Abstract:
An output assembly is sized for placement in the middle and inner ear, such that removal of bone can be decreased. The output assembly may comprise at least one photo detector, a demultiplexer and an optical array sized to pass through an incision in the eardrum. An input transducer assembly is configured to transmit a multiplexed optical signal to the output assembly. The input assembly can be configured to transmit the multiplexed optical signal through the eardrum, such that tissue removal can be decreased and the device can be placed without removal of bone, for example. The multiplexed optical signal may comprise a pulse width modulated signal so as to decrease the effect of non-linearities of the light source and light detector and provide quality sound to the user.
Abstract:
An output assembly is sized for placement in the middle and inner ear, such that removal of bone can be decreased. The output assembly may comprise at least one photo detector, a demultiplexer and an optical array sized to pass through an incision in the eardrum. An input transducer assembly is configured to transmit a multiplexed optical signal to the output assembly. The input assembly can be configured to transmit the multiplexed optical signal through the eardrum, such that tissue removal can be decreased and the device can be placed without removal of bone, for example. The multiplexed optical signal may comprise a pulse width modulated signal so as to decrease the effect of non-linearities of the light source and light detector and provide quality sound to the user.
Abstract:
The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment. The invention further discloses a catheter with a transparent occlusion element at its tip that enables examination of the lung passageway through a viewing scope.
Abstract:
This relates to flextensional microphones which are made up of a piezoelectric substrate having opposing surfaces, typically parallel surfaces when the substrate is crystalline or ceramic, and at least one sound receiving surface physically tied to the piezoelectric substrate. The microphones are at least partially isolated via a biocompatible material, e.g., by a covering or a coating. The inventive microphones may be subcutaneously implanted. The microphones may be used as components of surgically implanted hearing aid systems or as components of hearing devices known as cochlear implants. Preferably the microphones are used in arrays and when used as a component of a hearing assistance or replacement device, are used in conjunction with a source of feedback information, usually another microphone. The feedback information usually relates to sound re-emitted from physical portions of the ear, e.g., the eardrum, where those portions have been directly or indirectly driven by the actuator of the implanted hearing aid.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating an ear canal impression which includes the steps of (a) placing a covering on the tympanic membrane of a hearing-impaired person, (b) marking the junction between the bony and cartilaginous portions of the auditory canal, (c) introducing an ear canal impression material into the auditory canal, (d) and allowing the ear canal impression material to harden to form the ear canal impression whereby the ear canal impression includes an indentation on its surface corresponding to said marking is provided. The ear canal impression is then employed to fabricate an ear canal mold for a completely-in-canal hearing aid device. In this fashion, the hearing aid when placed in the auditory ear canal is assured to fit and rest snugly on the bony canal. This prevents the device from shifting away from the tympanic membrane and, therefore, reduces the opportunity for positive feedback and discomfort for the individual.
Abstract:
An active ossicular replacement device is configured to couple the malleus to the stapes, and conduct sound through the vibratory structures of the ear in response to the transmitted electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic energy may comprise light so as to decrease interference from sources of noise external to the user. The prosthetic device may comprise an assembly that can be implanted in the middle ear in a manner that simplifies surgery. The assembly may comprise a narrow cross-sectional profile such that the assembly can be positioned in the middle ear through an incision in the eardrum, for example without cutting bone that defines the shape of the ear canal or the shape of the middle ear. The prosthetic device can be sized to the user based on a measurement of the ear.
Abstract:
A hearing system comprises a shell having an open inner chamber. An input transducer and a transmitter assembly are disposed in the open inner chamber. The transmitter has a frequency response bandwidth in a 6 kHz to 20 kHz range, and the open chamber has an end adjacent a patient's tympanic membrane with one or more openings that allow the ambient sound to pass through the chamber and directly reach the middle ear of the user.
Abstract:
Systems, devices and methods for communication include an ear canal microphone configured for placement in the ear canal to detect high frequency sound localization cues. An external microphone positioned away from the ear canal can detect low frequency sound, such that feedback can be substantially reduced. The canal microphone and the external microphone are coupled to a transducer, such that the user perceives sound from the external microphone and the canal microphone with high frequency localization cues and decreased feedback. Wireless circuitry can be configured to connect to many devices with a wireless protocol, such that the user can receive and transmit audio signals. A bone conduction sensor can detect near-end speech of the user for transmission with the wireless circuitry in noisy environment. Noise cancellation of background sounds near the user can improve the user's hearing of desired sounds.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for resecting and debulking prostatic tissue to utilize a shaft carrying an energy source. The shaft is anchored by a balloon or other structure expanded in the bladder, and the energy source is capable of directing ablative energy radially outwardly from the urethra, where the energy source will be moved in order to remove a pre-defined volume of prostatic tissue.
Abstract:
The lateral flow between adjacent lung segments is occluded by blocking collateral flow channels with particles. A gas flow is established from one lung segment through the flow channels in an intermediate fibrous septum, and out through the adjacent lung segment. Particles entrained in the gas flow become lodged in the collateral flow channels to eventually block flow.