Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improvement in lower urinary tract function in an individual with neurogenic urological dysfunction through epidural stimulation of the spinal cord. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise applying a pattern of epidural electrical stimulation to the spinal cord of an individual with impaired lower urinary tract under stimulation parameters sufficient to improve the storage of fluid in the bladder, sensations of fullness and/or emptying, detrusor over-activity, high detrusor pressure, voiding the bladder, transitioning from a storage state to a voiding state, and decreasing detrusor-external urethral sphincter dyssynergia. In certain embodiments, additional patterns of epidural electrical stimulation may be applied simultaneously, such as to maintain a normotensive cardiovascular state of the individual.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods, systems, and devices configured to determine a timing of a future bladder related event of a patient. For example, a system includes processing circuitry configured to identify a timing of a plurality of bladder related events of a patient, determine, based on the timing of the plurality of bladder related events of the patient, a probability to experience a bladder related event function for the patient, the probability to experience a bladder related event function indicating a probability that the patient will experience a bladder related event at an elapsed time after a previous bladder related event, predict, based on the probability to experience a bladder related event function, a timing of a future bladder related event, and control delivery of a therapy to the patient based on the predicted timing of the future bladder related event.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement and transmission of data pertaining to the tissue of an animal. In one embodiment, there is an implantable device that is wirelessly powered and also wirelessly transmits data. Preferably, the implant measures neuromuscular activity.

Abstract: An implant unit delivery tool is provided. The implant delivery tool may include a body, a holder disposed at a distal end of the body and adapted to hold an implant unit, and an implant activator associated with the body, the implant activator configured to receive power from a power source. The implant activator may be configured to selectively and wirelessly transfer power from the power source to the implant unit during implantation of the implant unit into the body of a subject to cause modulation of at least one nerve in the body of the subject, and determine a degree of nerve modulation response resulting from the selective and wireless transfer of power from the power source to the implant unit claims.

Abstract: A topical nerve activation patch includes electronic circuitry embedded in the patch and electronic circuitry configured to generate an output voltage applied to electrodes. The patch further includes a controller configured to generate a treatment comprising a plurality of activation pulses that form the output voltage, the controller comprising a first real time clock and an oscillator, the treatment comprising electrical stimuli applied to the user via the electrodes. The patch further includes a charge measurement circuit configured to measure an amount of charge applied to the user from the electrical stimuli and a communication link configured to communicate with a remote activation device, the remote activation device comprising a second real time clock. The controller is configured to generate the activation pulses by measuring time intervals using the oscillator and using the second real time clock and the measured time intervals to determine activation times for the activation pulses.

Abstract: A medical device system for delivering a neuromodulation therapy includes a delivery tool for deploying an implantable medical device at a neuromodulation therapy site. The implantable medical device includes a housing, an electronic circuit within the housing, and an electrical lead comprising a lead body extending between a proximal end coupled to the housing and a distal end extending away from the housing and at least one electrode carried by the lead body. The delivery tool includes a first cavity for receiving the housing and a second cavity for receiving the lead. The first cavity and the second cavity are in direct communication for receiving and deploying the housing and the lead coupled to the housing concomitantly as a single unit.

Abstract: Practitioners who use sacral neuromodulation on a regular basis have sought ways to simplify the procedure and performing percutaneous nerve evaluations in the office setting have become increasingly more popular. However, many practitioners are limited by the lack of availability of fluoroscopy in the office setting and do not feel comfortable executing the procedure without it, for a variety of reasons. The disclosed system and method demonstrate an avenue to circumvent the lack of fluoroscopic guidance in the office setting enabling execution of percutaneous nerve evaluations successfully and efficiently.

