Abstract: A device for distending a body lumen for enhanced visualization with a capsule endoscope includes a plurality of struts configured to extend from the capsule endoscope, a retention mechanism configured to attach the plurality of struts to the capsule endoscope, and a trigger configured to release the retention mechanism.

Abstract: A device for distending a body lumen for enhanced visualization with a capsule endoscope includes a plurality of struts configured to extend from the capsule endoscope, a retention mechanism configured to attach the plurality of struts to the capsule endoscope, and a trigger configured to release the retention mechanism.

Abstract: A stent device including a stent coated with a photosensitizer, the stent including a pair of electrodes; and a circuit fixed to the stent, the circuit including a light emitting diode, a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power from the outside, and converting the power to electric power; a second communicating means for receiving a control command from the outside; and a second control means for applying, based on the control command, the electric power to the electrodes causing an electric current to flow through the stent between the electrodes, the flow causing heating of the stent, and for controlling a temperature of the stent to provide hyperthermia therapy to a tumor, the second control means further for applying, based on the control command, the electric power to the light emitting diode to emit a predetermined wavelength of light to the photosensitizer to provide photodynamic therapy to the tumor.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating hand tremors caused by Essential Tremor and Parkinson's disease which may also be used as part of a therapeutic program in association with surgically implanted stem cells introduced into a patient's substantia nigra.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a direct-current (DC) ablation prostate therapy system. The protection circuit is selectively coupled to a power source that provides DC constant current to a plurality of electrodes in a catheter configured to deliver DC ablation therapy to prostate tissue. The protection circuit is controlled by a controller and a switching circuit to buffer energy from the power source in response to a monitoring circuit that monitors at least one parameter of the DC ablation therapy, such as voltage or impedance. The controller is configured to selectively activate the switching circuit based on the monitoring circuit detecting an undesirable increase in the energy delivered for the DC ablation therapy.

Abstract: Attributes of a human or animal body are detected by the generation and detection of an electric field. A laminated membrane, connected to a control circuit, is placed over an electrically conductive ground-plane. An upper-mattress is placed above this for supporting a human or animal body. To improve the response of the detector, a response-enhancement-layer of a substantially electrically non-conducting compressible-material containing electrically-conductive-particles, such as carbon particles, is located between the laminated-membrane and the upper-mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating hand tremors caused by Essential Tremor and Parkinson's disease which may also be used as part of a therapeutic program in association with surgically implanted stem cells introduced into a patient's substantia nigra.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless diagnosis system power supply, which is not connected with an external power supply, and comprises a shell (1), a battery pack (2) provided within the shell, an electrical module (3) connected with the battery pack to adjust the voltage and the current, and a cable handle (4) connected with the electrical module. The power supply provides independent power supply directly without connecting with an external power network, and achieves a reasonable arrangement, a compact structure, a small size, a long service life, power saving, safety and reliability, convenience in clinical use, and high utilization rate of clinic space; and the whole system is portable and easy to install.

Abstract: An assist wear item is worn on a portion of a living body and has an inner surface brought into contact with the portion. The assist wear item includes assisting actuators, contact sensors, and a controller. Each assisting actuator is driven to expand and contract. The assisting actuators are linearly arranged along an expansion/contraction direction of a muscle at the portion. Each contact sensor detects a contact with an outer surface of the assist wear item. If the controller receives a detection result indicating a first contact from a first contact sensor among the contact sensors and receives a detection result indicating a second contact from a second contact sensor within a first time period after reception of the detection result indicating the first contact, the controller increases or decreases a driving power of expansion/contraction driving of an assisting actuator corresponding to the second contact sensor.

Abstract: An assist wear item is worn on a portion of a living body and has an inner surface brought into contact with the portion. The assist wear item includes assisting actuators, contact sensors, and a controller. Each assisting actuator is driven to expand and contract. The assisting actuators are linearly arranged along an expansion/contraction direction of a muscle at the portion. Each contact sensor detects a contact with an outer surface of the assist wear item. The contact sensors include a first contact sensor and a second contact sensor. The controller increases or decreases a driving power of expansion/contraction driving of an assisting actuator corresponding to a region ranging from the first contact sensor to the second contact sensor if the controller continuously receives a detection result indicating a contact from at least one contact sensor between the first and second contact sensors during a certain time period.

Abstract: The electrode set for a stimulation device, such as a TENS or EMS stimulation device comprises at least a plurality of neighboring electrically active zones close to each other said active zones forming a succession of poles of alternating polarity or being grouped to form groups of poles of alternating polarity, wherein at least one of said active zone or group of zones has a lateral size (D2) of approximately 1 mm to 40 mm, wherein at least one of spacing (D1) between neighboring active zones or groups of zones is approximately of 1 mm to 40 mm, and said set further comprises contacting means connected to said active zones or groups of active zones.

