Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for determining an end of life state for an electromechanical surgical system. The system includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function and a shaft assembly being arranged for selectively interconnecting the end effector and a hand-held surgical instrument. The hand-held surgical instrument includes an instrument housing defining a connecting portion for selectively connecting with the shaft assembly. The hand-held surgical instrument also includes a motor assembly, a sensor array configured to obtain an operational parameter of the hand-held surgical instrument, and a controller configured to control operation of the hand-held surgical instrument based on the operational parameter obtained by the sensor array.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic blade includes a recess region having a plurality of recesses. The recess region is tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the recess region decreases along the length of the recess region. The ultrasonic blade is also curved such that a central longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic blade extends along a curved path. A reference circuit is used to account for voltage drops of unknown values during operation of the surgical apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in a user, the apparatus comprising: a housing; stimulation means for electrically stimulating at least one nerve; an electrode releasably mounted to the housing and connectable to the stimulation means for electrical stimulation of the at least one nerve; monitoring means for monitoring the user's body orientation and movement; analysis means for analyzing said orientation and movement; and control means for controlling the output of the stimulation means in response to said analysis of said orientation and movement.

Abstract: To avoid overheating of a spindle motor as easy as possible, a numerical control apparatus measures a cycle time in machining a work (step S5), measures a current amount per unit cycle flowing to the spindle motor (steps S3 and step S4), calculates, on the basis of the measured current amount per unit cycle, a duty cycle time in which suppression of the occurrence of overheating of the spindle motor is guaranteed (step S6), determines on the basis of a comparison of the duty cycle time and the cycle time whether the spindle motor overheats (step S7), and, when the spindle motor overheats (Yes at step S7), delays a start of the next cycle by a wait time setting value Tw obtained by subtracting the cycle time from the duty cycle time (step S8, No at step S10, and step S11).

Abstract: A system for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient includes a mouthpiece and a controller. The mouthpiece includes an elongated housing, a printed circuit board, control circuitry mounted within the elongated housing, and a cable for connecting to a controller. The controller includes an elongated u-shaped element, an electronic receptacle, and a microcontroller. A method for providing non-invasive neurorehabilitation of a patient including connecting a mouthpiece to a controller, transmitting a numeric sequence to the mouthpiece, generating a first hash code, transmitting the first hash code to the controller, generating a second hash code, comparing the second hash code with the first hash code, enabling electrical communication between the mouthpiece and the controller only if the first hash code matches the second hash code, contacting the mouthpiece with the patient's intraoral cavity, and delivering neurostimulation to the patient's intraoral cavity.

Abstract: Protocols are provided for the use of frequency specific microcurrent in conjunction with dental or orthodontic procedures to treat or prevent inflammation induced complications. Specific protocols are disclosed for use in conjunction with gingival surgery and chronic periodontitis, implant/osseous periodontal surgery, general post operative trauma, pulpal trauma, pulpal inflammation, root canal post op, chronic osteonecrosis, osteonecrosis surgery post op, orthodontic pain prevention, and orthodontic mid-adjustment procedures.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache and trigeminal neuralgia and the like, by noninvasive electrical stimulation of nerves of the head, particularly supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, and mental nerves in the vicinity of their foramen or notch. The system comprises a handheld mobile device, such as a smartphone, that is applied to the surface of the patient's head. One or more electrodes on the mobile device apply electrical impulses transcutaneously through the patient's skin to the targeted nerve to treat the medical condition. The system is designed to address problems that arise particularly during self-treatment, when a medical professional is not present.

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a cannula configured and arranged for insertion into a brain of a patient; at least one cannula electrode disposed on the cannula; and an electrode lead for insertion into the cannula, the electrode lead comprising at least one stimulating electrode.

Abstract: TENS can be applied to the TMJ of an athlete for a period of time to deprogram muscles. After TENS, a desired position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw can be determined and recorded. The desired position can be a physiological resting position, or a performance position in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly relative to the physiological resting position. A mouthpiece can be prepared including bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws according to the desired position, and substantially prevent movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A connecting portion connects the bite portions within the mouth, and may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.

Abstract: A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.

Abstract: A cuff assembly includes a frame assembly configured to be positioned about a limb of a user and support a functional electrical stimulation system, and an over center closure mechanism coupled to the frame assembly and configured to secure the frame assembly relative to the limb, the over center closure mechanism being located on a medial side of the limb when the frame assembly is positioned about the limb.

Abstract: An electronic stimulation system to be worn in, behind or on a human ear having a casing; a detection device to sense breathing activity from a human being and to generate a detection signal; electronics within the casing and having a controller connected to the detection device to process the detection signal and generate a control signal when the controller has determined that the human being is in a state of developing apnoea; a stimulation device to receive the control signal from the electronics and to provide stimuli to one or more points of the human ear; wherein when the electronic stimulation system is worn in, behind or on the human ear, the stimulation device is pushed against a predetermined portion of the human ear.

Abstract: A processor implemented nerve stimulation system for regional anesthesia administration varies pulse width as a programmed function of applied current or varies applied current as a function of adjusted pulse width. The system also provides a waveform of repeating cycles of different pulse width components separated within the waveform frequency and which may be simultaneously attenuated as a function of applied current within an attenuation range. Among possible functional relationships between pulse width and applied current within an attenuation range is the exponential reduction of pulse width as a function of applied current.

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a cannula configured and arranged for insertion into a brain of a patient; at least one cannula electrode disposed on the cannula; and an electrode lead for insertion into the cannula, the electrode lead comprising at least one stimulating electrode.

