Abstract: A peripheral nerve stimulator can be used to stimulate a peripheral nerve to treat essential tremor, Parkinsonian tremor, and other forms of tremor. The stimulator can have electrodes that are placed circumferentially around the patient's wrist or arm. Specific nerves in the wrist or arm can be targeted by appropriate spacing of the electrodes. Positioning the electrodes on generally opposing sides of the target nerve can result in improved stimulation of the nerve. The stimulation pattern may alternate between the nerves. Improved stimulation algorithms can incorporate tremor feedback, external data, predictive adaptation, and long-term monitoring data.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses (e.g., systems and devices) and methods of delivering nanosecond pulsed electrical fields (nsPEF). In particular, these apparatuses and methods may provide enhanced safety and robust operation over even very short (e.g., nanosecond and sub-nanosecond pulses) and high voltage pulsing; these benefits may be accomplished by multi-functional isolation of various subsystems and components of the apparatus, even including the low-voltage, control and command portions of the apparatus with extremely low capacitance, high voltage isolation.

Abstract: A peripheral nerve stimulator can be used to stimulate a peripheral nerve to treat essential tremor, Parkinsonian tremor, and other forms of tremor. The stimulator can have electrodes that are placed circumferentially around the patient's wrist or arm. Specific nerves in the wrist or arm can be targeted by appropriate spacing of the electrodes. Positioning the electrodes on generally opposing sides of the target nerve can result in improved stimulation of the nerve. The stimulation pattern may alternate between the nerves. Improved stimulation algorithms can incorporate tremor feedback, external data, predictive adaptation, and long-term monitoring data.

Abstract: An improved laser-therapy device for the treatment of acupuncture points, which comprises: a control unit; laser emitting means associated to said control unit; means for generating an emission signal, which are functionally associated to said control unit and to said laser emitting means; and means for modulating said emission signal, which are designed to generate a modulated signal, wherein said modulated signal derives from a first square-wave modulation at a frequency of 100 Hz combined with a second square-wave modulation at a frequency of between 1 and 2 Hz, characterized in that a third square-wave modulation at a frequency of between 50 and 200 Hz is provided, combined, respectively, with said first and second modulations, characterized in that a third square-wave modulation at a frequency of between 5 and 20 Hz is provided, combined, respectively, with said first and second modulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end piece intended for equipping a device for cosmetic treatment of keratin materials with an electric current, the end piece comprising an application member (6) comprising an electrode (1) and a counter electrode (2), said electrode (1) and counter electrode (2) being separated from one another by an electrically insulating zone (3).

Abstract: Energy is transmitted noninvasively to a patient using electrode-based stimulation devices or magnetic stimulation devices that are designed to non-invasively stimulate nerves selectively. The devices produce impulses that are used to treat atrial fibrillation, by stimulating a vagus nerve of a patient. The devices are also used to forecast the imminent onset of atrial fibrillation and then avert it by stimulating a vagus nerve.

Abstract: A portable device for treating the bites or stings of insects and harmful creatures, comprising a monolithic containing body made in a single piece and defining an internal housing space, a piezoelectric element configured for producing a predetermined difference in electrical potential, and an actuating element operable by a user and associated with said piezoelectric element to impart to the piezoelectric element a predetermined state of stress/deformation; the actuating element, the piezoelectric element and the discharge area are aligned along the operating axis. The monolithic containing body presenting a bottom part developing along the operating axis below a guide and housing portion, the bottom part defining part of the internal housing space with an overall span orthogonal to the operating axis which is constantly smaller than an overall span of the internal housing space defined by the guide and housing portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus and method for treatment of pain by a device that provides transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The device includes an applicator equipped with an electric pulse provider that sends an electric pulse to a set of electrodes disposed in an applicator head. The device is placed onto the skin of a patient's body at the point where the patient experiences pain and such that the electrodes of the device contact the skin of the patient while an insulating land area between the electrodes compresses the nerve during transmittal of the electric pulse through the electrodes and into the patient's body.

