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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
20160386 – A next-generation method produces embolic microspheres that are both radiopaque and bioresorbable, making them trackable and easily broken down by the body. A radiopaque contrast agent (e.g., Lipiodol, tantalum, tungsten, barium, etc.) is suspended within the microspheres during preparation; for example, Lipiodol can be mixed with the aqueous phase thoroughly, and when the mixture... 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
20130253 – A dental implant support compound has been designed for use in dental implant surgery to reduce the cases of peri-implantitis in patients with bony defects and unstable or low-quality bone. This fast-setting, osteoconductive compound is made of calcium sulfate, allogeneic bone particles, bone morphogenic protein and an antimicrobial material. When the powder phase of the compound is mixed... Read More
20140168 – An innovative sleeve design that attaches over a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe improves control and allows the operator to maintain a steady grip. Associated buttons are embedded on the sleeve to enable control of a diagnostic ultrasound system. A holder clamps onto the probe to hold it in place via attachment to a surgical bed or mobile cart. A carrier serves as a storage... Read More
20130100 – A recent breakthrough in MRI data imaging overcomes the poor spatial correlation between MRI findings in slices and arthroscopic images and allows MRI to be used as a diagnostic tool for cartilage injury. A current trend in orthopedic surgery is to focus on joint preservation by repairing torn cartilage before osteoarthritis and irreversible damage occurs, causing long-term joint pain and... Read More
20130333 – A thermal wave measurement device has been designed and can be used for applications in cryotherapy and ablation treatments within the body. The thermal property monitoring device discerns phase shifts and temperature changes in real time. It measures thermal conductivity and diffusivity with sub-millimeter spatial accuracy using a gold thermocouple attached to a pliable substrate such as... Read More
20130331 – A dental hygiene system for orthodontic patients to provide fluoride to areas of teeth normally blocked by braces has been developed. The system is made of a plastic clip that attaches to the brackets and provides localized fluoride treatment for the teeth in areas that are hard to reach with conventional cleaning techniques. The device is easy, convenient, and provides eight weeks of... Read More
99058 – The drug delivery infusion pump system offers localized medication administration to target tissues with great accuracy. A micropump for drug administration manages pain and treats neurodegenerative disorders. Examples of some neurodegenerative disorders include Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. This drug delivery infusion pump system includes an internal device composed... Read More
z09164 – Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created an infection control system to destroy bacteria and microbes with ultraviolet (UV) light to sterilize catheter access points. This system functions as both a dilator at the access site to allow delivery of treatment, and as a sterilant, periodically transmitting UV light into the catheter body and adjacent tissues. UV light... Read More
98141 – Taking a tissue biopsy to perform diagnostic testing in the medical field is an efficient and effective way of quickly determining the best route of treatment for many illnesses. However, taking a biopsy from an intraventricular lesion deep within the brain is concerning to neurosurgeons since there is a small, but definite risk of intracranial hemorrhage. This biopsy system is comprised... Read More
z09118 – This device provides surgeons with haptic force feedback while performing minimally-invasive spine surgery. Tactile feedback guides the placement of pedicle screws during spinal fusions or reconstructive surgeries after spinal injury. In these types of surgeries, two screws must be carefully placed in the pedicle of the vertebra surrounding the spinal cord. Haptic feedback indicates the... Read More
z02003 – A microvalve has been designed that can deliver insulin into the bloodstream of diabetic patients when the microvalve senses a change in blood glucose level. Envisioned is an implantable device that controls insulin delivery with a glucose sensitive microvalve. The microvalve is made of a polymer microgel that binds to glucose. Depending on the concentration of glucose in the blood, the... Read More
z09200 – A medical device has been designed to relieve sinus congestion and pressure in chronic sinusitis patients. Sinusitis can be caused by infection, allergy symptoms, or autoimmune problems. In chronic cases lasting over 6-8 weeks, sinus surgery under general anesthesia is often required to relieve sinus congestion and inflammation of the nasal pathway. In healthy sinus activity, cilia in the... Read More
z02218 – The scleral depressor system provides globe support to the eye with one or more independent thrusters, or actuators, radially positioned about the eye during surgical procedures. Thrusters may be mechanically operated through various means and an actuator is selectively deployable and selectively retractable by several remote control options. An additional or stand-alone feature includes... Read More
z03040 – Using a porous sleeve as a filter placed over the balloon catheter on a percutaneous transluminal device protects from embolisms and reduces the risks associated with angioplasty, atherectomy and other similar procedures. Percutaneous transluminal devices can dislodge particles, such as calcium and plaque, during the procedure. These particles can block vessels, often causing severe... Read More
99054 – Accurate needle placement can be obtained with a biofeedback based strain sensing and tissue modeling needle system. Many medical procedures, especially minimally invasive procedures, require accurate needle placement of a needle tip relative to internal organs and tissues. Complications and recovery times decrease with more precise placement of the needle tip. Electronic guidance would... Read More
99057 – A medical probe has been designed to access target sites that cannot be accessed via a straight line route without interfering with sensitive tissue structures. The device works using a multiple tube catheter system in which the distal portion of the outer tube is shaped in such a way to deflect the inner tube in a different direction. This allows the medical probe to be directed around... Read More
z00045 – The fully maneuverable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) compatible surgical table is designed to accommodate both interventional procedures and MR imaging. It functions the same as a standalone surgical table, allowing flexion of the patient’s head, use of a head-holder, and patient positioning into reverse Trendelenburg while in the MR scanner bore. The table may also be rotated around... Read More
