Abstract: A disposable set of components for an organ perfusion system comprising a fluid supply duct for supplying fluid to the organ, a fluid removal duct for removing fluid from the organ, and a surrogate organ removably connected between the fluid supply duct and the fluid removal duct so as to form a fluid circuit, so that fluid can be circulated in the circuit in preparation for connection of the organ.

Abstract: A method of monitoring neural activity responsive to a stimulus in a brain, the method comprising: applying the stimulus to one or more of at least one electrode implanted in a target neural structure of the brain; detecting a resonant response from the target neural structure evoked by the stimulus at one or more of the at least one electrode in or near the target neural structure of the brain; and determining one or more waveform characteristics of the detected resonant response.

Abstract: A system including a controller to determine an in-body time of a medical device in a patient during a medical procedure. The controller to: receive signals from at least one temperature sensor; detect insertion of the medical device into the patient by one or more of determining the temperature of the medical device and determining the change of temperature of the medical device with respect to time; increment an in-body time counter to measure the in-body time of the medical device after detecting insertion of the medical device into the patient; detect that the medical device has been removed from the patient by determining that the change of temperature of the medical device with respect to time is negative; and stop incrementing the in-body time counter in response to detecting that the medical device has been removed.

Abstract: Closed loop heat exchange catheters having bi-directional flow heat exchange regions and their methods of manufacture and use. The heat exchange region may be formed of expandable or non-expandable tubular conduit(s) that are configured in a series of loops or coiled configuration defining a supply flow path and a return flow path through which heat exchange medium is circulated. The individual loops of convolutions of the coiled configuration may be the same or different size. In some embodiments, the tubular conduit(s) may be passed through generally transverse bore holes formed in a catheter shaft so that the loops or convolutions of protrude from the catheter shaft.

Abstract: An epicardial device, system, and method for stabilizing the left atrial appendage during a left atrial appendage ligation/occlusion procedure. A cryoadhesion device including a stabilization element is positioned within the pericardial space proximate the left atrial appendage through subxiphoid access. Once the stabilization element is in contact with the left atrial appendage, the stabilization element is cooled to a temperature that is sufficient to cryoadhere the stabilization element to the left atrial appendage. In this way, the cryoadhesion device stabilizes the left atrial appendage in order to perform left atrial appendage ligation/occlusion with a secondary medical device.

Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure a method is described. According to the method, an emitter of a transcranial electromagnetic treatment (TEMT) system is positioned at a location relative to a head of a patient such that the emitter emits an electromagnetic frequency signal toward the head of the patient. The emitter is activated to apply TEMT to the patient to treat amyloid oligomers. In some examples, the TEMT has a frequency between 1 MHz and 430 THz.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating lesions in a tissue comprising a puncturing member and a probe. The puncturing member comprises a body with a proximal portion comprising a hub, a distal portion comprising a conductive tip, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal portion. The probe comprises a handle at the proximal end and a probe body, wherein the probe body is dimensioned to extend through the lumen of the puncturing member, and wherein the probe body comprises at least one displacement portion that is biased to contact the inner wall of the puncturing member when the probe is inserted into the puncturing member, whereby when the probe body contacts the inner wall, energy is delivered from the probe to the conductive tip of the puncturing member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for manipulating the temperature of a surface are provided. Devices of the present disclosure may include a thermal adjustment apparatus, such as a controller in electrical communication with one or more thermoelectric materials, placed adjacent to the surface of skin. The device may generate a series of thermal pulses at the surface, for providing an enhanced thermal sensation for a user. The thermal pulses may be characterized by temperature reversibility, where each pulse includes an initial temperature adjustment, followed by a return temperature adjustment, over a short period of time (e.g., less than 120 seconds). The average rate of temperature change upon initiation and upon return may be between about 0.1° C./sec and about 10.0° C./sec. In some cases, the average rate of the initial temperature adjustment is greater in magnitude than the average rate of the return temperature adjustment.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of using planar acoustic waves for providing non-invasive sonodynamic therapy. The method includes acoustically coupling an array of flat piezoelectric transducers to a patient. A controller is configured to generate an electrical drive signal at a frequency selected from a range of frequencies, modulate the drive signal, and drive the transducer with the modulated drive signal at the frequency to produce a modulated planar acoustic wave to produce an average acoustic intensity sufficient to activate a sonosensitizer in a treatment region without damaging healthy cells in the treatment region.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a housing defining a cavity, an inlet to receive fluid pumped from an instrument device, an outlet to return the fluid to a fluid reservoir, and a fluid channel defined inside the cavity between the inlet and the outlet. A heat pump is mounted inside the cavity, and has a side surface thermally coupled to the fluid channel and an opposite side surface thermally coupled to a plate. The heat pump is configured to induce a temperature change. A sensor unit is aligned with an aperture in the plate and includes an optical component and a thermal component. The optical component configured to measure a vascular endothelial response from the induced temperature change.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling tissue or a fluid for an elongate medical device comprising an elongate shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a shaft proximal end and a shaft distal end; a support structure located at the shaft distal end, where the support structure is expandable from a contracted state to an expanded state, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements, wherein the thermoelectric elements are located on the support structure. A medical device comprising a first catheter end shape, a second catheter end shape located distally with respect to the first catheter end shape, a support structure that extends between the first and the second catheter end shape, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements. A system for cooling a tissue or a fluid for an elongate medical device, comprising a plurality of thermoelectric elements, a thermocouple, an electronic control unit (ECU).

