Abstract: An implantable device is provided. The implantable device may include a flexible carrier configured for implantation in a subject, at least one pair of modulation electrodes associated with the carrier, an antenna configured to receive an electrical signal disposed on the flexible carrier, a circuit electrically coupling the antenna to the at least one pair of modulation electrodes; and a ceramic housing. At least one of the antenna and the circuit may be located within the ceramic housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assessing the condition of and treating patients for heart failure by the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure are disclosed. Treatment of obstruction due to reflex vocal cord closure often experienced by heart failure patients is distinguished from treatment of upper airway obstruction typically associated with Obstructive Sleep Disorder. Treatment may also be implemented by delivering synchronized cardiac pressure oscillations superimposed on a respiratory pressure level to provide assistance for the heart. Heart treatment pressure dose indicator may be calculated for prescribing and monitoring the delivery of treatment. The apparatus may also generate data to track heart failure condition that may be indicative of the degree of severity of heart failure based upon breathing patterns to assist in the diagnosis and management of heart failure patients.

Abstract: A method of identifying an epileptogenic zone of a subject's brain includes receiving a plurality of electrical signals from a corresponding plurality of surgically implanted electrodes, calculating a first plurality of connectivities between each pair of electrodes based on a portion of each of the plurality of electrical signals corresponding to a first time period, assigning a rank corresponding to each electrode for the first period of time based on the first plurality of connectivities to provide a first plurality of ranks, calculating a second plurality of connectivities between each pair of electrodes based on a portion of each of the plurality of electrical signals corresponding to a second time period, assigning a rank corresponding to each electrode for the second period of time based on the second plurality of connectivities to provide a second plurality of ranks, identifying a cluster of electrodes among the plurality of electrodes based on relative changes between the first plurality of ranks fro

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus includes an electrical stimulation delivery device, and at least one secondary modality delivery device, wherein the secondary modality delivery device is in an active state during at least a portion of a refractory period of the electrical stimulation delivery device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preserving detached tissues, especially digits and limbs, which are detached as a result of traumatic amputation. By using the methods and apparatus, detached tissues can be preserved for greater lengths of time and are ultimately in a better condition for replantation surgery.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices that utilize electrical neural stimulation to treat heart failure by modulating a patient's autonomic balance in a manner that inhibits sympathetic activity and/or augments parasympathetic activity. Because other therapies for treating heart failure may also affect a patient's autonomic balance, a device for delivering neural stimulation is configured to appropriately titrate such therapy in either an open-loop or closed-loop fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for regulating neurotrophin levels within a human body. The invention utilizes an implantable signal generator to deliver stimulation to neural tissue elements. Alternatively, an implantable pump may be utilized to delivery one or more drugs. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to the neural tissue to thereby alter the level of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF expressed by the influenced neural tissue. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of a nervous system disorder. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate the treatment therapy delivered to the body. The invention describes a novel method to regulate the intrinsic levels of neurotrophins and may be used to treat patients with neurological and cognitive disorders.

Abstract: A system includes a sound processor included in an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) device and that directs a cochlear implant to apply electrical stimulation to a patient and a receiver to apply acoustic stimulation to the patient. The system further includes a volume control facility and a selection facility that selectively associates the volume control facility with the electrical stimulation in response to a first user input, selectively associates the volume control facility with the acoustic stimulation in response to a second user input, and selectively associates the volume control facility with both the electrical stimulation and the acoustic stimulation in response to a third user input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment and/or prevention of diseases and functional disorders of external genital organs and a device for realizing the same. The method comprises exposure of an organ to periodic action of vacuum oscillations and a light field and is characterized in that the organ is additionally exposed to low-frequency pulsed magnetic field and the light exposure of different wavelengths is combined. One of the embodiment of the device comprises a source of vacuum with a periodic controlling device, an isolated chamber adapted to accommodate a to-be-exposed organ therein, a source of a low-frequency pulsed magnetic field with an inductor generating a magnetic field in the place of location of the organ to be subjected to exposure. The claimed embodiment is characterized in that it additionally comprises a light exposure source with different wavelengths and a device for synchronizing and combining the light exposure.

