Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, devices and methods for acquiring, measuring, monitoring, processing and analyzing physiological signals. More particularly, the present invention relates to using physiological signals to determine a subject's response to various conditions, variables or constraints. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to monitoring the subject's external body motion and/or environmental factors and determining the amount of pain a subject is suffering as a result of the motion and factors. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a system, device and methods of quantifying a subject's pain to provide an objective measurement of the subject's pain. The present invention further relates to establishing and improving pain management protocols and therapy or treatment for the subject's pain based on the quantified pain measurement.

Abstract: A treatment system for stimulating the vagus nerves is described, comprising the following elements: —a detection and control unit (20); —at least one detection probe (10d, 10g) connected to the detection and control unit and intended to be applied to at least one of the two vagus nerves of a patient; —means (24) provided in the detection and control unit for detecting a phenomenon of mass discharge of action potentials in at least one vagus nerve using the detection probe or detection probes; —stimulation probes (10d, 10g) for stimulating vagus nerves, and—means (24) provided in the detection and control unit that are capable, in response to the detection of a mass discharge, of applying predefined asymmetric stimulation signals to said stimulation probes capable of causing a depolarization and/or hyperpolarization of the vagus nerves and of blocking the conduction of the action potentials at least in the efferent direction.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system having a pulse generator for generating therapeutic electric pulses, a lead electrically coupled with the pulse generator having an electrode, a first sensor configured to monitor a physiological characteristic of a patient, a second sensor configured to monitor a second physiological characteristic of a patient and a controller. The controller can determine a pacing vector based on variables including a signal received from the second sensor, and cause the pulse generator to deliver the therapeutic electrical pulses according to the determined pacing vector. The controller can also modify pacing characteristics based on variables including a signal received from the second sensor.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a system for collecting medical data such as heart rate, breathing frequency, intracranial pressure, apnea and others, and method of use thereof. The present invention provides a unique way of collecting medical data, in particular in their acquisition from a plurality of measuring elements.

Abstract: An auricular peripheral nerve field stimulator includes at least one therapy electrode configured for percutaneous insertion into an auricle of a human ear near at least one neurovascular bundle, and an electrical stimulation device electrically coupled to the at least one therapy electrode, the electrical stimulation device programmed to (i) generate and deliver electrical stimulation signals to the inserted at least one therapy electrode at a selected frequency for a selected duration to stimulate at least one auricular peripheral nerve field within the auricle, and (ii) repeat (i) with the stimulation signals having a modulated frequency.

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. This neural fulcrum zone corresponds to a combination of stimulation parameters at which autonomic engagement is achieved, while the tachycardia-inducing stimulation effects are offset by the bradycardia-inducing effects, thereby minimizing side effects such as significant heart rate changes while providing a therapeutic level of stimulation.

Abstract: Ligand-ion channel interactions are analyzed via electrophysiological methods having rapid temporal response and high sensitivity, thereby reducing the collection time and enabling monitoring of dynamic processes. This protocol allows quantification of ligand concentrations in the sub-millisecond to ms range, as compared to s-min for traditional approaches. Moreover, the method can be easily integrated into existing patch clamp analysis packages and allow for monitoring of rapid, dynamic chemical processes in a feasible manner.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient in a patient area having one or more detection zones, the system comprising one or more cameras, a user interface, and a computing system configured to receive a chronological series of frames from the one or more cameras, identify liquid candidates by comparing a current frame with a plurality of previous frames of the chronological series, determine locations of the liquid candidates, identify thermal signatures of the liquid candidates, determine types of liquids of the liquid candidates based on the locations and thermal signatures of the liquid candidates, and generate an alert with the user interface corresponding to the determined types of liquids.

Abstract: Prophylactic stimulation and abortive electrical stimulation are delivered to a cranial nerve, including, e.g. an occipital or trigeminal nerve to treat symptoms of various conditions, including, e.g. occipital neuralgia or migraines.

Abstract: A method and wearable system and for enhancing human balance and gait and preventing foot injury through neurological stimulation of the foot and the ankle. Subthreshold stimulation for neurosensory enhancement is provided via electrodes or vibrational actuators, or combination thereof, disposed in or on a wearable a platform, such as an insole, sock shoe, removable shoe insert, or applied without the support of a platform, to the skin surface of an individual. Suprathreshold stimulation for therapeutic purposes, such as improving blood flow, is also provided by the vibrational actuators. The actuators and electrodes are driven by bias signals generated by a bias signal generator that is coupled to a controller. The signal generator under the control of the controller is adapted to generate a non-deterministic random signal, a repetitive pattern or series of patterns.

