Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sheet-like piece comprising; a base sheet comprising an elastic material; a reservoir layer provided on the surface of said base sheet which contains a physiologically active substance and comprises micro needles; a adhesion layer which is formed in a mesh form on said base sheet and; a adhesion assisting layer which is formed on the surface of opposite side of said base sheet to the surface formed said reservoir layer. As a result, the sheet for promoting hair growth which may restore the state of thin hair to a state before thinning, a whitening and wrinkle ameliorating agent having whitening effect and wrinkle improving effect, and sheet-like piece used for these are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for delivering an agent into a cell through the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields (“nsPEF's”). The method includes circuitry for delivery of an agent into a cell via known methods followed by the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell in order to facilitate entry of the agent into the nucleus of the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of enhancing gene expression in a cell comprising the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell. An apparatus for generating long and short pulses according to the present invention is also provided. The apparatus includes a pulse generator capable of producing a first pulse having a long duration and low voltage amplitude and a second pulse having a short duration and high voltage amplitude.

Abstract: A system and method for applying energy, particularly radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy, to a living body can be used in tissue ablation and includes a combination of cannulas, guidance stylets, and a cooled high-frequency electrode.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for separating cells or vesicles using a thermo-acoustophoretic approach are provided. A microfluidic device can be used for stiffness-based separation of cells or vesicles that otherwise have the same or approximately the same size, shape, and charge, where at least some of the membranes or vesicles have different compositions. The separation can be done by tuning the temperature of the cells or vesicles.

Abstract: A catheter has a balloon electrode assembly with at least one compliant balloon member and at least one electrode carried on an outer surface of the balloon member for accomplishing circumferential sensing or ablation in a tubular region of the heart, including a pulmonary vein or ostium. The catheter may also include an electrode assembly with a tip and/or ring electrode distal of the balloon electrode assembly adapted for focal contact.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes positioning electrodes in or in contact with the head of a subject identified as in need of enhanced microglial cell activation. Control circuitry is activated to drive the electrodes to apply an electrical current to the brain of the subject, and to configure the electrical current to enhance microglial cell activation for taking up a substance from brain parenchyma. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A naso/orogastric device having backflow blocking means and comprises a naso/orogastric tube sized and shaped for being disposed within the esophagus so that at least a distal end thereof being placed in the stomach lumen of a patient, at least one elastic esophageal body, positioned along the naso/orogastric tube, having a pressure dependent volume, at least one esophageal sensor that detects fluid around at least one segment of the naso/orogastric tube, and a pressure regulator that regulates a pressure within the elastic esophageal body according to the detection.

Abstract: An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed for locating radiation tagged tissue within a mammalian body and treating tagged tissue or untagged tissue adjacent to the tagged tissue in a single procedure. The catheter includes in or on a distal end thereof one or more detectors for locating labeled tissue. A lumen extending from a proximal end of said tube to the distal end of said tube, includes a retractable and extendable needle positioned adjacent the distal end of said tube for delivering a liquid treatment modality. I the alternative the injector for delivering the treatment modality may be placed adjacent to the catheter for delivery of the treatment.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes and for causing thermal effects in polymer tissue-contacting members. In one embodiment, the instrument has a working end with an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior of the instrument. The vapor phase media then is ejected from the working surface of the instrument, and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. The vapor-to-liquid phase transitions, or internal energy releases, can be provided about thin-film flexible structures for engaging body lumens and cavities. An exemplary embodiment can be used for shrinking, sealing, welding or creating lesions in tissue—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow in the engaged tissue.

Abstract: Placement of a vascular access device (intravenous, intra-arterial and/or intra-osseous vascular access) in a non-sterile environment greatly increases the risk of infection via the vascular access device. This invention provides an approach for accomplishing sterilization of the site where vascular access will be attempted under non-sterile field conditions. In addition, this invention provides a sterile vascular connector pre-loaded with an antimicrobial, e.g., Taurolidine. Use of the vascular connector provides the antimicrobial concurrently with achieving vascular access, which limits the risk of infection despite access placement under non-sterile field conditions.

