Abstract: Described herein are improved electrode array devices and improved active agent delivery devices. Further described are methods of making and using the improved devices. An improved electrode array device includes a substrate and a plurality of probes disposed on the substrate, wherein the probes are formed from a plurality of aligned carbon nanotubes that are not encapsulated by a structure-providing material. An active agent delivery device includes a substrate having an aperture therein, an active agent delivery member disposed on a first surface of the substrate and having an aperture therein, and an active agent chamber disposed on a second surface of the substrate configured to deliver an active agent through the aperture of the substrate and the aperture of the active agent delivery member.

Abstract: Catheter-based systems for in-vivo targeted light therapy include a first type of catheter configured for photo-activating photosensitive substances in tissue, and a second type of catheter configured for photo-degrading photosensitive substances in tissue. The catheters may be configured to produce light using a variety of light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and fiber optics. The light transmission is directed to tissue in such a way that only portions of tissue in a treatment area are exposed to light, depending upon whether the tissue is diseased or healthy.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, a subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system is described. The system includes an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end and an opposite venous end with a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft. The system also includes an actuator having an accumulator. The actuator is in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device and is configured to cause each valve device to open or close simultaneously. The accumulator assists in maintaining a generally constant pressure when the actuator causes each valve device to close.

Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.

Abstract: Photodynamic bone stabilization and drug delivery systems are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a photodynamic bone stabilization and drug delivery system of the present disclosure includes an insertion catheter having an inner void for passing at least one light-sensitive liquid, and an inner lumen; an expandable portion releasably engaging a distal end of the insertion catheter, wherein the expandable portion comprises an inner expandable portion in communication with the inner lumen of the insertion catheter and sufficiently designed to maintain a light-sensitive liquid therein; and an outer expandable portion, surrounding the inner expandable portion, sufficiently designed to house and release at least one additive from the outer expandable portion in an outward direction from the inner expandable portion; and a light-conducting fiber sized to pass through the inner lumen of the insertion catheter and into the inner expandable portion for delivering light energy to the light-sensitive liquid.

Abstract: Antibiotics are administered in a surgical site subcutaneously via a small or stab incision in the surgical field. Transcutaneous ultrasonic vibrations are applied across the surgical field, which is then opened in the usual manner, to thereby provide a surgical field which contains a vastly higher and more effective level of antibiotic. At the same time the underlying tissue is hydrated.

Abstract: Provided is a microneedle device where a coating agent has been applied to microneedles having a biodegradable resin. It has been found that the application of the coating agent to microneedles of a biodegradable resin having a predetermined strength allows the microneedles to have excellent performance. Further, with regard to the coating agent, a predetermined type and amount thereof are also useful to demonstrate performance. Accordingly, when a microneedle device 1 is arranged so that at least a part of a microneedle array 2 provided with microneedles 3 made from polylactic acid having a weight average molecular weight of 40,000 or more is coated with a carrier containing physiologically active ingredients, it is possible to attain excellent migration characteristics of the physiologically active ingredients to a living body.

Abstract: Medical devices comprising an electroactive polymer powered by a photovoltaic cell. In one embodiment, the medical device has an electroactive component comprising an electroactive polymer. The medical device further comprises a photovoltaic cell as a source of electrical power for electrically stimulating the electroactive polymer. The medical device further comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, both of which are electrically connected to the photovoltaic cell. The electroactive component covers over at least a portion of the first electrode. Also disclosed is a method of treating a patient using a medical device having an electroactive polymer powered by a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes electrodes disposed along a distal end portion of a lead body; terminals disposed along a proximal end portion of the lead body; and stimulation conductors electrically coupling the terminals to the electrodes. A light-emitter is disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body. A light source is disposed along the at least one lead body and converts received electrical power into light. An optical transport medium is disposed along the at least one lead body. The optical transport medium extends between the light source and the light-emitter. A light source conductor electrically couples the light source and the terminals. A drug-dispensing port is defined along the distal end portion of the lead body. A drug-delivery channel is in fluid communication with the at least one drug-dispensing port and extends to the proximal end portion of the lead body.

Abstract: A device and related methodologies to deliver molecules to the cells that comprise any tissues. The invention includes a catheter-based electrode and methods for its use for the delivery of molecules to cardiac tissue, blood vessels, other tissues/organs that can be accessed through a luminal tissue, and luminal tissues. The invention is also a non-catheter based electrode for performing the same functions. In certain embodiments the electrode utilizes a segmented electrode array wherein each electrode is separately addressable by a source of electricity.

Abstract: Provided is an electro-microneedle integrated body in which a dissolving microneedle and an electrode for electroporation are integrated into one, which enables a focused and efficient intracutaneous gene release for percutaneous gene delivery and intracellular gene delivery occurring in one in-situ treatment site The electro-microneedle integrated body according to the present invention includes an electrode for electroporation which is contacted with skin of a human body to apply an electric field pulse, including a base part and a plurality of electrode parts protruding from the base part, and a microneedle adhered to each electrode part and inserted into the skin of a human body, including a biocompatible and biodegradable viscous material and a genetic material, wherein the microneedle degrades within the skin, and the electric field pulse is applied through the electrode for electroporation in a site in which the microneedle is inserted.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for selectively applying either fluids (e.g., anesthetics, nerve-blockers, etc.) or energy, such as radiofrequency or ultrasound energy, to a target tissue from within a blood vessel while minimizing the amount of fluid or energy applied to non-target tissue. The catheters described herein may include an elongate body, a directional injector, and one or more holdfasts for securing the catheter. In addition, catheters can include energy applying features for delivering energy to the target tissue.

Abstract: Several needle assemblies and intracellular delivery devices that are used for the delivery of prophylactic and/or therapeutic material (i.e., delivered agents) into a tissue of a subject are disclosed. Preferably, the needle assemblies and/or the intracellular delivery devices comprise needles and/or needle electrodes, which are disposed in an array (e.g., a Y-type array having three outer needles and a center needle), wherein each needle in the array has a closed end and a plurality of apertures along each needle barrel, and the apertures on the needle barrels of the outer needles of the array are positioned to deliver the delivered agent toward the apertures of the center needle and/or an adjacent needle, but not outside of the active zone defined by the area within the needle array and the apertures on the needle barrel of the center needle are positioned to deliver the delivered agent toward the outer needles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring system and method for use with a body of a subject. The system comprises a medical device, having a portion thereof configured to be placed inside the subject's body, said portion of the medical device being configured to be propelled by fluid pressure through a body lumen; at least two pressure sensors accommodated remotely from the subject's body at two different spaced-apart positions outside the subject's body and configured and operable to detect pressure at the two spaced-apart remote positions; said at least two pressure sensors being in fluid communication with at least one site inside the subject's body, a relation between the pressure at said at least one site and the pressures at said two spaced-apart remote positions being thereby indicative of the fluid pressure at said at least one site.

Abstract: Relations between crystallinity and performance of a biodegradable resin, between weight-average molecular weight and strength thereof, and between weight-average molecular weight and performance thereof were clarified. As a result thereof, when a microneedle array was provided with microneedles containing noncrystalline polylactic acid which had a weight-average molecular weight of 40,000 to 100,000, it was possible to obtain a microneedle array which could maintain its functional performance.

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.

Abstract: A device for skin treatment, which precisely transmits high-frequency energy to a target portion of skin tissue without causing a burn on the outer layer of the skin, thus artificially damaging the portion and inducing a wound curing reaction, therefore leading to the regeneration of skin and the propagation of collagen. The device prevents the surface of skin from suffering an injury during insertion, alleviates pain, and keeps the depth to which the needle is inserted into the skin uniform. The device includes a plurality of needles coated with an insulator except for sharp ends. A needle holding unit holds the needles. A drive unit directly or indirectly transmits a force to the needle holding unit, thus allowing the needles to be inserted into the skin. An electromagnetic wave transmitting unit is electrically connected to the needles and transmits electromagnetic waves to the needles.

Abstract: An atherectomy device and method has cannula systems having lumens adapted for insertion of a blood filter and an atherectomy catheter useful for performing atherectomy directly on a patient's cardiovascular tissue. Other embodiments include a lumen for arterial perfusion useful in providing oxygenated blood to the aorta during cardiopulmonary bypass. The distal end of the atherectomy catheter includes an assembly that has a pincer, a loop with or without a mesh, laser, hydraulics, or other suitable mechanism adapted for removing atheroma from a cardiac or vascular tissue. Methods of using the systems for vascular atherectomy are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An injectable biocompatible material delivery system is disclosed and can include an injector and a material delivery cannula that can be in fluid communication with the injector. Further, the injectable biocompatible material delivery system can include a light source that can be configured to emit light to at least a portion of the injector, at least a portion of the material delivery cannula, or a combination thereof. Further, the light source can be configured to activate an injectable biocompatible material as it moves through the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.

Abstract: Described herein generally are catheter systems used to deliver cells and other bioactive materials to a target location within the vascular system of the human body, and methods of delivering cells and other bioactive materials to such target locations.

Abstract: This invention describes the administration of multiple therapeutic agents with insulin in conjunction with bexarotene, ketamine, monoclonal antibodies Etanercept, IGF-1, and acetylcholine esterase inhibitors physostigmine, for treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Insulin, improves memory; also augments and amplifies the effects of the adjuvant therapeutic agents (paracrine and intracrine effects) and consequently reduces the ? amyloid, its soluble precursors, prevents damage to the neuronal skeletal network (taupathy), and blocks glutamate excitotoxicity, reduces brain inflammation, prevents apoptosis, and increases the acetylcholine levels in the neurons and synapses; by using a combination of insulin, bexarotene, ketamine, Etanercept, IGF-1, and physostigmine therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high frequency aesthetic device including: a high frequency transmitting part adapted to transmit the high frequency generated from an external high frequency generating source; and an aesthetic medicine injecting part adapted to apply the high frequency to a patient's skin and inject an aesthetic medicine into the skin, wherein the high frequency transmitting part and the aesthetic medicine injecting part are mechanically separable from each other. The aesthetic medicine injecting part and the high frequency transmitting part are separable from each other, thereby providing the convenience in use during the surgery, and the degree of insertion of the needle is checkable quantitatively, thereby conducting the surgery in more accurate manner. Additionally, the high frequency aesthetic device is capable of minimizing the damage of the blood vessels during the tunneling through the needle.

Abstract: Devices and methods for therapeutic photodynamic modulation of neural function in a human. One embodiment of a method in accordance with the technology includes administering a photosensitizer to a human, wherein the photosensitizer preferentially accumulates at nerves proximate a blood vessel compared to non-neural tissue of the blood vessel. The method can further include irradiating the photosensitizer using a radiation emitter positioned within the human, wherein the radiation has a wavelength that causes the photosensitizer to react and alter at least a portion of the nerves thereby providing a therapeutic reduction in sympathetic neural activity. Several embodiments of the technology are useful for disrupting renal nerves, such as renal denervation, for treating hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and other indications.

Abstract: A stimulating needle and catheter system, including components, is provided such that the position of the stimulating needle or the stimulating catheter may be identified after insertion into the body of a patient by electrically stimulating and thus locating a specific nerve. Use of the needle and catheter system is eased by providing the system to the medical practitioner in a unitary structure. That is, the needle and catheter are connected by a catheter lock. The catheter lock is attached to the hub of the needle and can be actuated to either firmly grip the catheter or allow the catheter to move axially with respect to the lock and needle assembly. Thus, supplying the catheter to the practitioner already locked into the catheter lock allows the practitioner to insert the needle into the patient and, when ready, release the catheter for disposal through the needle into the patient. This and other disclosed features allow the medical practitioner to focus attention on the medical procedure.

Abstract: An ablation device includes a handle assembly, an ablation electrode extending from the handle assembly, and one or more delivery needles extending from the handle assembly. The ablation electrode includes an ablation needle. The ablation needle includes a distal end portion including a drug delivery port defined therethrough. The ablation device also includes and a biopsy tool extending from the handle assembly.

Abstract: An ablation system includes a source of electrosurgical energy, a source of coolant fluid, and an ablation electrode assembly operatively connected to the source of electrosurgical energy and fluidly-coupled to the source of coolant fluid. The ablation electrode assembly includes a hub defining a chamber therein and one or more electrically-conductive ablation needles extending from the hub. The ablation system also includes one or more delivery needles extending from the hub. The one or more delivery needles are selectively moveable from a first position, wherein the distal end of the delivery needle is disposed proximal to the distal end portion of the ablation needle, to at least a second position, wherein at least the distal end of the delivery needle is disposed distally beyond the distal end portion of the ablation needle.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery device and method for eluting a therapeutic agent to a target location are disclosed. The device may comprise a first conductive element, a second conductive element, an electrochemical composition including an electrolyte and a therapeutic agent, and a permeable membrane covering the electrochemical composition. The first conductive element and the second conductive element are adapted to be connected to a voltage source. When the voltage source is connected to the first conductive element and the second conductive element, an electrochemical reaction occurs causing the therapeutic agent to pass through the permeable membrane and thereby to elute to a target location.

Abstract: Tissue ablation probes and methods of treating diseased tissue are disclosed that include or use a partially uninsulated shaft that carries conductive elements such as electrode arrays. The shaft has an uninsulated outer surface that is electrically conductive and is electrically connected to one of the conductive elements. The uninsulated outer surface and one of the conductive elements are insulated from the other conductive element. Tissue ablation is performed “inside-out” and begins between the proximal and distal electrode arrays and migrates outwardly towards the electrode arrays when electrical current is applied to the probe.

Abstract: The perivascular leak repair system, and method of using the same, of the present invention provides a sealant reservoir with a repair catheter operably attached; a flow control device disposed between the sealant reservoir and the repair catheter, and the flow control device responsive to a flow control signal; a heart phase detector generating a diastole phase signal; an injection switch generating a injection signal; and a flow controller responsive to the diastole phase signal and the injection signal, and generating the flow control signal. A method of sealing a perivascular leak comprises identifying the perivascular leak; inserting a repair catheter to the perivascular leak; injecting sealant at the perivascular leak; and removing the repair catheter. The sealant can be injected when the heart is in diastole to sweep the sealant into the perivascular leak.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.

Abstract: The device disclosed herein may be affixed over a transparent dressing overlying the catheter entry point, or may be used independent of such a dressing. The device may be affixed to the catheter insertion site using an adhesive or fastening band, or through other methods. Depending on context, the device may be used continuously or periodically, and may be affixed such that it is directly abutting a transparent dressing or directly adjacent to the skin surface, or it may be spaced a certain distance from the skin. If spaced from the skin, light may be directed from the light sources, either directly or indirectly through optical conduits. Preferably the light sources will be positioned such that light from the light sources overlaps at one or more areas on the skin, especially the catheter entry point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.

Abstract: A single optical fiber having a distal end is optically coupled to the laser and distilling terminated with an axicon lens optically coupled to the single optical fiber to form a microscopic distal tip to provide a spatially shaped elongated laser focused spot for microprocessing and/or microdissection of a microscale object. A pulsed or continuous laser beam or superposition of pulsed and continuous laser beams is generated, controllably spatially shaped, selectively oriented, selectively moved via movement of a single optical fiber terminated with the axicon lens, and the oriented, spatially shaped laser beam applied via the single optical fiber terminated with the axicon lens to a living or nonliving microscopic object for manipulation, micro-dissection, alteration/ablation, and excitation of the living or nonliving microscopic object.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for extracting an underlying sebum of a pilosebaceous unit for the treatment of acne or closed comedones is disclosed. The method includes placing a vacuum suction pressure device on a surface of a skin area to be treated for an acne condition, applying the vacuum suction pressure on the surface of the skin area to pull the skin area into an aperture opening of the vacuum suction pressure device and to extract an underlying sebum of the pilosebaceous unit, puncturing the surface of the skin area containing at least one pilosebaceous unit with at least one micro-needle insert unit recessed into the aperture opening of the vacuum suction pressure device to create a lesion on the pilosebaceous unit and applying a subsequent dose of vacuum suction pressure or an application of broad band light to the skin area to be treated.

Abstract: The current techniques provide a system for monitoring a physiological parameter of a patient using microneedles that are coupled to an optical system, allowing spectroscopic measurements to be made immediately below the outer layer of the epidermis. In embodiments of the present invention, the results of the spectroscopic measurements are used to control the administration of a drug through an intravenous tube. In other embodiments, the microneedles may be coated with a drug for administration to the patient. In other embodiments, the microneedles may be mounted in a probe, wherein an actuator is used to move the needles into contact with the skin, and a drug delivery system is used to infuse the drug into the patient. A method for making needles is also provided.

Abstract: A perfusion circuit and a use thereof for delivering a substance to a subject's heart in situ during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery are provided. The perfusion circuit defines a path for re-circulating a solution containing a macromolecular complex through a coronary circulation circuit through a subject's heart during a surgical procedure in which the substance is prevented from being delivered to the subject's other organs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the inactivation of infectious agents in, on or around a catheter residing in a patient's body cavity. The method comprises transmitting non-ultraviolet sterilizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) substantially axially along an optical element in the catheter body. Through delivery of the sterilizing EMR to particular areas of highest infection, the present disclosure is able to inactivate the major sources of infection in catheters.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient with a microneedle array having an active agent disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the microneedles, wherein the array with active agent is characterized by a first optical response when probed with a selected incident light spectrum. The array with active agent is applied to a skin surface, optionally allowed to remain on the skin surface for a specified time, and removed. The used array is probed with the selected incident light spectrum, a second optical response is sensed, and the difference between the first optical response and the second optical response is determined and compared to a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The single operator anesthesia and/or drug delivery system disclosed herein incorporates a variable-output nerve stimulator and an aspirating syringe pump, both of which are controlled via a needle with controls for stimulation and aspiration/injection on the needle itself. Pre-set injection pressures can be monitored and regulated via the syringe pump. Further pressures can be objectively limited by the syringe pump. With this system, the single operator can with sterile conditions, incorporate ultrasound, nerve stimulation, and landmark palpation while simultaneously performing the block without any help from another caregiver/operator. This system can easily store or translate to the electronic medical record the specifics of the block, including for example pressures and stimulation level). The present invention further provides a means to remove all direct human elements of a nerve block and perform a nerve injection robotically or from a remote location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to internal (e.g., implantable, insertable, etc.) drug delivery devices which contain the following: (a) one or more sources of one or more therapeutic agents; (b) one or more first electrodes, (c) one or more second electrodes and (d) one or more power sources for applying voltages across the first and second electrodes. The power sources may be adapted, for example, to promote electrically assisted therapeutic agent delivery within a subject, including electroporation and/or iontophoresis. In one aspect of the invention, the first and second electrodes are adapted to have tissue of a subject positioned between them upon deployment of the medical device within the subject, such that an electric field may be generated, which is directed into the tissue. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent sources are adapted to introduce the therapeutic agents into the electric field.

Abstract: Implantable drug delivery devices, and kits and methods incorporating them are described. The devices may, for example, be configured for implantation into an ocular region of a subject. The drug delivery devices may comprise multiple, selectively-triggerable drug reservoirs for administration of sequential or concomitant drug regimens. Some variations of devices may comprise one or more reservoirs that may be triggered by an optical stimulus, e.g., light having a wavelength within a certain wavelength range. The devices, methods, and kits may be useful in the treatment chronic ocular conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for electrokinetic transport of fluids to patients. Drug-containing solutions may be placed in vial-like reservoir, which is connected to an apparatus such as a traditional catheter or other device capable of holding a drug-containing solution. Instead of a vial-like reservoir, a doped infusion pad or a gel may be used as a source of the drug-containing solution. The reservoir and apparatus may thus be the same component. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein may also be used to transport fluid alone to achieve a clinical effect. The apparatus is placed at the point of drug delivery. The counter-electrode may be placed in or on a patient. Current is passed from the reservoir to the counter-electrode. Through electrokinetic transport, drug-containing solution is delivered along a current path from the drug source to the counter-electrode. A hollow fiber catheter for use in electrokinetic transport is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-enhanced device for substance transfer between the device and a tissue. The device comprises a substrate with substantially aligned carbon nanotubes anchored within the substrate, and with at least one end of the carbon nanotubes protruding from the substrate. The protruding nanotube ends may be coated with a drug for delivery of the drug into body tissue. The present invention may be incorporated into an angioplasty catheter balloon or into a patch that is worn on the skin. The carbon nanotubes can be grouped in clusters to effectively form nano-needles which can transfer fluid to or from the subdermal tissue. The nano-needles can be used in conjunction with a sensor to ascertain body fluid information such as pH, glucose level, etc.

Abstract: A lacrimal drainage manometer includes a syringe, a pressure sensor operably coupled to the syringe, a flow sensor operably coupled to the syringe, and a user feedback unit. The syringe includes a syringe body and a piston. The syringe body defines a fluid cavity in fluid communication with a cannula, which is configured for insertion into at least a portion of a lacrimal drainage system. The piston is for dispensing a fluid from the fluid cavity through the cannula. The user feedback unit is in electrical communication with each of the pressure sensor and the flow sensor. The user feedback unit is operably coupled to the syringe and configured to provide user feedback based on data from the pressure sensor and/or the flow sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A method and systems for treating chronic total occlusions, particularly those that are difficult to treat, is disclosed. In this approach, recanalizing the CTO is achieved using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. The proximal end of the occlusion is penetrated using an antegrade wire, using a traditional approach. Using collateral vessels, the distal end of the occlusion is crossed in a retrograde fashion. By appropriately maneuvering each member and applying radiofrequency energy between the proximal and distal ends of the occlusion, a continuous channel is created.

Abstract: A method for enhancing an immune response in a vertebrate subject is described. The method includes providing at least one energy stimulus configured to modulate one or more nervous system components of the vertebrate subject, and administering one or more immunogen to the vertebrate subject, wherein the at least one energy stimulus and the one or more immunogen are provided in a combination and in a temporal sequence sufficient to enhance an immune response in the vertebrate subject.