Abstract: A neurostimulator implant includes an insulating member and an elongate circuitry unit. The circuitry unit includes (a) a first electrode, disposed on an outer surface of a first end portion of the circuitry unit; (b) a second electrode, disposed on an outer surface of a second end portion of the circuitry unit; and (c) circuitry, disposed inside the circuitry unit, and configured to be wirelessly powered to drive an electrical current between the first and second electrodes. The circuitry unit is disposed alongside a medial part of the insulating member, bulging away from the insulating member to define a generally arced portion of the implant. Lateral parts of the insulating member extend laterally outward from the medial part to define lateral zones laterally beyond the circuitry unit. The second side of the insulating member defines a generally flat side of the implant. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neuromodulation apparatus and methods of using the neuromodulation apparatus for treating bladder dysfunction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of electrically coupling a previously implanted stimulation lead with a replacement neurostimulator device. The apparatus and method configured to operably couple a proximal portion of a neuromodulation adaptor including a plurality of electrical conductors spaced apart at a first pitch spacing to a corresponding plurality of electrical terminals of a replacement neurostimulator device, and operably couple a distal end of the neuromodulation adaptor including a plurality of conductor elements and an electrically active set screw spaced part of a second pitch spacing to a corresponding plurality of electrical connectors of a previously implanted stimulation lead.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for preventing an episode of incontinence in an individual in need thereof. The devices comprise a sensor and a stimulator electrode that can be implanted into the body of the individual. Once the device is implanted in the individual, the sensor of the device senses a parameter that is associated with a response from the individual that is intended to prevent an episode of incontinence. Then, the device provides an electrical stimulation using the electrode that, together with the response, helps to prevent the episode of incontinence.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a current source, an electronic circuit and a circuit board. The current source is configured to flow an electrical current having a selected frequency between a pair of electrodes coupled to a medical probe. The electronic circuit is configured to measure a single-ended voltage relative to ground that is formed on at least one of the electrodes in the pair in response to the electrical current, and, based on the measured voltage, to assess physical contact between the at least one of the electrodes and tissue. The circuit board includes the current source and the electronic circuit, and includes a layout that produces, at the selected frequency, a predefined capacitance between the current source and ground, thus forming a reference for measurement of the single-ended voltage.

Abstract: An electrode for electrical stimulation therapy includes a sheet body of flat shape having a first surface facing a skin of a human body and a second surface at an opposite side to the first surface and at least one pair of flat electrodes that are provided at the first surface side of the sheet body and are mutually separated and the sheet body includes an expandable/contractible portion that is formed on a virtual axial line extending between the pair of flat electrodes and is expandable/contractible in a direction intersecting the virtual axial line. The electrical stimulation therapeutic device includes a device body and the electrode for electrical stimulation therapy electrically connected to the device body.

Abstract: A system for predicting and detecting urination events of users is disclosed. The system can include any number of wearable devices, mobile devices, hubs, computing devices, and servers to collect, share, process, and interpret data, as well as to provide stimuli to users and caregivers. Biometric and/or environmental data associated with a user can be collected and applied to a urination model to determine a predicted urination time. The user or a caregiver can be provided with direct or environmental stimuli conveying information about predicted urination times. Ongoing biometric and/or environmental data collection can be used to identify, and provide stimuli warning of, imminent urination events. Voluntary and involuntary feedback of actual urination events, as well as continued biometric and/or environmental data collection, can be used to train individual and collective urination models.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for coordinated neurostimulation of two or more biological targets are naturally integrated to each other such as nerves. The method includes disintegrating and separating the two or more biological targets from each other; and wrapping an electrode device around the separated biological targets. The electrode device may include suture holes, and the method, further includes a step of stitching the electrode device around the biological targets through the one or more suture holes. The electrode in the electrode device can electrically and stably contact the biological targets.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for analysing and/or treating symptoms of IBS. A system for treating IBS may include a processor configured to receive a first set of data from biosensors configured to measure contractions in the bowel, receive a second set of data from a galvanic skin response sensor configured to measure electrical conductance of the skin, and analyze patterns between the first and second sets of data. An apparatus may include a base material comprising a material that fits to the body of a user, an elastic portion capable of applying compression across the abdomen of a user, and a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting the compression applied to the abdomen in order to treat the symptoms of IBS.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods may manage therapy delivery to a patient based on one or more physiological markers. In some examples, a method includes detecting a physiological marker that occurs prior in time to a dysfunctional phase of a physiological cycle, wherein a dysfunctional state of the physiological cycle occurs during the dysfunctional phase without treatment, responsive to detecting the physiological marker, initiating a first phase of the physiological cycle having a duration of time. The method may also include, responsive to the first phase elapsing, controlling a therapy delivery module to deliver neurostimulation therapy during a second phase that begins prior to the dysfunctional phase, wherein the neurostimulation therapy is configured to treat the dysfunctional state.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques are described for transitioning between different groups of electrical stimulation programs. For example, a system may control delivery of second electrical stimulation defined by one or more second programs of a second group of stimulation programs on a time-interleaved basis with first electrical stimulation defined by one or more first programs of the first group of stimulation programs. The system may change a first ratio of the one or more first programs used to define the first electrical stimulation to the one or more second programs used to define the second electrical stimulation delivered within a first period of time to a second ratio of the one or more first programs used to define the first electrical stimulation to the one or more second programs used to define the second electrical stimulation delivered within a second period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nocturnal enuresis treatment device 1 including a sensor 10 for detecting urination; one or more stimulation pads 20 constituted to impart a stimulus to a wearer; and a mechanical portion 30 including the following: (i) a stimulus generation unit 31 for generating a signal for causing the stimulation pads 20 to impart the stimulus to the wearer, and (ii) a control unit 32 for generating a signal for causing the stimulus generation unit 31 to generate the stimulus in response to urination detection by the sensor.

