Abstract: Electrotransport drug delivery devices, system and methods of using configured to determine if a current is present between the anode and cathode when drug is not intended to be delivered by the device. These devices/systems may include an off-current module to determine that any current (e.g., which may be inferred by measuring potential difference between the anode and cathode of the device) flowing between the anode and cathode is below a threshold value when the device is not supposed to be delivering drug, thereby preventing unintended delivery of drug and/or alerting a user that unintended delivery of drug may occur.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for non-invasive anatomical and systemic cooling. The method and device provide for cooling of various bodily fluid-containing spaces or surfaces, such as mucus-containing spaces or surfaces via delivery of a dry fluid not including a coolant into or upon the mucus-containing space or surface. Exposure of such mucus to the dry fluid results in evaporation and cooling of the anatomical feature and/or systemic cooling, as intended. In this fashion, therapeutic hypothermia may be achieved to provide for neuroprotection of various organs after ischemic insult, such the brain after cardiac arrest.

Abstract: A beauty tool (1) includes: a substantially rod-shaped main body (10); an attraction head (2) provided in the main body (10); and a beauty effect imparting part for imparting a beauty effect to human skin in a state where it is in contact with or close to the human skin. The attraction head (2) is provided at one end of the main body (10) and includes a magnetic force generating surface (20) for attracting and removing, by means of a magnetic force, a cosmetic agent applied to the human skin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent (for example, a molecule or molecules) to a therapy site. The systems, devices, and methods described herein are flexible and able to conform to the contours of a therapy site, such as the shape of a user's face. In certain approaches, the devices and systems described herein include an integrated power supply for standalone application to the therapy site. The devices, systems, and methods include flexible electrodes with integrated conductance layers and interface layers for improved stability and current distribution. In practice, the device includes at least two electrodes which are coupled to the therapy site. When the electrodes are placed at the therapy site, they are electrically coupled, thereby drawing a current from the power supply to deliver the therapeutic agent to the therapy site.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, multilayer film coating compositions, coated substrates and methods thereof. In some embodiments, a structure, comprising a substrate and a multilayer film on the substrate, wherein the multilayer film comprises a release layer and one or more layer-by-layer films. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a microneedle substrate and a multilayer film coated on at least portion of the microneedle substrate, wherein the multilayer film comprises an agent for delivery.

Abstract: An energy delivery system for controlling blood loss is provided. The system includes an energy-activated patch configured for placement on tissue. The patch includes an energy-delivering layer configured to deliver energy to the tissue. The system also includes an energy source in operative engagement with the energy-activated patch for energizing the energy-delivering layer.

Abstract: A wrap has a thermal media laminate containing an array of spaced apart cells of thermal media sandwiched between a plastic film and fabric. Areas in the laminate are provided for attaching electrodes. The laminate is attached to a backing. Apertures in the laminate and backing allow passage of wire leads from the electrodes. Elastic bands with hook fasteners extend from the backing. The hook fasteners releasably attach to loop material of the backing. A TENS unit clips onto one or more of the bands. The leads attach to the TENS unit.

Abstract: An illuminated microsurgical instrument includes a microsurgical instrument having a distal tip and an optical fiber for delivering a beam of light to a surgical site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving a light beam from a light source, and a distal end proximate to the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument for emitting the light beam. The distal end includes a beveled end face either oriented toward or oriented opposite from the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-soluble nanoparticles and methods for making such nanoparticles. Specifically, the invention relates to dendrimerization to enhance the solubility of nanoparticles.