Abstract: This disclosure describes delivery of omnipolar electrical stimulation with an external electrical stimulator. Omnipolar electrical stimulation may involve stimulation with an electrode carried on the housing of an implantable medical device (IMD) while substantially simultaneously delivering stimulation via one or more implanted electrodes having the same polarity as the electrode on the housing. An external medical device (EMD) may simulate the IMD housing electrode with an electrode separate from the electrodes carried on leads implanted near target tissue. This electrode may be an external electrode carried on the external housing of the EMD or an external patch electrode. Alternatively, the electrode may be an implantable electrode coupled to the EMD. The conductivity of the external or implantable electrode may also be optimized to approximate the conductivity of the IMD housing electrode. This electrode coupled to the EMD may be utilized during trial stimulation or chronic, external, stimulation.

Abstract: A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.

Abstract: Developing a measure of critical systems-like behavior in an epilepsy patient in order to map epileptic networks, either passively or evoking responses through subthreshold stimulation, and to apply “therapeutic” stimulations to the patient that cause smaller, but more frequent dissipations of “energy,” a transcription product, subclinical electrophysiological activity or seizures in order to raise the clinical seizure initiation threshold, through releasing accumulated interictal energy in a seizure onset zone or elsewhere in the epileptic network, thereby preventing occurrence of larger more debilitating seizures.

Abstract: A method for promoting oral hygiene and treating a patient for gingivitis, other periodontal problems, or oral mal odor by transmitting to the gums of a patient electrical current waveforms of electrical voltage within the range of from about ±0.1V to about ±3.9V as a combination of ultra-weak electrical currents.

Abstract: The method disclosed herein entails spinal cord stimulation via electrodes placed directly into the dorsal horn, dorsal column, spinothalamic tract, nucleus cuneatus, nucleus gracilis, spinal tract of V, or spinal nucleus of V (nucleus caudalis) depending on the source of pain. This “intramedullary” stimulation “jams” or otherwise prevents the pain signal from being transmitted. The method provides a means to stimulate the targeted area directly, creating a stable means of stimulating the desired area, and decreasing stimulation of other structures.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for empowering those in wheelchairs and others with loss of limb control to walk, climb stairs, sit in ordinary chairs, use normal bathroom facilities and stand at normal height with their peers. It also provides a means to speed rehabilitation of the injured while providing superior physical therapy without draining professional resources. The apparatus is worn under normal clothing allowing them to also look normal.

Abstract: An electrode assembly adapted to be attached to the skin over selected facial muscle groups picks up signals to be analyzed by an anesthesia adequacy monitor that measures the level of awareness of a living animal, typically a human being. The electrode assembly also includes a stimulator that stimulates a facial nerve to determine the level of paralysis, or neuro muscular block, of the facial muscles. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the electrode assembly by printing a pattern of electrically conductive material through a silk-screen or an ink type process onto a flexible layer, and then coating the result with a non-conducting adhesive except at points corresponding to sensing points for the desired muscle groups. Finally, a method for using such sensing and stimulating devices is shown in determining and maintaining an appropriate level of patient awareness, muscle paralysis, and analgesia under anesthesia.

Abstract: An electrode assembly adapted to be attached to the skin over selected facial muscle groups picks up signals to be analyzed by an anesthesia adequacy monitor that measures the level of awareness of a living animal, typically a human being. The electrode assembly also includes a stimulator that stimulates a facial nerve to determine the level of paralysis, or neuro muscular block, of the facial muscles. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the electrode assembly by printing a pattern of electrically conductive material through a silk-screen or an ink type process onto a flexible layer, and then coating the result with a non-conducting adhesive except at points corresponding to sensing points for the desired muscle groups. Finally, a method for using such sensing and stimulating devices is shown in determining and maintaining an appropriate level of patient awareness, muscle paralysis, and analgesia under anesthesia.

Abstract: A simple, non-invasive device and method for treating oropharyngeal, respiratory, and oral motor neuromuscular disorders provides electrical stimulation to various regions of a patient. The method and device offer an effective and non-invasive treatment for these disorders. The device is an electrical neuromuscular stimulator that includes a pulse generator for generating a series of electrical pulses and a processor coupled to the pulse generator for controlling its operation. An electrode array of uni-directional or bi-directional electrodes is coupled to the pulse generator and provides electrical stimulation to the appropriate neck, chest, or facial region of the patient. Using bi-directional snap electrodes, for example, the electrode array may also generate electrical feedback signals in response to the neuromuscular stimulation of the patient.

Abstract: A novel use of an electronic medical electro-anaesthesia apparatus based on an adjustable DC power supply and electrodes which are interchangeable depending on the kind of operation, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing (1) which an electronic device for regulating and controlling the DC power supply, and two electrodes of which one (2) is a patient-held member for gripping the housing while the other is any scaling instrument (15) used by the practitioner. The enamel of the teeth may be scaled with the instrument and the operation may be performed with full or partial desensitization. Another use of the apparatus relates to paradontic curetting.

Abstract: Transcranial electrostimulation apparatus including two current generators for providing electrical currents, two electrode pairs for detachable attachment to the scalp of a patient of which each is driven by an electrode pair dedicated current generator and control apparatus for independently controlling each current generator such that each electrode pair administers an independently regulated electrical current.

Abstract: TENS electrodes and connectors useful with such electrodes are disclosed. The electrodes include active electrodes and return electrodes having a common carrier with a field of pressure sensitive adhesive for adhering the electrode to a hand (finger or thumb) of the practitioner or an applicator. Extraoral electrodes adhere to facial skin of mammals and provide TENS treatment for intraoral-procedures. The electrodes can be single channel or dual channel to combine active electrodes and return electrodes on one electrode. The connector can be single channel or dual channel and has a ridge for projecting through the tab portion of the electrode for more secure mechanical and electrical connection. Optionally, a dual channel electrode is used in combination with an elongated applicator having a bifurcated end in order to facilitate guiding a syringe needle toward a desired injection site.