Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing the status of well-being of patients being treated for CHF using cardiac pacing as a therapy. By sampling the output from an activity sensor or the like, and by noting the frequency with which the averaged rectified sensor output exceeds a preset threshold following changes in the pacing mode, the efficacy of the new mode compared to the previous one can be evaluated.

Abstract: Based upon patient studies indices a high degree of correlation was found between HRV and VO2max, i.e., the patient's exercise capacity. Based on this finding, a pacing therapy optimization protocol for treating patients with CHF has been devised. The protocol involves first pacing the patient's heart with a pacemaker programmed to operate in a first mode for a predetermined time period and then collecting electrogram data from which a HRV index is derived. The mode is then changed and the steps repeated until all possible modes have been utilized. At that time, a determination is made as to which of the modes is associated with the largest HRV index and the pacemaker is then programmed to function in that mode. Alternatively, the method of the present invention can be applied to changes in drug therapy instead of or in combination with pacing therapy. By the plotting the HRV index computed in the manner described, the efficacy of a change in therapy on patient exercise capacity can be assessed.

Abstract: In adapting a semi-trailer for hauling ATVs, modular track segments of a predetermined length for conveniently spanning a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending E-bars that attach to the logistic posts in the side wall of the semi-trailer are arranged to provide an elevated deck structure in the trailer on which additional ATVs can be placed. In order to load both the floor level and the elevated deck level, appropriately sized and configured ramps that extend from ground level to the trailer floor, or alternatively to the elevated deck structure, permit the ATVs to be driven onto the trailer floor or its elevated deck.

Abstract: A low pass filter especially adapted for use with ECG equipment designed to negate any noise energy that may be superimposed upon the ECG signal itself. A plurality of low-pass FIR filter stages are connected in tandem between a signal input point and a signal output point where each of the stages has a distinct cut-off frequency characteristic. A device is provided for selectively turning ones of the plurality of stages on or off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic gain control (AGC) method are provided to control the output from a medical device monitoring electrical potentials. The AGC method and apparatus accumulate data indicative of at least one vector in a cycle buffer, calculate an amplitude representative of the signal, compare the calculated value with a set of thresholds, and calculate an adjustment to the gain setting based on the amplitudes relationship to the thresholds.

Abstract: The present invention provides aneurysm occlusion devices 60, 160 formed from a resilient metal fabric and a method for reliably and effectively occluding aneurysms. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the aneurysm devices include a body portion 80 which is sized to be received within an aneurysm and an anchor 70 which is sized, and may also be preformed into a specific shape, to engage the lumen of a vessel having the aneurysm thereon. The aneurysm occluder 60 may also include a generally tubular central portion 62 extending between the body portion and the anchor, the central portion being sized and shaped to be received within the neck of the aneurysm. The present invention has particular advantages over prior minimally invasive techniques for occluding aneurysms in that it can both fill the aneurysm and occlude or “stent” the neck of the aneurysm in one step. It also minimizes damage to healthy vessel tissue by localizing contact with the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: An implantable electronic tissue stimulating device for providing therapy to a patient is contained within an full metallic case resulting in reduced size, reduced assembly time, reduced parts cost and reduced labor cost, limits the exposure of the patient to possible allergic reactions to medical adhesives and polyurethanes. A hybrid electronic circuit and a battery for powering same are contained within a first portion of the full metal case and a header assembly including a metal header housing, a connector block holder, its lead connector blocks and a feed-through assembly also form a sealed unit. It is inserted into a second portion of the case with feed-through pins connecting the connector blocks to the hybrid. A weld is employed to join the two halves of the outer case together about its perimeter to form a stimulating device package of a smaller size and reduced manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for applying electrical stimulating pulses to body tissue in which the device includes a hermetically sealed metal housing that contains the stimulating pulse delivery circuitry as well as a telemetry transmitter and telemetry receiver and where the metal housing serves as a return electrode. An isolation transformer is operatively coupled between an antenna/coil used to receive and transmit information from and to an external programmer device and the telemetry receiver and telemetry transmitter within the implanted device. The isolation transformer effectively precludes high voltage stimulating pulses from causing damage to the telemetry circuit components.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying the air inside of hermetically sealed electronic devices. The apparatus includes a desiccant part and an activation piece that is attached to the desiccant part. The desiccant part and activation piece are attached together and then covered, except for the portions where the two pieces are attached, with a polymer that has a low moisture vapor transmission rate, such as parylene. The apparatus may be added into an electronic device during assembly. The desiccant, or drying agent, is not activated, by removal of the activation piece, until prior to closure of the hermetically sealed electronic device.

