Abstract: A system for controlling an implantable medical device (e.g., a drug delivery device) susceptible to malfunctioning during exposure to a magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field (e.g., during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure) and a method for operating the same. Exposure of the implantable device to the magnetic field and/or the Radio Frequency field is detected using the sensing device. When the detected magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold level, an input signal is generated at the microcontroller.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of compositions, methods, devices, systems, kits, or products regarding rejuvenation or preservation of germ cells or gametes. Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods of modifying germ cells or gametes, or methods of administering modified germ cells or gametes to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for delivering a therapeutic substance including a housing and a volume sensor assembly. The housing includes a stationary wall and maintains a reservoir containing the therapeutic substance and including a base wall movable relative to the stationary wall such that reservoir volume is a function of a spacing between the base wall and the stationary wall. The volume sensor assembly includes a cap, a shaft, a target, and circuitry. The cap defines a passage extending from an open end, and is mounted to the stationary wall such that the open end is open relative to a stationary wall inner face. The shaft has a first end attached to the base wall and a second end maintaining the target otherwise movably arranged within the passage. The circuitry generates information indicative of a longitudinal position of the target relative to the cap, and thus of the reservoir volume.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for delivering an active agent formulation for a predetermined administration period. An impermeable reservoir is divided into a water-swellable agent chamber and an active agent formulation chamber. Fluid from the environment is imbibed through a semipermeable plug into the water-swellable agent chamber and the active agent formulation is released through a back-diffusion regulating outlet. Delivery periods of up to 2 years are achieved.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling biological substances found in the bloodstream include implanting in-vivo a pedestal such that a sensor mounted on the pedestal extends into the bone marrow for sensing the biological substance. A transmitter is included for transmitting signals from the sensor to a receiver. An apparatus that includes a monitoring device and a drug delivery device and components to communicate between the monitoring and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: A single or multi-port vascular access device including one or more reservoirs each covered by a needle-penetrable, self-sealing septum. The one or more reservoirs each open to an outlet in a stem to which the catheter is attached. The reservoir may be generally circular or ellipsoid in shape and large enough so that fluid movement into and out of the needle is unimpeded. In order to maximize flow between the reservoir and catheter and to minimize any regions of impeded or low fluid flow where coagulation or cell shearing may occur, the fluid passage leading from the reservoir through the outlet into the catheter is defined by unique tapered and tangential geometries. For example, the outlet surface may be globally tangent along the entire reservoir surface, or may be globally tangent along only one side of the reservoir surface.

Abstract: The implantable drug delivery device comprises at least an implantable pump, a reservoir and a delivery chamber.

Abstract: An implantable port for accessing internal body structures, the port comprises a proximal housing including an opening providing access to an interior of the port and a distal housing adapted for assembly with the proximal housing, the distal housing including a reservoir which, when the distal housing is mated with the proximal housing is in fluid communication with the opening of the proximal housing in combination with a radiopaque element in one of the proximal and distal housings, a shape of the radiopaque element identifying, when imaged, a structural characteristic of the port not otherwise identifiable visually.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which contain one or more polymeric regions. These polymeric regions, in turn, contain one or more polymers, at least one of which is a copolymer that includes the following: (a) one or more unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer species and (b) one or more heteroatom-containing monomer species.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a pressure sensor of an implantable medical device. The pressure sensor may utilize detect fluid pressure based on a changing capacitance between two capacitive elements. The pressure sensor may define at least a portion of a fluid enclosure of the IMD. In one example, the pressure sensor has a self-aligning housing shape that occludes an opening in the pump bulkhead of the IMD. An operative surface of the pressure and the portion of the fluid enclosure may be formed of a corrosion resistant and/or biocompatible material. A first capacitive element of the pressure sensor may be a metal alloy diaphragm that deflects in response to external fluid pressure. A second capacitive element of the pressure sensor may be a metal coating on a rigid insulator sealed from the fluid by the diaphragm and a housing of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for infusing medication into a patient's body using a medication chamber referenced to ambient pressure. The apparatus includes a medication chamber enclosed by a peripheral wall which includes a movable portion configured to transfer exterior ambient pressure into the chamber. Means are provided for exerting a negative bias force acting on the movable portion in a direction opposed to the ambient pressure force. Thus, the resultant pressure in the chamber will be negative with respect to ambient pressure, reducing the risk that the chamber can be overpressurized and produce an unintended medication discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a therapeutic agent is provided. The apparatus, in an embodiment, includes an ozone generator connected to a scavenger and an ozone administrator via network of tubing and valves. When activated and the valves placed in the proper position, the ozone generator will fill the ozone administrator with ozone. The ozone generator can then be turned off and the valves moved so that the administrator can be disconnected from the remainder of the apparatus. The administrator is typically in the form of a syringe and needle. Once the syringe and needle is filled with ozone, the needle can be inserted into a tissue and the ozone expressed therefrom into the tissue. Various other apparatuses and methods are also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising an ingestible capsule which measures at least one body parameter and starts a drug release program upon predefined changes in the body parameter.

