Abstract: Systems and methods that enable tissue cooling applications and delivery of electrical energy to adipose tissue for alteration and reduction of body fat are described herein. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to, for example, temperature-controlled electroporation of subcutaneous lipid-rich cells. Additional aspects of the disclosure are directed to treatment methods for treating a target region of a human subject's body to achieve an alteration of subcutaneous adipose tissue. The method can include, for example, removing heat from the target region of the human subject during a treatment process to cool subcutaneous lipid-rich cells in the target region to a temperature below normal body temperature. Furthermore, the method can include delivering energy to the target region to produce an electric field in an amount sufficient to create pores in membranes of the subcutaneous lipid-rich cells that have been cooled to the temperature below normal body temperature.

Abstract: A system for controlling and modulating a mammalian's body temperature and thermoregulation system includes: a. a display monitor; b. a pulse generator; c. at least one channel of electrical or electromagnetic stimuli connected to the pulse generator, and adapted for cutaneous application on the body's spinal cord; d. a control panel, and e. at least one Measurement Analysis and Command (MAC) unit. The control panel and the MAC units are adapted to implement the optimal stimulating procedure for blocking the afferent neural pathways, evoking the afferent neural pathways, attenuating the afferent neural pathways, blocking and evoking the efferent neural pathways, blocking and attenuating the efferent neural pathways, attenuating and evoking, or blocking, attenuating, and evoking the efferent neural pathways, involved in the thermoregulation system, thereby controlling and modulating the body's temperature and thermoregulation system.

Abstract: A device for assisting a rescuer in delivering therapy to an adult or pediatric patient, the device including a user interface comprising a display and/or audio speakers, the user interface being configured to deliver prompts to a rescuer to assist the rescuer in delivering therapy to a patient; a processor configured to provide prompts to the user interface and to perform an ECG analysis algorithm on ECG information detected from the patient; at least one detection element configured to determine without rescuer input via the user interface that a pediatric patient is being treated; wherein, if a pediatric patient is detected, the processor modifies the ECG analysis algorithm or the prompts provided to the user interface to use an ECG analysis algorithm or prompts adapted for a pediatric patient rather than for an adult patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to the use of a genetic algorithm for the purpose of providing progressive and adaptive auditory training (rehabilitation) to a recipient of a hearing prosthesis. In general, the genetic algorithm is used to adapt the training process to automatically increase the difficulty of the training based on recipient feedback and performance. That is, the genetic algorithm progressively removes perceivable sounds from the training process so as to generate groups of sounds that are difficult for a recipient to perceive.

Abstract: A device for assisting a rescuer in delivering therapy to an adult or pediatric patient, the device including a user interface comprising a display and/or audio speakers, the user interface being configured to deliver prompts to a rescuer to assist the rescuer in delivering therapy to a patient; a processor configured to provide prompts to the user interface and to perform an ECG analysis algorithm on ECG information detected from the patient; at least one detection element configured to determine without rescuer input via the user interface that a pediatric patient is being treated; wherein, if a pediatric patient is detected, the processor modifies the ECG analysis algorithm or the prompts provided to the user interface to use an ECG analysis algorithm or prompts adapted for a pediatric patient rather than for an adult patient.

Abstract: A device for assisting a rescuer in delivering therapy to an adult or pediatric patient, the device including a user interface comprising a display and/or audio speakers, the user interface being configured to deliver prompts to a rescuer to assist the rescuer in delivering therapy to a patient; a processor configured to provide prompts to the user interface and to perform an ECG analysis algorithm on ECG information detected from the patient; at least one detection element configured to determine without rescuer input via the user interface that a pediatric patient is being treated; wherein, if a pediatric patient is detected, the processor modifies the ECG analysis algorithm or the prompts provided to the user interface to use an ECG analysis algorithm or prompts adapted for a pediatric patient rather than for an adult patient.