Abstract: The present method and system provides for the clinical application of neurostimulation and/or neuromodulation to a patient. The method and system includes receipt and acquisition of patient data, processing of that data relative to one or more known data sets, and determination of a good-fit trigger specific treatment protocol. The method and system provides for application of the protocol to the patient, including delivery of neuromodulation and biofeedback. Based thereon, the method and system re-iterates the goodness of fit determination for further treatment to the patient.

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 direct current application device includes a direct current source or an appliance configured to be linked to a direct current source. A first electrode is configured to be connected to the direct current source. The first electrode comprises a plurality of needles comprising 3-12 needles which are configured to comprise an electrically conductive connection with each other. A second electrode is configured to be connected to the direct current source. The second electrode comprises a flat electrode, a needle, or a plurality of needles which are configured to comprise an electrically conductive connection with each other. A current device is configured to maintain a current at a constant level during an application of the direct current, or a battery as the direct current source.

Abstract: A typical power switch in a Buck Regulator requires a pre-driver to ensure rapid transition from its ON to OFF states. In this invention, the shoot through current in the pre-driver and the power switch's gate-charge in a Buck regulator is itself recaptured in the capacitor of the buck regulator. The recapturing of this otherwise wasted shoot-through current and gate charge allows for increased efficiency of the regulator. The recapture may be selectively disabled to accommodate high power operations of the system, if such are used; the recapture may in an alternative mode be always performed. As a result, reduced power consumption can be achieved.

Abstract: A method comprises applying a first open-loop electrical signal to a neural structure at a first rate. The method also comprises applying a closed-loop electrical signal to the neural structure in response to an event detection, thus causing an overall rate at which electrical stimulation is applied to the neural structure to exceed the first rate. The method further comprises applying a second open-loop electrical signal to a neural structure at a second rate that is lower than the first rate, thus causing the overall rate to be reduced to the first rate.

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: An apparatus includes a cathode chamber configured to store a gel cathode and an anode chamber configured to store a gel anode. A cathode dispensing channel is in fluid communication with the cathode chamber and allows at least a portion of the gel cathode to be dispensed. An anode dispensing channel is in fluid communication with the anode chamber and allows at least a portion of the gel anode to be dispensed. A portion of the gel cathode and a portion of the gel anode come into contact upon being dispensed to form an active battery that can be used to generate an electrical current.

Abstract: Bioelectric implants are provided in three distinct embodiments, namely a bone/tissue anchor, a suture construction, and a plate. The bioelectric implants function in dual capacities as both fixation devices, and as galvanic cells for the production of electrical energy used for therapeutic purposes in tissue regeneration and healing. The bioelectric anchor may take the general form of a screw or pin having a hollow interior or cavity that extends through the body of the anchor. A coating can be applied to the cavity to form the anode portion of the galvanic cell. The outer surface of the anchor serves as a cathode. Bodily fluids and tissue act as an electrolyte to facilitate the chemical reactions necessary for the galvanic cell. For the suture construction, one or more strands of material are the cathode, and one or more strands of peripheral surrounding material act as the anode. Bodily fluids/tissue in contact with the suture act as an electrolyte.

Abstract: System and method for estimating a remaining capacity of a battery of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device has a battery producing a current and having a remaining battery capacity, the implantable medical device being configured to utilize a relatively low amount of the current and, in specific instances, a relatively large pulse of the current. The processor is coupled to the battery and configured to calculate an estimate of the remaining battery capacity based, at least in part, on a measured battery parameter and occurrences of the specific instances of delivery of the relatively large pulse of the current.

Abstract: An implantable device (10) is used to emit electrical stimulation signals to surrounding tissue by means of at least one stimulation electrode (17). The device (10) has a sensor unit (26), which generates a useful signal (D) in the form of analogue voltage pulses (73) from externally fed signals, and an output stage (28) which generates the stimulation signals (E) from the useful signal (D). The output stage (28) emits the stimulation signals (E) in, averaged over time, a substantially DC voltage free fashion to an external ground (29), which can be connected to the tissue (64).

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface, a proximal end, a distal end and a lead body. The device also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. The plurality of electrodes includes a first set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a first longitudinal position along the lead; and a second set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a second longitudinal position along the lead. The device further includes one or more conductors that electrically couple together all of the segmented electrodes of the first set of segmented electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a percutaneous connection port configured to convey an electrical signal between an electrical device disposed outside of a body and an electrical member disposed within the body. The percutaneous connection port has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion includes a surface configured to be accessible from a region of the body. The distal portion includes an anchor configured to be disposed within the body. The anchor has a curved shape about an axis substantially parallel to a skin of the body.