Abstract: A handheld apparatus (100) provides a treatment level current to an outer conductive surface of the human body and includes an electrically conductive polyvinyl case (105) that provides a handhold to a user and an electrical ground to an apparatus circuit contained therein, the electrically conductive polyvinyl case (105) being electrically connected to a metal probe tip (170) which is electrically connected to a microchip (210) which provides the treatment level current to the metal probe tip, the treatment level current traveling through the outer conductive surface of the human body with the electrically conductive polyvinyl case (105) completing the apparatus circuit.

Abstract: An electro-optical tissue stimulator for administering therapy to a body is disclosed comprising a housing and an active tip. The electro-optical tissue stimulator includes a microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit which delivers current through a first and a second electrode in the active tip. The electro-optical tissue stimulator also includes an optical radiation therapy unit which delivers optical radiation through a light output port in the active tip. The active tip is shaped for administering myofascial tissue release therapy. The device can administer microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy to tissues of a body. A method of treating pain is disclosed which includes the steps of identifying a treatment area on a body to receive therapy, and contacting the treatment area with the active tip, wherein the treatment area receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy.

Abstract: A portable device for treating the bites or stings of insects and harmful creatures, comprising a monolithic containing body made in a single piece and defining an internal housing space, a piezoelectric element configured for producing a predetermined difference in electrical potential, and an actuating element operable by a user and associated with said piezoelectric element to impart to the piezoelectric element a predetermined state of stress/deformation; the actuating element, the piezoelectric element and the discharge area are aligned along the operating axis. The monolithic containing body presenting a bottom part developing along the operating axis below a guide and housing portion, the bottom part defining part of the internal housing space with an overall span orthogonal to the operating axis which is constantly smaller than an overall span of the internal housing space defined by the guide and housing portion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device can have a housing and an electrode defining an energizable surface at least partially positioned externally of the housing. The electrode can move longitudinally relative to the housing. A shank of the electrode can be positioned within the housing and configured to urge against an energizable element in the housing. The energizable element can have a longitudinally movable electrical coupler configured to electrically couple with the shank portion when the shank portion urges against the energizable element. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal paddle electrode includes: an electrode which is to be in contact with a living body to apply a voltage; a cable which includes a voltage supply path that extends between a voltage supply source and the electrode; a handle which includes: a first portion that supports the electrode and is hermetically sealed with the electrode; and a second portion that is connected to the cable and is hermetically sealed with the cable; and a gas passage through which a gas in the handle communicates with external air that is outside the handle.

Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulator shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in contact with the electrodes. The conducting medium is also in contact with an interface element that may conform to the contour of a target body surface of the patient when the interface element is applied to that surface. When the interface element is made of insulating (dielectric) material, and disclosed stimulation waveforms are used, the power source need not supply high voltage, in order to capacitively stimulate the target nerve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for stimulating hair growth in a pre-determined area of skin, comprising: means (31) for generating high-voltage alternating current, means (35, 36) for generating a variable electric field from the high-voltage alternating current generated, and means (11) for applying the generated variable electric field to a pre-determined area of skin. In addition, the means for generating a variable electric field include at least two radiating elements (35, 36), while the means for generating high-voltage alternating current include a transformer (31), the primary of said transformer being disposed in relation to the core in such a way that, during operation, the radiating elements (35, 36) generate a variable electric field with a radiation pattern that concentrates its energy close to the means (11) for applying the variable electric field.

Abstract: An electro-optical tissue stimulator for administering therapy to a body is disclosed comprising a housing and an active tip. The electro-optical tissue stimulator includes a microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit which delivers current through a first and a second electrode in the active tip. The electro-optical tissue stimulator also includes an optical radiation therapy unit which delivers optical radiation through a light output port in the active tip. The active tip is shaped for administering myofascial tissue release therapy. The device can administer microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy to tissues of a body. A method of treating pain is disclosed which includes the steps of identifying a treatment area on a body to receive therapy, and contacting the treatment area with the active tip, wherein the treatment area receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy.