Abstract: A penis erection stimulation system comprises one or more infusion needles disposed within and implanted along with one or more housings adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa. A reservoir and a pump are also implanted inside the patient's body to supply the infusion needle with infusion liquid. A drive unit also adapted for implantation inside the patient's body is arranged for advancing and retracting the tip end of the infusion needle such that it penetrates the housing in at least one penetration area, preferably in two different penetration areas either simultaneously or in immediate time succession, thereby injecting drugs along with the infusion liquid into the patient's body for stimulating penis erection. The drive unit is provided for implantation remote from the injection area and comprises a mechanical drive element for transmitting kinetic energy from a remote location within the patient's body to the at least one infusion needle.

Abstract: Drug pump devices may be remotely controlled and/or reprogrammed by a smartphone or other wireless handheld device.

Abstract: A communication device (CD) exchanges messages with an implantable infusion pump via telemetry such that commands are supplied thereto and operational information is obtained therefrom. The CD is controlled, at least in part, by a processor IC according to a software program operating therein and provides feedback to a user via a visual display, an audio alarm, and a vibrational alarm, and allows input from the user via a touch sensitive keypad. Certain input functions are restricted by password. The visual display includes an icon and fixed element display region and a bitmap display region. The fixed element display region includes time and date displays, battery and drug level displays that decrement, and a moving delivery state display. Various screens allow operational or log information to be displayed and/or user entry of commands. Program features when disabled are removed from a series of screen options that can be scrolled through.

Abstract: An at least partly implantable system for injecting a substance into a patient's body, in particular a penis erection stimulation system, comprises an infusion device (11) adapted for implantation inside the patient's body and at least one reservoir (R1, R2) adapted for implantation inside the patient's body in fluid connection with the infusion device to supply to the infusion device a substance to be injected into the patient's body. The reservoir comprises at least one first compartment accommodating or adapted to accommodate a first substance and at least one second compartment accommodating or adapted to accommodate a second substance, in particular a drug for stimulating penis erection. As a penis erection stimulation system, the infusion device preferably comprises one or more infusion needles disposed within and implanted along with one or more housings adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa.

Abstract: An implantable infusion system includes at least two controllable fluid transfer devices that may be used to transfer different fluid flows to the same or different body sites.

Abstract: An implantable infusion pump possesses operational functionality that is, at least in part, controlled by software operating in two processor ICs which are configured to perform some different and some duplicate functions. The pump exchanges messages with an external device via telemetry. Each processor controls a different part of the drug infusion mechanism such that both processors must agree on the appropriateness of drug delivery for infusion to occur. Delivery accumulators are incremented and decremented with delivery requests and with deliveries made. When accumulated amounts reach or exceed, quantized deliverable amounts, infusion is made to occur. The accumulators are capable of being incremented by two or more independent types of delivery requests. Operational modes of the infusion device are changed automatically in view of various system errors that are trapped, various system alarm conditions that are detected, and when excess periods of time lapse between pump and external device interactions.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.

Abstract: Liquid polyoxaester polymer materials are provided as suspending vehicles suitable for dispensing of pharmaceutically active agents, such as proteins, from delivery devices, for example, pump-driven dosage forms. Polyoxaesters are made from at least one diacid and at least one diol. Through the use of polyoxaesters virtually solvent-free pharmaceutical suspensions can be created.