Abstract: Methods for electrically stimulating body tissues to improve function or reduce symptoms provide an electrical stimulation system having two or more electrodes that are capable of being switched independently from a hyperpolarizing (depolarizing) state to a hypopolarizing state. Multiple combinations of hyperpolarizing electrodes and hypopolarizing electrodes are created by polarity switching to determine a polarity configuration having the best performance as determined by symptom reporting and clinical diagnostic tests. Polarity switching is triggered manually or is programmed to be switched automatically. Determining the configuration providing electrical stimulation resulting in the greatest benefit allows the system to be operated with one or more electrodes in a hypopolarizing state, thereby reducing energy requirements, tissue tolerance, and tissue fatigue.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for planning of catheter ablation procedures, and in particular for planning of the placement of lesions and/or parameters used in ablation. In some embodiments, planning is based on thermal and/or dielectric simulation of lesions, individualized to the anatomy of the particular patient. Optionally, a plan comprises planning of a path along which an ablation lesion is to be formed, the ablation lesion optionally comprising one or more sub-lesions. The plan is optionally optimized for one or more criteria including, for example: minimization of path length, minimization of sub-lesion number, simplification of catheter maneuvering, avoidance of collateral damage to non-target tissue, access to the target dependent on anatomy shape and/or catheter mechanics, and/or features of the target anatomy such as tissue wall thickness and/or fiber direction.

Abstract: Techniques are described for determining a voltammogram that characterizes a result of a fast-scan cyclic voltammetry process. The FSCV process can be performed using a sensing apparatus at least partially immersed in a volume of blood of a mammal. A system can process the voltammogram to determine a concentration of a neurochemical in the volume of blood of the mammal.

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 stimulator comprises a contact surface for contacting an outer skin surface of a patient and a pulse generator coupled to the contact surface. The pulse generator is configured for attachment and electrical coupling to a mobile device configured to receive a wireless signal, such as a mobile phone. The pulse generator 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 system for providing electrical stimulation to a patient includes a processor configured to: provide a time-ordered arrangement of multiple stimulation instances, where each of the stimulation instances is configured to produce a different stimulation field from each other stimulation instance in the arrangement; provide an ON/OFF switch pattern that includes alternating ON periods and OFF periods; generate an intermittent stimulation program that corresponds to repetition of the arrangement of stimulation instances with omission of each of the stimulation instances occurring during the OFF periods; and initiate a signal that provides a pulse generator with instructions that enable the pulse generator to generate stimulation according to the intermittent stimulation program using an electrical stimulation lead coupled to the pulse generator.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting a visual prosthesis electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. By recording electrically evoked responses to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording an electrically evoked response to the input stimulus. By gradually increasing stimulus levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained.

Abstract: A system for delivering electrical pulse stimulation to a subject includes a remote control device configured to at least intermittently transmit temporal pulse pattern programming and a stimulation device comprising a control interface, at least one electrode in electrical communication with the control interface, and an input device in at least intermittent communication with the remote control device to receive the temporal pulse pattern programming. The stimulation device is configured to deliver electrical pulse stimulation to a subject via the at least one electrode according to the temporal pulse pattern programming.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a visualization system that facilitates exploration and analysis of large sets of data by providing for synchronized, independent visualizations of metrics or event-derived value sets. The visualizations can reflect a variety of data, including pre-prepared metrics, event-derived values, or a combination thereof. Global parameter controls can enable synchronized interaction with multiple visualizations, such as modifying parameters of respective visualizations with a single input. Local parameter controls can enable interaction with an individual visualization, independent of interaction with other visualizations. A variety of tools and interfaces are provided to manipulate the visualizations to facilitate analysis across a variety of metrics within a single interface.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for cavernosal neuromodulation as directed by a wireless remote controller and power supply. The system including: an implantable lead having at least one electrode structured and arranged to be disposed proximate to the cavernous nerve in a penis; a portable power supply; and a controller having wireless communication electronics and control circuitry associated with the wireless communication electronics structured and arranged to wirelessly couple the power supply to the at least one electrode, the controller further structured and arranged to permit a user to select at least one instruction set for the at least electrode. The controller and power supply may be provided by a control ring. An associated method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting detachment of an ostomy device from a patient includes providing, in the ostomy device, a first electrode separated from the patient by an adhesive that attaches the ostomy device to the patient, where a first capacitor is formed between the first electrode and the patient. The method includes applying a signal to an electrical circuit that includes the first capacitor, and detecting changes in a capacitance value of the first capacitor based on frequency responses of the electrical circuit to the signal. The method additionally includes activating an alarm based upon detecting the changes in the capacitance value of the first capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods for therapeutically targeting circulating tumor cells during hemodialysis.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods for delivering implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may include a proximal section including a deflection mechanism for deflecting the proximal section, and a distal holding section extending distally of a distal end of the proximal section and defining a cavity therein for receiving an implantable leadless pacing device. The delivery device may include more than one deflection mechanism for deflecting the proximal section at multiple deflection regions. The delivery device may include more than one tubular member that are translatable relative to one another, and the one or more tubular members may include fixed curve portions. The delivery device may include an atraumatic or bumper tip at the distal end of the holding section.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining the volume of activation of neural tissue. In one embodiment, the method uses one or more parametric equations that define a volume of activation, wherein the parameters for the one or more parametric equations are given as a function of an input vector that includes stimulation parameters. After receiving input data that includes values for the stimulation parameters and defining the input vector using the input data, the input vector is applied to the function to obtain the parameters for the one or more parametric equations. The parametric equation is solved to obtain a calculated volume of activation.