Abstract: A method and system of conditioning human skin and hair using a hand-held skin/hair conditioner having interchangeable interface conductors that are contoured to enhance electrical conductivity between the conditioner and a variety of body areas. Each of the interchangeable interface conductors are preferably formed to maximize surface area contact with a variety of body surfaces such as scalp/hair, body skin, and facial skin. In a preferred embodiment, the skin/hair conditioner is formed to fit comfortably and controllably in a user's grasp while providing maximum contact with the selected body surface. The skin/hair conditioner includes an audio signal generator and a vibration mechanism to alert a user of a change in status of the conditioner. The interface conductors may be (1) smoothly rounded, (2) include teeth, (3) spherical or hemispherical (4) include multiple rounded nodules.

Abstract: Signal generator and signal generator system for electrostimulation and the promotion of joint health, and related methods, kits and articles of manufacture.

Abstract: A method of treating a waste evacuation dysfunction comprising administering transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) to at least one lower pelvic and/or sacral region for a specific treatment regimens. Also disclosed is a system for configuring a stimulation device to deliver transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) the system comprising: a computing device storing or having access to a plurality or TES settings and comprising a user interface to enable authorised selection of at least on of the TES settings for provision of TES by the stimulation device according to the at least one selected TES setting and the stimulation device communicatively coupled to the computing device to receive and store the selected at least one TES setting the stimulation device being of a size to be readily carried on a body and configured to selectively provide current to external electrode according to the one TES setting.

Abstract: Composite electrode pads/plugs are configured to be utilized in an electrical stimulator device, particularly one designed to provide surface-applied electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (eToims®). The composite pads/plugs include a porous liquid absorbent (e.g., felt) plug sized to be placed in a receptacle of the stimulator device, and a composite pad of porous liquid absorbent (e.g., cotton) material that covers the plug. In an embodiment, the composite pad is formed of cotton stuffing material encased between two sheets of cotton mesh/pad material. The composite pads/plugs can serve to increase, and improve wetting of, the surface area which contacts the patient and delivers the electrical stimulation. In addition to convenience of application, the disclosed structures have been found to help reduce sharp pain felt by the patient during stimulation, without interfering with the ability of the electricity to penetrate deeply in order to provide effective eToims®.

Abstract: A portable device for treating the bites or stings of insects and harmful creatures, comprising:—a piezoelectric element (2) capable of producing a predetermined difference in electrical potential;—an actuating element (3) operable by a user and associated with said piezoelectric element (2) to impart to it a predetermined state of stress/deformation;—a discharge area (4) electrically connected to the piezoelectric element (2) and positionable in proximity to an area of a patient which has been bitten/stung to impart to it an electrical discharge generated by said difference in electrical potential; characterised in that it comprises furthermore a monolithic containing body (5) capable of housing the piezoelectric element (2), the actuating element (3) and the discharge area (4).

Abstract: A apparatus for the electro-physiologic stimulation of the human nervous system includes an electrical assembly having an integrated circuit (IC) producing a sequence of physiologically compatible electromagnetic waveforms, the IC having ungrounded positive and negative outputs of the waveforms, a battery in electrical communication with the IC board, a positive electrode pad in electrical communication with positive outputs of the waveforms, a lower housing in which the IC battery and positive electrode pad are secured, and an upper housing in press-swivel contact with an outer periphery of the lower housing in which 360 degrees of rotation of the upper housing relative to the lower housing is enabled. Also included is a flexible housing for an electrical cable in electrical communication with an opposite end of the cable, carrying the negative sides of the waveforms, and a negative electrode pad in electrical communication with the conductive plate.