Abstract: Automatic external defibrillator apparatus may be provided for use in cooperation with an intraosseous apparatus. Apparatus and methods may also be provided to execute protocols calling for external defibrillation and drug delivery. The disclosure provides a medical apparatus including two electrodes, a processor, a display, a driver, a drug delivery slot, a drug delivery port, and a voltage source. The two electrodes may include an attachment operable to releasably connect the two electrodes to the patient. The processor may be operable to collect and analyze a rhythm associated with the patient's heart from the two electrodes. The display may be operable to communicate instructions to a user. The driver may be operable to insert an intraosseous device into a bone and associated bone marrow of the patient. The drug delivery slot may be operable to receive a drug. The drug delivery port may be operable to communicate the drug from the drug delivery slot to the patient via the intraosseous device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus that provides cooling and mechanical and/or electrical simulation to the treated site may be used to overcome the problems associated with cryotherapy. In one embodiment, a cryotherapy device for producing a cooling effect for treating tissue includes a temperature control device which alters the temperature of at least a portion of the tissue being treated during treatment; and a blood flow device that alters the blood flow rate through the portion of the tissue being treated during and following treatment.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation device is described which includes a flexible carrier member for implantation adjacent to target neural tissue. Carrier wires are embedded within the carrier member for conducting electrical signals. At least one active interface device also is within the carrier member and includes a hermetically sealed device housing without penetration by any electrical conductor, an active interface element within the device housing, an inductive link arrangement providing an electrical connection between the active interface element and a terminal end of one of the carrier wires, and an outer interface surface adjacent to the target neural tissue that provides a communication link between the adjacent target neural tissue and the active interface element.

Abstract: We disclose methods and medical device systems for selectively recruiting a nerve fiber type within a cranial nerve, a peripheral nerve or a spinal root. Such a method may comprise applying a first pressure, a heating, and/or a cooling to a second location of the nerve, the pressure, heating, or cooling sufficient to substantially block at least one of activation or conduction in at least one fiber population through the second location of the nerve for a blocking time period; and applying an electrical signal to a first location during the blocking time period to prevent or treat an undesirable brain state change.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes an implantable medical device that delivers combined electrical and drug therapies. The implantable medical device includes a drug reservoir that is refillable after implantation. In one embodiment, the implantable medical device includes an implantable housing encapsulating a pulse generator circuit and a drug delivery device. In another embodiment, the implantable medical device includes an implantable pulse generator and an implantable drug delivery device fastened to each other.

Abstract: The health state of a subject is automatically evaluated or predicted using at least one implantable device. In varying examples, the health state is determined by sensing or receiving information about at least one physiological process having a circadian rhythm whose presence, absence, or baseline change is associated with impending disease, and comparing such rhythm to baseline circadian rhythm prediction criteria. Other chronobiological rhythms beside circadian may also be used. The baseline prediction criteria may be derived using one or more past physiological process observation of the subject or population of subjects in a non-disease health state. The prediction processing may be performed by the at least one implantable device or by an external device in communication with the implantable device. Systems and methods for invoking a therapy in response to the health state, such as to prevent or minimize the consequences of predicted impending heart failure, are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient in cardiac arrest (e.g., in fibrillation, electrochemical dissociation, or asystole), the method comprising delivering an agent for enhancement of cardiac function to the coronary arteries of the patient; and microperfusing the patient's cardiac tissue by electromagnetically stimulating the cardiac tissue at an energy level below a threshold sufficient to defibrillate the heart.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optical- or optical-and-electrical stimulation of e.g., auditory nerve pathways, for example spiral ganglion in the cochlea or neurons in the cochlear nerve. Several configurations for guiding and directing the optical stimulation are disclosed. Several configurations for guiding and directing the electrical field (used in some embodiments, for sensitization) in and through the destination tissue to which the optical stimulation is directed are disclosed. In some embodiments, and array of IR VCSELs emit stimulation light, in particular to tissue in the cochlea for restoring hearing. In some embodiments, an electrical signal is also applied in a manner that reduces the amount of light in a pulse that is otherwise needed to elicit a NAP. In some embodiments, a heat dissipater is used to spread the heat generated by operation of the lasers and their circuits, to avoid heat damage to the tissue.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: A method for enhancing an immune response in a vertebrate subject is described. The method includes providing at least one energy stimulus configured to modulate one or more nervous system components of the vertebrate subject, and administering one or more immunogen to the vertebrate subject, wherein the at least one energy stimulus and the one or more immunogen are provided in a combination and in a temporal sequence sufficient to enhance an immune response in the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that includes a microcurrent delivery device portion and at least one independent sensory cue delivery means. The independent sensory cue delivery means can provide an independent sensory cue selected from the group consisting of vibration, heat, cool, skin irritation, tingling, fragrance or auditory.