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 recording the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time.

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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) telemetry arrangement and process for a cochlear implant system are described. Electrode current is measured that is induced in a cochlear implant electrode lead during an MRI process performed on an implanted patient. An MRI telemetry signal for an external telemetry sensor is then output based on the measured electrode current.

Abstract: An example of a system may include an electrode arrangement and a neuromodulation device configured to use electrodes in the electrode arrangement to generate a neuromodulation field. The neuromodulation device may include a neuromodulation generator, a neuromodulation control circuit and a storage. The storage may include a stochastically-modulated neuromodulation parameter set and the stochastically-modulated neuromodulation parameter set may include at least one stochastically-modulated parameter. The controller may be configured to control the neuromodulation generator using the stochastically-modulation parameter set to generate the neuromodulation field.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system provides for capture verification and stimulation intensity adjustment to ensure effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation in modulating one or more target functions in a patient. In various embodiments, stimulation is applied to the vagus nerve, and evoked responses are detected to verify that the stimulation captures the vagus nerve and to adjust one or more stimulation parameters that control the stimulation intensity.

Abstract: A urine powered garment has a shirt and trousers. A collector positioned beneath the trousers is adapted to collect urine. A container is located below and coupled to the collector. A converter dis-associates the constituent elements of the urine within the container to create electrical energy. A pouch receives urine from the container. The pouch has a top opening above and a drain tube below. The drain tube couples the pouch and the converter. A source of potential is adapted to receive electrical potential and to store the received electrical potential until accessed. A super-capacitor couples the converter and the source of potential. The super-capacitor converts the output of the converter prior to feeding to the source of potential.

Abstract: A facial skin care device and a method of operating the same are disclosed. The facial skin care device comprises an oral insertion module configured to have a structure inserted in an oral cavity and include one or more oral electrodes contacted with a skin in the oral cavity, and a main body configured to include a main electrode connected electrically to at least one of the oral electrode on an outer surface of a facial skin and a current generation unit which is connected to the main electrode and generates current for applying electrical stimulation to the facial skin.

Abstract: A method for stimulating nerve fibers to treat a condition in a patient first involves identifying carotid sinus nerve afferent fibers in a first side of the patient's neck and identifying cardiac-specific vagal nerve afferent fibers in the first side of the patient's neck. The method further involves placing a first multipolar electrode device around the carotid sinus nerve afferent fibers and the cardiac-specific vagal nerve afferent fibers. Finally, the method involves stimulating the carotid sinus nerve afferent fibers and the cardiac-specific vagal nerve afferent fibers, using the first multipolar electrode device. This method may be performed on a second side of the neck as well.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing asynchronous neural responses to treat pain and/or other patient conditions are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes selecting a target stimulation frequency that is above a threshold frequency, with the threshold frequency corresponding to a refractory period for neurons of a target sensory neural population. The method can further include producing a patient sensation of paresthesia by directing an electrical signal to multiple sensory neurons of the target sensory neural population at the stimulation frequency, with individual neurons of the sensory neural population completing corresponding individual refractory periods at different times, resulting in an asynchronous sensory neuron response to the electrical signal.