Abstract: A seizure detection device includes a coordinate data interface configured to receive coordinate data for a human, a memory to store coordinate data for a defined location of the human, and a seizure detector configured to identify a seizure event responsive to the coordinate data.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a first sound processor included in a first auditory prosthesis system associated with a first ear of a patient, the first sound processor including a first volume control facility, and 2) a second sound processor included in a second auditory prosthesis system associated with a second ear of the patient, the second sound processor including a second volume control facility. The first volume control facility adjusts, in response to actuation of the first volume control facility, a first volume level perceived by the patient when electrical stimulation is applied by either the first auditory prosthesis system or the second auditory prosthesis system. The second volume control facility adjusts, in response to actuation of the second volume control facility, a second volume level perceived by the patient when acoustic stimulation is applied by either the first auditory prosthesis system or the second auditory prosthesis system.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) subsystem that directs a cochlear implant to apply electrical stimulation to a patient, and directs a receiver to apply acoustic stimulation to the patient; and 2) a volume control subsystem communicatively coupled to the EAS subsystem and that facilitates independent control of a first volume level perceived by the patient when the electrical stimulation is applied and a second volume level perceived by the patient when the acoustic stimulation is applied.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for modulating cranial nerves, such as the sphenopalatine ganglion, to treat a medical condition of a patient, such as cluster headache. A stimulation device is advanced transnasally to a target site at or adjacent to the nasopharyngeal mucosa posterior to the middle turbinate. Electrical impulses are applied through one or more electrodes in the stimulation device to the target nerve sufficient to modulate the nerve and treat the medical condition.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a high frequency (HF) electrogram signal including (a) providing at least one electrogram signal from an electrode located within a subject's body, (b) measuring the electrogram signal at a high frequency during a specific segment of a cardiac cycle, generating a HF electrogram signal, and (c) having a computer measure at least one time-varying parameter of the HF electrogram signal. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A fluid management system for the treatment of ascites, pleural effusion or pericardial effusion is provided including an implantable device including a pump, control circuitry, battery and transceiver; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge the battery and communicate with the implantable device to retrieve performance data; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable device and charging and communication system. The implantable device includes a number of features that provide automated movement of fluid to the bladder with reduced risk of clogging, with no patient involvement other than occasional recharging of the battery of the implantable device. The monitoring and control software is available only to the treating physician, such that the physician interacts with the implantable device via the charging and communication system.

Abstract: A method of targeting fibrosis or autonomic nerve tissue for ablation in a subject is provided. The method includes performing at least one EGM analysis of a plurality of recorded atrial EGMs for a tissue in a region suspected of having fibrosis or autonomic nerve tissue. With regard to targeting fibrosis for ablation, the method includes determining one or more correlations of at least one AF EGM characteristic to a region having fibrosis from the plurality of recorded atrial EGMs for the tissue and determining whether the tissue contains dense fibrosis that would preclude effective ablation of the analysis region of the tissue. With regard to targeting autonomic nerve for ablation, the method includes determining whether one or more significant changes in EGM characteristics with autonomic blockade exist that would indicate the need to perform ablation of the analysis region of the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient with dyspnea are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, and, based at least in part on identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, implanting an electrical signal delivery element within the patient in signal communication with an afferent neural pathway of a carotid body chemoreceptor. The method can further include at least reducing dyspneic sensations in the patient by directing an electrical signal from the electrical signal delivery element to the neural pathway to at least partially block afferent signals from the chemoreceptor.

Abstract: A vocal fold movement translation device includes a reverse motion linkage configured to interface with a first vocal fold and a second vocal fold. The reverse motion linkage includes a mechanical component configured to move the first vocal fold in a first movement direction in response to movement of the second vocal fold in a second movement direction that is opposite the first movement direction. The reverse motion linkage is movable between a first configuration corresponding to an abducted position of the first and second vocal folds and a second configuration corresponding to an adducted position of the first and second vocal folds.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for stimulating cellular function in biological tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for stimulating cellular function within tissue that involves providing a first type of energy to a region of tissue, in which the first type is provided in an amount that inhibits cellular function within the region of tissue, and providing a second type of energy to the region of tissue, in which the second type is provided in an amount that facilitates cellular function within the region of tissue, wherein the combined effect stimulates cellular function within the tissue.

Abstract: Cells that are in the process division are vulnerable to damage by AC electric fields that have specific frequency and field strength characteristics. The selective destruction of rapidly dividing cells can therefore be accomplished by imposing an AC electric field in a target region for extended periods of time at particular frequencies with particular filed strengths. Some of the cells that divide while the field is applied will be damaged, but the cells that do not divide will not be harmed. This selectively damages rapidly dividing cells like bacteria, but does not harm normal cells that are not dividing. Since the vulnerability of the dividing cells is strongly related to the alignment between the long axis of the dividing cells and the lines of force of the electric field, improved results can be obtained when the field is sequentially imposed in different directions.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to combination heart assist systems, methods, and devices that include both an electrical therapy device and a mechanical heart assist device. Various operational modes can be implemented using these embodiments, including a synchronized pacing mode, an internal CPR mode, and an internal workout mode.

Abstract: It is critical in an inductively link medical implant, such as a visual prosthesis or other neural stimulator, to adjust the external coil to a location to maximize communication between the external coil and internal coil. Converting the signal strength between the coils to a signal easily discernible by a clinician, preferably an audible tone, facilitates the adjustment of the external coil to a preferred location.

