150 results about "Therapeutic modalities" patented technology

Apparatus and methods for treating back pain are provided, in which an implantable stimulator is configured to communicate with an external control system, the implantable stimulator providing a neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy designed to cause muscle contraction to rehabilitate the muscle, restore neural drive and restore spinal stability; the implantable stimulator further including one or more of a number of additional therapeutic modalities, including a module that provides analgesic stimulation; a module that monitors muscle performance and adjusts the muscle stimulation regime; and/or a module that provides longer term pain relief by selectively and repeatedly ablating nerve fibers. In an alternative embodiment, a standalone implantable RF ablation system is described.

The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells from a complex fluid sample. In particular, the enrichment of fetal cells from maternal samples, such as maternal blood samples, can greatly aid in the detection of fetal abnormalities or a variety of genetic conditions. In addition, the present invention recognizes that the enrichment of rare malignant cells from patient samples, can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and development of therapeutic modalities for patients. The invention includes microfabricated filters for filtering fluid samples and methods of enriching rare cells of fluid samples using microfabricated filters of the present invention. The invention also includes solutions for the selective sedimentation of red blood cells (RBCs) from a blood sample and methods of using selective RBC sedimentation solutions for enriching rare cells of a fluid sample. Yet another aspect of the invention is an automated system for processing a fluid sample that includes: at least one filtration chamber that includes a microfabricated filter; automated means for directing fluid flow through at least one filtration chamber of the automated system, and means for collecting enriched rare cells. The present invention also includes methods of using automated systems for separating rare cells from fluid samples. Preferred fluid samples are blood, effusion, or urine samples, and rare cells that can be enriched from such sample include nucleated red blood cells and cancer cells.

The present invention discloses medical systems and methods adapted for the delivery of various medical components such as microwave antennas within or on a body for performing one or more medical procedures. Several embodiments herein disclose medical systems comprising a combination of one or more medical components and one or more elongate steerable or non-steerable arms that are adapted to mechanically manipulate the one or more medical components. Several embodiments of microwave antennas are disclosed that comprise an additional diagnostic or therapeutic modality located on or in the vicinity of the microwave antennas.

The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells from a complex fluid sample. In particular, the enrichment of fetal cells from maternal samples, such as maternal blood samples, can greatly aid in the detection of fetal abnormalities or a variety of genetic conditions. In addition, the present invention recognizes that the enrichment of rare malignant cells from patient samples, can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and development of therapeutic modalities for patients.

A first aspect of the present invention is a microfabricated filter for filtering a fluid sample. A microfabricated filter of the present invention comprises at least one tapered pore, and preferably comprises at least two tapered pores whose variation in size is 20% or less. The present invention also includes a method of enriching rare cells of a fluid sample using a microfabricated filter of the present invention.

Another aspect of the invention is solutions for the selective sedimentation of red blood cells (RBCs) from a blood sample comprising a red blood cell aggregating agent and at least one specific binding member that selectively binds RBCs. Solutions of the present invention include a combined solution for rare cell enrichment that comprise RBC aggregating agents, at least one specific binding member that selectively binds RBCs, and at least one additional specific binding member for the removal of undesirable sample components other than RBCs. The invention also includes methods of using selective RBC sedimentation solutions and combined solutions for enriching rare cells of a fluid sample.

Yet another aspect of the invention is an automated system for processing a fluid sample that includes: at least one filtration chamber that comprises or engages one or more microfabricated filters of the present invention; automated means for directing fluid flow through the one or more filtration chambers of the automated system, and means for collecting enriched rare cells. The present invention also includes methods of using an automated system for separating rare cells from a fluid sample. Preferred fluid samples are effusion, blood, or urine samples, and rare cells that can be enriched from such sample include nucleated red blood cells and cancer cells.

A statistical processing system includes a server operably configured with program instructions implementing a plurality of statistical models to at least one of (a) predict a health outcome based on questionnaire responses, (b) assist a patient's choice of therapeutic modality based on questionnaire responses, and (c) assess a health risk or status based on questionnaire responses. Also provided is a research agency communicating with the server and contracted to provide the statistical models using a visual interface communicated by the server. The server is configured to analyze requests received from users relating to a plurality of said statistical models to reduce redundancy in requests for patient data.

Disclosed are methods and systems for optimized deep or superficial deep-brain stimulation using multiple therapeutic modalities impacting one or multiple points in a neural circuit to produce Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) or Long-Term Depression (LTD). Also disclosed are methods for treatment of clinical conditions and obtaining physiological impacts. Also disclosed are: methods and systems for Guided Feedback control of non-invasive deep brain or superficial neuromodulation; patterned neuromodulation, ancillary stimulation, treatment planning, focused shaped or steered ultrasound; methods and systems using intersecting ultrasound beams; non-invasive ultrasound-neuromodulation techniques to control the permeability of the blood-brain barrier; non-invasive neuromodulation of the spinal cord by ultrasound energy; methods and systems for non-invasive neuromodulation using ultrasound for evaluating the feasibility of neuromodulation treatment using non-ultrasound/ultrasound modalities; neuromodulation of the whole head, treatment of multiple conditions, and method and systems for neuromodulation using ultrasound delivered in sessions.