Abstract: The disclosed wearable device modulates a patient's gastric emptying time and/or gastric retention time. The wearable device includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one electrode configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the epidermis, through a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm of the dermis, of a T2 dermatome to a T12 dermatome or meridian of the patient, a C5 to a T1 dermatome across the hand and/or arm, and/or the upper chest regions. The device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.

Abstract: An apparatus is described comprising electrodes (22) configured to be placed upon a portion of a body of a subject, and a user interface device (26). A computer processor (24) applies a neuromodulation treatment to the subject, by driving electrical pulses into the portion of the subject's body via the electrodes, and generates an output on the user interface device that indicates to the subject a physiological effect that the neuromodulation treatment has upon the subject's body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for stimulation of a subject. The stimulation may be to provide therapy to treat the subject. Stimulation may be of selected muscle groups and/or portions.

Abstract: A medical device for generating electrical stimulation of a patient includes: a pulse generator configured to generate current pulses for electrical stimulation of the patient, and at least one electrode lead configured to be connected to the pulse generator. The electrode lead has a plurality of electrode contacts for delivering the current pulses to tissue of the patient. The pulse generator is configured to generate the current pulses with a rate in the range from 1 Hz to 100 kHz, and the individual current pulse has a pulse width in a range from 10 ?s to 10 ms.

Abstract: Techniques for delivering electrical stimulation therapy comprising a complex variation to at least one electrical stimulation parameter are described. In one example, processing circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD) identifies a plurality of electrical stimulation parameters for at least one pulse train of electrical stimulation. The processing circuitry defines a complex variation to at least one electrical stimulation parameter of the plurality of electrical stimulation parameters. The processing circuitry modifies the at least one pulse train of electrical stimulation by introducing the complex variation to the electrical stimulation parameter function and controls a stimulation generator of the IMD to generate, as modified, the at least one pulse train of electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A method for assessing nerve fiber excitability is disclosed. The method comprises: arranging an electrode in contact with skin of a person; determining a first and a second threshold value based on a stimulation current pulse of a first and a second waveform, respectively; wherein said determining of the first threshold value and said determining of the second threshold value each comprises: repeatedly providing a stimulation current pulse of the first or second waveform, respectively, through the electrode, wherein a stimulation current strength is altered between repetitions; and receiving signals from an interaction element with which the person interacts, said signals from the interaction element providing an indication of the first threshold value or the second threshold value, respectively, corresponding to a stimulation current strength necessary to be perceived by the person; and determining at least one measure of psychophysical perception based on the determined first and second threshold values.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the inventive concept there is provided a system for monitoring incontinence comprising: a urine sensitive circuit arranged to present a changed electrical characteristic when exposed to urine; a measurement circuit arranged to perform a measurement on a urine bladder of a wearer to determine at least one parameter which varies with a fill level of the urine bladder; a sensor arranged to determine an orientation and/or a movement of the sensor; and a processing circuit arranged to: determine whether the urine sensitive circuit has been exposed to urine; estimate an amount of urine released on to the urine sensitive circuit; and in response to determining that the urine sensitive circuit has been exposed to urine, record data representing said at least one parameter determined by the measurement circuit, an estimated movement and/or posture of the wearer based on an orientation and/or a movement determined by the sensor, and an estimate of the amount of urine released on to the urine