Abstract: Provided is a device for iontophoretic delivery of a drug to or into a tissue, including an arrangement that prevents operation of the device at a current density that is higher than a predetermined value, the arrangement including first means responsive to a first data item, indicative of the surface area through which the current is to pass, as to set the maximal current allowed at the surface area indicated by the data item. Also provided is a method for iontophorectivally administering drug to or into a tissue, including determining a maximal allowed level of current density and preventing application of current density above the maximal allowed level.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery system includes a middle ear section with a proximal end fixed to a tympanic membrane of a patient, and a distal end that penetrates through a fluid-tight sealed opening into the inner ear. An inner ear section has a proximal end that is connected to the distal end of the middle ear guide member at the sealed opening, and a closed distal end terminating the inner ear holding member some predetermined distance within the cochlea. A hollow interior of the inner ear section is configured for containing a replaceable pharmaceutical agent, and an outer surface is configured to release the pharmaceutical agent from the hollow interior into the inner ear of the patient. The middle ear section and the inner ear section are configured to cooperate for replacing the pharmaceutical agent through the proximal end of the middle ear section to the inner ear section.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, method of manufacture, and methods of delivery of a therapeutic substance across a surface of an eyeball via iontophoresis including a therapeutic media reservoir and a buffer system within an iontophoretic chamber. When energized, an electrode provides and electromotive force that transfers a dosage of the therapeutic substance from the iontophoretic chamber across the surface of the eyeball. The buffering system includes a buffer media and at least on buffer element, or agent that regulates pH during iontophoretic transfer of the therapeutic substance. The buffer media includes at least one of a foam, a gel (solid or liquid), a membrane, and a plurality of multi-particulates. The buffer media can be included within the iontophoretic chamber, together with the therapeutic media reservoir, in various arrangements including on or more layers and one or more concentric cylinders.

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: An illuminated microsurgical instrument includes a microsurgical instrument having a distal tip and an optical fiber for delivering a beam of light to a surgical site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving a light beam from a light source, and a distal end proximate to the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument for emitting the light beam. The distal end includes a beveled end face either oriented toward or oriented opposite from the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument.

Abstract: The invention provides a monitoring device (1) for attachment to a surface of a subject. The device comprises a data collector (2) and a processor (3) as two separate parts which can be detachably joined such that physiological signals which are detected by the data collector can be transferred to the processor for signal processing and provision of monitoring data. At least one of the data collector and the processor comprises a transducer which can convert the physiological signal to a data signal which can be processed electronically. The data collector is adapted for adhesive contact with a skin surface, and may comprise an adapter (6) for the detachable attachment of the processor.

Abstract: A device includes a dispensing mechanism that is operable to dispense a substance from a canister that is connected to the device. The device includes at least one iontophoresis electrode that is chargeable to generate an electric field to enable transdermal delivery of an active ingredient of the substance when the substance is dispensed onto skin.

Abstract: A method and device to stabilize the cornea with fewer adverse effects. In particular, a greater stability and shorter treatment time are to be made possible. To this end, the cornea is locally irradiated successively at different sites so that collagen fibers are indirectly or directly crosslinked at the irradiated sites. In this way, the collagen fibers are advantageously crosslinked in a spatially resolved manner. Accordingly, the entire eye need not be irradiated with tissue-damaging UV light, and regions having a weaker structure can be locally stabilized selectively. The sites of the cornea are preferably irradiated so that the collagen fibers are ionized in each instance by photoabsorption of a plurality of photons which each have an energy below an ionizing energy of a given molecule. After a short treatment period, strong covalent bonds are formed directly between the collagen fibers. Crosslinking agents need not be used.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes an implantable fluid source, a first catheter in fluid communication with the implantable fluid source, and an implantable micro-valve in fluid communication with the first catheter, the micro-valve configured to be located within a round window or to be secured to a promontory bone of a cochlea.

Abstract: A medical sensor system (10, 10?) for detecting at least one characteristic (12) of an human and/or animal body has a sensor (14), a first characteristic carrier (16), and a characteristic carrier receptor (18). The first characteristic carrier (16) differs, in terms of at least one characteristic parameter, from a second characteristic carrier (20) which is present at least at the time of detection. The sensor (14) is preferably located in vivo at the time of detection of the at least one characteristic.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with an electrosurgical system includes a housing, a conduit, and a conductor. The housing includes a path defined therein. The conduit is disposed at least partially within the housing such that the path is configured to position at least a portion of the conduit within the housing. A chamber of the path is configured to dampen shock forces on the conduit. The conductor is adapted to transmit energy is disposed within the housing. At least a portion of the conductor is disposed at least partially within the housing.

