A surgical instrument assembly has (i) a surgical instrument including a handpiece and a probe or horn attached to the handpiece, (ii) a source of ultrasonic vibratory energy operatively connected to the probe or horn, (iii) a source of electrical current operatively connected to deliver electrical current to organic tissues of a patient at a surgical site contacted by a distal end of the probe or horn, and (iv) a sensor of electrical potential disposable in contact with the patient at a desired distance from the surgical site. The sensor is operatively connected to the source of ultrasonic vibratory energy to automatically attenuate an output thereof in response to a detected potential of a predetermined magnitude.

An intravascular catheter for nerve activity ablation and/or sensing includes one or more needles advanced through supported guide tubes (needle guiding elements) which expand to contact the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the needles to be advanced though the vessel wall into the extra-luminal tissue including the media, adventitia and periadvential space. The catheter also includes structures which provide radial and lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes open uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall. Electrodes at the distal ends of the guide tubes allow sensing of nerve activity before and after attempted renal denervation. In a combination embodiment ablative energy or fluid is delivered to ablate nerves outside of the media.

Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to a single monolithic IC to perform simultaneous optogenetic neural inhibition and extracellular electrophysiological recording in-vivo. Some embodiments include a low input capacitance (e.g., 9.7 pF) amplifier particularly tailored for the use of high-impedance electrodes to conduct single neuron extracellular recording integrated with programmable high current drivers for optogenetic stimulation or inhibition on the same IC chip. Some embodiments use a noise model to guide the IC design process to obtain parameters for optimal signal-to-noise ratio. The performance of the IC chip was demonstrated on an anesthetized gerbil expressed with inhibitory optogenetic protein (Halorhodopsin). Spontaneous action potentials from the fifth nerve of the brainstem were recorded by the amplifier and were subsequently inhibited by laser illumination. As a result, various embodiments of the IC allow neuroscience research and neural engineering applications to be conducted in an entirely new direction and can potentially be used in treatments for human mental diseases in the future.

An electrode assembly includes a retainer, a flexible sheath, and an electrode. The retainer may include a plurality of clasping arms. The retainer is movable to an open position and a closed position. The flexible sheath is positioned below a lower surface of the retainer. The flexible sheath is at least partially surrounded by the clasping arms of the retainer. The retainer is able to hold the flexible sheath around a target tissue when the retainer is in the closed position. The electrode is configured for conducting electrical signals to or from the target tissue. The electrode is connected to at least one of the retainer and the flexible sheath. The retainer is able to hold the electrode in electrical communication with the target tissue when the retainer is disposed around the target tissue in the closed position.

Systems, methods and devices for controlled sympathectomy procedures for neuromodulation in the treatment of subjects having neoplastic conditions are disclosed. Systems, methods, and devices for interventionally treating a cancerous tumor and cancer related pain are disclosed.

Systems, methods and devices for controlled sympathectomy procedures for neuromodulation in the treatment of subjects having neoplastic conditions are disclosed. Systems, methods, and devices for interventionally treating a cancerous tumor and cancer related pain are disclosed.

Provided are devices and methods for preventing an episode of incontinence in an individual in need thereof. The devices comprise a sensor and a stimulator electrode that can be implanted into the body of the individual. Once the device is implanted in the individual, the sensor of the device senses a parameter that is associated with a response from the individual that is intended to prevent an episode of incontinence. Then, the device provides an electrical stimulation using the electrode that, together with the response, helps to prevent the episode of incontinence.

Neuromuscular monitoring is described that uses a novel lead assembly and a monitor that can select the appropriate electrodes on the lead assembly and calibrate the stimulation signals applied to the patient through the lead assembly. The monitoring can also set a noise floor value to reduce the likelihood of an erroneous train of four calculations. The present system can automatically sense train of four response of a patient and reduce the likelihood of false train of four indications.

Neuromuscular monitoring is described that uses a novel lead assembly and a monitor that can select the appropriate electrodes on the lead assembly and calibrate the stimulation signals applied to the patient through the lead assembly. The monitoring can also set a noise floor value to reduce the likelihood of an erroneous train of four calculations. The present system can automatically sense train of four response of a patient and reduce the likelihood of false train of four indications.

Provided are devices and methods for preventing an episode of incontinence in an individual in need thereof. The devices comprise a sensor and a stimulator electrode that can be implanted into the body of the individual. Once the device is implanted in the individual, the sensor of the device senses a parameter that is associated with a response from the individual that is intended to prevent an episode of incontinence. Then, the device provides an electrical stimulation using the electrode that, together with the response, helps to prevent the episode of incontinence.