Abstract: Non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches), irrespective of whether those symptoms arise from an allergy that is co-morbid with the headache. The disclosed methods may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.

Abstract: A hand held electrostimulation device includes a housing that has a first housing part and a second housing part, at least one first electrode carried by the first housing part and at least one second electrode carried by the second housing part. The electrostimulation device has a controller to control a supply of electricity to the electrodes. The first and second electrodes are spaced apart and the spacing of the electrodes is adjustable by relative to movement of the first and second housing parts.

Abstract: A medical device, in particular for electroporation treatment, characterized by having: a thimble-like main body fitted, in use, to a hand of an operator; and a member connected to the main body and fitted with needles by which the operator performs the therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique, user-friendly, disposable electrode to be used on metallic probes which are used in electromedical devices, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) and microcurrent electrical therapy (MET) devices and other electrical simulators for applying electricity through the skin to the human or animal body. Additionally, the present invention describes a box for the storage and retrieval of the probe.

Abstract: An intestinal peristalsis detecting device comprises a radio frequency (RF) signal generator, an antenna, and a mixer. After the RF signal generator sends a pulse signal, the antenna receives the pulse signal and emits a pulse electromagnetic wave to an organism. Thereafter, the antenna receives a response pulse electromagnetic wave reflected from the organism to generate a response pulse signal. The mixer couples with the RF signal generator and the antenna to mix the pulse signal and the response pulse signal.

Abstract: A device for treating a skin condition is provided. The device comprises a delivery system for administering a composition to the skin disorder. The delivery system includes an electrode for delivering a composition to the skin of a person and a counter electrode. The device also includes a drainage system which includes a channel for removing material from a person's skin and a pump in communication with the channel The device further includes a control system for powering and controlling the electrode system.

Abstract: A method for locating neural tissue in a patient body may involve: advancing a probe along a natural tissue interface between the neural tissue and another tissue in the body, the probe having a first surface oriented toward the neural tissue and a second surface oriented away from the neural tissue; delivering a first electrical current to a first electrode along the first surface of the probe; delivering a second electrical current to a second electrode along the second surface of the probe; and verifying that the first surface of the advanced probe remains oriented toward the neural tissue and the second surface remains oriented away from the neural tissue by monitoring neural response to the first and second electrical currents.

Abstract: A device for electrokinetic delivery of medicament to a treatment site includes a cartridge having an active electrode and a membrane overlying the active electrode and a medicament or a medicament and an electrically conductive carrier therefor, carried by the membrane in electrical contact with the electrode. The electrode opens through a surface of the cartridge remote from the membrane for connection with an electrical connector carried by the device. An locking element releasably couples the cartridge to the housing.

Abstract: A selective nerve stimulation patch includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, integrated components overlying the top surface of the substrate and being electrically interconnected with one another for generating at least one nerve stimulating signal, electrodes integrated into the substrate and exposed at the bottom surface thereof for applying the at least one nerve stimulating signal to a target nerve, a waterproof, breathable cover overlying the substrate and the integrated components, and a support flange surrounding the substrate and coupling the cover and the substrate together. The support flange has a top surface that slopes downwardly toward an outer perimeter thereof, and at least a portion of the cover conforms to the sloping top surface of the support flange. In one embodiment, the patch generates a high frequency waveform with properties such as amplitude, frequency and the like chosen so as to overcome tissue impedance and the stimulation threshold of the target nerve.

Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.

Abstract: An electrotherapy device having an array of post electrodes that includes a body housing having a top surface; a plurality of apertures formed through the top surface of the body housing; a support member positioned within the body housing; and a plurality of post electrodes extending from the support member, through the apertures formed through the top surface of the body housing to form an array of post electrodes, wherein each of the post electrodes is formed of substantially rigid, electrically conductive material, wherein each post electrode terminates with a relatively blunt or rounded surface, and wherein each post electrode is electrically coupled to each other post electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treatment device for applying electrical impulses to a living body through the skin, for treating a variety of clinical conditions. The device comprises a pair of electrodes for contact with the skin, and a waveform generator for repeatedly generating an AC waveform for applying electrical impulses through the electrodes to the skin. A detector detects changes in the skin impedance and generates detector output signals representing the skin impedance. Means responsive to the detector output signals for monitor the responsivity of the skin, and indicator means activated by the monitoring means generate a first indication when a predetermined level of responsivity is reached and a second indication when a pre-determined treatment has been administered.