This invention discloses immunostimulatory combinations of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily (TN-FRSF) agonists, Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonists, “domain present in NAIP, CIITA, HET-E, TP-I (NACHT)-Leucine Rich Repeat (LRR)” or “NLR” agonists, RIG-I-Like Helicase or “RLH” agonists, purinergic receptor agonists and cytokine/chemokine receptor agonists, together with delivery methods. The combinations, when used alone at the site of pathology, provide immunostimulation that induces host humoral and cellular immunologic responses to eliminate pathogens or neoplasms. Alternatively, when the combinations are used with a defined antigens, these combinations can induce focused humoral and cellular immunologic responses useful as prophylactic and/or ameliorative therapeutic modalities for infections and the treatment of neoplastic disorders.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method of generating electrical stimulation waveforms using Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS). The waveform generation substantially reduces intensive processor calculations and commands required for the generation of waveforms via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). DDS technology is integrated into single-integrated circuit components, capable of generating waveforms based on singular digital word commands. The use of DDS integrated circuits allows for rapid changes in frequencies, automatically sweeps frequencies between user defined limits, and are capable of a wide range of frequencies. Further, utilization of DDS in waveform generation allows for software updatable functionality. Additionally, because DDS technology outputs a smooth sine wave, the need for extensive filtering is drastically reduced. Further, DDS technology can be utilized in an amplitude modulation stage beyond the DDS waveform generator, further reducing the burden on processor systems.

In one embodiment, a method for improving the cardiac output of a patient who is suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet still displays some myocardial wall motion comprises sensing myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase. In such cases, a compressive force is repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion. Also incorporated may be a logic circuit capable of utilizing multiple sensing modalities and optimizing the synchronization pattern between multiple phasic therapeutic modalities and myocardial residual mechanical function.

The present invention provides cytotherapeutic units comprising predetermined numbers of selected types of potent cells. Assurance of the nature and identities of such cells is achieved through assay and certification of said numbers and identities. Therapeutic modalities are provided. Libraries of cell preparations with assayed and preferably certified populations are preferred and the preparation of cell preparations tailored to specific patients or disease states are provided.

Modulation of the complement system represents a therapeutic modality for numerous pathologic conditions associated with complement activation. In a strategy to prepare complement inhibitors that are targeted to sites of complement activation and disease, compositions comprising a complement inhibitor linked to complement receptor (CR) 2 are disclosed. The disclosed are compositions can be used in methods of treating pathogenic diseases and inflammatory conditions by modulating the complement system.

The present invention discloses embodiments of microwave antennas and other energy delivery systems. The present invention also discloses systems and methods for the delivery of various medical components within or on a body for performing one or more medical procedures. Several embodiments herein disclose medical systems comprising a combination of one or more medical components and one or more elongate steerable or non-steerable arms that are adapted to mechanically manipulate the one or more medical components. Several embodiments of microwave antennas are disclosed that comprise an additional diagnostic or therapeutic modality located on or in the vicinity of the microwave antennas.

An apparatus and a method are provided for treating a targeted area of ocular tissue in a tissue-sparing manner comprising use of two or more therapeutic modalities, including thermal radiation source (such as an CW infrared fiber laser), operative in a wavelength range that has a high absorption in water, and photochemical collagen cross-linking (CXL), together with one or more specific system improvements, such as peri-operative feedback measurements for tailoring of the therapeutic modalities, an ocular tissue surface thermal control/cooling mechanism and a source of deuterated water/riboflavin solution in a delivery system targeting ocular tissue in the presence of the ultraviolet radiation. Additional methods of rapid cross-linking (RXL), are provided that further enables cross-linking (CXL) therapy to be combined with thermal therapy.

A method for improving the cardiac output of a patient who is suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet still displays some myocardial wall motion including sensing myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase. In such cases, a compressive force is repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion. Also incorporated may be a logic circuit capable of utilizing multiple sensing modalities and optimizing the synchronization pattern between multiple phasic therapeutic modalities and myocardial residual mechanical function.

Titration of a combination of drugs or treatment modalities within individual subjects is carried out using an evolutionary operation (EVOP) direct-search procedure such as the Nelder-Mead simplex. Desirability functions are incorporated to define the main response of interest and additional responses or constraints. Statistical methodology for determining whether the titrated treatment combination has resulted in an improvement in patient response and for evaluating whether a therapeutic synergism exists is also incorporated. Inferences can be made about the efficacy of the combination or about the individual drugs or treatment modalities that comprise the combination. This approach allows every patient the potential to benefit from the combination under study and permits the consideration of multiple endpoints simultaneously.

Presented herein are systems and methods that provide for automated analysis of three-dimensional (3D) medical images of a subject in order to automatically identify specific 3D volumes within the 3D images that correspond to specific organs and/or tissue. In certain embodiments, the accurate identification of one or more such volumes can be used to determine quantitative metrics that measure uptake of radiopharmaceuticals in particular organs and/or tissue regions. These uptake metrics can be used to assess disease state in a subject, determine a prognosis for a subject, and/or determine efficacy of a treatment modality.

