Abstract: A device for ablating target tissue of a patient with electrical energy is provided. An elongate shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a radially expandable element is attached to the distal portion. An ablation element for delivering electrical energy to target tissue is mounted to the radially expandable element. The device can be constructed and arranged to ablate the duodenal mucosa of a patient while avoiding damage to the duodenal adventitial tissue. Systems and methods of treating target tissue are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for modulating the nervous system in order to reduce inflammation. The method includes delivering a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy to a vagus nerve of a patient for the treatment of inflammation according to a first set of parameters. The method further includes delivering a secondary nerve stimulation (SNS) therapy to a secondary nerve of the patient for the treatment of a sleep disorder according to a second set of parameters different from the first set of parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improved interactive graphical user interfaces. The system allows users to visually construct queries of a database. The system can dynamically generate visual representations of supplemental data and cumulative data. Users can share annotations related to user input queries via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A sensor device for identifying an ostomy effluent leak location in an ostomy system includes a stoma opening and electrically conductive circuitry arranged in pattern around the stoma opening. The electrically conductive circuitry includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode. The first electrode is subdivided by a plurality of resistors spaced along a length of the first electrode. The second electrode extends as a continuous strip of conductive material. The sensor device is configured to detect electrical resistance in the electrically conductive circuit and identify a location of a leak based on the detected electrical resistance.

Abstract: Hand-controlled physiotherapy equipment contains: a first electrode and a second electrode which are connected with living creatures so as to form a closed loop, an electrical stimulation system, a signal receiving unit, and a signal identification unit. The electrical stimulation system includes a sensing unit. The signal receiving unit is connected with the sensing unit in a wired manner or a wireless manner, the signal identification unit is configured to transform loop signals into time series signals, wherein when each of the time series signals has a specific interruption signal and a specific recovery signal, each time series signal triggers a mode adjustment signal in a control module. The control module includes a predetermined comparison database, and the comparison database has multiple set modes, wherein the multiple set modes respectively have multiple interruption signals and multiple recovery signals.

Abstract: A central nervous magnetic stimulation device and a healthcare or medical instrument, wherein the device comprises a power source, a control circuit and a coil component, the control circuit comprising a main control chip and a main circuit, the power source supplying power to the control circuit, and the control circuit outputting a time-varying current to the coil component to generate a corresponding time-varying magnetic field. The area of the time-varying magnetic field matches with the size of a head, and the time-varying current is output at a frequency above 2000 Hz, and constitutes a string of rhythmic cluster-like bursts at an appropriate duty ratio or forms an envelope in a difference frequency way to output rhythm characteristics. The device can apply to the brain a magnetic stimulation with a weak intensity and high-frequency carrier wave, rhythmic cluster-like bursts and an approximately uniform magnetic field intensity distribution.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power supply module used in a smart terminal and a power supply module assembly structure, the power supply module includes a substrate having first and second surfaces opposite to each other; a power passive element, an active element and a plurality of first conductive parts disposed at the substrate; the power passive element being independently disposed on the first surface of the substrate as a whole; wherein a maximum height of the power passive element disposed on the first surface of the substrate is greater than a sum of a maximum height of an element disposed on the second surface of the substrate and an half of the thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: By producing the proper wave interference using superimposed waves that overlap with the proper time-phase relationship (called “Time-Correlated Standing-wave Interference”), wave energy is amplified (by “Coherent Intensity Amplification”) and teleported to precise locations. For instance, in one application, energy is teleported to one or more areas within a living body for such therapeutic applications as destroying cancer cells or plaques within arteries. A system implementing this technique creates amplified constructive interference at one or more selected disease locations, while producing destructive interference at surrounding locations. In this application example, the technique allows energy to be “teleported” to tumor cells, plaques, or other diseased cells, for instance, to destroy them, while surrounding healthy cells receive virtually no energy, obviating collateral damage from the treatment. The same method can be used to diagnose disease by detecting energy teleported to different locations.