Abstract: A method and system are described for generating a signal indicative of an intravascular image received at least partly via a light transducer and invoking circuitry for passing the generated signal out of a subject's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcontainer microstructure including a microcontainer film structure having a sharp tip portion and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An ophthalmic illumination system can include an optical fiber configured to transmit a light beam output by a light source and focused by a condenser. The optical fiber can include proximal, distal, and central portions. The proximal portion can be configured to receive the light beam focused by the condenser. The distal portion can be configured to emit the light beam to illuminate a surgical field. The central portion can extend between the proximal and distal portions. A core diameter of the proximal portion can be larger than core diameters of the central and distal portions. An ophthalmic illumination method can include focusing, using a condenser, a light beam emitted by a light source onto a proximal portion of an optical fiber. The method can also include transmitting, using the optical fiber, the light beam to a surgical field.

Abstract: The Pierce Ear Hole Protector is an Earrings that is a hypodermic tube with holes on it and goes in the hole of a pierce ear to inject a healing substance to keep a pierce ear from closing or getting infected or sore by a administering a injection to the center of the tube treating area around pierce ear hole with a medicine of choice for healing and pain relief.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a shaft member and a pair of electrodes. The shaft member has a pair of electrode channels that open at the distal end of the shaft member, wherein the electrode channels are positioned adjacent to one another. The pair of electrodes are configured to deliver energy, and one of the pair of electrodes are configured to be disposed in each electrode channel such that distal ends of each of the electrodes are arranged to protrude from the distal end of the shaft member. The shaft member further includes at least one lumen opening at the distal end of the shaft member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for rapid and precise manipulation and transfer of tiny liquid droplets. by dynamically introducing microstructures with relatively high surface energy to a non-wettable surface, which surface has in-situ switchable adhesion to liquid droplets. By penetrating microstructures on the background surface, the chemical property of the surface is locally modified. Capillary bridges will form between microstructures and liquid droplets which lead to high adhesive forces. When the microstructures are retracted, the capillary bridges either pinch-off or recede, which drastically reduces the adhesion. With proper chemical modification, the surface can either manipulate a liquid droplet in air or in an immiscible carrier liquid. Tiny droplets with volumes down to nanoliter scale can be prepared and dispensed by using the surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to drug eluting devices, and their uses. The drug eluting devices can allow for perfusion during deployment. The coatings the may contain bioactive materials which elute once deployed in a patient and can have anti-proliferative, anti-inflammation, or anti-thrombotic effects. Sol gel technology can be used to coat the devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide microneedle patches and systems, and methods for use of such patches and systems. In one aspect, a microneedle patch is provided including a tab portion for handling the microneedle patch. In another aspect, a system is provided including a microneedle patch and a tray for housing the microneedle patch. In still another aspect, various indicators providing for providing feedback prior to, during, and after administration of the microneedle patch are provided. Advantageously, the described microneedle patches and systems provide improved handling and ease of application of the microneedle patches to skin for the delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A segmented ultrasound body suit having a suit assembly with a plurality of separated segments having a torso and buttocks segment, a pair of mirror image arm segments, a pair of mirror image thigh segments, and a pair of mirror image calf segments. A plurality of cutouts is disposed in the segments. Each cutout is affixed within with a pad containing a power source and a switched ultrasound transducer and pressure switch. An ultrasound energy is transferred to a skin contact surface by a plate housed within the pad. A user dons any or all segments for chosen ultrasound treatment, with choice of off and on at each pad.

Abstract: This invention is a medicament delivery vehicle, the vehicle comprising tubular members adapted to removably receive the medicament and an expandable stent adapted to receive the tubular members. Also provided is a medicament delivery vehicle, the vehicle comprised of tubular members which receive the medicament wherein the medicament comprises discrete entities and each of said entities are removably positioned at predetermined regions within the members.

Abstract: The present disclosure discussed a handpiece for trans-canal delivery of a therapeutic substance to the inner ear. The handpiece can be inserted into the middle ear via a surgical tympanotomy approach. The handpiece can enable a controlled injection of a therapeutic substance directly through the round window membrane and into the inner ear. The direct delivery of the therapeutic substance to the inner ear can enable the delivery of a precise amount of therapeutic substance into the inner ear. Because the therapeutic substance is delivery directly to the inner ear the delivery of the therapeutic substance is not subject to limitations on molecule size and inconsistent diffusion rates that are present when therapeutic substances are diffused across the round window membrane.