Abstract: An external defibrillator enclosure for use in conjunction with a defibrillator accessory, such as an electrode pad assembly, includes a front panel and a rear panel which are mated together and secured by a coupling means. The enclosure also includes a plate secured by a coupling means to the second panel. The plate and second panel are positioned relative to each other to form a slot that is sized to receive a portion of the electrode assembly. The enclosure also includes a connector port that allows for the electrode pad assembly to be pre-connected to the electronics within the enclosure. The electrode pad assembly includes a cable and a connector at the end of the cable, and the exterior face of enclosure rear panel includes a groove that is sized to receive and retain the cable. The groove holds the cable in place against the surface of the enclosure while the cable is connected to the connector port.

Abstract: An electrical nerve stimulator includes a main probe device receiving a current signal generated by a current generator. The main probe device includes a probe disposed in a housing and having a tip extending outwardly of a tubular end portion of the housing, and a cover mounted detachably on the end portion of the housing and having a flexible absorbent cap portion for covering the tip of the probe. The main probe device is operable so as to generate a stimulating signal based on the current signal from the current generator and to output the stimulating signal through the probe.

Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.

Abstract: A pair of functional metal ion bands are provided. The pair of functional metal ion bands are attached to meridians and acupoints of the human body in a simple manner to induce a smooth flow of current in the body, thereby rapidly changing a disease condition to a normal state. The pair of functional metal ion bands comprise a gold-colored thin metal plate as a positive electrode and a silver-colored thin metal plate as a negative electrode wherein the gold-colored thin metal plate is composed of Cu and a metal selected from Ag, Au and Pt and the silver-colored thin metal plate is made of an alloy of Al, Si, Fe, Cu, Mn, Mg and Zn. The pair of functional metal ion bands are manufactured by processing each of the thin metal plates to have a thickness of 1 ?m to 1 cm and a diameter of 1 mm to 50 cm, and attaching the processed metal plate to one side of a soft adhesive fabric using an adhesive.

Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against nerve injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device.

Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes an operative element adjustment portion and a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.

Abstract: A bipolar stimulator probe suitable for application of intramuscular stimulation provides an active stimulator electrode and a reference electrode as part of a single tool. The separation between the electrodes is significantly greater than the electrode separation of known bipolar stimulator probes and bipolar bar electrode configurations. The probe tool may be configured to permit adjustment of the fixed relative position of the electrodes within a given range. By providing a relatively wide spacing between the two electrodes, the tool can be used to approximate the effect of monopolar stimulation with a separate reference electrode, with the electrical stimulus producing less pain to the patient compared to bipolar stimulation where the two electrodes are spaced apart by only 2-4 cm or less.

Abstract: Composite electrode pads/plugs are configured to be utilized in an electrical stimulator device, particularly one designed to provide surface-applied electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (eToims®). The composite pads/plugs include a porous liquid absorbent (e.g., felt) plug sized to be placed in a receptacle of the stimulator device, and a composite pad of porous liquid absorbent (e.g., cotton) material that covers the plug. In an embodiment, the composite pad is formed of cotton stuffing material encased between two sheets of cotton mesh/pad material. The composite pads/plugs can serve to increase, and improve wetting of, the surface area which contacts the patient and delivers the electrical stimulation. In addition to convenience of application, the disclosed structures have been found to help reduce sharp pain felt by the patient during stimulation, without interfering with the ability of the electricity to penetrate deeply in order to provide effective eToims®.