Abstract: An example of a neurostimulation system may include one or more sensing devices and a patient assistance device. The sensing device(s) may be configured to sense one or more signals from a patient and may include one or more non-invasive sensing devices. The patient assistance device may be configured to assist the patient in use of a stimulation device and may include a communication circuit configured to receive the sensed signal(s), a user interface configured to allow for interactions with the patient, and a processing circuit which may be configured to receive patient-specific information including the sensed signal(s), to analyze the patient-specific information with neurostimulation algorithm information representative of available therapeutic options, to produce one or more recommendations related to use of the stimulation device for treating the patient based on the analysis, and to present at least one recommendation using the user interface.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided that provides sensing and transmitting of fusion indicia to determine whether fusion has occurred. In some embodiments, a diagnostic system comprises a spinal implant or graft material; an antenna configured for sending signals to a remote location; a sensor configured for measuring at least one fusion indicia; and a receiver for receiving signals at the remote location. In some embodiments, a method of utilizing a diagnostic system comprises the steps of inserting a spinal implant or graft material within a disc space between two vertebrae; measuring at least one fusion indicia; sending signals to a remote location with an antenna; and receiving signals with a receiver at the remote location.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed that treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrically stimulating a nerve noninvasively, which may be a vagus nerve situated within a patient's neck. Preferred embodiments allow a patient to self-treat his or her condition. Disclosed methods assure that the device is being positioned correctly on the neck and that the amplitude and other parameters of the stimulation actually stimulate the vagus nerve with a therapeutic waveform. Those methods comprise measuring properties of the patient's larynx, pupil diameters, blood flow within an eye, electrodermal activity and/or heart rate variability.

Abstract: A dual-motion rotation and retraction system for forming a pathway to a patient's intervertebral disc space includes a dilator, retractable dual-blade assembly, and dual-motion retractor. The dilator may feature a narrow rectangular, elliptical, or elongated configuration body for insertion parallel to the fibers of the psoas muscle, including an angle of 0 to 90 degrees to the patient's spine. The dual-blade assembly includes opposing blade subassemblies, each having a blade bordered by adjustable wings, along with built-in lighting and video capabilities. The dual-blade assembly may be passed over the dilator at the insertion orientation. The dual-motion retractor may be disposed about the dual-blade assembly and dilator and employed to both rotate the dual-blade assembly and the dilator 0 to 90 degrees to a final rotated orientation parallel to the intervertebral disc space and to retract the opposing blade subassemblies away from one another to create the surgical pathway.

Abstract: Methods for treating a condition in a subject, e.g., by enhancing homeostatic capacity of the subject (which may manifest as an increase in a dynamic range of one or more system responses in the subject), are provided. Aspects of embodiments of the methods include: (a) enhancing at least one symptom of the condition to be treated in a manner effective to cause the subject to mount a compensatory response; and (b) diminishing at least one symptom of the condition to be treated; so as to treat the subject for the condition. Also provided are compositions, kits and systems for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: An auricular nerve field stimulation device may include a first plurality of electrodes arranged to contact a ventral aspect of an auricle, a second plurality of electrodes arranged to contact a dorsal aspect of the auricle, and electrical circuitry coupled to the electrodes and configured to selectively apply electrical stimulation signals to the electrodes to cause a first set of trans-auricular currents to flow through the auricle between the first plurality of electrodes and respective ones of the second plurality of electrodes paired therewith according to a first pairing, and to cause a second set of trans-auricular currents to flow through the auricle between the first plurality of electrodes and respective ones of the second plurality of electrodes paired therewith according to a second pairing different from the first pairing, the first and second sets of trans-auricular currents to stimulate at least one auricular nerve field within the auricle.

Abstract: A wearable, percutaneous device for suppressing appetite or hunger in a patient includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one percutaneous electrode implanted and configured to deliver electrical stimulation through the patient's skin. The percutaneous device includes a pad and at least one needle, in which the electrode is disposed, for secure placement of the device within the skin of a patient. The percutaneous device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.

Abstract: A patch for a therapeutic electrical stimulation device includes a shoe connected to the first side of the patch, the shoe including a body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and having first and second surfaces, the first end of the shoe defining at least two ports, and the first surface of the shoe defining a connection member. The patch also includes at least one conductor positioned in the ports of the first end of the shoe. The shoe is configured for sliding insertion into a receptacle defined by a controller so that the conductor is connected to the controller to deliver electrical current from the controller, through the conductor, and to the electrodes, and the connection member is at least partially captured by a detent defined by the controller in the receptacle to retain the shoe within the receptacle.

