Apparatus is provided for treating an intervertebral disc of a subject, the apparatus including: at least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface, which is configured to be implanted in a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc; and one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces, which are configured to be implanted outside the nucleus pulposus, in electrical communication with the intervertebral disc. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the at least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface and one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces. The control circuitry is configured to drive fluid and introduce nutritional substances into the intervertebral disc, by applying a voltage between the at least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces. Other embodiments are also described.

An apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

A method for producing cardiomyocyte cells including implanting a substrate within a heart such that a first portion of the substrate is in physical contact with an endocardium and a second portion of the substrate is not in contact with the endocardium, maintaining the first portion of the substrate in contact with the endocardium for a time at least sufficient to form trabecular fibers extending between the endocardium and the second portion of the substrate, cutting away the trabecular fibers from the endocardium, cutting away the trabecular fibers from the substrate, and removing the trabecular fibers from the heart, wherein the trabecular fibers include cardiomyocyte cells.

A microelectromechanical device utilizing one or more micropumps embedded in a mouthguard for treatment and detection of viruses in a person's mouth. The micropump pumps saliva through the device where it can, for example, be treated with heat to destroy viruses in the saliva. In another embodiment the device can be used to detect the presence of virus in the saliva utilizing DNA PCR or chronoamperometry.

A dental implant includes a post and an abutment extending from the post, the post and abutment being made from metal. A crown having a hollow cavity is attached onto the abutment, the crown being configured with a metallic insert that can be accessed and coupled to the abutment to enable electrical contact. In one version, the crown includes a metallic core and in another version, the crown can include a formed recess that receives a portion of the metal abutment. In each version, an exposed metallic area is provided, enabling electrical conduction to the abutment and post as part of a bacterial treatment of the dental implant.

There is disclosed a wearable device that receives electrical signals from a user, wherein the wearable device is in direct contact with skin of the user, the wearable device comprising a plurality of electrodes that, when in operation, makes electrical contact with skin of the user to detect electrical signals therefrom. The wearable device comprises a mechanism that scales the wearable device with shape of a point of contact on which the wearable device is worn for appropriate positioning of the plurality of electrodes.

Apparatus (20) for treating an intervertebral disc (30) of a subject is provided. The apparatus (20) includes at least three intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (40), which are configured to be implanted within a nucleus pulposus (42) of the disc (30), at different respective locations; and one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (44), which are configured to be implanted outside the nucleus pulposus (42), in electrical communication with the disc (30). Control circuitry (50) is configured to (a) configure the intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (40) to be cathodes, and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (44) to be one or more anodes, and (b) drive the intra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (40) and the one or more extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces (44) to electroosmotically drive fluid into the nucleus pulposus (40) to increase pressure in the disc (30).

The present disclosure relates generally to a defibrillator assembly comprising a defibrillator having a first operating mode for delivering a high energy output to a patient and a second operating mode for monitoring the patient, a first battery unit operably coupled to the defibrillator, and a second battery unit operably coupled to the defibrillator. One of the first battery unit and the second battery unit provides power to the defibrillator during the second operating mode. Both the first battery unit and the second battery unit provide power to the defibrillator during the first operating mode.

Apparatus and methods for imposing electric fields through a target region in a body of a patient are described. The apparatus includes a sensor array having a plurality of temperature sensors with a plurality of first temperature sensors of the sensor array connected to a first conductor, and a plurality of second temperature sensors connected to a second conductor. A circuit is configured to provide a known amount of electricity via the first conductor and the second conductor to a third temperature sensor, the third temperature sensor within the plurality of first temperature sensors, and within the plurality of second temperature sensors.

An energy stimulation device having at least one stimulation generator provided with at least one first metal body and at least one the second metal body in contact with the first metal body. The first metal body and the second metal body are different metals. The device also includes at least one stimulation transmitter, the stimulation transmitter having a rigid support separate from the stimulation generator, and the stimulation generator being fixed on the rigid support. The energy stimulation device is applicable to bio-stimulation for therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes.