An optical stimulation system includes a light source configured to produce light for optical stimulation; a light monitor; an optical lead coupled, or coupleable, to the light source and the light monitor; and a control module coupled, or coupleable, to the light source and the light monitor. The control module includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured for receiving a request for verification or measurement of a light output value; in response to the request, receiving, from the light monitor, a measurement of light generated by the light source; and, based on the measurement, reporting a response to the request.

A magnetic connection can be formed between a magnet set of a first device and magnet set of a second device. The magnetic strength of the magnetic connection can be modified by changing an orientation of a magnet set of a first device from a first orientation to a second orientation. The magnet set or a case in which the magnet set is disposed can be asymmetric, such that alternating between the first and second orientations results in different magnetic connections.

There is provided a method for controlling the movement of bile and/or gall stones in the biliary duct. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, or for actively moving the fluid in the biliary duct, with a low risk of injuring the biliary duct.

A system and method for powering a medical device that includes a fixture configured for periodic patient proximity; external electrical coupling device integrated into the fixture wherein the external electrical coupling device comprises at least one external energy coupler and is configured to detect presence of an electrical medical device implant in a transmission zone of the external electrical coupling device; an electrical medical device implant, wherein the electrical medical device implant comprises at least one implant energy coupler; and wherein the external electrical coupling device is configured to couple to the implantable medical device through a wireless energy transmission between the external energy coupler and the implant energy coupler when presence of the implantable medical device is within a transmission zone.

An implantable device is provided, comprising: a substrate; an integrated circuit attached to the substrate; and an ultrasonic transducer configured to receive ultrasonic waves that power the integrated circuit, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is attached to the substrate via one or more electrodes, and wherein the total electrode surface area in contact with the ultrasonic transducer is smaller than the surface area of a face of the ultrasonic transducer to which the one or more electrodes are attached. For example, the ultrasonic transducer may be a cubic piezoelectric crystal, and the electrodes may be positioned at the edges of a face of the cubic piezoelectric crystal, at the center of a face of the cubic piezoelectric crystal, or at the corners of a face of the piezoelectric crystal.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible neural electrode having improved adherence to an object by using a three-dimensional structure. A neural electrode based on the three-dimensional structure of a flexible substrate, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a first polymer layer, which is formed from a polymer material, is flexible, and functions as a base; at least one photoresist part, which is formed on one portion of the surface of the first polymer layer and forms a three-dimensional structure; a second polymer layer which is formed on the photoresist part and the rest of the surface of the first polymer layer, and which comprises protrusion parts caused by the photoresist part; a metal thin film layer formed by patterning a metal thin film on the surface of the second polymer layer and the surface of the protrusion parts; and a third polymer layer which is formed on the surface of the second polymer layer and the metal thin film layer so as to function as a covering, and which comprises measurement holes formed so that one portion of the metal thin film layer formed at the ends of the protrusion parts is exposed to the outside.

Described herein is an implantable device configured to detect impedance characteristic of a tissue. In certain exemplary devices, the implantable device comprises (a) an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit an ultrasonic backscatter encoding information relating to an impedance characteristic of a tissue based on a modulated current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer; (b) an integrated circuit comprising (i) a variable frequency power supply electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode; (ii) a signal detector configured to detect an impedance, voltage, or current in a circuit comprising the variable frequency power supply, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the tissue; and (iii) a modulation circuit configured to modulate the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer based on the detected impedance, voltage, or current; and the first electrode and the second electrode configured to be implanted into the tissue in electrical connection with each other through the tissue. Further described are systems including one or more implantable devices and an interrogator for operating the implantable device, methods of measuring impedance characteristic of a tissue in a subject, and methods of monitoring or characterizing a tissue in a subject.

A system and method for powering a medical device that includes a fixture configured for periodic patient proximity; external electrical coupling device integrated into the fixture wherein the external electrical coupling device comprises at least one external energy coupler and is configured to detect presence of an electrical medical device implant in a transmission zone of the external electrical coupling device; an electrical medical device implant, wherein the electrical medical device implant comprises at least one implant energy coupler; and wherein the external electrical coupling device is configured to couple to the implantable medical device through a wireless energy transmission between the external energy coupler and the implant energy coupler when presence of the implantable medical device is within a transmission zone.

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a delivery tool configured to deliver a neurostimulator into a pterygopalatine fossa of a subject. The neurostimulator can include a body connected to an integral stimulation lead having one or more stimulating electrodes. The delivery tool can comprise a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle, a hub portion, and a double barrel sheath. The hub portion can be located between the shaft and a spine member that extends axially away from the hub portion. The hub portion can be sized and dimensioned to releasably mate with the neurostimulator. The double barrel sheath can be connected to the spine member. A central lumen can extend through at least a portion of the shaft and the hub portion. The central lumen can be adapted to receive a lead ejector for selective deployment of the stimulation lead from the double barrel sheath.

The invention has a contact assembly including a spatial longitudinal extension which is orientated parallel to the winding axis. The contact assembly is fixedly joined to the carrier substrate along a joining region which has a joining region length orientated in parallel to the winding axis. The orthogonal projection relative to the winding axis overlaps with a first region of the carrier substrate which is wound into a tube.