Abstract: A medical device system comprises a reservoir configured to store a therapeutic fluid and a medical pump configured to deliver the therapeutic fluid from the reservoir to a patient. The system also comprises a sensor that can detect a characteristic associated with the pump and a processor to determine if the characteristic detected indicates the reservoir is empty or near empty. The characteristic may comprise a property associated with the energization of an actuation mechanism configured to be energized to provide a pump stroke. The characteristic may also comprise a characteristic of a noise made by an actuator within the pump at the end of a pump stroke.

Abstract: A method for titrating a drug to provide a medical therapy to a patient. The method includes the steps of providing an implantable medical device having a controller, providing one or more implantable sensors configured to sense physical parameters of the patient and configured to transmit signals to the controller. The method further includes the step of receiving signals from the one or more sensors at the controller. The method additionally includes processing the received signals to determine at least two cardiopulmonary characteristics of the patient. The method also includes determining a composite index based on the at least two cardiopulmonary characteristics. In addition, the method includes generating a signal based on the composite index. Medical device systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A body-insertable apparatus which can make the volume smaller by simplifying a mechanism taking in or throwing out predetermined fluid is realized. The body-insertable apparatus has a configuration having, in a housing, a balloon member, a communication adjusting mechanism, a control circuit, and a power source part and forms a storage chamber by the balloon member and an outer circumferential member (sheet holding substrate and part of the housing) covering the outer surface of the balloon member. In the body-insertable apparatus, a first communication pipe communicated with the inner space of the balloon member and a second communication pipe communicated with the outer space are formed. The communication adjusting mechanism communicates the first communication pipe with the second communication pipe based on an electric current output from the control circuit. The inner space of the balloon member is communicated with the outside of the body-insertable apparatus.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for delivering an active agent formulation for a predetermined administration period. An impermeable reservoir is divided into a water-swellable agent chamber and an active agent formulation chamber. Fluid from the environment is imbibed through a semipermeable plug into the water-swellable agent chamber and the active agent formulation is released through a back-diffusion regulating outlet. Delivery periods of up to 2 years are achieved.

Abstract: A body-insertable apparatus including a balloon for storing a medical fluid in a capsule-like casing, and an injection needle including an elastic membrane. The body-insertable apparatus discharges the medical fluid due to contraction of the balloon, applies a discharge pressure of the medical fluid to the elastic membrane to expand the elastic membrane, and projects the injection needle from the casing due to the expansion of the elastic membrane. Further, the body-insertable apparatus has a channel forming unit for forming a channel connecting to the balloon and a channel connecting to the injection needle, and a communication adjusting mechanism. The communication adjusting mechanism adjusts a communicated state between the channels and, thereby controlling the start of medical-fluid discharge operation by the balloon.

Abstract: The invention relates to sustained release implants and to methods for treating eyes, particularly the eyes of mammals having eye disorders or diseases. By using the implants and methods described herein, the delivery of the one or more bioactive agents can be localized at a desired treatment site, particularly the choroid and the retina.

Abstract: An implantable infusion system includes at least two controllable fluid transfer devices that may be used to transfer different fluid flows to the same or different body sites.

Abstract: A control assembly for implantation in a patient comprises a first unit adapted for subcutaneous implantation at a first side of a body tissue of said patient, a second unit adapted for implantation in a body cavity of said patient at a second side of said body tissue, wherein at least one of the first and the second unit is adapted to control an implanted powered medical device, and an interconnecting device adapted for mechanical interconnection of the first and second units to keep the assembly in place by the body tissue, the interconnecting device having a cross-sectional area which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first unit and the second unit in a plane parallel to the extension of the body tissue.

Abstract: An improved weight and growth stimulant for domesticated animals such as cattle, pigs and sheep is comprised of an anabolic agent that is subcutaneously administered in the form of a dual release implant formulation. Increased gains are particularly improved when zeranol is administered in an immediate-release and controlled-release formulation which allows for a one-time dosage injection.

Abstract: Lumen-traveling devices capable of controlled material release and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, as well as additional components such as a sensor, a material release portion, and/or control circuitry. In some embodiments, a sensor may be used to detect a local condition, and a material may be released from the device in response.

