The present invention relates to a device to photocure and/or photoactivate a photosensitive material. The device comprises several subsystems to transmit light towards an area of interest where a photosensitive material is applied as well as to collect light reflected by the applied photosensitive material. Reflected light is analyzed by an optical detector to monitor the photocuring and/or photoactivation process. Further means to inject or otherwise apply a photosensitive material can be combined in the same device. Methods for applying a fluent polymerizable material to a target site and for effecting polymerization of the fluent light-sensitive material in situ are also disclosed.

An energy treatment instrument includes a held unit capable of being held, and an electric-receiver-side resonator including an electric receiver coil wound around a coil axis, and resonating at the same resonance frequency as an electric-supplier-side resonator, thereby electric power being supplied from an electric supplier coil to the electric receiver coil. The energy treatment instrument includes an energy generator generating energy for use in a treatment by using the electric power supplied to the electric receiver coil, and a magnetic member including a magnetic material and located distant from the coil axis of the electric receiver coil.

A perforated sheath is anchored in a tissue opening with the aid of a tool, wherein the anchorage is achieved with the aid of mechanical vibration and a material which is liquefiable by the vibration. The tool includes a vibrating element and a counter element. Distal portions of both elements are introduced into the sheath to be in contact with each other at an interface. The vibrating element is connected to a vibration source and the vibrating element and the counter element are held against each other for effecting liquefaction of the liquefiable material at the interface. Under the effect of the force applied to the vibrating and counter element for holding them against each other, the liquefied material flows from the interface through the sheath perforation and penetrates the tissue.

New nanotechnology and other small-scale devices for performing intravenous medical procedures are provided. In some aspect of the invention, a group of encapsulated injectable machines is delivered intravenously into a bloodstream via a syringe. A treatment area within a patient's body is specified and targeted for action by an external control system, which also monitors blood flow and other environmental. Externally applied magnetic and/or electrostatic signaling and direction devices controlled by the control system then trigger the release of encapsulation layers surrounding the injectable machines upon reaching the treatment area. The externally applied magnetic signaling and direction devices then drive the machines into treatment targets within the treatment area, exploiting an overall charge and polarity of the machines distinct from their condition during encapsulation. Pulsed magnetic fields then cause polarized moving parts within the machines to move counter to one another, with opposing angled edges breaking up the treatment target. In some embodiments, the machines may also or alternatively deliver a magnetically- or electrostatically-released medication or device to the treatment target. In still other embodiments, a local control unit within the devices may direct additional, more sophisticated actions, which actions may be directed or triggered by external signaling from the externally-applied magnetic signaling and direction devices, or other aspects of the external control system.

The present invention is about a device with a receiving antenna (110), wherein the receiving antenna (110) comprises a secondary coil (112), and being arranged for inductively connecting to a transmitting antenna (200) comprising a primary coil (202). The device of the invention is characterized in that the receiving antenna (110) further comprises a tertiary coil (114) arranged to have connection to a load in the device; and a capacitor (142) to which the secondary coil (112) is connected; and there is an encapsulation (120) comprising a low liquid permeability and non-conductive material encapsulating at least a part of the receiving antenna (110). Additionally, the present invention is about a power transfer system.

A spinal distraction system, according to one aspect, includes an adjustable spinal distraction rod comprising first and second members, the adjustable spinal distraction rod configured for non-invasive elongation of the first and second members. The system includes an anchor rod configured for mounting to a bone of a subject, the anchor rod having one or more spring-biased tabs disposed at one end thereof, and a connector having first end and a second end, the first end having a receiving cup configured for detachable mounting on the anchor rod, wherein the one or more spring-biased tabs are configured to engage with an inner surface of the receiving cup, the connector having a second end operatively coupled to an end of a first member and wherein the second member is configured for mounting to a second bone of a subject.

A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.

Markers, probes, and related systems and methods are provided for localizing locations within a patient's body, e.g., a lesion within a breast. The marker includes an energy converter e.g., one or more photodiodes, for transforming light energy striking the marker into electrical energy, a storage device coupled to the energy converter for storing the electrical energy, a threshold element that closes a switch when the electrical energy reaches a predetermined threshold to discharge the electrical energy and cause the antenna to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal. The system includes a probe that transmits light into the patient's body and a processor that correlate the frequency of the RF signals to a distance from the probe to the marker.

A catheter assembly includes a catheter comprising a flexible elongated member including a distal portion that includes a tubular body defining an inner lumen and a plurality of body apertures that extend through a sidewall of the tubular body into the inner lumen, and a plurality of primary electrodes positioned along the tubular body. The catheter assembly includes a wire defining at least one secondary electrode, the wire being configured to be slidably moved through the inner lumen of the tubular body, where the wire and the plurality of primary electrodes are configured to electrically couple to an energy source that delivers an electrical pulse to a fluid in contact with the plurality of primary electrodes and the at least one secondary electrode to cause the fluid to undergo cavitation to generate a pressure pulse wave within the fluid.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable implant configured to be implanted into a patient that includes an adjustable portion moveable relative to a housing. The adjustable implant may include various smart components for enhancing operation of the implant. Smart components may include a controller for managing operations and a transducer for communicating ultrasound data with an external interface device. Additional smart components may include a load cell within the housing for measuring an imparted load; a sensor for measuring angular position of the adjustable portion; a dual sensor arrangement for measuring imparted forces; a reed switch; a half piezo transducer; and an energy harvester.