capable of diffusing towards the skin site for the treatment thereof.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient, comprises at least one implantable neurostimulation lead configured for being implanted adjacent target tissue of the patient, and an implantable neurostimulator configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to the implantable neurostimulation lead(s) in accordance with a set of stimulation parameters capable, and monitoring circuitry configured for taking at least one measurement indicative of a three-dimensional migration of the neurostimulation lead(s) from a baseline position. The neurostimulation system further comprises at least one controller/processor configured for determining whether the three-dimensional migration of the neurostimulation lead(s) from the baseline position has occurred based on the measurement(s), and, based on the determined three-dimensional migration, generating a new set of stimulation parameters, and reprogramming the implantable neurostimulator with the new set of stimulation parameters.

Abstract: Ocular iontophoresis device and method for delivering any ionized drug solution to the cornea includes: a reservoir containing a solution suitable to be positioned on the eye; an active electrode disposed in or on the reservoir; and a passive electrode suitable to be placed on the skin of the subject, elsewhere on the body; elements for irradiating the cornea surface with suitable light for obtaining corneal cross-linking after the drug delivery; wherein the reservoir and the active electrode are transparent to UV light and/or visible light and/or IR light. The method includes: positioning the iontophoretic device on the eye to be treated; driving the solution by a cathodic current applied for 0.5 to 5 min, at an intensity not higher than 2 mA; and thereafter irradiating, with UV light for 5 to 30 min at a power of 3 to 30 mW/cm2; thereby obtaining the corneal cross-linking of the solution.

Abstract: An introducer includes a sheath for introducing a catheter into a blood vessel at an insertion site and a plurality of electrodes on the sheath. The introducer also includes an impedance assessment unit connected to the electrodes. The impedance assessment unit includes a power source and a wireless transceiver and is configured to inject one of a predetermined current or voltage across a first pair of electrodes and to measure the other of the current or voltage across a second pair of electrodes. The impedance assessment unit also is configured to perform at least one: wirelessly transmit current and voltage values to an external apparatus for detection of a bleed, and compute an impedance based on the current and voltage and wirelessly transmit the computed impedance to the external apparatus for detection of the bleed.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus including a maneuvering mechanism, a conductive element attached to the apparatus, a sensor attached to the apparatus and an output device in communication with the sensor is provided. The sensor senses vibration during the ablation procedure and sends a signal to the output device to reduce power to the conductive element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical sensor system (10) for detecting a feature (12), such as an analyte, in a human or animal body. The system (10) includes at least one sensor (14; 34) having a reservoir (18) with a cap (16) designed as a controllable organic membrane (20), wherein (for example) application of a voltage of a particular magnitude, or application of a voltage for a particular time, effects a change in the permeability of the membrane (20).

Abstract: An energy delivery device for treating a patient includes a probe body; a plurality of guide sleeves positioned inside the probe body and adapted to be deployed radially away from the probe body and into tissue of the patient; and a plurality of elongate electrode elements each adapted to receive electrical treatment energy from an energy source and adapted to be deployed into the tissue through a corresponding deployed guide sleeve. The guide sleeves provide a structural pathway for guiding the electrodes along their intended trajectory and for determining the angle of deployment of the electrodes relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing direct current electricity. Electrodes are used to deliver a direct current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a wound-care assembly The wound-care assembly includes a base layer. A film layer is operatively coupled to the base layer and a fluid conductor is in fluid communication with a wound and a vacuum source. The wound-care assembly further includes a fiber-optic patch comprising a plurality of fiber-optic strands. The fiber-optic strands are pressed into contact with an interior surface of the wound by the fluid conductor. The fiber-optic patch provides ultraviolet light to the wound and the relative vacuum is applied to the wound via the vacuum source and the fluid conductor.

Abstract: A LIBS analyzer, preferably handheld, includes a laser configured to produce a plasma on a sample and a spectrometer responsive to radiation emitted from the plasma and configured to produce a spectrum. A controller subsystem is configured to control energizing the laser and to analyze the resulting spectrum from each laser pulse to determine if the laser is aimed at a sample. If the analyzed spectrum reveals the laser is not aimed at the sample, the controller subsystem halts the laser puke sequence.

Abstract: A telecommunications patching system is provided having a panel and at least one cassette movably received in the panel. The cassette receives a plurality of telecommunication connector jacks. Each jack has a front cavity adapted to receive a patch cord plug having a patch cord cable extending therefrom. The cassette has first and second ends. A tab extends from and is attached to the first end of the cassette such that the cassette may readily be moved to different positions in the panel. The tab includes a first cable guide.

Abstract: A method for treating conditions associated with thalamocortical dysrhythmia. The method includes applying transcranial low voltage electrical stimulation (TLVES) therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy to a patient in need thereof, and administering to the patient a dissociative anesthetic during the TLVES therapy or the TMS therapy. A number of conditions including tinnitus, depression and pain can be treated with TLVES or TMS in combination with the dissociative anesthetic, such as an NMADR inhibitor, including ketamine.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent a calcified region of a body. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The apparatus further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the calcified region adjacent the balloon. The shock wave generator includes a plurality of shock wave sources distributed within the balloon.

Abstract: A light delivery system to provide light treatment to a patient includes a catheter assembly having a plurality of light sources that transmit light towards a target site within a patient. In one embodiment, the light delivery system has a plurality of light sources mounted to a flexible transparent base that extends at least partially through a distal tip of the catheter assembly. The light sources can be wire bonded or mounted in a flip chip arrangement onto the base. In one embodiment to produce the distal tip, an array of light energy sources can be held by an array of holders of a fixture device. A vacuum is applied to secure each light energy source in a corresponding holder. While the vacuum is applied, the energy sources are electrically connected by wire bonding. The vacuum can be reduced or stopped thereby permitting removal of the light energy sources from the fixture device.