A61B5/0036

Methods and devices for modulating cellular activity using ultrasound

The present invention comprises methods and devices for modulating the activity or activities of living cells, such as cells found in or derived from humans, animals, plants, insects, microorganisms and other organisms. Methods of the present invention comprise use of the application of ultrasound, such as low intensity, low frequency ultrasound, to living cells to affect the cells and modulate the cells' activities. Devices of the present invention comprise one or more components for generating ultrasound waves, such as ultrasonic emitters, transducers or piezoelectric transducers, composite transducers, CMUTs, and which may be provided as single or multiple transducers or in an array configurations. The ultrasound waves may be of any shape, and may be focused or unfocused.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A POSITION OF A GUIDE CATHETER SUPPORT

A catheter procedure system includes a base and a robotic mechanism having a longitudinal axis and being movable relative to the base along the longitudinal axis. The robotic mechanism includes a robotic drive base including at least one drive mechanism, a cassette operatively secured to the robotic drive base, a rigid guide coupled to the cassette and fixed relative to the robotic mechanism and a flexible track having a distal end, a proximal end and a plurality of reflective sections. At least a portion of the flexible track is disposed within the rigid guide. The robotic mechanism also includes a position detector mounted to the robotic drive base and positioned beneath the flexible track. The position detector is configured to detect light reflected off of the reflective sections of the flexible track and to determine the position of the distal end of the flexible track based on the detected reflected light.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE GEOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF ELECTRICAL DIPOLE DENSITIES ON THE CARDIAC WALL
20230000361 · 2023-01-05 ·

Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for determining the dipole densities on heart walls. In particular, a triangularization of the heart wall is performed in which the dipole density of each of multiple regions correlate to the potential measured at various located within the associated chamber of the heart. To create a database of dipole densities, mapping information recorded by multiple electrodes located on one or more catheters and anatomical information is used. In addition, skin electrodes may be implemented. Additionally, one or more ultrasound elements are provided, such as on a clamp assembly or integral to a mapping electrode, to produce real time images of device components and surrounding structures.

Systems And Methods Of Detecting And Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea
20230001192 · 2023-01-05 · ·

A method of providing a sleep apnea nerve stimulation therapy to a subject may include detecting a respiratory waveform of the subject with a sensor. The sensor may be configured for coupling to the subject. The respiratory waveform may include a plurality of respiratory cycles each corresponding to at least one of a breath and an attempted breath of the subject. The method may also include identifying a breathing pattern within the respiratory waveform over a period of time. The breathing pattern may include a repeating pattern of a plurality of respiratory cycles followed by at least one respiratory cycle corresponding to a disordered breathing event. The method may also include generating a series of stimulation pulses with an implantable nerve stimulator configured for coupling to a hypoglossal nerve of the subject. The series of stimulation pulses may be coordinated with the breathing pattern.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURES USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SENSING
20230000354 · 2023-01-05 ·

A system for performing a minimally invasive procedure comprises a flexible catheter with a lumen extending therethrough. The system also comprises an elongate instrument sized for passage through the lumen and an optical coherence tomographic sensor coupled to the elongate instrument. The system also comprises a control system that includes one or more processors. The control system is configured to receive sensor data from the optical coherence tomographic sensor, profile a tissue based on the received sensor data, generate an output signal based on the profiled tissue, and based on receipt of the output signal, generate a command to indicate or affect movement of the elongate instrument.

DIGITAL CONTENT-BASED DEVICE FOR PROVIDING THERAPEUTICS INFORMATION AND METHOD THEREOF
20230000430 · 2023-01-05 ·

The present invention relates to a digital content-based method for providing therapeutics information, the method comprising: a first step of performing stimulation on a brain of a user to obtain fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) data of the user; a second step of extracting a first brain activation area from a plurality of brain areas of the user using the obtained fNIRS data; a third step of determining a first brain state of the user, based on the first brain activation area; a fourth step of providing the user with a content determined corresponding to the first brain state determined in the third step under an XR (Extended Reality) environment; a fifth step in which the user performs a mission corresponding to the content; a sixth step of extracting a second brain activation area from the plurality of brain areas with reference to the fNIRS data of the user following performing the mission; and a seventh step of determining a second brain state of the user, based on the second brain activation area; an eighth step of determining information related to amelioration of the brain state of the user.

Devices, systems, and methods for diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder

A system for modulating bladder function is disclosed. A system for evaluating the electrophysiological function of a bladder is disclosed. Methods for performing a controlled surgical procedure on a bladder are disclosed. A system for performing controlled surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner is disclosed. An implantable device for monitoring and/or performing a neuromodulation procedure on a bladder is disclosed.

System for the ablation or the monitoring of a zone of the heart by ultrasounds and associated methods

A system for ablating or monitoring a zone of the heart, includes a system to measure the heart electrical activity; a phased array for generating a beam of focussed ultrasound signals on a targeted zone of the heart; an imaging system determining an image of a transcostal wall projected in an image plane of the phased array by taking into consideration a position and direction of the phased array and making it possible to deactivate elements of the phased array in accordance with the position of the elements with regard to the position of the projected image of the transcostal wall; a positioning system to control the position of a focussed zone of a beam of focussed ultrasound signals on the targeted zone, a monitoring system to measure a temperature and tissue deformation in the targeted zone; and a device for measuring a level of cavitation in the targeted zone.

SPECTROSCOPIC PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING
20230023217 · 2023-01-26 ·

A photoacoustic imaging approach identifies, concurrently with ablation therapy, an extent of the ablation by measuring and rendering a necrotic extent of treated tissue in a treatment region. Laser pulsed light directed at the treatment region induces an acoustic (ultrasound) signal for differentiating ablated tissue from its non-ablative counterpart based on a photoacoustic spectrum variation. The acoustic signal indicates a range of necrotic extent based on a quantified ablated tissue contrast and a total contrast of both necrotic and non-necrotic tissue, defined as a fraction for computing a degree of necrosis. Generation of an image indicating the degree of necrosis allows continuous or near continuous feedback for ablation therapy guidance to ensure complete and effective ablation of the proper tissue in the treatment region.

SKULL-CONTOURED MRI LOCALIZER

An example apparatus includes a shell portion configured to be worn over a head of a subject. The shell portion defines a plurality of apertures. The apparatus also includes a plurality of spherical fiducial structures disposed on the shell portion. Each of the fiducial structures includes a first material doped with a second material. The second material is a contrast agent for magnetic resource imaging (MRI). The apparatus also includes a mounting structure disposed on the shell portion and configured to secure the shell portion to the head of the subject.