Abstract: An arthroscopical surgical method using an ultrasonic treatment device for a joint includes: transmitting ultrasonic vibration to a treatment portion of the ultrasonic treatment device, removing an injured region of an articular cartilage so that a subchondral bone is exposed, and forming a cartilage edge which is nearly angled at 90° with the exposed surface of the subchondral bone to form a pool-shaped depression; forming a hole which pierces up to a cancellous bone of the subchondral bone through the depression, and scratching blood vessels in the cancellous bone; causing bleeding from the blood vessels so that blood is retained in the depression via the hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions including a substance useful as an adjuvant for potentiating an immune response, and methods of using the composition in individuals with infections of tissue within or adjacent to a transformation zone, such as the transformation zone of the cervix or anal canal.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical methods, instruments and systems for creating a controlled lesion using temperature to control the growth of the lesion. The treatment can be used in any tissue area and is particularly useful in or around a vertebral body. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of soft or hard tissue including bone or hard tissue.

Abstract: A substance delivery device comprises a substrate, a plurality of dissolvable supporting structures and a plurality of carriers. The substrate attaches to a tissue. The dissolvable supporting structures are disposed on the substrate. The carriers are disposed on the dissolvable supporting structures and encapsulating substances. The present invention further provides a substance delivery method. The substance delivery device and the substance delivery method of present invention is advantageous for providing sustained release effect and rising the applicability of transdermal or transmucosal delivery techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a rigid body, a flexible sealing element, a nozzle assembly, and an electrode. The rigid body defines a channel, a reservoir, and a vent path. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the channel. The vent path is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The reservoir is configured to provide spacing between the channel and the vent path. The sealing element is positioned distal to the rigid body. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle head and a post. The post extends distally through the channel of the rigid body. The nozzle head projects distally from a distal end of the post. The electrode is disposed within the channel of the rigid body. The reservoir extends laterally from a longitudinal axis defined by the electrode.

Abstract: In an arthroendoscopical surgical method, a resection target area, which is emphasized by fluorescence with use of a fluorescent agent under excitation light, is identified on a meniscus, and a resection line or an imaginary resection line is drawn. Using an ultrasonic treatment tool and an arthroscope, the resection target area is resected by a probe which generates ultrasonic vibrations, based on the resection line or imaginary resection line under visible-light illumination, and an inclined resection surface is formed.

Abstract: A neural prosthetic device can selectively deliver light to different cortical layers, at different depths, in the brain. The device includes LEDs and corresponding waveguides that can extend into the brain. At least two of the waveguides have different lengths. The neural prosthetic device or other devices can be manufactured by changing the hydrophilicity or lyophilicity of a portion of a substrate layer, then depositing uncured polymer on the treated portion of the substrate layer. The uncured polymer flows under the influence of surface tension to form a volume. The volume is shaped as a dome that extends laterally to a boundary between the treated and untreated portions. The polymer is cured in discrete regions through the substrate layer. The discrete regions extend longitudinally from the substrate layer to a curved surface of the dome. The uncured portion of the polymer is removed. The cured regions form the waveguides.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for securing an elongated member, such as a medical lead, within a tissue of a patient. In particular, suction is applied from a vacuum to a vacuum cavity located proximate to a distal end of the lead to draw in tissue from the target therapy delivery site to the vacuum cavity. A fixation element is coupled to the tissue within the vacuum cavity to fix the lead to the target therapy delivery site. The fixation techniques of this disclosure secure the medical lead to the tissue of the patient to prevent the medical lead from migrating away from the target tissue location.

Abstract: Disclosed are a microstructure-based drug delivery system comprising a microporous structure and a method for manufacturing the same, and more specifically, a detachable microstructure-based drug delivery system using a microporous structure layer and a method for manufacturing the same, thereby skipping a drying step which is essential for the manufacturing process of the existing biodegradable microneedle, and solving the problem in that the hardness of the microneedle is reduced when the microneedle contains drugs, failing to penetrate the skin. Here, the microstructure is implantable in the body through the insertion into the body and detachment from the microporous structure, and the detachable microstructure can be applied to wrinkled (skin movement) and corrugated parts through a detachment function thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting an infusion device for supplying a fluid to a body of a user, and a sensor for monitoring a body characteristic of the user, the apparatus including a bridge including a rigid body and comprising an infusion device end and a sensor end, the bridge further including an infusion device introduction needle attached to the infusion device end, a sensor introduction needle, the sensor introduction needle attached to the sensor end, an infusion device, operatively coupled to the infusion device introduction needle, for infusing a fluid to an infusion site, and a sensor introduction needle operatively coupled to an electrochemical sensor having a sensor electrode for determining at least one body characteristic of the patient at a sensor placement site, an infusion device release for releasing the infusion device from the infusion device introduction needle, and a sensor release for releasing the sensor from the sensor introduction needle.