Abstract: According to this invention, compositions and methods for increasing the extent of penetration of a biologically active substance into the tissues and organs are proposed, the methods comprising administration of the biologically active substance in combination with one or more chaotropic agents, e.g., ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: A device and method for stimulating nerves. In one application, the approaches treat nausea and vomiting caused by a reaction to general anesthesia. A bi-modal approach involving acustimulation and medicants is contemplated for specific conditions.

Abstract: A method of immunotherapy of a mammal or a laser device therefor, includes the step of treating one or more immune privileged cells, tissue or organs of said mammal with a laser to reduce or eliminate the immune privilege status of said one or more cells, tissues and/or organs to thereby elicit an immune response that is beneficial to the mammal. The method of immunotherapy avoids or minimizes lasting damage to the treated cells, tissues and/or organs. The laser treatment is typically, although not exclusively to the pigmented epithelium of the eye or eyes. The method may be for treating a disease or conditions selected from a bacterial infection, a viral infection, early AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Typically, the radiant exposure level of the laser treatment is no greater than 60-100% of a visible effect threshold.

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

Abstract: In response to local or systemic inflammation in a patient, photobiomodulation therapy is applied to a cardiac location to reduce the risk and/or occurrence of cardiac arrhythmia. Once inflammation is identified, photobiomodulation therapy can be applied in any suitable fashion (e.g., via a catheter- or transesophageal probe-mounted photoemitter, via an externally-applied photoemitter, or via photoemitter incorporated into an implantable medical device). Photobiomodulation therapy can also be employed to good advantage in conjunction with non-photobiomodulation therapy (e.g., traditional cardiac rhythm management therapies).

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode device used in iontophoresis treatment, in which an electrode layer used for introduction of medication can be contacted to a medication reservoir layer with a simple manner, and in which the medication reservoir layer can be reliably held when the medication is introduced into a skin. A main-electrode layer 3 and a sub-electrode layer 1 are secured on a substrate 6 while both the layers are being insulated from each other. The main-electrode layer 3 is intended for introduction of the medication, and the sub-electrode layer 1 is provided to hold the medication reservoir layer 5 on the substrate 6. The medication reservoir layer 5 is located on the substrate 6, so as to be in contact with the main-electrode layer 3 and the sub-electrode layer 1. The medication reservoir layer 5 is a gel containing halogen compound, and the sub-electrode layer 1 comprises a metal having a lower ionization tendency than hydrogen.

Abstract: A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

Abstract: Provided herein is an ophthalmic composition. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic composition includes a low concentration of an ophthalmic agent for treatment of an ophthalmic disorder or condition; and an ophthalmically acceptable carrier, wherein the ophthalmic agent is distributed with substantial uniformity throughout the ophthalmically acceptable carrier. Further disclosed herein include an ophthalmic composition including a low concentration of an ophthalmic agent and deuterated water. Also disclosed herein are methods of arresting or preventing myopia development by administering to an eye of an individual in need thereof an effective amount of an ophthalmic composition as described herein.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to controllably bioabsorbable devices, particularly anchors for vascular closure plugs and to methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A hand held electrostimulation device has a handle having a first side member and a second side member. At least one first electrode is provided on the first side member and at least one second electrode is provided on the second side member. The handle is configured so that a user can cause relative movement of the first and second side members from a rest position and is resiliently biased to return to the rest position to cause relative movement of the first and second electrodes to massage skin engaged by the electrodes while applying electricity to said skin via said electrodes.

Abstract: Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) with programmably configurable electrodes allow, among other things, steering of the electric fields created. In addition, the microstimulators are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs).