Abstract: A method for providing a resuscitating treatment of a human being, which has the following actions sensing human muscle activity, human breathing activity, human neural activity or human cerebral activity, determining whether the human being is in a state of developing apnoea by a processing unit based on the sensing, provoking an induced aspiration reflex by a resuscitating stimulation of a respiratory area of a human brain stem by providing a stimulus with a stimulation device to a location distant from the respiratory area of the human brain stem upon the processing unit determining the state of developing apnoea, the location being a nasal filter of the human being or a nasopharyngeal area of the human being.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation or denervation. Neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of energy or neuromodulatory agents to target neural matter, or to vascular structures that support the target neural matter. In some embodiments, parameters of the target neural matter, of non-target tissue, or of the apparatus may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the neuromodulation or denervation. Such monitoring data optionally may be utilized for feedback control of the neuromodulation or denervation.

Abstract: A method for providing a resuscitating treatment of a human being, which has the following actions sensing human muscle activity, human breathing activity, human neural activity or human cerebral activity, determining whether the human being is in a state of developing apnoea by a processing unit based on the sensing, provoking an induced aspiration reflex by a resuscitating stimulation of a respiratory area of a human brain stem by providing a stimulus with a stimulation device to a location distant from the respiratory area of the human brain stem upon the processing unit determining the state of developing apnoea, the location being a nasal filter of the human being or a nasopharyngeal area of the human being.

Abstract: A portable, non-invasive device for providing therapeutic treatment to a joint to promote healing of the joint includes a cuff positionable around the joint. The cuff includes an electromagnetic stimulator configured to provide an electromagnetic field within the joint and a single-use thermal exchange component configured to provide temperature-based therapy to the joint.

Abstract: Disclosed are advances in the arts with novel topical applicator apparatus for applying substances such as cleansers, cosmetic preparations and medications to the skin. The apparatus includes an applicator body having a power portion connected with an impulse portion, which in combination with an applicator head, transmits one or more various impulses to the skin supplemental to the substance applied. Exemplary preferred embodiments include configurations for providing mechanical and/or electrical or other impulses.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to an implantable device. Various device embodiments comprise at least one port to connect to at least one lead with at least electrode, stimulation circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide at least one neural stimulation therapy to at least one neural stimulation target using the at least one electrode, sensing circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide a sensed signal, and a controller connected to the stimulation circuitry to provide the at least one neural stimulation therapy and to the sensing circuitry to receive the sensed signal. In response to a triggering event, the controller is adapted to switch between at least two modes. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient having a disorder using an electrode located adjacent a peripheral target neural region. The method comprises conveying electrical stimulation energy from the electrode that stimulates a first set of nerve endings in the peripheral target neural region. The method further comprises increasing an activation threshold of a second set of nerve endings in the peripheral target neural region, thereby rendering the second set of nerve endings less excitable to the electrical stimulation energy. The first set of nerve endings are relatively far from the electrode and the second set of nerve endings are relatively near the electrode.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system and method for managing electrical neuromodulation therapy for a patient in conjunction with administering a pharmacological agent to the patient. Electrical energy is delivered to a target tissue region of the patient, thereby electrically modulating the target tissue region providing therapy to the patient. The energy level of the electrical energy delivered to the tissue is automatically varied inversely to the effect of the pharmacological agent on the patient during a therapeutic window. An absorption level of the pharmacological agent in the patient may be continually detected, and the energy level of the delivered electrical energy automatically varied based on the detected absorption level of the pharmacological agent during a therapeutic window.

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: An exemplary electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) system (100) includes 1) an off-the- ear sound processor module (102), 2) a headpiece module (104) communicatively coupled directly to the off-the-ear sound processor module (102) and configured to be affixed to a head of a patient, the headpiece module (104) comprising a housing with communication circuitry disposed therein that is configured to facilitate communication by the off-the-ear sound processor module (102) with a cochlear implant (106) implanted within the patient, and 3) a loudspeaker (110) communicatively coupled directly to the headpiece module (104). The off-the-ear sound processor module (102) is configured to direct the cochlear implant (106) to apply electrical stimulation to the patient and direct the loudspeaker (110) to apply acoustic stimulation to the patient. Corresponding systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for reducing the clinical presentations of a neurological movement disorder in a subject. Aspects of the methods include measuring cortical local field potentials (LFPs) from the subject's brain, calculating a modulation index related to brain synchronization from the LFPs, and administering deep brain stimulation to the subject if the calculated modulation index is outside of a threshold range. Also provided are devices, systems, and kits that may be used in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode includes an implantable electrode carrier having an outer surface with electrode contacts for electrically stimulating nerve tissue of the inner ear of a patient. A drug lumen is within the electrode carrier and adapted to receive a therapeutic fluid. The drug lumen contains delivery openings to the outer surface of the electrode carrier and a hydrogel matrix disposed between the drug lumen and the one or more delivery openings and adapted to swell in volume when exposed to the therapeutic fluid. The hydrogel matrix is adapted to control diffusion of the therapeutic fluid from the drug lumen through the delivery openings to the outer surface of the electrode carrier.

