Abstract:
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for recording and stimulating neural and other tissue. The disclosure describes a tissue interface that can be configured as a cuff or a ribbon and includes a plurality of electrodes and ultrasound transducers. The tissue interface is configured to electrically and ultrasonically stimulate tissue, such a muscle tissue and neural tissue. The tissue interface is also configured to monitor the target tissue by recording electrical activity of the target tissue with one or more of the electrodes and image the target tissue with one or more of the ultrasound transducers.
Abstract:
Systems, methods, and interfaces are described herein for noninvasively determining whether a patient can benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy. One exemplary method involves delivering ultrasonic energy to cardiac tissue. In response to delivering ultrasonic energy to the cardiac tissue, receiving, with a processing unit, a torso-surface potential signal from each of a plurality of electrodes distributed on a torso of a patient. For at least a subset of the plurality of electrodes, calculating, with the processing unit, a torso-surface activation time based on the signal sensed from the electrode. Presenting, by the processing unit, to a user, an indication of a degree of dyssynchrony of the torso-surface activation times via a display.
Abstract:
A head frame is configured for the head of a medical patient (108) and includes support for a probe and a neck support. The frame wraps around said head, and can be used in the supine position. The support may include a probe holder (116) slidable under the head and to contact or engage the neck support. In some embodiments, conformal shaping to the head and/or neck, the frame's rigid construction, the alignment of the optionally separable holder to the neck support(110), and weight of the head all serve to keep the distal tip of the ultrasound probe in place against the temporal region of the head, without need for attaching the frame to the head as by straps, providing an arrangement robust against patient/vehicle movement in an emergency medical services setting. Head immobilizing walls may be folded away (316) in some versions, retaining probe alignment. In the holder, an optional circular opening with a spherical cross-section allows the probe(s) to be rotated into position, and X-Y-Z positioning too may be provided, all manually or by motor.
Abstract:
Non-invasive and/or natural orifice procedures, apparatus and methods for modulating the enteric nervous system using one or more energy modalities. A system may include a probe for insertion into a natural orifice (e.g., nasogastrically, orogastrically, nasojejunally) with or without a tube to therapeutically apply energy to modulate one or more portions of the enteric nervous system. The methods described herein may provide energy to stimulate the enteric nervous system to treat disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, depression, anxiety and/or to enhance gastric motility, intestinal motility or other neurological responses.
Abstract:
A steerable catheter includes a body portion, a flexible catheter body with a proximal end and a distal tip and a continuous steering wire passing through the flexible body from the proximal end to the distal tip and turning back through the flexible body from the distal tip to the proximal end.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for brain modulation are provided herein. A device may comprise a body and components for activating the brain. Such components include ultrasound transducers. The devices are used to provide ultrasound waves to brain structures in a subject wearing a device for methods to treat traumatic brain injury, affect postural control, affect wakefulness, attention, and alertness, to provide memory control, to alter cerebrovascular hemodynamics, to minimize stress, and to reinforce behavioral actions.
Abstract:
In some examples, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some examples, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some examples, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents or the agents are enhanced by the energy sources.