Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by modulating neural activity in a nerve plexus of a subject are disclosed. Neural activity may be modulated by stimuli delivered via various types of stimulus sources. Neural modulation may be used, for example, to modulate an undesired sensation, such as pain. Delivery of stimuli for modulating neural activity may be controlled in part in based on an activity state of the subject.

Methods and apparatus for the reproducible, consistent and efficacious delivery of a therapeutic agent to a subject. The present disclosure comprises apparatus for the controlled administration of the therapeutic agent through an orifice to the subject, a plurality of penetrating electrodes arranged with a predetermined spatial relationship relative to the orifice, and an electrical signal generator operatively connected to the electrodes.

A medical microelectrode includes an elongate electrode body including a tip section, a main body section and, optionally, a coupling section. The tip section, the main body section and, optionally, the coupling section are embedded in a first electrode matrix element, which is substantially rigid, biocompatible and soluble or biodegradable in a body fluid. Additionally the microelectrode includes a dissolution retarding layer on the first electrode matrix element and/or a second electrode matrix element disposed between the first electrode matrix element and the electrode. Upon dissolution or biodegradation of the first electrode matrix element a drug comprised by the first electrode matrix element or the second electrode matrix element is released into the tissue. Also disclosed are bundles and arrays of the electrodes and their use, which may be positioned on a face of a solid support.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for the treatment of bone, cartilage and other types of hard tissue. The treatments, which are suitable for extended treatment, include the treatment and prevention of pathologies through the controllable use of silver, iron, zinc, or magnesium ions. These pathologies may include a pathology which is at least partially induced or aggravated by an infectious disease, for example a bacterial disease. In this case the electrically released ions are silver ions, which are known to have antibacterial properties.

Apparatus is provided that includes a parenchymal electrode, configured to be implanted in brain parenchyma of a subject identified as at risk of or suffering from Alzheimer's disease; and a ventricular electrode, configured to be implanted in a ventricular system of a brain of the subject. Control circuitry is configured to drive the parenchymal and the ventricular electrodes to clear a substance from the brain parenchyma into the ventricular system. Other embodiments are also described.

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).

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

An electrical discharge irrigation includes a power source to produce a first voltage, a circuit coupled to the power source to convert the first voltage to a second voltage, a discharge capacitor to receive the second voltage from the circuit, a transistor and/or a controlled rectifier coupled to the discharge capacitor to receive the second voltage, and an output tip. This tip is coupled to a transistor and/or a controlled rectifier and includes a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis extending between them, an electrode located in an interior space of the tip to receive an electrical charge from the a transistor and/or a controlled rectifier and to release an electric discharge, and a ground return. The ground return is an outside surface of the tip. A space between the electrode and the ground return holds a conductive medium in contact with the electrode and the ground return.

Methods and devices that provide enhanced delivery of a composition to a body region of a patient utilizing radiofrequency energy include directing a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to a radiofrequency energy source to a location proximate to the body region. Radiofrequency energy is provided in modulated pulses from the radiofrequency energy source to the body region from at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode to provide a delivery condition configured to enhance delivery of the composition. The composition is delivered proximate to the body region using a composition delivery element. Devices for enhance composition delivery are also disclosed.

A system for treating a patient comprises a delivery device and injectate. The delivery device comprises an elongate shaft with a distal portion and at least one delivery element positioned on the elongate shaft distal portion. The delivery device is constructed and arranged to deliver the injectate through the at least one delivery element and into tissue to create a therapeutic restriction in the gastrointestinal tract. Methods of creating a therapeutic restriction are also provided.