Abstract: A medical instrument (900, 1000) comprising a high intensity focused ultrasound system (911) comprising an ultrasound transducer (102, 104, 202, 204, 302, 407, 08) with an adjustable sonication frequency. The ultrasound transducer comprises capacitive micromachined transducers (102, 104, 202, 204, 302, 407, 508). Execution of machine executable instructions by a processor causes the processor to: receive (700, 800) a treatment plan (924) descriptive of a target zone (908) within a subject (902); determine (702, 802) a traversal distance (926) through the subject to the target zone using the treatment plan, wherein the traversal distance is descriptive of the traversal of ultrasound from the ultrasound transducer to the target zone; determine (704, 804) a sonication frequency (829) using the traversal distance for focusing the sonication volume onto the target zone; and sonicate (706, 806) the target zone using the high intensity focused ultrasound system at the sonication frequency.

Abstract: A catheter system with integral sensing and clearing of occlusions is described. The system can include a catheter in fluid communication with a shunt for transporting a bodily fluid within, or out of, a patient's body. The catheter and/or the shunt can include one or more detection wires and one or more transmission wires. The detection wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the detection of changes in electrical properties of the fluid indicating an occlusion, or other anomaly, in the catheter. The transmission wires can be in electrical communication with the fluid and can enable the application of electromagnetic energy to the occlusion to facilitate its removal. The detection wires and the transmission wires can be the same or different wires. The system can include a probe that can be externally connected to the wires to provide detection and or transmission signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: A guide wire includes (1) a core shaft, (2) a coil body covering a distal end portion of the core shaft and having spirally wound multiple element wires, and (3) a distal end fixed portion by which a distal end of the core shaft is fixed to a distal end of the coil body. The distal end of the coil body includes (i) a fixed portion in which adjacent ones of the multiple element wires are fixed to each other and (ii) a gap portion in which adjacent ones of the multiple element wires are not fixed to each other to provide a gap between the adjacent ones of the multiple element wires in the gap portion, as viewed in a cross section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the guide wire. The distal end fixed portion enters into the gap portion.

Abstract: A method for visualization and/or administration of medication of and into the sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess of a patient is provided. The method includes providing a sphenocath and inserting a guidewire into the nostril of a patient to a target area proximate the sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess of the patient. The sphenocath is advanced over the guidewire and a catheter hub of the sphenocath is rotated relative to a sheath hub to conform to an anatomy of the patient's sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess, such that the distal end of the catheter tube is proximal to the target area. The sphenocath is then advanced relative to a sheath assembly so that the distal end of a sphenocath catheter tube extends from a sphenocath sheath tube distal end and bends along the guidewire. The guidewire is removed and contrast media, fluids, and/or medication is administered to the patient's sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine ganglion disposed within the sphenopalatine recess of the patient.

Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.

Abstract: A sphenocath including a sheath assembly including a sheath hub with a sheath tube extending therefrom with a passage extending from a proximal end of the sheath hub to a distal end of the sheath tube; a catheter assembly including a catheter hub with a catheter tube extending therefrom with a passage extending from a proximal end of the catheter hub to a distal end of the catheter tube; wherein the catheter assembly passes through the sheath assembly with a portion of the catheter hub engaging a portion of the sheath hub to limit relative rotation between the hubs while permitting relative axial movement such that in an initial non-extended position the distal end of the catheter tube is proximate to the distal end of the sheath tube. A system further including a guidewire is also provided. A method of inserting the catheter tube is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for spectral analysis of a tissue mass using an instrument, an optical probe, and a Monte Carlo algorithm or a diffusion algorithm are provided. According to one method, an instrument is inserted into a tissue mass. A fiber optic probe is applied via the instrument into the tissue mass. Turbid spectral data of the tissue mass is measured using the fiber probe. The turbid spectral data is converted to absorption, scattering, and/or intrinsic fluorescence spectral data via a Monte Carlo algorithm or diffusion algorithm. Biomarker concentrations in the tissue mass are quantified using the absorption, scattering, and/or intrinsic fluorescence spectral data.