Abstract: A device for stimulation via electric and magnetic fields is provided. The autonomic/vegetative nervous system can be controlled by signals in the frequency ranges of 0.05 to 0.15 Hz and 0.15 to 0.30 Hz, respectively. By addition of characteristic sinusoidal oscillations between the head and a peripheral area with the corresponding low-frequency sympathetic or parasympathetic control frequency as base oscillation and with application-typical EEG frequencies and higher-frequency sinusoidal oscillations in the range of ca. 250 to 1500 Hz, characteristic stimulation programs are established. These are applied by field applicators in the upper body area and in the lower body. The associated mat applicators distribute field energy. The field applicator is equipped with a combination of a magnetic-field-generating coil arrangement and an electrode arrangement generating the electric field. The electrode generating the electric field can at the same time be designed as a magnetic-field-generating coil.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optical- or optical-and-electrical stimulation of midbrain and/or brainstem tissue (e.g., auditory nerve pathways). Peripheral neural stimulation using infrared lasers has been demonstrated in several systems; however, optical stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS) has not been previously described. In some embodiments of the present invention, radiant energy exposure of the cochlear nucleus using a mid-wavelength infrared laser generates optically-evoked auditory brainstem responses (oABRs). In an experiment, the cochlear nuclei of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed using a suboccipital craniotomy approach. In one embodiment, different regions of left cochlear nucleus were acutely stimulated with a 200- or 400-micron-diameter optical fiber placed on the surface of the brainstem, using 50- to 750-microsecond pulses of 1849-nm to 1865-nm-wavelength radiation at a rate of 10 to 40 Hz and power levels ranging from 10% to 80% of 5 watts.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining an increased likelihood of the occurrence of a cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, congestive heart failure and other diseased conditions of the heart associated with elevated sympathetic neural discharges in a patient. The methods and systems comprise monitoring the sympathetic neural discharges of a patient from the stellate ganglia, the thoracic ganglia, or both, and detecting increases in the sympathetic neural discharges. The methods and systems may further comprise delivering therapy to the patient in response to a detected increase in the sympathetic neural discharge, such as delivering one or more pharmacological agents; stimulating myocardial hyperinnervation in the sinus node and right ventricle of the heart of the patient; and applying cardiac pacing, cardioversion or defibrillation shocks.

Abstract: A method for treating conditions associated with thalamocortical dysrhythmia. The method includes applying transcranial low voltage electrical stimulation (TLVES) therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy to a patient in need thereof, and administering to the patient a dissociative anesthetic during the TLVES therapy or the TMS therapy. A number of conditions including tinnitus, depression and pain can be treated with TLVES or TMS in combination with the dissociative anesthetic, such as an NMADR inhibitor, including ketamine.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method for delivery of a cardiac therapy that includes determining a first impedance signal along a thoracic electrode vector extending within a portion of a thoracic cavity, determining a second impedance signal along an extra-thoracic electrode vector extending outside the thoracic cavity, comparing first amplitude measurements corresponding to the first impedance signals and second amplitude measurements corresponding to the second impedance signals, comparing first slope measurements corresponding to the first impedance signals and second slope measurements corresponding to the second impedance signals, and determining delivery of the cardiac therapy in response to the comparing.

Abstract: A novel wearable electronic skin patch sensor device configured for the real time acquisition, processing and communicating of cardiac activity and other types of biological information within a wired or wireless network is disclosed. A system level scheme for networking the sensor device with client devices that include intelligent personal health management appliances, cellular telephones, PDAs, portable computers, personal computers, RFID Tags and servers is disclosed. The sensor device and the system enable distributed processing, archival and correlation of the biological information with biometrics, gastronomic information, user profiles and health factors that include height, weight, blood pressure and physical activity facilitating real time personal health management at any time and any place.

Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a method of treating diabetic patients comprising measuring a triglyceride level in a diabetic patient and applying a diabetes treatment according to the triglyceride level. Optionally, there is provided a method of screening. Alternatively or additionally, there is provided a method of weight loss. Alternatively or additionally, there is provided a method of relatively reducing HOMA-IR levels. Alternatively or additionally, there is provided a method of relatively reducing blood pressure. An exemplary device to apply the treatment is described.