Abstract: An energy harvester converts into electrical energy the external stresses applied to the implant at the heartbeat rhythm. This harvester comprises an inertial unit and a transducer delivering an electrical signal that is rectified and regulated for powering the implant and charging an energy storage component. The charge level of the energy storage component is compared with a lower threshold to detect an insufficient charge, and a dynamic charging control circuit modifies, as and whenever necessary, and if the current patient's state allows it, a stimulation parameter in a direction liable to increase in return the mean level of the mechanical energy that is produced and harvested.

Abstract: The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a combination of burst and tonic stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices such as leadless cardiac pacemakers may be configured to communicate using more than one mode of communication. For example, in some cases, an implantable medical device may be configured to communicate via conducted communication in some circumstances and to communicate via inductive communication in other circumstances. In some cases, the implantable medical device may be configured to switch between communication modes in order to improve communication.

Abstract: Distal connector assemblies that are on the distal end of medical lead extensions provide increased rigidity by including a rigid holder that contains the electrical connectors. The electrical connectors are separated within the rigid holder by insulative spacers that may be individual items or may be formed from a compliant carrier that the electrical connectors may reside within where the carrier is positioned within the rigid holder. The rigid holder may also contain a set screw block defining set screw bore or the rigid holder may include an integral portion that defines a set screw bore. The integral portion may include a slot to allow a molding pin loaded with the electrical connectors and other components to be dropped into a cavity of the rigid holder. An overmold may be present to surround the rigid body containing the electrical connectors and insulative spacers.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrical noninvasive stimulation of a vagus nerve. The system comprises a handheld stimulator that is applied to the surface of the patient's neck, wherein the stimulator comprises or is joined to a smartphone. A camera of the smartphone may be used to position and reposition the stimulator to a particular location on the patient's neck. The system may also comprise a base station that is used to meter the charging of a rechargeable battery within the stimulator. The base station and stimulator transmit data to one another regarding the status of a stimulation session.

Abstract: A device for neurostimulation has a number N of electrodes. N is equal to or larger than 3. The device is configured to deliver via each electrode therapeutic electric phases of amplitudes I1, I2, . . . IN, with a frequency f and after each therapeutic electric phase a number of N?1 charge balancing electric phases. The charge balancing electric phases of the respective electrode each have a polarity that is opposite the polarity of the preceding therapeutic electric phase of the respective electrode. The device is configured to return for each electrode the current of each therapeutic electric phase in the other N?1 electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients. A titration process is used to gradually increase the stimulation intensity to a desired therapeutic level until a target T-wave alternans change from a baseline T-wave alternans is achieved.

Abstract: A sensing device for detecting an artificially induced neuromuscular response within a limb of a subject includes a carrier material and a plurality of mechanical sensors. The carrier material is operative to be secured around a portion of the limb, and each of the plurality of mechanical sensors are coupled with the carrier material. Each mechanical sensor is positioned on the carrier material such that it is operative to monitor a mechanical response of a different muscle group of the limb. Each mechanical sensor then generates a respective mechanomyography output signal corresponding to the monitored mechanical response of its adjacent muscle group. These signals may then be communicated outbound from the device via communication circuitry provided on the device.

Abstract: A peripheral nerve stimulator can be used to stimulate a peripheral nerve to treat essential tremor, Parkinson tremor, and other forms of tremor. The peripheral nerve stimulator can be either a noninvasive surface stimulator or an implanted stimulator. Stimulation can be electrical, mechanical, or chemical. Stimulation can be delivered using either an open loop system or a closed loop system with feedback.

Abstract: A method for implanting a medical lead. The method includes advancing a tunneling tool posteriorly proximate the caudal end of the sternum toward a first location. The tunneling tool is advanced superiorly underneath the sternum through the anterior mediastinum from the first location to a second location cranial to the first location. A guidewire is advanced from the first location to the second location. A medical lead is slid along at least a portion of the guidewire, the medical lead at least substantially spanning the distance between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a screw-in lead implantable in the pericardium of a patient heart and a system for delivering such leads to an implantation location. The leads include a helical tip electrode and a curate body including a defibrillator coil with improved contact between the defibrillator coil and the patient heart. The delivery system includes a delivery catheter and lead receiving sheath disposed within the catheter. A fixation tine is disposed on one of the delivery catheter and the lead receiving sheath such that the delivery system may be anchored into the pericardium during fixation of the screw-in lead. In certain implementations, an implantable sleeve receives the leads to bias the defibrillator coil against the patient heart.