Abstract: A method for alleviating centralized pain in human subjects includes assessing the brain of a subject suffering from pain, diagnosing abnormal brain function associated with centralized pain, locating at least one area of abnormal brain function associated with the centralized pain, and alleviating the abnormal brain function by applying a cortical stimulation signal to tissues corresponding to the at least one area of abnormal brain function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seating apparatus for the diagnosis and treatment, and more particularly, to a seating apparatus for diagnosis and treatment of diagnosing and curing urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and defecation disorders which enables to diagnose symptoms of urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and defecation disorders by measuring contraction pressure and contraction duration of pelvic floor muscles, muscles of perineum and anal sphincters of a user, who puts on cloth while seated, simultaneously with curing symptoms of urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and defecation disorders throughout biofeedback exercise and training.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating a neurological disorder or deficit, such as tinnitus and phantom limb pain.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus for delivering electrical stimuli to a user, the apparatus including at least a stimulator adapted to generate stimulation signals, an electrode array, said array including a plurality of electrodes for delivering said stimulation signals; and a plurality of release sites for pharmaceutical agents, said release sites being positioned at locations along said array, said release sites being controlled such that said agents can be operatively delivered at selected ones of said locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating focused currents in biological tissue is provided. The apparatus comprises an electric source capable of generating an electric field across a region of tissue and means for altering the permittivity of the tissue relative to the electric field, whereby a displacement current is generated. The means for altering the permittivity may be a chemical source, optical source, mechanical source, thermal source, or electromagnetic source.

Abstract: A system for both rehabilitating vision related neural tissue and augmenting vision perception with higher resolution and color information is provided herein. Both rehabilitation and augmentation are achieved by providing direct neural stimulation and at the same time an auditory/tactile signal that serves as an explanatory signal aiding the visual perception by easily perceived sensations.

Abstract: A pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system. This lead (24) includes a lead body with a hollow sheath (26, 28) of deformable material, having a central lumen open at both ends, and at least one telescopic microcable (42) of conductive material. The microcable slides along the length of the lead body and extends beyond the distal end (32) thereof. The party emerging beyond the distal end is an active free part (34) comprising a plurality of distinct bare areas (36, 38, 50, 50?, 50?), intended to come into contact (40) with the wall of a target vein (22) of the coronary system (14-22), so as to form a network of stimulation electrodes electrically connected together in parallel. The microcable further comprises, proximally, a connector to a generator of active implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or a resynchronizer.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating focused currents in biological tissue is provided. The apparatus comprises an electric source capable of generating an electric field across a region of tissue and means for altering the permittivity of the tissue relative to the electric field, whereby a displacement current is generated. The means for altering the permittivity may be a chemical source, optical source, mechanical source, thermal source, or electromagnetic source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skin care device with multiple functions. The skin care device includes a main body having a first connecting terminal formed on the upper portion thereof; a plurality of skin care heads individually and detachably combined with the main body, the skin care heads each having a second connecting terminal formed on the lower portion thereof and having at least one of a galvanic current generator, an ultrasonic vibrator, or a near-infrared light emitting diode (LED) installed therein; and a product identification displaying part displays an identification number of the heads or a relevant image of the heads on a display screen when the first connecting terminal and the second connection terminal are connected each other. The skin care device allows users to care their skin effectively through a variety of beneficial functions such as galvanic electric current, ultrasonic vibrations, and near-infrared LED.

Abstract: A system and method for portably delivering a therapeutic dose of heat to the skin to relieve pain, reduce accommodation of thermal nerve receptors, promote healing, and deliver transcutaneous medications. The heating device is user programmable or preprogrammed to deliver according to a variety of cycles, patterns and algorithms. The cycles, patterns, and algorithms of the heat are programmable parameters, are under the user's control, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. The heating algorithms are designed to interact with an individual user's thermal nerve receptors and other tissue characteristics and to reduce the tendency of the receptors to accommodate to the external stimuli with back pain, muscular pain, dysmenorrhea, headaches, fibromyalgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve injuries and neuropathies, and sprains and strain.

Abstract: An electrode structure for use with a monitoring system. A thin flexible body of an electrode material comprising conductive rubber is provided with projections extending externally to a working surface. According to this construction of the working surface of the electrode only the projections make a contact to the recipient's skin. When the projections are provided with a small cross-section, the constant electrode-skin contact is ensured due to the resiliency of the electrode material.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus comprising a handpiece, the handpiece having a primary treatment element and a contact surface, at least one electrode located at the contact surface, and a connection element to connect the at least one electrode to a controller to provide analgesia.