Abstract: System and method for estimating a remaining capacity of a battery of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device has a battery producing a current and having a remaining battery capacity, the implantable medical device being configured to utilize a relatively low amount of the current and, in specific instances, a relatively large pulse of the current. The processor is coupled to the battery and configured to calculate an estimate of the remaining battery capacity based, at least in part, on a measured battery parameter and occurrences of the specific instances of delivery of the relatively large pulse of the current.

Abstract: Chemotherapeutic treatment for certain cancers may be combined with low intensity, intermediate frequency alternating electric fields that are tuned to a particular type of target cell. When the tuned fields were combined with Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin or Cyclophosphamide, excellent results were obtained against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and non-small cell lung (H1299) carcinomas in culture. More specifically, cell proliferation inhibition similar to that obtained by drug alone was reached by exposure to the combined treatment at drug concentrations between one and two orders of magnitude lower than for drug-only regimens of treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides an implant, system and method for electrically stimulating a target tissue to either activate or block neural impulses. The implant provides a conductive pathway for a portion of electrical current flowing between surface electrodes positioned on the skin and transmits that current to the target tissue. The implant has a passive electrical conductor of sufficient length to extend from subcutaneous tissue located below a surface cathodic electrode to the target tissue. The conductor has a pick-up end which forms an electrical termination having a sufficient surface area to allow a sufficient portion of the electrical current to flow through the conductor, in preference to flowing through body tissue between the surface electrodes, such that the target tissue is stimulated to either activate or block neural impulses. The conductor also has a stimulating end which forms an electrical termination for delivering the current to the target body tissue.

Abstract: A patient's ejection fraction is maximized through simultaneous sensing and stimulating across multiple electrodes. In one exemplary embodiment, a catheter or lead having multiple electrodes connected to a pulse generator is used. The pulse generator provides individual current control of the stimulus applied to each electrode, and further includes the ability to sense intrinsic and evoked depolarization through multiple electrodes. In another exemplary embodiment, a multiplicity of individual implantable microstimulators, each having its own current source and/or sensor and electrodes, cooperate in concert to provide multi-site stimulation and sensing.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cathode chamber configured to store a gel cathode and an anode chamber configured to store a gel anode. A cathode dispensing channel is in fluid communication with the cathode chamber and allows at least a portion of the gel cathode to be dispensed. An anode dispensing channel is in fluid communication with the anode chamber and allows at least a portion of the gel anode to be dispensed. A portion of the gel cathode and a portion of the gel anode come into contact upon being dispensed to form an active battery that can be used to generate an electrical current.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to be used by a medical provider for treating hemmorhoidal tissue using negative galvanism. The system includes a single-use disposable medical probe, an ergonomically-shaped handle, a power supply, a display, a trigger, a plurality of lights, and a processing unit for activating the lights, and calculating and displaying the amount of electricity delivered to the hemmorhoidal tissue.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides feedthrough or interconnect systems for components of an implantable medical device and methods for their manufacture. A feedthrough system includes a wire or nailhead having a protruded tip. The wire or nailhead extends from an aperture in an encasement of a first component and is connected to a terminal conductor adapted to electrically connect to circuitry within the encasement. A ribbon wire has a distal end adapted to electrically connect to a second component and a proximal end having a pattern adapted to fit to the protruded tip of the wire or nailhead to provide for subsequent attachment of the ribbon wire to the nailhead.

Abstract: Chemotherapeutic treatment for certain cancers may be combined with low intensity, intermediate frequency alternating electric fields that are tuned to a particular type of target cell. When the tuned fields were combined with Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin or Cyclophosphamide, excellent results were obtained against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and non-small cell lung (H1299) carcinomas in culture. More specifically, cell proliferation inhibition similar to that obtained by drug alone was reached by exposure to the combined treatment at drug concentrations between one and two orders of magnitude lower than for drug-only regimens of treatment.