Abstract: An implant system includes a fixation device that, in turn can include an expandable implant alone or in combination with an auxiliary implant. The expandable implant includes an expandable implant body that is made from an expandable material. The expandable material includes a polymer matrix and an expandable gas source contained within at least a portion of the polymer matrix. The implant system can further include an energy source configured to heat the polymer matrix to a temperature above its glass transition temperature, thereby causing the gas source to expand inside the polymer matrix. The fixation device can further include an insertion instrument configured to implant the fixation device into an anatomical cavity.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for modeling positions of implanted devices in a patient. In various embodiments, the technology can construct a forward model that predicts an electrical impedance between electrical contacts; detects an actual electrical impedance between electrical contacts; computes a fitness value based on a comparison between the detected electrical impedance and the predicted electrical impedance; varies at least one parameter of the forward model until the computed fitness value is a maximum fitness value; and displays at a display device a estimated position of the first lead and/or second leads.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient having an ear canal and a target tissue function by positioning a fluid or a gel in the ear canal, the fluid or the gel comprising a therapeutic agent; retaining the fluid or the gel with a support structure, the support structure supporting an electrode and a battery; and applying the therapeutic agent from the fluid or the gel to the target tissue by energizing the electrode with an iontophoresis potential from the battery.

Abstract: A method of anesthetizing a tympanic membrane of an ear of a patient using iontophoresis is disclosed. The method involves delivering an anesthetizing drug solution to an ear canal of the patient's ear, wherein the drug solution includes an anesthetic and a buffer, and wherein the drug solution has a pH in the range of about 6.5 to about 7.5; and applying an amount of current to the drug solution, wherein the amount of applied current is increased at a rate of less than about 0.5 milliamp per minute until a maximum current is achieved.

Abstract: As an extremely simple and efficiency way to kill Gram-positive, -negative, -multidrug resistant bacteria, and in particular methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, gold nanoparticles were grown self-assembling to yield gold nanoshells on the surface of bacteria (bacteria coated with gold nanoshells or bacterial nanomaterials) by the solution contained gold ion but no adding reductant. The bacteria with gold nanoshells still kept their vitality and mobility for weeks. Due to gold with the high efficiently to convert absorbed radiation into heat for serving as photothermal therapeutic agents, enabled the bacteria coated with gold nanoshells acted as photothermal agents to kill bacteria efficiently. As a result, these bacterial nanomaterials showed impressive photothermolytic efficacy to reduce the viability of bacteria with laser irradiation and an excellent ability to emit photoluminescence after laser irradiation which was generated from the dead bacteria coated with bacterial nanomaterials.

Abstract: Electrosurgical systems generally include at least one energy-delivery device for delivering energy to tissue when inserted or embedded within tissue. The energy-delivery device can be a tissue ablation device, such as an ablation probe, needle, etc. for ablating tissue as commonly known in the art. The electrosurgical systems include at least one structure and/or operational characteristic for enhancing ultrasonic visibility of the energy-delivery devices within tissue during ultrasonography.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition, such as a cosmetic, dermatological, or pharmaceutical composition, including an extract of the above-ground portions of Gynandropsis gynandra, advantageously the leaves and, optionally, a suitable carrier. The invention also relates to such a composition or such an extract to be used in the prevention or treatment of disorders or diseases of the skin, mucous membranes, or nails and hair, to be used in the prevention or treatment of vascular disorders and/or problems linked to hyperseborrhea, or further to be used as an anti-ageing, healing, moisturizing, slimming and/or anti-cellulite, anti-allergy and pro-pigmenting product. Finally, the invention relates to a cosmetic care method for the skin, nails and hair, or mucous membranes, with a view to improving the condition or appearance thereof, consisting of administering such a composition or such an extract.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to hydrazinyl lipidoids, formulations thereof further comprising at least one active agent, as well as methods of delivering the at least one active agent to a target organism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental anesthetic injection device. The dental anesthetic injection device includes a laser generator, a pressure generator filled with a liquid for generating pressure, which expands due to a laser emitted by the laser generator, an anesthetic container which contains an anesthetic for dental use, a separation film disposed between the pressure generator and the anesthetic container and formed to be elastically deformable to transfer expansion energy of the pressure generator to the anesthetic container, and a replacement nozzle detachably coupled with the anesthetic container to be replaceable depending on an oral environment and configured to jet the anesthetic of the anesthetic container toward an oral cavity.