Abstract: According to one aspect of the inventive concept there is provided a method of monitoring incontinence for a user, comprising: determining, using a urine sensitive circuit provided at an absorbent article and arranged to present a changed electrical characteristic when exposed to urine, whether the user has urinated on the absorbent article, performing, using a measurement circuit, a measurement on the urine bladder to determine a parameter which varies with a fill level of the urine bladder, and in response to determining that the user has urinated on the absorbent article, recording, by a processing circuit, data representing said parameter.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for treating a medical condition by applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation to a target peripheral nerve of a subject. Electrical stimulation is applied to the peripheral nerve via a stimulation electrode pattern under closed-loop control in which EMG responses are monitored and used to adjust stimulation parameters. In response to detecting an unacceptable recording, electrical stimulation is applied to the peripheral nerve under open-loop control.

Abstract: Methods for placing an electrical stimulation lead at a tibial nerve in a subject, and also for treating a tibial nerve-related condition or disease in the subject. The methods include depositing the electrical stimulation lead at a tibial nerve, activating the electrical stimulation lead to modulate the tibial nerve, and thereby treating the tibial nerve-related condition or disease in the subject.

Abstract: In some examples, electrical stimulation is delivered to a patient such that selective termination of the stimulation causes a therapeutic effect in the patient after termination of the electrical stimulation to the patient. The electrical stimulation may be insufficient to produce a desired therapeutic effect in the patient during stimulation, but sufficient to induce a post-stimulation desired therapeutic effect following termination of the stimulation. In some examples, the electrical stimulation may be sub-threshold electrical stimulation. In some examples, the desired therapeutic effect may alleviate bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, or other disorders. The stimulation may be selectively terminated in response to one or more therapy trigger events to induce the post-stimulation therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods may manage therapy delivery to a patient based on one or more physiological markers. In some examples, a method includes detecting a physiological marker that occurs prior in time to a dysfunctional phase of a physiological cycle, wherein a dysfunctional state of the physiological cycle occurs during the dysfunctional phase without treatment, responsive to detecting the physiological marker, initiating a first phase of the physiological cycle having a duration of time. The method may also include, responsive to the first phase elapsing, controlling a therapy delivery module to deliver neurostimulation therapy during a second phase that begins prior to the dysfunctional phase, wherein the neurostimulation therapy is configured to treat the dysfunctional state.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for positioning of an implantable lead in a patient with an integrated EMG and stimulation clinician programmer. The integrated clinician programmer is coupled to the implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes, and to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The method comprises delivering a test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead. Test stimulations are delivered at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead.

Abstract: The disclosed wearable device modulates a patient's gastric emptying time and/or gastric retention time. The wearable device includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one electrode configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the epidermis, through a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm of the dermis, of a T2 dermatome to a T12 dermatome or meridian of the patient, a C5 to a T1 dermatome across the hand and/or arm, and/or the upper chest regions. The device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.

Abstract: In one example, a method including generating electrical stimulation therapy with a frequency of approximately 500 hertz or greater, and controlling delivery of the electrical stimulation therapy to a patient via a medical device between at least one of contractions of a bladder or contractions of a bowel of a patient, wherein the electrical stimulation therapy comprises electrical stimulation therapy configured to inhibit contraction of the bladder when the electrical stimulation is delivered between the contractions of the bladder, wherein the electrical stimulation therapy comprises electrical stimulation therapy configured to inhibit contraction of the bowel when the electrical stimulation is delivered between the contractions of the bowel, and wherein at least one of the generating and controlling is performed via one or more processors.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation is applied to a patient via a lead by increasing a stimulation parameter over time. An anal sphincter response, a bellows response, and a toes response from the patient are detected as a result of the electrical stimulation. A first value of the stimulation parameter associated with the anal sphincter response, a second value of the stimulation parameter associated with the bellows response, and a third value of the stimulation parameter associated with the toes response are determined. A placement of the lead inside the patient is evaluated based on: a chronological occurrence of the anal sphincter response, the bellows response, and the toes response; a comparison of the first value with a predetermined threshold; a deviation of the second value from the first value; a deviation of the third value from the first value; or a deviation of the third value from the second value.