Abstract: A pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device includes at least one electromagnetic (EM) field emitter. During post-birth recovery, a patient applies the EM field emitter to herself. The PEMF device performs a recovery cycle. In the recovery cycle, the EM field emitter emits EM fields having frequency combinations with a response frequency and a target frequency for a frequency combination period.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating a patient suffering from, or at risk for, a condition mediated by the inflammatory cytokine cascade, by electrically stimulating vagus nerve activity in an amount sufficient to inhibit the inflammatory cytokine cascade.

Abstract: A local stimulation method of a predetermined region of brain tissue, the brain tissue including at least GABAergic neuron type. The method includes at least one activation step of a set of bipolar electrodes, according to a predetermined electric intensity and a predetermined biphasic pulse frequency, delivering a predetermined electric field. The predetermined electric field induces an activation of the GABAergic type neurons and a virtual absence of activation of other types of neurons.

Abstract: A neurostimulation (NS) system and method are provided. The system includes a power supply having positive and negative terminals. The negative terminal defines a reference ground. An array of electrodes includes first and second active electrodes for delivering stimulation therapy configured to be located proximate to neural tissue of interest that is associated with a target region. A control circuit is configured to control delivery of stimulation current for a NS therapy between the first and second electrodes. A current regulator (CR) circuit is connected to, and configured to control current flow through, at least the first electrode during delivery of the stimulation therapy under direction of the control circuit. A floating power supply is connected across power supply terminals of the CR circuit. The CR circuit and floating power supply are coupled to a floating ground node that is electrically separate from the reference ground.

Abstract: A device for delivery of electrical current to an area of the skin includes a first pad shaped in the form of a base having four finger-shaped protrusions; a second pad shaped in the form of a palm having a single thumb-shaped protrusion, where the first pad and the second pad each comprises a conductive layer and preferably has tabs on the edges; a first electrical connection system electrically connected to the conductive layer of the first pad; a second electrical connection system electrically connected to the conductive layer of the second pad; a controller circuit connected to the first electrical connection system and second electrical connection system; and a wearable power source. Alternatively, the device may also have the shape of a foot or other body part.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to automate determination of therapy parameter values for adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS). A medical device may determine differences in power values between a present and a previous power value. Based on the difference being greater than or equal to a threshold value, the medical device may iteratively adjust a present therapy parameter value until the difference in the power values between a present and a previous power value is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating neuromodulation via hemodynamic responses are disclosed herein. A system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a neuromodulation catheter comprising an elongated shaft having a distal portion, and a plurality of electrodes spaced along a distal portion. The system can further include a controller communicatively coupled to the electrodes. The controller can be configured to apply first and second stimuli at and/or proximate to a target site within a blood vessel before and after delivering neuromodulation energy to the target site, and detect, via at least one of the electrodes, vessel impedance resulting from the first and second stimuli to determine a baseline impedance and a post-neuromodulation impedance. The controller can further be configured to assess the efficacy of the neuromodulation based, at least in part, on a comparison of the baseline impedance and the post-neuromodulation impedance.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring patients with dysphagia, or swallowing impairments, that monitors muscle movement during intensive swallowing exercises to provide adjuvant visual feedback from surface electromyography.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for treating breathing disorders such as central sleep apnea wherein stimulation is provided to the phrenic never through a transvenous lead system with the stimulation beginning after inspiration to extend the duration of a breath and to hold the diaphragm in a contracted condition.

Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region from an epidural, cervical location to address at least one of high back pain, mid-back pain, low back pain, and leg pain without creating paresthesia in the patient.

Abstract: A system and method to handle urine includes collecting urine using a pad or garment, exposing the urine to an aluminum alloy to generate hydrogen gas and heat in an exothermic reaction, and storing the hydrogen in a sealed chamber.