Abstract: A delivery device for implanting a medical device that includes an expandable fixation member adapted to fix the position of the medical device within a lumen of a human body. The delivery device has an inner shaft rotatably disposed in a tubular outer shaft. A retention member is secured to and rotatable with the inner shaft and has a free end and a retainer portion adapted to protrude outwardly through an exit aperture in the outer shaft to extend circumferentially about the exterior of the outer shaft. The fixation member of the medical device may be retained on the tubular shaft in a low profile configuration by the outwardly protruding retainer portion and may be released to expand upon retraction of the retainer portion in response to rotation of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A microcurrent stimulation device with a power supply, two or more electrodes electronically coupled to the power supply, a microcontroller configured to generate an electromagnetic waveform, an impedance measurement module configured to measure electrical impedance of one or more biological tissues between the two or more electrodes. A first safety circuit monitors electric current flow through one or more components of the microcurrent stimulation device and interrupts electric current flow if the electric current flow through the one or more components is above a predetermined level. A second safety circuit interrupts electric current flow through the one or more components if a firmware failure occurs.

Abstract: A system and method to treat neural communication impairment is provided. The neural communication impairment is present in a neural pathway, which can be a cortico-neuromuscular pathway, an intra-brain neural pathway, or in a sensory-cortico pathway. A synchronized external stimulation is applied to a first point in proximity to a first neural component at one end of the neural pathway and to a second point in proximity to a second neural component at the other end of the neural pathway. Two induced neural handshake signals contemporaneously arrive at a neural communication impairment point in the neural pathway, triggering and stimulating a rehabilitation process by which the neural connection is permanently improved. The synchronized applied electrical signals applied to the first and second points may have an opposite polarity in dipolar neural stimulation, or may have identical polarity and waveform in in-phase neural stimulation.

Abstract: A system and method for automated diagnosis of myocardial ischemia through remote monitoring is described. Physiological measures comprising data either recorded on a regular basis by a medical device or derived therefrom is stored. Qualitative measures associated with the physiological measures are matched. Indications of myocardial ischemia are remotely identified. The qualitative measures for both of a reduction in exercise capacity and respiratory distress occurring contemporaneously are examined. The qualitative measures for angina that accompanies the reduction in exercise capacity and the respiratory distress are evaluated. A time course for each of the indications is determined. A patient status is formed comprising an onset of myocardial ischemia conditioned on the time course comprising a short duration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including identifying a subject as suffering from an impaired body system, the body system being selected from the group consisting of: a cardiovascular system and a renal system. In response thereto, a structure is inserted inside a bladder of the subject, and the bladder is mechanically stimulated with the structure. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method for enhancing an immune response in a vertebrate subject is described. The method includes providing at least one energy stimulus configured to modulate one or more nervous system components of the vertebrate subject, and administering one or more immunogen to the vertebrate subject, wherein the at least one energy stimulus and the one or more immunogen are provided in a combination and in a temporal sequence sufficient to enhance an immune response in the vertebrate subject.

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: 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: An implantable electrode with a fluid reservoir is described. An implantable electrode carrier has an outer surface with electrode contacts for electrically stimulating nearby neural tissue. An enlarged fluid storage reservoir within the electrode carrier stores a treatment volume of therapeutic fluid for an extended therapeutic treatment period. At least one fluid delivery port connects the fluid storage reservoir to the outer surface of the electrode carrier for delivering the therapeutic fluid from the fluid storage reservoir to the outer surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for patient interactive neural stimulation and/or chemical substance delivery are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes affecting a target neural population of the patient by providing to the patient at least one of an electromagnetic signal and a chemical substance. The method can further include detecting at least one characteristic of the patient, with the characteristic at least correlated with the patient's performance of an adjunctive therapy task that is performed in association with affecting the target neural population. The method can still further include controlling at least one parameter in accordance with which the target neural population is affected, based at least in part on the detected characteristic.

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 hearing instrument for direct stimulation of the cochlea of a patient, comprising an audio signal source for providing audio signals, a sound processor for generating auditory nerve stimulation signals from the audio signals, a stimulation assembly to be implanted into the cochlea and comprising an electrode array to be located in the basal part of the cochlea for electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve in the basal part of the cochlea and a plurality of optical fibers extending beyond the electrode array into the apical part of the cochlea for optical stimulation of the auditory nerve in the apical part of the cochlea, and a driver unit for providing the stimulation assembly, according to the auditory nerve stimulation signals from the sound processor, with electric stimulation signals for the electrode array and with stimulation light from at least one light source for the optical fibers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.