Abstract: An ablation electrode assembly is provided with improved irrigation cooling of the assembly and ablation site. The assembly includes a proximal end configured to be coupled to a catheter shaft and a distal end configured to deliver ablation energy to tissue. The assembly further includes a fluid manifold extending from the proximal end to the distal end and configured to fluidly communicate with a fluid lumen in the catheter shaft. The fluid manifold defines an axial passageway centered about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the assembly. The axial passageway has a distal end terminating prior to the distal end of the electrode assembly. The assembly further includes means for creating turbulence in fluid exiting the first axial passageway.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of eggs in a uterine tube formed by a uterine tube wall of a patient. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the uterine tube wall) at least one portion of the uterine tube wall to influence the flow of eggs in the uterine tube, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to further influence the flow of eggs in the uterine tube. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow of eggs in the uterine tube, or for actively moving the fluid in the uterine tube, with a low risk of injuring the uterine tube.

Abstract: This application describes a miniature implantable neurostimulator system for sciatic nerves and their branches. The implanted miniature neurostimulator is implanted in the leg and stimulates these nerves for the treatment of urinary or bowel incontinence. The miniature implantable neurostimulator has a low duty cycle permitting a small size with medically-acceptable longevity. The system includes a wireless programmer and patient-activated key fob.

Abstract: Instrument and systems for applying ablative energy to epicardial tissue via a subxiphoid access surgical approach. The instrument has a head assembly sized and shaped for a subxiphoid surgical approach to a patient's heart and defines a contact face. The head assembly includes a paddle body, a first ablation electrode, and a second ablation electrode. The ablation electrodes are coupled to the paddle body in a spaced apart, spatially-fixed fashion. The ablation electrodes are exteriorly exposed at the contact face. A tubular member extends from the head assembly and maintains wiring connected to the ablation electrodes. The instrument is manipulable to locate the contact face on epicardial tissue of a patient's heart via a subxiphoid surgical approach, such as between the left and right pulmonary vein junctions of the posterior left atrium.

Abstract: In certain variations, systems and/or methods for electromagnetic induction therapy are provided. One or more ergonomic or body contoured applicators may be included. The applicators include one or more conductive coils configured to generate an electromagnetic or magnetic field focused on a target nerve, muscle or other body tissues positioned in proximity to the coil. One or more sensors may be utilized to detect stimulation and to provide feedback about the efficacy of the applied electromagnetic induction therapy. A controller may be adjustable to vary a current through a coil to adjust the magnetic field focused upon the target nerve, muscle or other body tissues based on the feedback provide by a sensor or by a patient. In certain systems or methods, pulsed magnetic fields may be intermittently applied to a target nerve, muscle or tissue without causing habituation.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system and method includes delivering first electrical modulation energy to a patient through a timing channel at a relatively high energy level (e.g., at a frequency in the range of 2 KHz-50 KHz) during a first time period in accordance with a stored modulation energy delivery schedule, delivering second electrical modulation energy to the patient through the same timing channel at a relatively low energy level (e.g., at a frequency in the range of 2 Hz to 1500 Hz) during a second time period in accordance with the stored modulation energy delivery schedule.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead has a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a longitudinal length and includes a lead body extending along the lead. The lead body includes an expandable mesh disposed along the distal end portion of the lead. The electrical stimulation lead also includes a number of electrodes attached to the mesh and a number of terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the electrical stimulation lead. Further, the electrical stimulation lead includes multiple conductors electrically coupling the terminals to the electrodes.

