In a medical or surgical equipment for receiving signals or for outputting signals from or to organic signal transmitters or receivers (4), such as in particular nerves, wherein on or in at least one carrier strip (1) at least one signal transmitter (2) for signals from or signals to the organic signal transmitter or receiver (4) is provided, which can be brought into contact with the organic signal transmitter or receiver (4), the carrier strip (1) is intended to change its shape when there is a change in a medium surrounding it or in a medium present in it or by a medium that can be introduced into it, in such a way that it adapts to the organic signal transmitter or receiver (4).

(FIG. 2)

In a medical or surgical equipment for receiving signals or for outputting signals from or to organic signal transmitters or receivers (4), such as in particular nerves, wherein on or in at least one carrier strip (1) at least one signal transmitter (2) for signals from or signals to the organic signal transmitter or receiver (4) is provided, which can be brought into contact with the organic signal transmitter or receiver (4), the carrier strip (1) is intended to change its shape when there is a change in a medium surrounding it or in a medium present in it or by a medium that can be introduced into it, in such a way that it adapts to the organic signal transmitter or receiver (4).

(FIG. 2)

A proto-microelectrode, a proto-microelectrode bundle and array, a method of manufacture of the proto-microelectrode, and a method of using the proto-microelectrode, the proto-microelectrode being capable of forming a microelectrode upon implantation into soft tissue, and includes an oblong electrode body; an optional first coat of electrically non-conducting material on the electrode body; a second coat of water insoluble flexible polymer material enclosing, at a distance, the electrode body and the first coat, the second coat including one or more through openings; a first layer of ice disposed between the electrode body and the second coat.

Disclosed herein are novel 3D microelectrode arrays (3D MEA) that include a substrate body (e.g. chip), microneedles, traces, and a well, wherein the 3D MEA provides for transfer of electrical signals on one side of the substrate body to the other side of the substrate body. Methods for using 3D MEAs to grow electrogenic cells and obtain electrophysiological signals are disclosed as well. Fabrication techniques for producing the 3D MEAs are also disclosed.

Systems, devices, and techniques are described for adjusting a sensing window for sensing a feature of an evoked compound action potential (ECAP). In one example, a medical device includes processing circuitry configured to determine a value of a stimulation parameter that at least partially defines an electrical stimulation pulse and select, based on the value of the stimulation parameter, a sensing window for detecting one or more features of a sensed evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signal elicited by the electrical stimulation pulse. The processing circuitry can also determine a value of each of the one or more features within the sensing window from the sensed ECAP signal and control, based on the value of each of the one or more features, subsequent electrical stimulation deliverable to a patient.

A method for performing an efficient and thorough percutaneous discectomy includes making into the patient a percutaneous incision, which is a small stab wound, no more than approximately 10 mm in length. A stimulated combination neuro-monitoring dilating probe is passed through an approximately 10 mm or less skin incision and into a patient's disc space to establish a safe path and trajectory through Kambin's Triangle. Once a neuro-monitoring dilating probe is in the disc space, a second dilator is placed over the neuro-monitoring dilating probe and impacted into the disc space. Neuro-monitoring dilating probe may then be removed. An access portal optionally combined with a force dissipation device may then be placed over the second dilator and into the disc space. The second dilator is removed and then discectomy instruments may be placed through the access portal to perform the discectomy.

An electrical interferential technique is used to determine operable treatment parameters which are then used to apply a treatment to a patient. A range of beat frequencies is applied to the patient and an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity is measured. When some degree of autonomic nervous system activity is detected, a subsequent trial is conducted using an overlaying range of frequencies, a narrower range or a single frequency, in an attempt to fine tune the reaction of the autonomic nervous system. The subsequent trial may use a different measure of activity of the autonomic nervous system. A garment having a series of electrode sites thereon may be used for a partially trained person to correctly apply electrodes to the patient's body. The treatments may be conducted while the patient is asleep.

An electrical interferential technique is used to determine operable treatment parameters which are then used to apply a treatment to a patient. A range of beat frequencies is applied to the patient and an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity is measured. When some degree of autonomic nervous system activity is detected, a subsequent trial is conducted using an overlaying range of frequencies, a narrower range or a single frequency, in an attempt to fine tune the reaction of the autonomic nervous system. The subsequent trial may use a different measure of activity of the autonomic nervous system. A garment having a series of electrode sites thereon may be used for a partially trained person to correctly apply electrodes to the patient's body. The treatments may be conducted while the patient is asleep.

Methods and systems are provided to improve SDB in a patient suffering therefrom by delivering an electrical neuromodulation signal to at least a target site comprising an efferent fiber of the glossopharyngeal nerve that innervates pharyngeal constrictor muscles or the stylopharyngeus muscle. Methods include further delivering electrical neuromodulation signals to other sites including one or more combinations of the ansa cervicalis, the hypoglossal nerve, the palatoglossus muscle, and/or the palatopharyngeus muscle. The electrical neuromodulation signal delivered to efferent fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve can be done independent of a detected sensory or input signal that measures the neuromuscular state of the patient's airway.

Systems and methods provide interface to a patient's autonomic nerves via an interior lumen wall of a blood vessel. Systems can include a probe having at least one electrode for receiving electrical signals from the interior of the lumen wall. The system can include processing components for extracting the signals from noise within the patient's body. Systems can include stimulation electrodes for providing stimulation and eliciting action potentials within the patient and destructive processes for destroying nervous function. The effect of nerve destruction on the propagation of action potentials can be effectively used as a feedback mechanism for determining the amount of nervous function destruction in the patient.