Certain aspects of the invention provide a system and a method for treating an epileptic condition or a tumor of the brain. In one embodiment, the method of treating the epileptic condition includes acquiring inter- and post-ictal imaging profiles and from the brain of the patient and determining an ictal propagation pathway based on the profiles. A volume of cortical activation is determined for each of a plurality of virtual electrode placement positions based on the ictal propagation pathway and the virtual electrode placement position. An electrode is implanted at a position selected from the plurality of virtual electrode placement positions, based on the volume of cortical activation at the implantation position. An electrical pulse is delivered from the electrode, where the electrical pulse is of a magnitude and duration effective to at least reduce the epileptic seizure.

Devices, systems, and techniques are disclosed for determining spatial relationships between electrodes implanted within a patient. In one example, a medical device delivers, via a first electrode, an electrical stimulus and senses, for each other electrode, a respective electrical signal indicative of the electrical stimulus. The medical device determines, for each other electrode, a respective value for each respective electrical signal. The medical device determines, based on the respective values for each respective electrical signal and values of tissue conductivity of tissues of the patient interposed between the first electrode and the other electrodes, spatial relationships between the first electrode and each other electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Devices and methods for manipulating devices such as micro-scale devices are provided. The devices can include a tether of various materials surrounded by a stiff body. The tether interfaces with microscale devices to draw them against the stiff body, holding the microscale devices in a locked position for insertion into or extraction out of tissue. The tensional hook and stiff body are configurable in a multitude of positions and geometries to provide increased engagement. Such configurations allow for a range of implantation and extraction surgical procedures for the device within research and clinical settings.

Embodiments are directed to a medical robot system including a robot coupled to an end-effectuator element with the robot configured to control movement and positioning of the end-effectuator in relation to the patient. One embodiment is a method for removing bone with a robot system comprising: taking a two-dimensional slice through a computed tomography scan volume of target anatomy; placing a perimeter on a pathway to the target anatomy; and controlling a drill assembly with the robot system to remove bone along the pathway in the intersection of the perimeter and the two-dimensional slice.

Methods, devices and systems to improve neural stimulation by applying biphasic waveforms including a positive anodal pulse followed by a negative cathodal pulse to speed conduction and improve mitochondrial function in conditions such as cerebellar dysfunction (such as gluten ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia, and Alzheimer's disease). Improved neural stimulation of more distal brain structures may interrupt epileptic seizures. Additionally, biphasic waveforms including a positive anodal pulse followed by a negative cathodal pulse speed wound healing by lowering the cell membrane potential of the skin, and may stimulate the release of hormonal secretions or insulin by proper placement of electrodes.

A method for treating tumor cells around a resection cavity comprises positioning a nonconductive material within a resection cavity that is adjacent to a target region. At least a first electrode and a second electrode are positioned relative to the tumor resection cavity so that electric fields between the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode travel through the target region. Tumor-treating electric fields are the generated between the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode.

A method comprising detecting an epileptic event in a patient; applying an electrical therapy to a first target area in at least one of a brain region or a cranial nerve of said patient in response to said detecting; receiving a body signal responsive to the electrical therapy, wherein said body signal is selected from an autonomic signal, a neurologic signal, a metabolic signal, an endocrine signal, or a tissue stress marker signal; determining whether said body signal indicates that said electrical therapy has an efficacious effect; and terminating the application of said electrical therapy if the response indicates that the electrical therapy has an efficacious effect. An apparatus capable of performing the method. A non-transitive, computer-readable storage device for storing data that when executed by a processor, perform the method.

Some systems, devices and methods detailed herein provide a system for use in determining metrics of a subject. The system can provide, as an output, a function-metric value determined based on a defined relationship between physiological measures and a chronological age.

A group association system attempts to identify if an individual is “gifted” in any particular area. A group association system is based on brainwave response to stimulation is disclosed. The system including a brainwave stimuli device which provides stimuli to groups of highly skilled, general skilled, and a general population groups, as test stimuli for determination of group association. A brainwave collection device collects brainwaves of individuals, with the brainwave collection device storing collected brainwaves in a brainwave database. A brainwave processing device analyzes brainwaves received from the brainwave database. A brainwave analysis device uses analyst screens, artificial intelligence or machine learning to analyze the brainwaves create at least one signature development module for determination of similar brainwaves related to different individuals' responses to the same stimuli. In addition, at least one signature development module determines which individuals have the same or similar brainwave responses to the same test stimuli.

Systems and methods for delivering a drug or other therapy over an extended period of time (e.g., several hours, days, weeks, months, years, and so forth) are disclosed herein, as are systems and methods for monitoring various parameters associated with the treatment of a patient. Systems and methods are also disclosed herein that generally involve CED devices with various features for reducing or preventing backflow.