Abstract: In some examples, relatively low frequency (e.g., less than about 50 Hertz) electrical stimulation therapy is delivered to a target tissue site proximate to one or more of the T9, T10, T11, T12, L1, L2, or L3 (“T9-L3”) spinal nerves of a patient to manage a pelvic floor disorder, such as urinary retention, fecal retention, or both. The relatively low frequency electrical stimulation therapy is configured to excite the one or more of the T9-L3 spinal nerves, which may generate an activating response from the patient related to voiding and help promote voiding by the patient. For example, the low frequency electrical stimulation may be configured to help improve the patient's pelvic sensations, which may help the patient better control urination.

Abstract: In response to input from a patient who is being treated by a sacral nerve stimulation therapy, an electronic diary is generated that includes a plurality of voiding responses of the patient over a period of time. The sacral nerve stimulation therapy includes electrical pulses delivered to the patient according to a first stimulation program and via a first subset of electrode contacts on a lead that is implanted in the patient. The lead has a plurality of electrode contacts that include the first subset. Based on the voiding responses in the electronic diary, a loss of efficacy of the sacral nerve stimulation therapy is detected. The sacral nerve stimulation therapy is automatically adjusted in response to the detected loss of efficacy. The automatically adjustment of the sacral nerve stimulation therapy may include either a program-based sweep or a contact-based sweep.

Abstract: An implant unit delivery tool is disclosed having an implant tool and an implant activator. The implant tool may be configured to retain an implant unit during an implantation procedure in which the implant unit is fixated to tissue. The implant activator may be associated with the implant tool. Additionally, the implant activator may be configured to selectively transfer power to the implant unit during the implantation procedure to cause modulation of at least one nerve in the body of a subject prior to final fixation of the implant unit to the tissue.

Abstract: A compressible electrode for the stimulation of the musculature of the pelvic floor complex e.g. for the treatment of anterior and posterior pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, is reversibly compressible and has electro-conductive elements. The compressible electrode may be used with all the usual control units and treatment regimes for the electro-stimulation of the musculature and nerves of the vagina and/or anus. The compressible electrode may be inserted into the vagina or anus through the use of an applicator. In the compressed state the compressible electrode may be of tampon proportions and after use may easily be removed.

Abstract: An electro-stimulation device for the stimulation of the musculature of the pelvic floor complex e.g. for the treatment of anterior and posterior pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is fully self-contained. The device requires no external power sources or control and may be inserted into the vagina or anus through the use of an applicator. The device uses a pre-programmed treatment cycle of stimulating pulses. The cycle comprises either a waveform with an initial phase where the current of the device is ramped from an initial level to a higher level, a second phase where the current is ramped from the higher level from the first phase to a second higher level and a third phase where the current is maintained at the second higher level, or a waveform comprising two or more components each component being a train of regularly spaced pulses or a combination of these two waveforms.

Abstract: A device and method for transvaginal or transrectal treatment of a bladder pathology. The device includes an elongate body that includes a longitudinal axis, a handle at one end of the body, a head at the other end of the body, and a shaft between the handle and the head. The head includes a substantially flat surface and one or more retractable needle electrodes extending through the flat surface. The method includes inserting a probe into a vagina or rectum of a patient, where the probe includes a head portion comprising one or more retractable needle electrodes; heating one or more pelvic nerves supplying the patient's bladder by emitting radiofrequency energy from the one or more needle electrodes; and as a result of the heating, damaging the one or more pelvic nerves.

Abstract: Methods of providing payment for use of a medical device on a per-treatment session basis are disclosed. The methods include downloading treatment credits to the device linked to a customer account and activating the medical device when the number of available treatment credits is greater the one. The number of treatment credits downloaded to the device is based on at least one of a credit limit provided to the customer account and a number of prepaid treatment credits purchased by the customer. In other embodiments, the medical device monitors the number of treatment sessions performed and activates the device only when a customer's account is current.

Abstract: Patient monitoring systems can include a system for transmitting information from a patient parameter sensor to a patient monitor. The system can include an analog-to-digital converter close to the patient parameter sensor and can transmit digital signals through a cable to the patient monitor.