Abstract: A battery comprises a tubular housing. An external surface of the tubular housing comprises a biocompatible material. The battery further comprises a battery header secured to an open end of the tubular housing, and the tubular housing and the battery header combine to form a substantially sealed enclosure. The battery also comprises one or more voltaic cells within the substantially sealed enclosure, and a feedthrough electrically connected to the voltaic cells and extending through the battery header to form a battery terminal. The battery header includes a radial groove opposite the tubular housing, and the radial groove is configured to receive a mating snap-fit electronic component subassembly of an implantable medical device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infusion device for therapeutic use comprising a water-tight cover 1 in the form of a housing, a housing part or a receptacle for holding said infusion device and a control system which is used for controlling the cover 1 water tightness and comprises c) a medium arranged in the cover 1 and characterised by at least one physical or chemical quantity variable according to the cover water tightness and d) an information system 6, 8, 9 which automatically transmits at least one information signal when said quantity changes in such a way that the loss of the cover 1 water tightness is indicated.

Abstract: Provided are a bacterium-based microrobot for medical treatment, an operation method thereof, and a treatment method using the same. The bacterium-based microrobot can be propelled by the flagellum movement of bacteria, can be directed toward a target lesion by the ability of bacteria to recognize the lesion, can be monitored for how many the microrobot targets the lesion, and can directly or indirectly treat the lesion by the proliferation of bacteria through self-division in the lesion. The bacteria may be genetically manipulated to be resistant to immune responses and produce a material inhibitory of the growth of affected cells.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for pumping fluids such as fluid medications are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide an osmotic pump fluid delivery apparatus including elements designed to control the fluid delivery rate. Typical embodiments of the invention include an arrangement of elements such as solute reservoirs that can manipulate the solute concentrations within an inner osmotic compartment or compartments of an osmotic pump so as to control fluid delivery from the pump. Other embodiments include sealed electro-osmotic pumps that do not discharge ions into the surroundings or require water from an external source. These embodiments of the invention provide new ways to control fluid delivery in apparatuses that employ osmotic processes to function.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for use with an external detector to detect an analyte in vivo. In one embodiment, the device consisting essentially of a substrate; a plurality of discrete reservoirs located in the substrate, each reservoir having at least one opening; a reacting component contained in each reservoir; and at least one non-degradable barrier layer covering each reservoir opening, the barrier layer being permeable to an analyte to be detected, wherein the reacting component remains inside the reservoirs and can react with the analyte to be detected, and wherein the device is adapted for implantation into the body of a patient.

Abstract: Low profile inlet valve embodiments for a piston pump therapeutic substance infusion device are disclosed that reduce dead volume, occupies little residential space, operates rapidly, and have many other improvements. The therapeutic substance infusion device has a housing, a therapeutic substance reservoir, a power source carried in the housing, electronics, a piston pump, and an inlet valve. The piston pump is configured for pumping therapeutic substance from the therapeutic substance reservoir through an infusion port at a programmed rate. The inlet valve is in fluid communication with a reservoir outlet to control the flow of therapeutic substance into the piston pump. The inlet valve has a substantially coplanar valve surface and valve spring. Many embodiments of the low profile inlet valve and its methods of operation are possible.

Abstract: An implantable medical device including a two piece actuator member which comprises a monocrystaline piston and a magnetizable pole. The monocrystalline piston is positioned within a piston channel having a surface having a titanium-oxide layer. The monocrystalline piston is selectively movable within the piston bore to permit intake and output of fluids.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices include a sensor module capable of detecting an indicator of infection in proximity to the device. The sensor module is activated following a detection of an event associated with the device, such as, for example, refill of an implantable infusion device or implantation. The sensor module is deactivated two or more hours following activation. Methods include detecting a first event associated with an implanted medical device; activating a sensor module of the implanted medical device at or after the detection of the first event; deactivating the sensor module two hours or more after the sensor module is activated; and determining whether information regarding the indicator of infection is indicative of an infection.

Abstract: Eye wall anchored fixtures each including at least one elongated anchor member for driven lengthwise insertion into an eye's eye wall in a transverse direction to its thickness for supporting an intraocular device in the eye's vitreous cavity. Fixtures are preferably anchored in circumferential incisions in a human adult eye's pars plana preferably 3.5 mm posterior to its corneal limbus, and perpendicular to a circumferential incision. The fixtures are either generally L-shaped with a single elongated anchor member designed for withdrawal from an eye wall or self-anchoring thereinto, or generally T-shaped with a pair of oppositely directed self-anchoring elongated anchor members for sealing a throughgoing incision. Intraocular devices can be designed for intraocular drug delivery, for acquiring intraocular physiological measurements, and the like.

