Abstract: An apparatus and a method, the apparatus including a housing, an electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring circuit contained in the housing, and three electrodes embedded in the housing, electrically connected to the ECG measuring circuit, and in spaced apart configuration from each other.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use in endoscopic surgery having a user interface operatively coupled to an articulating tool assembly via an elongate tubular member. Movement at the articulating tool mirrors movement at the user interface thereby providing intuitive operation of the surgical apparatus. The apparatus is configured such that the range of motion of the articulating tool assembly emulates the range of motion of the human wrist.

Abstract: Methods for attaching a wearable neurostimulator to a user's head (or head and neck) using a cantilever electrode apparatuses for neuromodulation. In practice an electrode assembly may mate with the wearable neuromodulation devices so that the device is worn over one portion of the electrode assembly while the rest of the electrode assembly attaches to another portion of the body. The neuromodulator may be worn on a portion of the electrode assembly in a cantilevered manner (e.g., held at one end while the opposite end is free-floating), which allows the rigid neuromodulation device to conform to a variety of user head sizes and shapes.

Abstract: Designs and methods of construction for an implantable medical device employ an internal support structure. The single-piece support structure holds various electronic components such as a communication coil and a circuit board, and further is affixed to a battery, thus providing a subassembly that is mechanically robust. The support structure further provides electrical isolation between these and other components. A method of construction allows for the subassembly to be adhered to a case of the implantable medical device at the battery, and possibly also at the support structure. The battery includes an insulating cover having holes. An adhesive is used consistent with the location of the holes to affix the battery to the case without electrically shorting the battery to the case.

Abstract: In a system and method for identifying a driver of a source associated with a heart rhythm disorder, data are accessed from a plurality of sensors representing biological activity in the heart. A first region and a second region of the heart are identified as the source of the heart rhythm disorder. If the first region has repeating activation and controls the second region for at least a predetermined number of beats, the first region is identified as controlling the source of the heart rhythm disorder.

Abstract: A method improving or restoring neural function in a mammalian subject in need thereof, the method including: using an input receiver to record an input signal generated by a first set of nerve cells; using an a encoder unit including a set of encoders to generate a set of coded outputs in response to the input signal; using the encoded outputs to drive an output generator; and using an output generator to activate a second set of nerve cells wherein the second set of nerve cells is separated from the first set of nerve cells by impaired set of signaling cells. In some embodiments, the second set of nerve cells produces a response that is substantially the same as the response in an unimpaired subject.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a catheter arrangement comprising a catheter with a proximal section and a distal section, to measure a force acting on the distal section and simultaneously receive a temperature signal prevailing in the distal section. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the catheter arrangement comprises an evaluation unit connected to a single combined optical force and temperature sensor, and further comprises a readout signal generator to generate and feed a readout signal modulated with a carrier frequency into the force sensor and temperature sensor. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the catheter arrangement comprises a first readout device to read out a first modulated measuring signal portion, a second readout means to read out a second unmodulated measuring signal portion, and a processing unit to combine the first and second measuring signal portions.

Abstract: A medical device of the type used for assisting a user in manually delivering repetitive therapy to a patient (e.g., chest compressions or ventilations in cardiac resuscitation), the device comprising a feedback device configured to generate feedback cues to assist the user in timing the delivery of the repetitive therapy, at least one sensor or circuit element configured to detect actual delivery times, at which the user actually delivers the repetitive therapy, and a processor, memory, and associated circuitry configured to compare the actual delivery times to information representative of desired delivery times to determine cue times at which the feedback cues are generated by the feedback device.

Abstract: A device includes an outer member extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The first end includes an opening. The outer member includes an inner surface defining a first passageway that is in communication with the opening. An inner member is movably disposed in the first passageway. The inner member includes an inner surface defining a second passageway. The inner member further includes a first end including a cutting tip. The inner member is movable between a first orientation in which the cutting tip is disposed within the first passageway and the inner member has a linear configuration and a second orientation in which the cutting tip extends through the opening and the inner member has an arcuate configuration. Methods of use are provided.