Abstract: A method is presented for predicting heat stroke of a subject. The method includes an earbud covered with a waterproof moisture permeable membrane allowing for moisture penetration, the earbud including an infrared (IR) temperature sensor for measuring core body temperature of the subject, wherein the IR temperature sensor is covered with a waterproof IR transmittable film to inhibit water drops from contacting a detector of the IR temperature sensor, a first humidity sensor positioned within a sweat flow path within the earbud, a second humidity sensor positioned outside the earbud, and a sodium ion (Na+) concentration sensor for measuring hydration levels of the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled to the hollow elongate member at a location that is distal to the tissue-cutting element. Movement of the actuation member can cause the tissue-cutting element to move from the insertion configuration where the tissue-cutting element is not deployed to a tissue-cutting configuration where the tissue-cutting element is deployed such that it is radially extended relative to the insertion configuration.

Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.

Abstract: A teether is provided for infant use. The teether comprises an exterior portion and a mouthpiece wherein the mouthpiece includes a substantially U-shaped biting section comprising first and second arms extending from a central portion. At least part of said central portion is resiliently collapsible upon application of pressure thereto during use of the teether by an infant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a drug or other therapy over an extended period of time (e.g., several hours, days, weeks, months, years, and so forth) are disclosed herein, as are systems and methods for monitoring various parameters associated with the treatment of a patient. Systems and methods are also disclosed herein that generally involve CED devices with various features for reducing or preventing backflow.

Abstract: System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curved cannula comprising a curved distal end configured to be extended outward from the distal opening to generate a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a treatment device to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

Abstract: A use of an umbilical splint for shaping an umbilicus after an abdominal operation is described. The umbilical splint may comprise an insertion portion extending in a longitudinal direction and terminating at an insertion end for insertion into the umbilicus. Furthermore, the insertion portion may comprise a bulbous section near the insertion end. The bulbous section may be operable to apply pressure to a tissue of the umbilicus after the abdominal operation. The insertion portion may have different cross-sectional shapes including circular and oval. Finally, the insertion portion may be configured to engage the umbilicus such that the umbilical splint is retained within the umbilicus.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure describes a medical assembly that includes a stent including a primary electrode, where the stent is configured to expand from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, a secondary electrode, and an energy source configured to deliver an electrical signal between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode through a fluid in contact with the primary electrode to cause the fluid to undergo cavitation to generate a pressure pulse wave within the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for applying energy, particularly radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy, to a living body can be used in tissue ablation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and a method for cooling living tissues for a medical purpose and other purposes. The cooling device comprises: a container configured to accommodate a cooling medium and thermally coupled with the cooling medium by directly contacting the cooling medium; a cooling generator configured to be thermally coupled with the container by a direct contact and thereby to provide cooling energy to the cooling medium; and a heat sink dissipating heat from the cooling generator, the heat sing being configured to be spaced apart from the cooling generator and to be thermally coupled with the cooling generator without a direct contact with the cooling generator.