Abstract: A targeted osmotic lysis (TOL) of tumor cells that over-express voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) has been developed that uses a combined therapy of a drug that blocks sodium, potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+, K+-ATPase) that is then followed by an activation of VGSCs, for example, by electrical or pharmacological stimulation. Activation of VGSCs conducts sodium into the cancer cells in much greater amounts than non-cancer cells. Water follows this sodium gradient into the cancer cells, causing swelling and lysis. Because non-cancerous cells do not over-express VGSCs, less sodium and less water will enter the cells, and the non-cancerous cells will not lyse. This method is applicable to all cells that over-express VGSCs, including, but not limited to, highly invasive breast cancer, prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, lymphoma, mesothelioma, neuroblastoma, and cervical cancer.

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: Control of conduction through a heart is described. A lead with a proximal end and a distal end is provided. The distal end of the lead is inserted into a target area. An agent is delivered through the lead to the target area. Delivery of the agent is monitored via a closed loop feedback system.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of reducing or preventing the growth of microbes on the surface of an object, wherein the object is of such material that it can act as a working electrode. The method comprises the steps of providing a counter electrode, and a reference electrode. The object is used as the working electrode. Electrical current is passed through the working and counter electrodes. The current through the counter electrode is varied such that the electric potential of the working electrode is constant relative to the electric potential of the reference electrode. Also described is an apparatus for reducing or preventing microbes on an object using a potentiostatic device.

Abstract: A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits.

Abstract: An external defibrillator system is disclosed that generates and applies a diagnostic signal to the patient in conjunction with defibrillation therapy. The diagnostic signal is designed to elicit a physiologic response from the patient's heart, namely, mechanical cardiac response and electrical cardiac response, electrical cardiac response only, or no cardiac response. Depending upon the type of cardiac response detected, the system selects an appropriate resuscitation protocol that considers the likely responsiveness of the patient to defibrillation therapy. In one practical embodiment, a stimulus signal is applied to patients that show mechanical and electrical capture in response to the diagnostic signal. The stimulus signal maintains the mechanical capture (and, therefore, perfusion) for a period of time prior to the delivery of a defibrillation pulse.

Abstract: A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing between tissues being stimulated is provided. The apparatus includes an electric source capable of generating an applied electric field across a region of tissue and/or a means for altering at least one electromagnetic characteristic of the region of tissue relative to the applied electric field and an interface component, such interface component creating an interface between the region of tissue and the applied electric field or the means for altering at least one electromagnetic characteristic of the region of tissue.

Abstract: A method of modifying tissue behavior, comprising: determining a desired modification of tissue behavior for at least one of treatment of a disease, short or long term modification of tissue behavior, assessing tissue state and assessing tissue response to stimulation; selecting an electric field having an expected effect of modifying protein activity of at least one protein as an immediate response of a tissue to the field, said expected effect correlated with said desired modification; and applying said field to said tissue.

Abstract: A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits.

Abstract: A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of electrochemistry to control and generate specific user defined chemical reactions in regions that may be defined by electrode placement and geometry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of shape changing cartilage in a subject through potential-driven electrochemical modification of tissue (PDEMT) or use of a potential-driven electromechanical (EMR) device.

Abstract: A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises one or more physiological sensing circuits that generate a sensed physiological signal and at least one of the physiological sensing circuits is implantable, a measurement circuit configured to recurrently measure one or more physiological parameters that indicate a status of heart failure of the subject, a comparison circuit configured to compare the one or more physiological parameter measurements to one or more physiological parameter target values, a therapy circuit configured to control delivery of one or more drugs to treat heart failure, and a control circuit in electrical communication with the comparison circuit and the therapy circuit and configured to recurrently adjust delivery of drug therapy according to the comparison of the measured physiological parameters to the physiological parameter targets.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making and using devices that generate optical signals, and optionally also electrical signals in combination with one or more such optical signals, to stimulate (i.e., trigger) and/or simulate a sensory-nerve signal in nerve and/or brain tissue of a living animal (e.g., a human), for example to treat nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) or the central nervous system (CNS) and provide sensations to stimulate and/or simulate “sensory” signals in nerves and/or brain tissue of a living animal (e.g., a human) to treat other sensory deficiencies (e.g., touch, feel, balance, visual, taste, or olfactory) and provide sensations related to those sensory deficiencies, and/or to stimulate (i.e., trigger) and/or simulate a motor-nerve signal in nerve and/or brain tissue of a living animal (e.g., a human), for example to control a muscle or a robotic prosthesis.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) sound processor configured to be located external to a patient, 2) a cochlear implant communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor and configured to be implanted within the patient, 3) an electrode array communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant and configured to be located within a cochlea of the patient, and 4) a receiver communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor and configured to be in communication with an ear of the patient. The EAS sound processor directs at least one of the cochlear implant and the receiver to apply stimulation to the patient, records an evoked response that occurs in response to the stimulation, and performs a predetermined action in accordance with the evoked response. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.