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20140121 – Multi-band SWIFT (MB-SWIFT) is a magnetic resonance pulse sequence that produces better diagnostic images by significantly increasing excitation and acquisition bandwidths, which reduces blurring, increases signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for fast relaxing spins, and allows imaging even without comprehensive shimming of the static magnetic field B0. This method is the first in the class of... Read More
20130136 – An IV line lifting device lifts and holds multiple IV lines and allows appropriate slack in the IV line to accommodate patient movement. The device clamps onto an IV pole, can be extended up or out, depending on the situation, and provides some different options for holding the IV lines (e.g., a spiral ring, a split ring or a notched separator). By keeping multiple IV lines suspended and... Read More
20120120 – A progressive series of five new coils make practical human cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) possible for the first time at 7T. MRI and MRS at 7T have great potential as tools for imaging and spectroscopic detection of cardiovascular diseases, yet there are currently no means available for practical 7T cardiac MRI and MRS. This new technology... Read More
20160304 – A binary resorbable system crosslinks carboxymethyl chitosan (CCN) and oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for external application materials in the form of microspheres, bulk gels, films or foam patches. Chitosan breaks down to glucosamine, which can be absorbed by the body, and CMC is substantially non-toxic and biodegradable. Therefore, the crosslinked polymer formed by CCN and CMC... Read More
20130110 – An intraoral radiofrequency (RF) loop coil placed, between the teeth, efficiently images teeth and associated dental structures. The coil is oriented with its axis parallel (coaxial) with the Zeeman field (coil plane perpendicular to B0) and captures B1 information using the coil’s transverse sensitivity volume. This orientation provides one of the most appropriate fields of view (FOV)... Read More
20120122 – A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method and apparatus amplifies radio frequency (RF) signals from MRI coils. The coils, containing antenna elements, are power amplified by a distributed power amplifier with electronic devices (e.g., field-effect transistors). The approach locates an MRI coil with antenna elements within an MR magnet and amplifies its RF signal to obtain high-power RF... Read More
20120123 – A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method and apparatus can receive radio frequency (RF) signals while simultaneously transmitting a signal of like frequency. The MRI and spectroscopy technology removes artifacts of the transmitted excitation signal (Tx) from the received signal (Rx), leaving only the desired net received signal (NRx) to generate an image from the MR response if the... Read More
20170291 – A multi-part body coil apparatus can transmit (Tx) and/or receive (Rx) radiofrequency (RF) signals suitable for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic-resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The coil is configured as either a circularly polarized transverse-electric-magnetic (TEM) coil or a birdcage coil, and is easily assembled, disassembled (e.g., for easier maintenance, testing, tuning... Read More
20120119 – A new method automatically adjusts electrical performance of radiofrequency (RF) coil assemblies of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems during the medical imaging process of a subject in order to control changes in loading conditions of the RF coil caused by the subject during the imaging process. Automatically tuning the RF coil circuits provides real-time tuning that electrically... Read More
20120060 – A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach uses a spatiotemporally-encoded MRI pulse sequence (e.g., SWIRLY and/or STEREO) in combination with a smart, adaptive, or phased RF transmit front end. Combining these two components allows highly spatially localized regions of uniform excitation, even in the presence of Band B inhomogeneities. The transmit front end is comprised of a... Read More
20150126 – Acousto-electromagnetic imaging is a hybrid, multimodal neuroimaging technology that fully integrates focused ultrasound with electromagnetic sensing and imaging for mapping dynamic electrophysical (e.g., brain) activation. The noninvasive technology achieves neuroimaging of brain activity with high spatio-temporal resolution (i.e., mm spatial resolution and ms temporal resolution) and... Read More
20170020 – Iteratively reweighted edge sparsity minimization (IRES) is an inverse imaging strategy for estimating extended sources from electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). IRES can quantitatively and objectively image the extent of electrical sources in an organ system from noninvasive electromagnetic signals measured over the body surface. Source sparsity is exploited in... Read More