Abstract: A sensor for contactless electrocardiographic measurement on a person includes a carrier for mounting to a seat, an electrode for registering a measurement signal, a pressure sensor supporting the electrode on the carrier, and moisture and temperature sensors mounted to the carrier to detect conditions adjacent to the electrode and the subject person. The moisture sensor and the temperature sensor may be adjacent to at least one opening in the electrode. A processing unit receives information generated by the pressure sensor, the moisture sensor, and the temperature sensor, and filters the measurement signal based on the information. An acceleration sensor may also be mounted to the carrier and/or electrode and send signals to the processor.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a deep brain stimulation device using miniaturized components that allow integration with the implanted probe, and includes a skull-sited housing having all the controls and battery power supply for sensing events and generating and transmitting pulses in response to the sensed event. A processor based controller with memory within the skull-sited housing for executing monitoring instructions for sensing initiation of an unwanted electro-physiologically signaled event and recording the event in memory and triggering instructions for activating the stimulator to generate and record a treatment pulse in response to the sensed event and an interface between the processor based controller and a treatment provider for downloading the recorded event and treatment response and modifying the monitoring and triggering sets of instructions.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus includes an electrical stimulation delivery device, and at least one secondary modality delivery device, wherein the secondary modality delivery device is in an active state during at least a portion of a refractory period of the electrical stimulation delivery device.

Abstract: An end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a microwave antenna assembly and a shielding member including a metallic plate coupled to ground and a dielectric material. The end effector assembly also includes a splitter configured to receive an active signal from a source of microwave energy and split the active signal into a first signal transmitted to the microwave antenna assembly in one of the jaw members and a second signal transmitted in the microwave antenna assembly in the other jaw member.

Abstract: An improved external trial stimulator provides neurostimulation functionality for implanted medical electrodes prior to implantation of an implantable neurostimulator. The external trial stimulator is housed in a four-part housing that provides mechanical and electrostatic discharge protection for the electronics mounted in a central frame of the housing. Connectors attached to leads from the electrodes connect to contacts that are recessed in the housing through ports that are centered for easy access. Multiple indicators provide information to users of the external trial stimulator.

Abstract: A system for treating uterine tissue comprises an elongated introducer with a working end configured for endometrial ablation. The working end includes an expandable seal for positioning in a patient's cervical canal and an actuator pump mechanism carried by a proximal handle coupled to the introducer for expanding the seal. The handle optionally includes a mechanism for simultaneously expanding the seal and deploying a treatment element on the working end of the introducer.

Abstract: A patient controls the delivery of therapy through volitional inputs that are detected by a biosignal within the brain. The volitional patient input may be directed towards performing a specific physical or mental activity, such as moving a muscle or performing a mathematical calculation. In one embodiment, a biosignal detection module monitors an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal from within the brain of the patient and determines whether the EEG signal includes the biosignal. In one embodiment, the biosignal detection module analyzes one or more frequency components of the EEG signal. In this manner, the patient may adjust therapy delivery by providing a volitional input that is detected by brain signals, wherein the volitional input may not require the interaction with another device, thereby eliminating the need for an external programmer to adjust therapy delivery. Example therapies include electrical stimulation, drug delivery, and delivery of sensory cues.

Abstract: A stimulation electrode for a stimulation device for stimulating organs in the case of spinal paraplegia, more particularly in the case of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, including an electrode shaft, at one end of which an electrode tip is arranged for emitting a stimulation signal and at the other end of which a connection region is provided for a signal line, and also at least one fixing mechanism for fixing the position of the electrode shaft in the surrounding tissue along the longitudinal axis of the electrode shaft, the fixing mechanism having at least one holding member preventing a withdrawal and at least one holding member preventing an advance.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting ischemia-related and ischemia-reperfusion-related injury are provided. Remote administration of a C-fiber activator or TRPV1 agonist or remote electrical stimulation and activation of TRPV1 reduces ischemia-related tissue damage in subjects at risk for ischemia-related tissue damage. In aspects of the invention, remote application of a TRPV1 agonist inhibits ischemia-related cardiac tissue damage. Methods of inhibiting cardiac tissue damage by topically administering the TRPV1 agonist, capsaicin are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for programming and logging medical device and patient data are provided. The systems include a handheld device, which is capable of communicating with a medical device, and a base station, which provides connectivity for the handheld device to accomplish various functions such as recharging, programming, data back-up and data entry. The methods comprise the steps of detecting a medical device, obtaining and recording information from the medical device. Additionally, medical device parameters may be modified and the recorded information may be archived for future reference.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system automatically corrects or adjusts the stimulus magnitude (stimulation energy) in order to maintain a comfortable and effective stimulation therapy. Because the changes in impedance associated with the electrode-tissue interface can indicate obstruction of current flow and positional lead displacement, lead impedance can indicate the quantity of electrical stimulation energy that should be delivered to the target neural tissue to provide corrective adjustment. Hence, a change in impedance or morphology of an impedance curve may be used in a feedback loop to indicate that the stimulation energy needs to be adjusted and the system can effectively auto correct the magnitude of stimulation energy to maintain a desired therapeutic effect.