Abstract: A system may include at least one sensor configured to bilaterally sense neurophysiological signals from the patient to provide bilateral sensing data, and at least one processor configured to calibrate at least a first electrode contact and a second electrode contact on the least one neuromodulation lead, including: instruct the neuromodulation device to deliver neuromodulation energy using at least the first electrode contact to cause a first neurophysiological response and at least the second electrode contact to cause a second neurophysiological response; receive from the at least one sensor first bilateral sensed data corresponding to the first neurophysiological response and second bilateral sensed data corresponding to the second neurophysiological response; and determine based on the first and second neurophysiological responses at least one of: physiological midline information or electrode-tissue coupling information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for monitoring the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time and a control system for adjusting stimulation parameters to maintain stimulation in the neural fulcrum zone based on detected changes in the physiological response to stimulation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling patient stimulating effects in MR imaging. The methods and systems include calculating a first effective stimulus duration independently for each pulse flank of an MRI sequence individually and calculating a second effective stimulus duration for which a respective history of a changing gradient field during the sequence is taken into account. Dependent on an evaluation of both the first and second effective stimulus durations a threshold value for an allowable rate of change in the magnetic gradient field is then calculated. The respective MRI sequence is then evaluated against the calculated threshold value to determine whether or not the respective MRI sequence is safe to apply.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for state-dependent pudendal nerve stimulation for bladder control in a subject and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrical non-invasive stimulation of a nerve, such as the vagus nerve. A nerve stimulator is configured for coupling to a mobile device configured to receive a wireless signal, such as a mobile phone. The stimulator is further configured to generate an electrical impulse and to transmit the electrical impulse through the contact surface and the outer skin surface of the patient to modulate a nerve within the patient.

Abstract: A wearable device combines its existing functions (e.g., a headphone) with non-invasive autonomic modulation using tragus or other external auditory meatus stimulation. The wearable device can output audio to a user, such as music, podcast, etc., and further provide modulation of the vagus nerve via tragus stimulation or other external auditory meatus stimulation to treat various diseases.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to radiotherapy systems. An exemplary radiotherapy system may comprise a radiotherapy output configured to deliver a charged particle beam to a patient. The system may also comprise a detector array. The detector array may have an axis that extends parallel to an axis along which the charged particle beam is delivered by the radiotherapy output. The detector array may comprise a plurality of detectors configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the charged particle beam during delivery of the charged particle beam from the radiotherapy output.

Abstract: A medical lead includes a lead body, a connector pin proximate to a proximal end of the lead body, a helix extending from a distal end of the lead body, an electrode proximate to the distal end of the lead body, and a cable conductor within the lead body and including an electrode proximate a distal end of the cable conductor, the cable conductor being slideable within the lead body to extend and retract the electrode relative to the distal end of the lead body.

Abstract: An occlusive implant includes an expandable framework that is configured to shift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. An occlusive member is disposed along at least a portion of the expandable framework. At least part of the occlusive implant is configured to repel fibrinogen. In some cases, the occlusive implant may be configured for placement within a left atrial appendage (LAA) of a patient's heart.

Abstract: This application discloses configurations for arranging transducer arrays on a person's head to impose tumor treating fields (TTFields) in the brain at field strengths that are as uniform as possible throughout the entire brain. In some embodiments, L-shaped sets of electrodes are positioned near the right and left ears, each with a horizontal arm above the ear and a vertical arm behind the ear. Optionally, these embodiments may be combined with a second pair of electrodes positioned on top of the head and behind the neck. In other embodiments, one pair of electrodes is positioned above the right ear and on the left/rear portion of the neck; and a second pair of electrodes is positioned above the left ear and on the right/rear portion of the neck. These configurations improve the uniformity of the electric fields imposed throughout the brain, and are particularly useful for preventing and/or treating metastases.

Abstract: A neuro activation system includes a patch adapted to be applied externally on a dermis of a user, the patch comprising a flexible substrate and an adhesive on a first side adapted to adhere to the dermis of the user, an electronic package directly coupled to the substrate, the electronic package including a control unit and one or more stimulators, and electrodes directly coupled to the substrate and the electronic package, the patch adapted to generate an electrical stimuli via the electrodes. The neuro activation system further includes a controller in wireless communication with the patch, the controller including remote functionality to start and stop the electrical stimuli.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a multiplexer (MUX), a switching array and logic circuitry. The MUX includes multiple input ports and an output port, and is configured to receive, via the input ports, multiple input signals, and to output, via the output port, a selected signal among the input signals. The switching array is coupled to the input ports of the MUX and is configured to receive the input signals and to connect or disconnect between each input signal and a respective input port. The logic circuitry is electrically coupled to the switching array and to the MUX, and is configured to control the switching array to connect at least the selected signal that the MUX is outputting, and to disconnect all the input signals other than the at least selected signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a distributed transformer or extension cord component for a transcutaneous energy transfer system used to transfer electric power to an implanted medical device. The extension cord component may enable power transfer to occur at various points on or near the body of the subject within whom the medical device is implanted. In this way, the subject may gain greater flexibility and high levels of convenience in connection with use of the transcutaneous energy transfer system.

