Impedance systems and methods of use. The impedance systems include only one electrode positioned upon an elongate body, and at least two external electrodes. The only one electrode is configured to both excite an electric field and detect the electric field. The only one electrode works with a first external electrode to generate an electric field and works with a second external electrode to obtain conductance measurements from the electric field. In other embodiments the first external electrode and/or the second external electrode may also be configured to both excite an electric field and detect the electric field. In other embodiments, both the first external electrode and the second external electrode can work with the only one electrode to both generate an electric field and obtain at least one conductance measurement.

The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.

The invention relates to a device for detecting a malfunctioning of a valve/catheters assembly for shunting a cerebrospinal fluid or the like, characterized in that it comprises: a chamber (6) which is placed inside the said housing; a laminar canal (4), a sensor (7) for measuring a pressure in the said chamber; a flexible membrane (5) separating the sensor from the chamber (6); control and communications electronics (8,9) able to exchange with an external reader in order to transmit a measurement by the said sensor, the sensor (7) being attached to the flexible membrane (5) with which it is in contact.

Aspects disclosed in the detailed description include an ingestible power harvesting device and related applications. An ingestible power harvesting device includes a cathode electrode and an anode electrode that can catalyze a power generating reaction to generate a direct current (DC) power when surrounded by an acidic electrolyte. The cathode electrode and the anode electrode are coupled to an encapsulated electronic device that includes power harvesting circuitry configured to harvest the DC power and output a DC supply voltage for a prolonged period. In examples discussed herein, the prolonged period is at least five days. The DC supply voltage powers an electronic circuit in the encapsulated electronic device to support a defined in vivo operation (e.g., controlled drug delivery, in vivo vital signs monitoring, etc.). As such, the ingestible power harvesting device can operate in vivo for the prolonged period without requiring an embedded conventional battery.

A controller detects a cyclic cardiac event of the patient based on a signal obtained from one or more electrodes configured for placement on or near a diaphragm, and delivers an electrical stimulation therapy to a diaphragm of the patient through the one or more electrodes. The delivery of electrical stimulation therapy is timed to the detection of the cyclic cardiac event, and the electrical stimulation therapy is defined by stimulation parameters. The controller monitors a pressure associated with the intrathoracic cavity of the patient based on a signal provided by a pressure measurement source configured to provide a signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity, to determine whether an adjustment of one or more of the stimulation parameters is warranted.

A controller detects a cyclic cardiac event of the patient based on a signal obtained from one or more electrodes configured for placement on or near a diaphragm, and delivers an electrical stimulation therapy to a diaphragm of the patient through the one or more electrodes. The delivery of electrical stimulation therapy is timed to the detection of the cyclic cardiac event, and the electrical stimulation therapy is defined by stimulation parameters. The controller monitors a pressure associated with the intrathoracic cavity of the patient based on a signal provided by a pressure measurement source configured to provide a signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity, to determine whether an adjustment of one or more of the stimulation parameters is warranted.

Lumen-traveling biological interface devices and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, electrodes or other electromagnetic transducers for detecting biological signals and electrodes, coils or other electromagnetic transducers for delivering electromagnetic stimuli to stimulus responsive tissues. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices may also include additional components such as sensors, an active portion, and/or control circuitry.

An apparatus for measuring intracranial pressure constituted of: a transmitter arranged to transmit a first acoustic signal through a first cranial point; a receiver arranged to receive a second acoustic signal from a second cranial point; and a control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to: extract from the detected second acoustic signal a first set of frequency components associated with the transmitted first acoustic signal; extract from the detected second acoustic signal a second set of frequency components associated with intracranial processes; and determine intracranial pressure responsive to the extracted first set of frequency components and the extracted second set of frequency components.

A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.

Intraoral neuromodulation for the treatment clinical conditions such as, e.g., dysphagia, migraines, or speech problems can be achieved with a neuromodulation system that includes an intraoral neural stimulator, e.g., integrated into a wearable device to be positioned in the oral cavity, that is controlled based on one or more measured signals associated with an intraoral organ or nerve related to the clinical condition.