Abstract: System, method and antenna for an external power source for an implantable medical device having therapeutic componentry and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the therapeutic componentry. A housing has a first surface adapted to be placed closest to the secondary coil of the implantable medical device. A primary coil is operatively coupled to the external power and is capable of inductively energizing the secondary coil, the primary coil being wound forming generally concentric loops having an axis. The housing has a protrusion extending from the first surface.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system and method for the treatment of neurological disorders is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical stimulation system includes channels of electrodes positioned in electrical contact with tissue of a neuromuscular target body region of a patient to provide pattered neuromuscular stimulation to the patient's musculature. In addition, at least one electrode from a channel is positioned in electrical contact with a tissue of the motor control region of the brain. A series of patterned electrical pulses are then applied to the patient through the channels to provide peripheral neuromuscular stimulation, and a direct current is applied transcranially to the brain. Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A galvanic device for treatment of skin is provided. The device comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of discrete galvanic couples, each galvanic couple comprising a first conductive electrode that is an anode in electronic communication with a second conductive electrode that is a cathode.

Abstract: A pair of functional metal ion bands are provided. The pair of functional metal ion bands are attached to meridians and acupoints of the human body in a simple manner to induce a smooth flow of current in the body, thereby rapidly changing a disease condition to a normal state. The pair of functional metal ion bands comprise a gold-colored thin metal plate as a positive electrode and a silver-colored thin metal plate as a negative electrode wherein the gold-colored thin metal plate is composed of Cu and a metal selected from Ag, Au and Pt and the silver-colored thin metal plate is made of an alloy of Al, Si, Fe, Cu, Mn, Mg and Zn. The pair of functional metal ion bands are manufactured by processing each of the thin metal plates to have a thickness of 1 ?m to 1 cm and a diameter of 1 mm to 50 cm, and attaching the processed metal plate to one side of a soft adhesive fabric using an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and techniques for stimulating a user. For example, materials and methods for manipulating nystagmus and the related vestibular system with coupling of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) and visual cueing are provided herein. Use of GVS within the present invention may be applied to simulation, alleviating motion sickness, and directional cueing of a user to a precise target location.

Abstract: This present embodiment relates generally to the electrical treatment of malignant tumors and neoplasms by applying a voltage to affected tissue. Devices and various adaptations therein are described for use in electrical therapy. Additionally, various ambulatory devices are described which advantageously increase versatility of the electrical therapy system. The ambulatory devices may include an internal and external power source and/or a first and second power source. The ambulatory devices may also include communication means for communicating between various portions of the device.

Abstract: The invention provides an implant, system and method for electrically stimulating a target tissue to either activate or block neural impulses. The implant provides a conductive pathway for a portion of electrical current flowing between surface electrodes positioned on the skin and transmits that current to the target tissue. The implant has a passive electrical conductor of sufficient length to extend from subcutaneous tissue located below a surface cathodic electrode to the target tissue. The conductor has a pick-up end which forms an electrical termination having a sufficient surface area to allow a sufficient portion of the electrical current to flow through the conductor, in preference to flowing through body tissue between the surface electrodes, such that the target tissue is stimulated to either activate or block neural impulses. The conductor also has a stimulating end which forms an electrical termination for delivering the current to the target body tissue.

Abstract: A process for reducing neuromuscular fatigue caused by exercise comprises applying an anodal trans-cranial direct current stimulation over the right motor cortex of a person.

Abstract: A wearable device for transmitting the resonant frequency of a solution to a biological system with the purpose of having a positive health influence on the biological system. Electrodes capable of conducting a small electrical current are placed in contact with the skin of an animal or human. These electrodes are connected to wires with an inline diode. A current results from the difference in electric potential of the two distal points on the skin, rectified into DC by the diode. Each wire is connected to one of two conducting leads. The leads are separated and submerged in a solution which has conducting properties. The current is modulated by the substance in solution and transmits this modulated current to the electrodes where the electromagnetic signature is transferred to the body. Thus by changing the substance in the solution the energy sensed by the body will differ. Careful and correct choice of the substance in solution will have positive influence on the health of the biological system.

Abstract: In a cardiac stimulating device, an infection control current is generated and applied to a subject in whom a medical device is implanted by completing a circuit including an entirely electrically conductive exterior of a housing of the device, an electrode carried by an electrode lead of the device, and an electrically conductive surface of a proximal portion of the electrode lead, extending from the housing to a location, after implantation, situated beyond entry of the electrode lead into the venous system and before entry of the electrode lead into the superior vena cava. The infection control current can be a current with a square waveform, and the circuit can be completed at selected times, such as only during the refractory period of the subject's heart.

Abstract: A handheld head treatment device and method for reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth by supplying current and laser light to a user's head. The device includes a current generator disposed within a housing configured to output a current for passage into the user's head and a laser source and guide means disposed within the housing configured to output and direct respective portions of the laser beam outward from the hair treatment device toward the user's head when the hair treatment device is in use. The method comprises the step of directing a series of different current and laser treatments to a portion of the scalp wherein the programmed current treatments are sequentially administered and include a continuous and pulsed direct current treatment.

