Abstract:
Some embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of improving electrical conduction across an impaired region of a tissue (e.g., myocardial tissue) by applying an electrically conductive material (e.g., carbon nanotube fibers) across the impaired region. The electrically conductive materials can become associated with non-impaired regions of the tissue on opposite sides of the impaired region by suturing. Such methods can also be utilized to treat or prevent cardiac arrhythmia in a subject (e.g., ventricular arrhythmia). Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to electrical wirings that include carbon nanotubes, such as carbon nanotube fibers. Such electrical wirings can be used to transmit electrical signals to a tissue or sense electrical signals from the tissue. In some embodiments, the present disclosure also pertains to suture threads that include carbon nanotubes, such as carbon nanotube fibers.
Abstract:
Wireless treatment of arrhythmias. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: charging a capacitor of a first microchip device abutting heart tissue, the charging by harvesting ambient energy; charging a capacitor of a second microchip device abutting the heart tissue, the charging of the capacitor of the second microchip device by harvesting ambient energy; sending a command wirelessly from a communication device outside the rib cage to the microchip devices; applying electrical energy to the heart tissue by the first microchip device responsive to the command, the electrical energy applied from the capacitor of the first microchip device; and applying electrical energy to the heart tissue by the second microchip device responsive to the command to the second microchip device, the electrical energy applied from the capacitor of the second microchip device.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for deploying and securing conductive materials to a region of tissue may utilize a catheter. The catheter may provide a tip with one or more detachable sections or may provide an adjustable opening. A lumen of the catheter may provide a conductive material, such as a filament, fiber, network or patch of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or carbon nanofibers (CNFs). In some embodiments, the conductive materials may be coupled to securing mechanisms, such as screws, clips, anchors, alligator clips, or anchors with barbs, which can be actuated to attach the conductive materials to desired regions of tissue. In some embodiments, the catheter may provide a needle tip that allows the conductive material to be embedded into desired regions of tissue by inserting the needle into the tissue.
Abstract:
Wireless treatment of arrhythmias. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: charging a capacitor of a first microchip device abutting heart tissue, the charging by harvesting ambient energy; charging a capacitor of a second microchip device abutting the heart tissue, the charging of the capacitor of the second microchip device by harvesting ambient energy; sending a command wirelessly from a communication device outside the rib cage to the microchip devices; applying electrical energy to the heart tissue by the first microchip device responsive to the command, the electrical energy applied from the capacitor of the first microchip device; and applying electrical energy to the heart tissue by the second microchip device responsive to the command to the second microchip device, the electrical energy applied from the capacitor of the second microchip device.
Abstract:
Methods for collapsing a tubular organ, such as the esophagus, involve inserting a device into the tubular organ, at least partially sealing off a section of the tubular organ, and drawing in the wall of the tubular organ by application of suction. The devices may be used to move the wall of the tubular organ away from an area undergoing treatment or therapy, such as to minimize damage to the tubular organ by application of radiofrequency energy or to limit temperature increase of the tubular organ.
Abstract:
A surgical needle is configured to detect whether a distal tip of the surgical needle perforates or ends up in an undesirable location, or detect whether the distal tip of the surgical needle has accessed a desired location. The surgical needle includes a hub and a body connected to the hub. The body has a hollow core and includes a sharp-pointed tip at a distal end. A first electrode is formed by the sharp-pointed tip of the body. At least a second electrode is provided around the body. The first and second electrodes are connected to a wired connector that can be plugged into an external sensing system. The external sensing system can monitor impedance, electrical parameters, or other parameters.
Abstract:
An embodiment of a system for aiding in the proper placement of an endotracheal tube in the trachea of a patent comprises an endotracheal tube having a proximal region and a distal region, the distal region including an electrode. In addition, the endotracheal tube comprises a control unit coupled to the electrode to differentiate proper placement of the endotracheal tube in the patient's trachea from improper placement of the endotracheal tube in the patient's esophagus based on a sensed electrical signal from the electrode.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein, in some aspects, are endotracheal stimulation platforms, systems, and methods of their use for pacing the phrenic nerves, right and/or left phrenic nerves, of a subject. In some embodiments, one or more pairs of electrodes are provided through an ET tube to contact a portion of a tracheal wall, or trachea, so as to enable phrenic nerve pacing. In some cases, the one or more pairs of electrodes are configured to send electrical pulses that stimulate the phrenic nerve, thereby helping promote contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm muscle.
Abstract:
Herein disclosed is a method of detecting and identifying the source of abnormal electrical currents in the heart to assist in ablating these currents, comprising the use of contact or non-contact temperature measurement devices. In an embodiment, source of abnormal electrical activity of the heart and its attached arteries and veins show different temperature patterns from normal segments. In an embodiment, the method further comprises analyzing the temperature of the chamber of interest, and determining regions of low or high temperature by extension metabolic activity. In an embodiment, the method comprises measuring myocardial temperature comprising placing an array of thermocouples imbedded on a basket in the cardiac chamber. In an embodiment, the thermocouples are placed in contact with the myocardial tissue.
Abstract:
An introducer comprise a sheath for introducing a catheter into a blood vessel, a plurality of electrodes on the sheath, and an impedance assessment unit provided on the sheath and connected to the electrodes. The impedance assessment unit fixes one of a current or voltage across a first pair of the electrodes and measures the other of the current or voltage across a second pair of electrodes.