Abstract: A power device package for containing, protecting and providing electrical contacts for a power transistor includes a top and bottom lead frames for directly no-bump attaching to the power transistor. The power transistor is attached to the bottom lead frame as a flip-chip with a source contact and a gate contact directly no-bumping attaching to the bottom lead frame. The power transistor has a bottom drain contact attaching to the top lead frame. The top lead frame further includes an extension for providing a bottom drain electrode substantially on a same side with the bottom lead frame. In a preferred embodiment, the power device package further includes a joint layer between device metal of source, gate or drain and top or bottom lead frame, through applying ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A user-activated self-contained co-packaged iontophoretic drug delivery system and method of use for treatment of a subject are described.

Abstract: Endoscopic delivery of Red/NIR light to the Substantia Nigra to treat Parkinson's Disease in order to raise the energy levels in the substantia nigra.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for automatically dispensing a pre-set dosage of a drug agent or medication. The drug delivery system generally includes a housing including one or more reservoirs; each having a medical agent hermetically sealed therein. A membrane extends across each of the one or more reservoirs which is adapted to allow the medical agents to pass therethrough in response to external stimuli, such as physical puncturing, melting the membranes through use of heating elements or electrowetting in response to a voltage pulse. A wicking material extends across the membranes through which the medical agents are dispensed to a patient. Because the housing can be made flat, the overall dispensing device can be reduced in size, allowing the drug delivery device to be located and attached to broader areas of the patient's body for expanded medical applications and treatment.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electroporation device configured for supplying an electrical power signal to a plurality of pairs of electrodes coupled to a portion of the human body, wherein the following steps are performed: detecting, in the course of an electroporation treatment, a condition of malfunctioning or fail for the pairs of electrodes for which at least one electrical parameter of the power signal supplied to the electrodes themselves has an anomalous value; storing an indicator of the pairs of electrodes in the fail condition; and selecting the pairs of electrodes in the fail condition and re-computing new parameters in order to implement a subsequent electroporation process.

Abstract: Provided is a method of delivering a medicament or a diagnostic agent to a subject in need thereof by (a) introducing a microtube configured to deliver the medicament or the diagnostic agent into the subject, said microtube comprises an electrospun shell and an electrospun coat over an internal surface of said shell, and (b) administering the medicament or the diagnostic agent through said microtube, thereby delivering the medicament or the diagnostic agent to the subject. Also provided are kits for delivering a medicament or a diagnostic agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, the PTH-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: an electrode having a first portion whose exterior is electrically uninsulated, a second portion whose exterior is electrically insulated, and a third portion; an elongated hollow body having an internal cavity, a front end, a rear end, an external surface, and an electrical wire arranged within the body. The hollow body is configured to reversibly receive the third portion of the electrode at the front end of the body such that electrical contact is made between the electrode and the electrical wire and the second portion of the electrode is not surrounded by the hollow body. A first button is provided for controlling a current flow at a first level to the electrode and is arranged on the external surface. A vacuum tube is slidably engaged by the body and has an inlet generally facing the front end and adjacent the electrode.

Abstract: Li/air battery cells are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells include a protected a lithium metal or alloy anode and an aqueous catholyte in a cathode compartment. In addition to the aqueous catholyte, components of the cathode compartment include an air cathode (e.g., oxygen electrode) and a variety of other possible elements.

Abstract: The inventive disclosure contained herein is generally directed to a class of medical bandages that in many embodiments are effective in the treatment of various types of tissue burns, whether be burns due to thermal burns, sun exposure, or rashes. Such products can include a plurality of specialized bandages and wraps that incorporate an extremely thin layer of thermally conductive metal (often aluminum) at the base of a substrate adapted to be in direct contact with a burn wound, while manufacturing the top side of the aluminum substrate to have a heat-dissipation-enhancing topography to help cool burns faster by enhancing thermal-convection properties. The bandage can also feature a thermochromic indicator for users to realize the thermal-cooling status of a burn to which a bandage has been applied.