Abstract: A medical device for tissue ablation may include a catheter shaft, an expandable member disposed on or coupled to the catheter shaft, and a plurality of elongate electrode assemblies each constructed as a flexible circuit. The expandable member may be configured to shift between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The plurality of electrode assemblies may be disposed on an outer surface of the expandable member. Each of the plurality of electrode assemblies may include a temperature sensor aligned with two or more electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ablating tissue in the living body can include a cool electrode.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve applying thermal therapy to tissue (e.g., localized cooling or heating of tissue), and in particular applying thermal therapy to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and/or nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled or heated by implanting a malleable or deformable thermal device in proximity to the targeted tissue. The thermal device can be left in place following surgery to facilitate application of post-surgical thermal therapy. In some embodiments, the thermal device can be removed post-surgery in a minimally- or non-invasive manner. The thermal device can be connectionless or can include penetrable regions, pre-attached tubing, or detachable connectors to facilitate application of cooling or heating means to the device. Methods are disclosed for utilizing thermal devices and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling or heating tissue using such devices.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ablating tissue in the living body can include a cool electrode.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

Abstract: Passive prosthetic devices for focally cooling a brain and methods for inhibiting seizures are disclosed. The prosthetic devices replace a thermally insulating bone flap with a thermally conductive insert having an inner surface that contacts the relatively warm meninges or brain and an outer surface that contacts the relatively cool scalp. In an embodiment, the prosthesis is unitary; in another, a biocompatible casing is filled with a highly conductive core; in another, a filled polymer block is attached to a plate; and in another, the bone flap is filled with a conductive polymer. In one embodiment, a filled polymer containing elements that exhibit the magnetocaloric effect provide heat transfer that can be enhanced by application of a suitable magnetic field. Focal cooling as low as 1.2° C. has been found effective at inhibiting seizures.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

Abstract: Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment of a thoracic region of a patient's body. Embodiments of the method comprise positioning an energy delivery portion of an electrosurgical device to face a segment of a thoracic vertebra at a distance from the segment; and cooling the energy delivery portion and delivering energy through the energy delivery portion.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation device provides stimulation of a person's claustrum and piriform cortex to treat seizures for persons having epilepsy, and to improve consciousness in individuals with disorders of consciousness such as coma. The stimulation device includes a stimulator that generates a stimulation signal, and one or more electrodes located near the target brain regions (Claustrum/piriform cortex). The electrode receives the stimulation signal from said stimulator and imparts the stimulation signal to the target brain regions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a medical device and a method of treating mammals, especially humans, to alleviate the symptoms, including pain, of several conditions and symptoms, including hemorrhoids, tissue inflammation and/or yeast infections, and open, draining wounds or incisions.

Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter has an inner sleeve through which refrigerant circulates to and from a source of refrigerant. The catheter also has an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve, including a distal end thereof. The outer sleeve is filled with a frozen biocompatible substance. The refrigerant is separated from the biocompatible substance by one or more walls of the inner sleeve such that the refrigerant is isolated from a patient in whom the catheter is positioned by both the inner sleeve and the frozen biocompatible substance. The refrigerant circulates through the catheter when the catheter is positioned in the patient to maintain the biocompatible substance frozen as heat is transferred from the patient to the biocompatible substance.

Abstract: A catheter has an inner sleeve through which refrigerant circulates to and from a source of refrigerant. The catheter also has an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve, including a distal end thereof. The outer sleeve is filled with a frozen biocompatible substance. The refrigerant is separated from the biocompatible substance by one or more walls of the inner sleeve such that the refrigerant is isolated from a patient in whom the catheter is positioned by both the inner sleeve and the frozen biocompatible substance. The refrigerant circulates through the catheter when the catheter is positioned in the patient to maintain the biocompatible substance frozen as heat is transferred from the patient to the biocompatible substance.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for treating a bladder within a body of a subject, including inserting one or more heaters into the bladder wall of a subject, and selectively heating the one or more heaters by a remote device.