Abstract: A combination thermal and vibration sensor for use in sleep monitoring equipment comprises a thin film of a plastic exhibiting both pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties. By providing a layer of foam material totally covering one major surface of the plastic film layer, it is found that the thermal mass of the sensor is changed to the point where the pyroelectric signal can more readily be isolated from the piezoelectric signal using conventional signal processing techniques.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device and associated method for grafting a lumen of selected organs and vessels, wherein the medical device is shaped from a shape memory fabric. The device is preferably made from a continuous tubular fabric and each end terminates with an open end for passage there through. Each end further includes a securing member attached to an outer perimeter of the end, wherein a substantial plane formed by the perimeter intersects the longitudinal axis of the tubular fabric at either an acute or obtuse angle. The fabric may be heat treated within a mold in order to substantially set a desired shape of the device. The securing member may also attach to the end of a guide wire or delivery catheter, thereby allowing deployment and later retrieval after deployment of the device.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device and associated method for shunting selected organs and vessels, wherein the medical device is shaped from a shape memory metal fabric. The device may be used, for example, to non-surgically create a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The device is preferably made from a continuous tubular metal fabric and includes two outer flanges that reduce device migration and includes a central passageway between the two outer flanges. The metal fabric may be heat treated within a mold in order to substantially set a desired relaxed shape of the device. The medical device includes a fastener for attaching to the end of a guide wire or delivery catheter. The medical device having the desired relaxed shape may be collapsed and delivered through a catheter or the like for deployment in a desired channel or opening in a patient's body and is retrievable after deployment.

Abstract: This invention is an electrical stimulation apparatus for delivering an electrical field over a predetermined period of time to a targeted body tissue in order to stimulate a cell initiated angiogenic response in living cells within the targeted body tissue. The electrical stimulation apparatus includes an electrical field generating unit including a power support, a control mechanism interconnected with the power supply, and a plurality of electrodes designed to generate an electrical field proximate to the targeted body tissue. The amplitude of the electrical field delivered to or generated proximate to the targeted body tissue, and the duration of the period of delivery is sufficient to stimulate angiogenesis in the targeted body tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing congestive heart failure therapy status. An electronic device, preferably a cardiac rhythm management device, capable of measuring transthoracic impedance and for sensing a level of physical activity is implanted in a patient. The transthoracic impedance signal is processed to obtain an estimate of the subject's minute ventilation, respiratory rate, tidal volume, inspiratory rate and expiratory rate. From accelerometer measured activity, an estimate is obtained of oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production and work rate.

Abstract: A method for estimating the efficiency of a patient's body, and specifically for estimating the efficiency of a patient's body while undergoing different cardiac therapies. Acceleration and heart rates of the patient are measured while undergoing various therapies. The acceleration—heart rate ratio for each therapy is calculated. The ratios for each therapy are compared and the therapy that has the highest acceleration—heart rate ratio is determined to be the most efficient. The most efficient therapy allows the patient to have the most acceleration with the lowest corresponding heart rate.

Abstract: A method for securing a coil or cable conductor to an electric element including an implantable electric element having a longitudinal edge electrically coupled to a coil or cable conductor. The coil or cable having filars with ends configured to contact the longitudinal edge of the electric element. The ends secured to the longitudinal edge by welding, soldering or an electrically conductive adhesive.

Abstract: A method of accurately determining if ectopic beats are occurring in the heart by detecting the time interval, T, between a point Q* defined is the onset of the QRS complex and the peak value of R (T=Q*R) during a heart beat cycle and comparing that time with a running mean value calculated from normal heartbeats. A beat is identified as an ectopic beat if the Q*R time interval for a current beat is at least four standard deviations from the mean Q*R time interval of normal preceding beats. The electrodes for detecting the ectopic beats may be inside the patient's heart or on the patient's skin. If more than one electrode is used for monitoring the depolarization of the heart, then by combining the Q*R intervals (e.g. using a triangulation method) calculated from different electrodes, the location of the ectopic excitation can be determined and identified.