Abstract: A method and system capable of identifying ectopic foci, rotors, or conduction pathways involved in reentrant arrhythmias within cardiac tissue, and then treating identified ectopic foci, rotors, and/or pathways with either lethal or sub-lethal temperatures. The system includes a medical device having one or more mapping elements and one or more treatment elements, and a computer programmable to identify ectopic foci and rotors based at least in part on signals received from the one or more mapping elements at one or more locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue in a tissue treatment region. The apparatus can comprise an electrode ring having an interior perimeter and an electrode probe having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the electrode probe can be structured to axially translate relative to the interior perimeter of the electrode ring. The electrode ring and the electrode probe can be operably structured to conduct current therebetween when at least one of the electrode ring and the electrode probe is energized by an energy source. Further, the energy source can be a Radio Frequency (RF) energy source, a pulsed energy source, an irreversible electroporation energy source, or a pulsed irreversible electroporation energy source. A current from the energy source can be selected to non-thermally ablate tissue in the tissue treatment region.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope for prostate biopsy includes: an insertion portion including a distal end portion including an ultrasound transmission and reception portion, and a bent portion bent at a predetermined curvature; a treatment instrument insertion channel that passes through inside the bent portion and includes a first opening portion provided on a distal end side and a second opening portion provided on a proximal end side; a shaft-shaped portion installed to extend in a proximal end direction of the bent portion along a straight line passing through an inflection portion provided between the distal end portion and the bent portion; and a grasping portion that includes the shaft-shaped portion.

Abstract: A computer system may determine a target position of the electronic component. The computer system may also determine a current position of the electronic component. The computer system may compare the current position to the target to position to determine whether the electronic component is in the target position. If the electronic component is not in the target position, the computer system may use an electroactive polymer to adjust the position of the electronic component to move the electronic component into the target position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for shaping an ablation treatment volume formed in fluid enhanced ablation therapy are provided. The devices and methods disclosed herein utilize the interaction of fluids to create ablation treatment volumes having a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, a method for forming an ablation treatment volume having a desired shape includes delivering therapeutic energy to tissue to form an ablation treatment volume and simultaneously delivering a first fluid and a second fluid to the tissue. The first and second fluids can convect the therapeutic energy in a desired direction such that the ablation treatment volume has a desired shape.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes a parenchymal electrode, configured to be implanted in brain parenchyma of a subject identified as at risk of or suffering from Alzheimer's disease; and a ventricular electrode, configured to be implanted in a ventricular system of a brain of the subject. Control circuitry is configured to drive the parenchymal and the ventricular electrodes to clear a substance from the brain parenchyma into the ventricular system. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a cerebral cortex or to the cerebral cortex and spinal cord include administering a viral vector that includes the therapeutic agent into white matter of a brain in order to deliver the therapeutic agent to the cerebral cortex or to the cerebral cortex and spinal cord. Kits for performing such methods may include at least one viral vector, at least one therapeutic agent, and a convection enhanced delivery (CED) catheter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mapping cardiac fibrillation in a patient include deploying a catheter in the patient's heart, wherein the catheter includes an array of at least one stacked electrode pair having a first electrode and a second electrode. Each electrode pair is configured to be orthogonal to the surface of a cardiac tissue substrate. A plurality of measurements are obtained from the electrode array in response to electrical activity in the cardiac tissue substrate for a duration indicative of a number of electrical circuit cores and distribution of the electrical circuit cores across the cardiac tissue substrate in the patient's heart. These are processed to obtain the density and distribution of electrical circuit cores which are mapped onto a representation of the patient's heart.

Abstract: A system for convection enhanced delivery of therapeutic comprises one or more flexible, biocompatible microcatheters that are directed to a target location to deliver a therapeutic agent. The microcatheter is releasably coupled to a guide tube and directed to the desired location. The microcatheters are small and flexible in order to reach the target areas, minimize trauma at the injection site, and minimize reflux of the injectable therapeutic.

Abstract: A method for brachytherapy in a lumpectomy cavity of a breast including, positioning a distal end of a brachytherapy device within the cavity, expanding an expandable surface portion located between proximal and distal ends of the device within the cavity, the source lumen tubes defining a curved configuration within the cavity; and positioning a source of radiation sequentially within one or more source lumens of the source lumen tubes according to a brachytherapy treatment plan. The device includes an inner tube, and a plurality of source lumen tubes located around the inner tube and including distal ends secured together with the inner tube at the distal end disposed within the body cavity, the source lumen tubes comprising proximal portions sufficiently long to extend outside the breast.