Abstract: Auricular nerve stimulation techniques for addressing patient disorders, and associated systems and methods. A representative system includes a signal generator having instructions to generate an electrical therapy signal, at least a portion of the electrical therapy signal having a frequency at or above the patient's auditory frequency limit, an amplitude in an amplitude range from about 0.1 mA to about 10 mA, and a pulse width in a pulse width range from 5 microseconds to 30 microseconds. The system further includes at least one earpiece having a contoured outer surface shaped to fit against the skin of the patient's external ear, external ear canal, or both, the at least one earpiece carrying at least two transcutaneous electrodes positioned to be in electrical communication with the auricular innervation of the patient, e.g., the auricular vagal nerve.

Abstract: A method for providing a proof-of-work includes computing, by a verification computing device (VCD), a first linear feedback shift register sequence (LFSR-S) using a first polynomial having a first degree and computing, by the VCD, a second LFSR-S based on a second polynomial. A challenge, generated by the VCD and using elements of the second LFSR-S, is transmitted to the PCD. The PCD recursively computes all elements of the first LFSR-S by using the elements and coefficients of the second LFSR-S. A solution for the received challenge is computed based on the computed elements of the first LFSR-S. A proof-of-work is provided by verifying, by the VCD, the transmitted solution by: recomputing a solution to the challenge using initial state parameters and coefficients of the first LFSR-S, and comparing the computed solution of the PCD with the recomputed solution of the VCD.

Abstract: An electrostimulation device includes a computer generating an electrostimulation generator control signal and outputting a music signal, a transcutaneous electrostimulation generator, an electronic signal conduit, and an electrode coupler. The generator wirelessly receives the generator control signal and the music signal, generates a nerve electrostimulation signal dependent upon the generator control signal, and wirelessly outputs the nerve electrostimulation signal at the stimulation output and the music signal at an audio output. The coupler fits in an ear canal, has a speaker connected to the audio output to output the music signal into the ear canal when worn, and has electrostimulation electrodes wirelessly connected to the stimulation output through the electronic signal conduit to receive the nerve electrostimulation signal and positioned to contact tissue within the canal to transcutaneously apply the nerve electrostimulation signal thereto.

Abstract: A device may include an implantable circuit and at least one pair of implantable electrodes, in electrical communication with the implantable circuit. The circuit and the electrodes may configured for implantation in a subject in the vicinity of a nerve. The circuit may be configured to deliver to the electrodes an electrical signal having a current less than about 1.6 milliamps, and the electrodes may be configured to emit an electric field such that a portion of the field lines extend along a length of the nerve such that the delivery of the electrical signal of less than about 1.6 milliamps causes modulation of the nerve.

Abstract: A catheter includes first and second handles, first and second tubular members, and first and second electrodes. The first tubular member defines a channel therethrough and is coupled to and distally extends from the first handle. The second tubular member is coupled to and distally extends from the second handle. The second tubular member is slidably disposed within the channel of the first tubular member and defines a lumen therethrough. The first and second electrodes are configured to generate an electric field therebetween. The second handle is translatable relative to the first handle between a retracted position in which the second electrode is adjacent the first electrode and an extended position in which the second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode.

Abstract: A muscle electrostimulation device includes: a main body; a power source stored in the main body; an electrode unit that receives power from the power source; a controller that controls the supply of power to the electrode unit; and an operation unit that changes a control mode of the controller. The electrode unit includes a first and a second electrode group. The first group extends from the main body to be disposed on a right hand side of a person with respect to a center line of the main body. The second group extends from the main body to be disposed on a left hand side of the person with respect to the center line when the device is attached to the abdomen. The first and the second electrode group can be electronically connected via the person and include four or more electrodes in total.

Abstract: Auricular nerve stimulation techniques for addressing patient disorders, and associated systems and methods. A representative system includes a signal generator having instructions to generate an electrical therapy signal, at least a portion of the electrical therapy signal having a frequency at or above the patient's auditory frequency limit, an amplitude in an amplitude range from about 0.1 mA to about 10 mA, and a pulse width in a pulse width range from 5 microseconds to 30 microseconds. The system further includes at least one earpiece having a contoured outer surface shaped to fit against the skin of the patient's external ear, external ear canal, or both, the at least one earpiece carrying at least two transcutaneous electrodes positioned to be in electrical communication with the auricular innervation of the patient, e.g., the auricular vagal nerve.