20160370 – An injectable liquid embolic agent mixed with piezoelectric crystals enables al method of piezoelectric material delivery and thermal tumor ablation via high intensity focused ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The mixture can be delivered to a tumor in a minimally invasive manner, and the embolic agent enables specific localization and retention of the piezoelectric material... Read More
20170293 – The Sliding Windowed Infinite Fourier Transform (SWIFT) algorithm analyzes and extracts frequency amplitude/phase information from digital signals in real time. This spectral analysis technique analyzes any real-time digital signal, from neural signals to accelerometer data to radio waves. The algorithm uses an infinite length causal exponential function as its window, which gives more... Read More
20170050 – A 3D printed airway stent and delivery system can be rapidly customized and atraumatically inserted into pediatric airways to provide temporary internal support for the airway (or other duct or plenum) to treat tracheo-bronchomalacia (TBM). The stent is made of silicone, an FDA approved material that is conformable, biocompatible and suitable for additive manufacturing. The length and... Read More
20170163 – A new orthopedic meniscus repair system provides orthopedic surgeons the ability to repair meniscus tears in the white-white space and can repair a variety of tear types (e.g., longitudinal, radial, flap, horizontal, bucket handle and degenerative lesions). The tool allows the surgeon to place suture knots in any area of the implant matrix in the same amount of time as a meniscectomy and... Read More
20170066 – A new multi-modal, targeted approach to deep-brain stimulation (DBS) therapy manages multiple symptoms simultaneously to treat various neurological and co-morbid conditions. In particular, the technology can help Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients overcome co-morbid sleep disturbances by using DBS waveforms and stimulation parameters to promote sleep. The technology uses the same... Read More
20140236 – Radiofrequency (RF) pulses for in-vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are prone to errors due to physiological motion of organs in the torso during the respiratory cycle. Two different strategies mitigate these errors and obtain solutions robust against respiratory changes within an imaging scan or between different scans. Both methods require calibration scans (B1+ and DeltaB0 maps)... Read More
20170298-20170299 – A flexible tactile sensor, 3D printed with electronic inks, can detect and differentiate human movements (e.g., radial pulse and finger pressing/bending). The stretchable sensor consists of a conductive coil placed between two stretchable electrode layers. A custom, multi-functional 3D printing process prints silver-impregnated silicone inks with tunable printability and electrical... Read More
20160298 – “Smart” compression garments can be controlled dynamically using shape changing materials (such as shape memory alloys (SMA)) enables clinical cardiovascular intervention in both healthy and unhealthy populations. The degree of compression, timing of compression, and type and site of compression (pressure) can be controlled dynamically. Controlling compression allows the ability to gait... Read More
20160251 – A new craniotome design helps prevent dural tears during craniotomy procedures. The device uses high pressure liquid (e.g., sterile saline solution) to separate the dura from the cranium ahead of the craniotome in order to minimize the risk of the dura snagging on the dura guard. The concept could be marketed as either an entirely new craniotome design or an attachment to... Read More
20170172 – A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method enables imaging with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) contrast throughout the entire cardiac cycle with high temporal resolution. LGE, the clinical gold standard for assessing focal fibrosis/scars, depicts scar tissue as an enhancement 10-20 minutes after contrast injection. Contrast-agent accumulates in the scar-tissue due to diminished washout... Read More
20130259 – A spatial gradient based electrical property tomography (EPT) method uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce non-invasive and high spatial resolution in vivo imaging of electrical conductivity and permittivity of biological tissues. Electrical properties are determined based on estimated radiated gradient values of the electrical properties of the object. For example, electrical... Read More
20160260 – A new method designs and implements spatially selective, multidimensional adiabatic radio frequency (RF) pulses for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Spatially selective inversion is achieved adiabatically in both two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) regions of interest. The multidimensional adiabatic pulses are designed by dividing a parent adiabatic pulse into 2D selective... Read More
20170353 – A biomechanical model of the mouth features a mechanism that interacts with the nipple/areolar complex of the breast by duplicating the rigid body motion of the anterior tongue. The new design was based on analysis of ultrasonic breastfeeding videos, and its camshaft drives a series of followers in constriction circles such that their displacements mimic tongue motion. This model... Read More