Abstract: A system and methods utilizing electrical stimulation to achieve a desired therapeutic effect are provided. In one aspect, a method for controlling nerve activity in a subject is provided. The method includes receiving input indicating a desired therapeutic effect for at least one neural structure of a subject, and selecting, based on the input received, an electrical stimulation configured to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The method also includes controlling a sympathetic nerve activity in the subject by delivering the electrical stimulation using electrodes positioned proximate to nerves innervating the subject's skin.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for accessing the internal and external tissues of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of substances to the heart tissue. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide access to the internal surface of the heart for aspiration and delivery of substances to a targeted region without disturbing or interfering with nearby structures or surfaces.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for programming neuromodulation therapy to treat neurological or cardiovascular diseases. A system includes an input circuit that receives a modulation magnitude representing a level of stimulation intensity, a memory that stores a plurality of gain functions associated with a plurality of modulation parameters, and a electrostimulator that may generate and deliver an electrostimulation therapy. A controller may program the electrostimulator with the plurality of modulation parameters based on the received modulation magnitude and the plurality of gain functions, and control the electrostimulator to generate electrostimulation therapy according to the plurality of modulation parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

Abstract: Systems of techniques for controlling charge flow during the electrical stimulation of tissue. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a charge setting describing an amount of charge that is to flow during a stimulation pulse that electrically stimulates a tissue, and generating and delivering the stimulation pulse in a manner such that an amount of charge delivered to the tissue during the stimulation pulse accords with the charge setting.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing pain uses a single composite modulation/stimulation signal with variable characteristics to achieve the same results as separate varying electromagnetic signals, including spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation.

Abstract: A system comprises a flexible pad, an antenna wire disposed within the flexible pad, and an electronics unit connected to or capable of being connected to the antenna wire. The electronics unit can include circuitry configured to access a stored playlist representing a sequence of tones at different frequencies, and to generate signals representing the tones such that two or more of the tones are generated in the sequence according to the stored playlist. The electronics unit further can include an oscillator to generate a carrier signal and coupled so that the signals representing the tones modulate the carrier signal according to the sequence when applied to an input of the oscillator, where the oscillator has an output connected to transmit the modulated carrier signal onto an antenna when the electronics unit is in operation.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is described which is leased for an at-risk patient and designed for use in a single cardiac emergency. If the AED is in standby for a year without being deployed, the AED is removed from service and replaced with another AED. The AED requires a rescuer only to deploy the electrodes on the torso of the victim; the AED turns itself on, performs rhythm analysis and delivers a shock if needed automatically. The AED thus requires no user controls. Preferably the AED requires no on-site maintenance, as the AED communicates its readiness for use to a remote monitoring site which responds to any problems detected by self-testing. In addition to its electro-resuscitation function, the AED can be used on the chest of the victim to administer CPR compressions.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of treatment are disclosed for prevention and/or treatment of visual loss from age-related macular degeneration. The disclosed formulations include botulinum neurotoxin (e.g., botulinum neurotoxin or a fragment thereof, either in pure form or with one or more peptide fragments and/or neurotoxin associated proteins). In some embodiments, the disclosed formulations also include one or more anti-VEGF agents. The disclosed formulations may be applied to an intraocular or extraocular region of a patient.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of treatment are disclosed for prevention and/or treatment of visual loss from age-related macular degeneration. The disclosed formulations include botulinum neurotoxin (e.g., botulinum neurotoxin or a fragment thereof, either in pure form or with one or more peptide fragments and/or neurotoxin associated proteins. In some embodiments, the disclosed formulations are applied to the para orbital or periorbital region of a patient to delay or stop the progression of dry macular degeneration. The methods described herein do not involve a direct injection into the eye or subconjunctival region, thus significantly easing both comfort and administration related complications and further preserving barrier functions of retinal layers while also delaying or ceasing the degenerative process to wet conversion.