Repetitive electrical activity produces microstructural alteration in myelinated axons. These transient microstructural changes can be non-invasively visualized via two different magnetic-resonance-based approaches: diffusion fMRI and dynamic T.sub.2 spectroscopy in the ex vivo perfused bullfrog sciatic nerves. Non-invasive diffusion fMRI, based on standard diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), clearly localized the sites of axonal conduction blockage as might be encountered in neurotrauma or other lesion types. Diffusion fMRI response was graded in proportion to the total number of electrical impulses carried through a given locus. Diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) method revealed a reversible shift of tissue water into a restricted isotropic diffusion signal component, consistent with sub-myelinic vacuole formation.

An apparatus for performing a medical procedure includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends, a double balloon attached to the distal end of the shaft, and one or more fluid lines disposed in the shaft. The double balloon includes a first balloon, a second balloon, and a bridge extending between the first and second balloons. The fluid line(s) are fluidly coupled to the double balloon and configured to change an inflation state of the double balloon.

The present invention relates to a control and command method for a device for thermal stimulation of animal or human tissue (1), said method being characterised in that it includes: determining a neutral temperature applied to the tissue (1), thermally adjusting the neutral temperature by activating a control loop, determining a cold or hot thermal stimulation temperature to be applied to the tissue (1), in alternation with the neutral temperature; determining a duration and a frequency of the thermal stimulations; in the case of an instruction to initiate the stimulation temperature by activating a control loop and by deactivating the control loop on the neutral temperature; and synchronising a physiological recording with the thermal stimulation.

Surgical visualization systems and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for providing visualization during surgical procedures. Systems and methods herein can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries such as minimally-invasive fusion or discectomy procedures. Systems and methods herein can include various features for enhancing end user experience, improving clinical outcomes, or reducing the invasiveness of a surgery. Exemplary features can include access port integration, hands-free operation, active and/or passive lens cleaning, adjustable camera depth, and many others.

Endovascular nerve monitoring devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A nerve monitoring system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a nerve monitoring assembly at the distal portion. The shaft is configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site. The nerve monitoring assembly can include a bipolar stimulation electrode array and a bipolar recording electrode array disposed distal to the bipolar stimulation electrode assembly.

A system for providing energy to a bio-implantable medical device includes an acoustic energy delivery device and a bio-implantable electroacoustical energy converter. The acoustic energy delivery device generates acoustic energy with a multi-dimensional array of transmitting electroacoustical transducers. The acoustic energy is received by one or more receiving electroacoustical transducers in the bio-implantable electroacoustical energy converter. The receiving electroacoustical transducers convert the acoustic energy to electrical energy to power the bio-implantable medical device directly or indirectly. An external alignment system provides lateral and/or angular positioning of an ultrasound energy transmitter over an ultrasound energy receiver. The acoustic energy transmitter alignment system comprises either or both x-y-z plus angular positioning components, and/or a substantially multi-dimensional array of transmitters plus position sensors in both the transmitter and receiver units.

Methods and apparatuses for use in screening for and assessing neuropathies, such as severe diabetic neuropathies of the feet, also known as Loss of Protective Sensation (“LOPS”). The methods and apparatuses described herein employ a kit including one or more of an insert having at least one testing instrument attached thereto, the at least one testing instrument comprising at least a holder and a monofilament; an enclosure including inner compartments for holding and securing the insert; a folder having one or more pockets for securing the insert and one or more of a mirror, a packet and other material, such as instructions. The apparatuses safely secure and protect the testing instrument(s) so that the risk of breaking or otherwise damaging the testing instruments during storage and/or shipping is significantly reduced. The methods and apparatuses are easy and low cost to manufacture, easy to use, scalable, and allow users to self-screen/test for, among other things, severe diabetic neuropathies of the feet.

A surgical method aids identification of nerves in a body to help prevent damage to the nerves during surgery to the body proximate the nerves. An electrode introduced to within a body cavity through a catheter is placed proximate a nerve within the body cavity by a laparoscopic or robotic device. An exploratory probe placed in the body cavity is selectively placed along a presumed pathway of the nerve to provide an electrical signal through the nerve to the electrode. An analyzer interfaced with the electrode analyzes the electrical signal received at the electrode to determine the proximity of the exploratory probe to the nerve, allowing mapping of the nerve pathway through the body cavity.

Systems, devices, and methods for electrically stimulating peripheral nerve(s) to treat various disorders are disclosed, as well as signal processing systems and methods for enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic protocols relating to the same

A multifunctional neurophysiologic monitoring and probing system, having a main unit (1), a main wire (2), negative electrode neurophysiologic monitoring and probing parts and positive electrode neurophysiologic monitoring and probing parts; one end of the main wire (2) is connected with the main unit (1); another end of the main wire is divided into two branch wires connecting with the negative electrode neurophysiologic monitoring and probing parts and the positive electrode neurophysiologic monitoring and probing parts respectively.