Abstract: A pulse generating apparatus has two like output channels that apply generated pulse signals of selected characteristics to two electrodes attached to a strap, each electrode receiving a different signal. The strap is attached to the foot so that the electrodes are positioned to stimulate with an electrical signal the abductor hallucis muscle of the foot to correct an imbalance due to overpowering by the adductor hallucis muscle. The signal strengthens the abductor hallucis muscle so that eventually it regains strength sufficient to counter balance the imbalance effect of the stronger adductor hallucis muscle and alleviate the bunion condition. The electrical signal generator generates signals that are pulses that are adjustable in frequency, modulation, pulse width and amplitude with modified square waves.

Abstract: An iontophoresis system comprises a power supply apparatus having a chargeable battery, a positive output terminal, a negative output terminal and a positive charge terminal, and a preparation having input terminals connected to output terminals of the power supply apparatus. The negative output terminal of the power supply apparatus also serves as a negative charge terminal for charging the battery. During charging, the preparation is removed, and terminals of a charger are connected to terminals of the power supply apparatus, respectively. The power supply apparatus comprises a power supply monitoring portion which gives a warning when a battery voltage becomes a predetermined value or lower and a control portion for controlling a power supply state from the output terminal.

Abstract: A method of scanning and treating areas of the human body with transcutaneous low intensity direct current. A device is used which comprises a source of low intensity direct current, means for controlling the parameters of the current, a cathode terminal, and an anode terminal. A scanning method is used to determine the proper amperage for the treating method. In the scanning method, the cathode and anode are applied to the skin of a patient and increasing strengths of current are applied. The strength of the current is noted when the patient is first aware of the current and when the patient is made uncomfortable by the current. These two values are averaged to determine the operating current. The treatment method is carried out by applying the anode to an activity point identified in the specification, applying the cathode to the area to be treated, and applying the operating current.

Abstract: A microcurrent therapy device (MCTD) for use in applying a DC current of less than one milliampere between two conductive pads through the tissue of a therapy recipient has an electronic stack that can be placed in electrical connection with the user's skin and thus in electrical connection with the other skin contact plate, a profile minimizing system using an off the shelf “coin ” battery within the electronic stack, and a battery clip used in conjunction with a coin battery and the circuit board of the MCTD.

Abstract: An improved human motion applicator assures a quick and sufficient amount of displacement given to a part of a human body. The applicator includes a support adapted to be fifted on the part of the human body. The support carries at least one electro-active elastic actuator in a force-transmitting relation to the human part. The actuator includes a dielectric core and a pair of electrodes on opposite of the core for receiving a driving DC voltage thereacross. The elastic actuator has a length and elastically deforms in the lengthwise direction to exert a stretching force to the human part to a greater extent as the driving DC voltage increase. The applicator also includes a controller which applies the driving DC voltage of varying levels to the elastic actuator, thereby generating a varying motion-inducing force to be applied to the part of the human body.

Abstract: An apparatus for stimulating regeneration and repair of damaged spinal nerves, comprising at least two electrodes placed intravertebrally near the site of spinal axon injury and delivering DC current thereto. A method for stimulating regeneration and repair of damaged spinal nervous tissue, comprising placing electrodes intravertebrally near the site of spinal cord injury and applying DC current at a level sufficient to induce regeneration and repair of damaged spinal axons but less than the current level at which tissue toxicity occurs.

Abstract: A method of scanning and treating areas of the human body with transcutaneous low intensity direct current. A device is used which comprises a source of low intensity direct current, means for controlling the parameters of the current, a cathode terminal, and an anode terminal. A scanning method is used to determine the proper amperage for the treating method. In the scanning method, the cathode and anode are applied to the skin of a patient and increasing strengths of current are applied. The strength of the current is noted when the patient is first aware of the current and when the patient is made uncomfortable by the current. These two values are averaged to determine the operating current. The treatment method is carried out by applying the anode to an activity point identified in the specification, applying the cathode to the area to be treated, and applying the operating current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric potential therapy apparatus for applying a high voltage to respective areas of a human body for treatment and control method of an optimal dose amount for a human body area. An electric potential therapy apparatus comprises an electric potential treatment device provided with a main electrode and an opposed electrode; a high voltage generation apparatus for applying a high voltage to these respective electrodes; induced current control means for causing an extremely small amount of induced current to flow in respective areas composing a human body trunk with control of the body surface electric field by varying the applied voltage to be applied to the main electrode and opposed electrode and the distance between the opposed electrode and the human body trunk surface; and a power source for driving the high voltage generation apparatus.