Abstract: A portable device for treating the bites or stings of insects and harmful creatures, comprising:—a piezoelectric element (2) capable of producing a predetermined difference in electrical potential;—an actuating element (3) operable by a user and associated with said piezoelectric element (2) to impart to it a predetermined state of stress/deformation;—a discharge area (4) electrically connected to the piezoelectric element (2) and positionable in proximity to an area of a patient which has been bitten/stung to impart to it an electrical discharge generated by said difference in electrical potential; characterised in that it comprises furthermore a monolithic containing body (5) capable of housing the piezoelectric element (2), the actuating element (3) and the discharge area (4).

Abstract: An electrical epidermal stimulation device for treating skin ailments having a power supply configured to provide power to the electrical epidermal stimulator, a first and second electrode configured to provide an electrical stimulus to an area of application, a wake up module configured to wake up a control module when a current flows from the first electrode to the second electrode, a voltage step generator module configured to generate a voltage, and an output drive module configured to control a direction of the voltage step to the first and second electrodes. In one embodiment, the electrical epidermal stimulation device comprises an indicator module for notifying a user that the device is functioning. In another embodiment, the voltage step generator module provides a voltage that increases and decreases in predetermined amounts to create a voltage step. In another embodiment, the direction of voltage application switches between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique, user-friendly, disposable electrode to be used on metallic probes which are used in electromedical devices, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) and microcurrent electrical therapy (MET) devices and other electrical simulators for applying electricity through the skin to the human or animal body. Additionally, the present invention describes a box for the storage and retrieval of the probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deflectable catheter whose puller member connections are accomplished with minimal, if any, surface deformation which could otherwise accelerate breakage under tension. The catheter includes a molded member that encases an end of a puller member to enable connection of the end to a fixed or movable structure in the control handle without significant surface deformation in the puller member. The molded member is of a thermoplastic material that encases a preformed end of the puller member, which may be a puller wire or a high modulus fiber material. The molded member may be configured as desired, for example, as a screw that is fastened to a structure in the control handle. Alternatively, the preformed end of the puller member, for example, a puller wire, can be directly connected to and jointly encased in the molded member with another preformed end of a second puller member, for example, a high modulus fiber material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrotherapeutic device useful for treating a variety of aspects associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The device is a TENS-like unit that is miniaturized, comfortable and unobtrusive, thereby allowing for unencumbered performance of daily activities. The device houses an electronic circuit comprising optimally placed electrodes and a microprocessor preprogrammed to deliver an optimal stimulus pulse protocol whereby the stimulus pulse parameters are varied so as to deliver a series of stimulus pulses for treating all aspects of CTS, including but not limited to pain blockage, nerve regeneration, reduction in inflammation and biochemical release.

Abstract: In an apparatus for electrotherapy, comprising a circuit arrangement with a terminal for generation of a sequence of voltage pulses and two electrodes for application of these voltage pulses to a part of the body that is to be treated; one of the two electrodes having a surface of comparatively high transition resistance and the other electrode having comparatively low transition resistance towards human skin; the electrode with the surface of high transition resistance being movable over the treated part of the body and the surface being a plastic film; with sequences of pulses of voltages from 1 to 600 V being generated and a current in a microampere range being produced in the tissue; it is provided that the rapid discharge circuit comprises several thyristors which are triggered by optocouplers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for deploying percutaneous probes. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a housing and a percutaneous probe having a sharp end and positioned within the housing. The percutaneous probe is movable relative to the housing between a stowed position and at least one of a first deployed position and a second deployed position. The percutaneous probe can project from the housing by a first distance when in the first deployed position and a second distance greater than the first distance when in the second deployed position. A depth control device can operatively couple to the percutaneous probe and can have a first configuration to allow the percutaneous probe to be moved to the first deployed position and a second configuration to allow the percutaneous probe to be moved to the second deployed position.