Disclosed are methods and systems for optimized deep or superficial deep-brain stimulation using multiple therapeutic modalities impacting one or multiple points in a neural circuit to produce Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) or Long-Term Depression (LTD). Also disclosed are methods for treatment of clinical conditions and obtaining physiological impacts. Also disclosed are: methods and systems for Guided Feedback control of non-invasive deep brain or superficial neuromodulation; patterned neuromodulation, ancillary stimulation, treatment planning, focused shaped or steered ultrasound; methods and systems using intersecting ultrasound beams; non-invasive ultrasound-neuromodulation techniques to control the permeability of the blood-brain barrier; non-invasive neuromodulation of the spinal cord by ultrasound energy; methods and systems for non-invasive neuromodulation using ultrasound for evaluating the feasibility of neuromodulation treatment using non-ultrasound/ultrasound modalities; neuromodulation of the whole head, treatment of multiple conditions, and method and systems for neuromodulation using ultrasound delivered in sessions.

The present invention provides a proprietary compositions and systems to modulate genetic and metabolomic contributing factors affecting disease diagnosis, stratification, and prognosis, as well as the metabolism, efficacy and/or toxicity associated with specific vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, homeopathic ingredients, and other ingredients for the purposes of customizing a subject's nutritional supplement formulation to optimize specific health outcomes. Specific to this invention the utilization of certain known polymorphic genes associated with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are analyzed to target certain genetic anomalies that lead to a high risk and predisposition to SUD. The genotypic patterns are then utilized to provide certain nutritional customized solutions especially related to the attenuation of aberrant abuse of physician prescribed narcotic pain medication across all pain conditions. A priority GENOPROFILE is measured and directs the customization of a subsequent nutraceutical to act as a therapeutic modality. Specifically the treatment includes slow attenuation of the pain medication by incorporating orals (shakes, liquid beverages, pills, tablets, troche, ointments etc.), Intramuscular, Intravenous, intra-rectal and any form necessary to deliver a sufficient amount of an anti-craving and anti-stress nutraceutical. Moreover, the invention includes examples of novel analgesic ointments coupling Synaptamine and such analgesic and other anesthetic compounds including but not limited to Gabapentin, Ketamine, Baclofen, Ketoprofen, Amitriptyline, Lidocaine, Cyclobenzapine, Diclofenac, Menthol, Camphor and Capsaicin. The GENOPROFILE will be used to determine pain sensitivity Intolerance.

A multi-functional therapy pool for use in physical rehabilitation, strengthening exercises and recreational purposes. The multi-functional therapy pool preferably has a generally rectangular shape wherein one side of the pool is provided with patient entry means and a seating area adjacent thereto. The remaining three sides of the pool are preferably provided with a continuous overflow gutter formed upon the upper periphery that is operative to catch splashes and minimize waves during physical activity within the pool. A number of therapeutic modalities will further be integrated within the pool, including spa jets, integrated underwater treadmill, and specialized hand rails to facilitate access in and out of the pool.

The present invention provides methods of treatment of patients suffering from the complications of blood sugar disorders: diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic nephropathy by administration of IGF-1 via protein therapy or gene therapy. It relates to methods of treating an individual having a diabetic disorder or a hyperglycemic disorder, comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a DNA vector expressing IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec in vivo or an effective amount of at the IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec protein in the early hyperalgesia stage or in patients that have advanced to the hyposensitivity stage. Treatment at the early hyperalgesia stage prevents subsequent hyposensitivity with increases or maintenance of sensory nerve function. IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec treatment also increases muscle mass and improves overall mobility, which indicates a treatment-related improvement in motor function. Treatment with IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec at the hyposensitivity stage reverses hyposensitivity and improves muscle mass and overall health. Systemic IGF-1 provides a therapeutic modality for treating hyposensitivity associated with DPN. In addition, IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec provides a therapeutic modality for treating diabetic nephropathy. IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec improves renal function as evidenced by a modulation in serum albumin concentration and a reduction in urine volume and protein levels. IGF-1Eb or IGF-1Ec also reduces diabetic glomerulosclerosis.

The present invention relates to animal model systems comprising a chimera between an avian embryo and a mammalian organism. Specifically, chimeric model systems comprising normal, diseased or genetically transformed mammalian cells and tissues transplanted into avian embryos, and uses thereof for in vivo testing of drugs and therapeutic modalities are disclosed.

Presented herein are systems and methods that provide for automated analysis of three-dimensional (3D) medical images of a subject in order to automatically identify specific 3D volumes within the 3D images that correspond to specific anatomical regions (e.g., organs and/or tissue). Notably, the image analysis approaches described herein are not limited to a single particular organ or portion of the body. Instead, they are robust and widely applicable, providing for consistent, efficient, and accurate detection of anatomical regions, including soft tissue organs, in the entire body. In certain embodiments, the accurate identification of one or more such volumes is used to automatically determine quantitative metrics that represent uptake of radiopharmaceuticals in particular organs and/or tissue regions. These uptake metrics can be used to assess disease state in a subject, determine a prognosis for a subject, and/or determine efficacy of a treatment modality.