20100245 – A simple, robust and scalable method of directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem (hES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, generates insulin-producing cells in vitro that have reversed diabetes in vivo and in diabetic mice. A simple, broadly applicable four-step process demonstrates that hES and human iPS cells from dermal fibroblast... Read More
20170198 – An MRI-compatible electrode array records brain physiological signals in animals and humans. The array is manufactured with carbon nanotubes or other nano-structured materials and will be tuned to have a magnetic susceptibility very close to that of brain tissue. Matching the magnetic susceptibilities of the electrode array and brain tissue will highly reduce—or even eliminate—magnetic... Read More
20170069 – An algorithm using particle swarm optimization (PSO) in programming electrodes in deep brain stimulation arrays (DBSAs) provides clinicians with an intuitive, semi-automated approach for programming multi-electrode neuromodulation systems. The system and methods optimize deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy by producing a range of optimal electrode configuration solutions that can achieve... Read More
20150184 – A next-generation breast pump design offers nursing mothers increased convenience and privacy. The low profile, one piece device can be concealed within a bra and held in place with self-adhesive backing. It conforms to multiple breast sizes and fits comfortably and unobtrusively under clothing. Milk passes through a channel routed along the circumference of the breast into flexible,... Read More
20160259 – A deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode system allows simultaneous neuromodulation and reception of the neuronal response. The method provides electromagnetic (EM) stimulation (using at least three probes for simultaneous modulation) in pulsed and/or continuous wave configuration with different wave forms. A multi-strip multichannel array electrode generates rotating electric fields, and... Read More
20160374 – A lung biopsy tool features an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) sensor, LED illumination, a camera chip, steering capabilities and a flexible biopsy needle. Unique aspects of the device are the integrated camera chip (1x1mm Naneye camera) and LED illumination. The device is less than 2 mm in diameter and can therefore be deployed through the tool port of a standard bronchoscope. While... Read More
20170018 – A high-voltage, fully-integrated neural stimulator chip for electrical microstimulation features a small chip area and high channel density. Using a feedback-assisted current mirror structure with resource sharing and an efficient chip layout achieves simultaneous high-voltage compliance, high output impedance and high channel count. A foreground current calibration uses a single external... Read More
20160413 – A miniature system on a chip (SoC) device enables continuous, full-duplex neural recording with simultaneous electrical microstimulation. The technology enables precise, closed-loop neuromodulation based on direct neuronal feedback. Scalable and with a small chip area and high channel density, this new design could suppress electrode noise and support high impedance electrodes, especially... Read More
20160323 – A neuro-muscular stimulator implanted inside the mouth stimulates the hypoglossal nerve and the genioglossus muscle to prevent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or breathing obstruction caused by inadequate motor tone of the tongue and/or pharyngeal wall muscles. The device consists of an implantable stimulator lead connected to an exposed part, positioned in the lower jaw, that acts as an... Read More
20150170 – Target selectivity of neuromodulation, e.g., deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, is critical as the precise locus and pattern of the stimulation dictates the degree to which desired treatment responses are achieved and adverse side effects are avoided. A new concept for neuromodulation generates orientation selective and rotating electric fields that provide more precise and efficient... Read More
20110093 – A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology for multiband (MB), also known as Simultaneous Multi Slice (SMS), imaging uses multichannel transmit to overcome fundamental limitations in specific absorption rate (SAR). The approach uses multiple coils for radiofrequency (RF) transmit, in which each set of simultaneously excited slices are excited by an optimal combination of the... Read More
20150177 – A first-ever magnetic brain array can modulate (stimulate) neuron cells and other biological components sensitive to magnetic fields. The array offers low energy consumption and high density, and consists of magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) sensors for 3D mapping with potential for closed-loop operation. The technique generates magnetic fields for biomedical applications by rotating a... Read More