Abstract: A method of delivering a fluid medication to a patient under direction of a medical professional continually at a basal rate and at an interval rate in each of a plurality of time slots over a specified period of time. The total dose of the fluid medication to be delivered to the patient over the period of time based on the basal rate and the interval rate for each of the plurality of time slots is determined, compared the total dose against a maximum dose. The basal rate is adjusted, if necessary, so that the total dose does not exceed the maximum dose.

Abstract: A device and a method for working with electromagnetic fields, specifically those fields that occur in image-guided nuclear spin tomography examinations (MRT or MRI). More precisely, the invention concerns an at least partially implanted medical device (IMD) that permits the delivery of electrical stimulation impulses by an electrode only in timeframes, in which no electromagnetic interferences are recognized and/or the control unit performs a reconstruction of electrical measurements for the timeframes in which electromagnetic interferences are recognized.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for delivering a therapeutic substance to a delivery site in a patient. A reservoir holds a supply of the fluid therapeutic substance. A catheter has a proximal end, a delivery region and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the delivery region. The proximal end of the catheter is operatively coupled to the reservoir. The delivery region of the catheter is adapted to be placed proximate the delivery site in the patient. The therapeutic substance is adapted to be delivered through the lumen to the patient. A sensing device is operatively coupled with the lumen of the catheter being capable of detecting a pressure of the therapeutic substance in the lumen. A controller is operatively coupled to the sensing device, the controller being capable of taking an action in response to the pressure in the lumen.

Abstract: An implantable infusion device includes a positive pressure reservoir, a pump, a flow restrictor, and an outlet. The device includes a first fluid flow path from the reservoir to the outlet, where the pump is downstream of the reservoir, and the outlet is downstream of the pump. The device further includes a second fluid flow path from the reservoir to the outlet, where the flow restrictor is downstream of the reservoir, and the outlet is downstream of the restrictor. The device may also include one or more controllable, MRI-safe valves to select whether fluid is delivered via the first or second flow path.

Abstract: A device for placement in an environment, particularly a humid environment, for delivery of medication to said environment. The device comprises a reservoir (103) having an orifice (104), a conveying unit for conveying a reservoir's content (106) through the orifice (104) and an actuator arrangement for driving the conveying unit. In order to provide a reliable delivery of medication in a humid environment, the conveying unit comprises an auger (110) extending in the reservoir (103).

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: where X and Y are each independently H, halo, or C1-C6 straight or branched chain substituted or unsubstituted alkyl.

Abstract: Infusion pump for the delivery of a quantity of a medicament to the body of a patient determinable by means of an electronic control device, the pump being provided with a computer for calculating the maximum permitted administration quantity for each case as a function of the previously delivered quantity and with a blocking device for preventing further administration of the medicament on exceeding a predetermined, permitted maximum value, in which the computer determines the quantity or concentration of the active substance in the body of the patient resulting from the delivered medicament quantity and its breaking down in the body and compares it with the predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a module for a computer interface including a transducer wherein the transducer receives a measurement value and makes this measurement value available for monitoring an individual's health by means of the computer interface, for example, for monitoring an individual's blood glucose level, wherein the measurement value is obtained by means of a sensor.

Abstract: A magnetically controlled pump is implanted into the brain of a patient and delivers a plurality of medicating agents mixed with Avastin at a controlled rate corresponding to the specific needs of the patient. The current invention comprises a flexible double walled pouch that is formed from two layers of polymer. The pouch is alternately expanded and contracting by magnetic solenoid. When contracted, the medicating agent Avastin is pushed out of the pouch through a plurality of needles. When the pouch is expanded, surrounding cerebral fluid is drawn into the space between the double walls of the pouch from which it is drawn through a catheter to an analyzer. In cases where a tumor resection is not performed, an intratumoral catheter will be implanted. Cerebral fluid drawn from the patient is analyzed. The operation of the apparatus and hence the treatment is remotely controlled based on these measurements and displayed through an external controller.