Abstract: Disclosed are vertebroplasty methods that include cauterizing an inner cavity of a vertebra of a mammal, such as a human, and injecting bone cement into the vertebra. Systems and kits for performing such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for inducing anaesthesia in mammals by the application of RF energy to create hyperthermia derived neural anaesthesia. An RF generator drives a plurality of electrodes placed in tissue surrounding the target nerve fiber to desiccate the desired length of nerve fiber to be desiccated in a single deployment. The device allows high-speed selection/de-selection of bipolar electrode pairs or sets under continuous RF excitation. Activation of electrode pairs is adapted in response to sensed current density and temperature (by electrodes not in the current discharge activation phase) in order to create lesions of complex and well defined shape necessary for the production of hyperthermia derived neural anaesthesia.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods for modifying collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner. The methods typically include inserting a probe into a patient's urethra, transmitting electromagnetic energy from the probe to a collagneous target tissue, and cooling the tissue in the vicinity of the probe. The probe may include an expandable element at or near the distal end that is configured to expand within the patient's bladder. The expandable element may anchor the probe before or during treatment.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) with cooling. Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss and/or improved metabolic function. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by cooling tissue having a high density of cold sensitive thermoreceptors and/or by cooling BAT depots directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss and/or improved metabolic function through energy expenditure.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a vertebrate subject. A device is provided that includes one or more cooling elements configured to be applied to one or more tissues of a vertebrate subject to modulate at least one activity of brown adipose tissue of the vertebrate subject, wherein at least a portion of the one or more cooling elements is configured to be implantable, and a programmable controller configured to provide instructions to the one or more cooling elements in response to information regarding one or more physiological conditions of the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: A apparatus for performing tissue modification procedures on a patient's body can include a device, which can be adapted for connection to at least two electrodes, where temperature sensors can be incorporated into tip portions of said electrodes, a high frequency generator, which can be operatively associated with said device, wherein said generator can deliver non-simultaneously a high frequency signal output to each of said electrodes, and a feedback control circuit, which can be configured to regulate the signal output delivery to each of said electrodes so it can maintain a user settable temperature at tip portion of said electrodes when the electrodes can be in contact with the patient's body.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a vertebrate subject. A device is provided that includes one or more cooling elements configured to be applied to one or more tissues of a vertebrate subject to modulate at least one activity of brown adipose tissue of the vertebrate subject, and a programmable controller configured to provide instructions to the one or more cooling elements in response to information regarding one or more physiological conditions of the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: Closed loop heat exchange catheter systems and methods for preparing and using such systems wherein a reservoir or fluid bag is connected to the catheter system and used for at least priming of the system with a heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brain cooling device for a craniotomy patient, and more specifically, to a brain cooling device for a craniotomy for cooling the brain so as to prevent damage to the brain after a brain surgery. To this end, the present invention provides the brain cooling device for a craniotomy patient comprising: a cooling portion which is buried in such a manner to come into contact with the brain or the dura mater; and one withdrawal tube, which is one end of the cooling portion that is exposed to the exterior, wherein the withdrawal tube is exposed to the exterior by penetrating through the scalp and the cranium.

Abstract: Methods of increasing gas exchange performed by the lung by damaging lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and/or destroying airway smooth muscle tone with an apparatus inserted into an airway of the lung are disclosed. The damaging of lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and/or destroying smooth muscle tone with the apparatus may be accomplished via any one of or combinations of the following: heating the airway; cooling the airway; delivering a liquid to the airway; delivering a gas to the airway; puncturing the airway; tearing the airway; cutting the airway; applying ultrasound to the airway; and applying ionizing radiation to the airway.

Abstract: A method of performing therapy on tissue using a medical apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaft configured for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure (HAS) and has a tissue sensor and a therapeutic energy application device both located on the shaft. The method comprises: receiving electrical power at a first power level and directing the first-level power to the tissue sensor and not to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling tissue sensing with the tissue sensor; receiving electrical power at a second power level higher than the first-level power; and, in response to receipt of the second-level power, directing the second-level power to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling performance of therapy on the tissue with the therapeutic energy application device. Additional methods and apparatus are disclosed as well.