20150060-1 – A novel AC homopolar motor topology is extremely efficient, and with minimal maintenance required, it drives down operating costs. The motor comes with an optional outer-rotor/inner-stator, as well as a single set of windings that provide both torque and magnetic suspension without using rare-earth permanent magnets or a separate set of armature coils. The design enables a predictive,... Read More
20170036 – An innovative annuloplasty ring, used in conjunction with an annuloplasty procedure in large animal models, creates consistent, reproducible models of aortic stenosis for long-term evaluation of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices. The Calcified Annulus Model (CAM) annuloplasty ring is flexible, circular, planar in shape and covered with a fabric sheath secured to... Read More
20160093 – A highly hydrophobic dental surface coats teeth tissues (enamel, dentin, and cementum) to prepare them for esthetic dental restorations. The anti-microbial coating, created from amphiphilic molecules, acts as an interface between etched dentin and/or enamel and dental composite and protects dental restorations against degradation from water, acid, and enzymes. In addition, it offers... Read More
20160281 – An innovative needle design uses electrical impedance to indicate when a lumbar puncture or epidural needle has reached its desired target. Because electrical properties of various biological tissues, bone or fluids differ, measuring their electrical conductivity and electrical permittivity properties can differentiate between them. The needle features electrodes that sense the electrical... Read More
20150223 – A new catheter design allows for easy cannulation of multiple vascular branches at the same time. The system consists of a delivery sheath with an endovascular separator that keeps multiple wires separated. By preventing the wires from wrapping around each other, the device promotes atraumatic treatment of aortic diseases. Placed on a central shaft, four to six dividers—which can widen or... Read More
20150160 – A unique algorithm quickly and accurately determines optimal stimulation settings for deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode arrays. The algorithm generates a patient-specific “grid,” representing a target tissue to be activated, by compiling brain geometry and lead-specific geometry data. It then determines a maximum activation function value for each point on the grid and uses an... Read More
20160026 – A unique toothbrush head cleans teeth and gums more effectively by cleaning all surfaces of the tooth in the same motion. The innovative design uses stiffer, curved bristles that perfectly conform to each tooth’s shape, allowing the toothbrush to clean the grooves, under the gums and even surfaces between teeth. The redesigned cleaning head minimizes force on gingival tissue and dentin,... Read More
20150078 – Gait and balance disorders such as freezing gait, ataxic gait, vestibular dysfunction, swaying and other manifestations of neurological or physical conditions may benefit from a new sensory stimulation device. The device may also help with imbalance deficits in the elderly. The device works in tandem with a subject’s footstep to provide mechanical stimulation to one or more parts of the... Read More
20140342 – Uroflowmetry is no longer limited to only the hospitals and urology clinics that have the technology: a new design of a uroflowmetry device can accurately measure urine flow rate practically anywhere. Uroflowmetry is a critical component in diagnosing male bladder outlet obstructions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral stricture disease (USD). While the procedure is... Read More
20150015 – A new robotic system for wrist joint proprioception provides both assessment of function and rehabilitation training all in the same device. The device not only measures a user’s ability to sense wrist position and detect various degrees of movement, but also provides discrete and continuous motion rehabilitation training exercises that can be tailored to each user’s ability. The software... Read More
20150016 – A new catheter design ensures that N-butyl cyanoacrylate and other glues commonly used in vascular embolization cannot inadvertently bind to the blood vessel wall during the procedure. By perpetually bathing the catheter tip in a non-ionic solution, the catheter prevents glue from binding to the vessel wall. Potential complications are thereby decreased, which may encourage more... Read More
20150135 – The balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) catheter makes treating portal hypertension and gastric varices easier by delivering a combination of sclerosing agents, embolization coils, vascular plugs and/or aortic balloons through a single catheter. Gastric varices, potentially life-threatening conditions, can cause rapid blood loss and require immediate medical... Read More
20140295 – A device to measure anesthesia-induced neuromuscular blockade during the perioperative state (pre-operative, operative, post-operative, and recovery) has been developed. The device, called the BlockAid Patch, combines two electrodes and one sensor into a single, disposable adhesive patch. The patch delivers stimuli to the targeted muscle group and outputs the muscle response as a... Read More
