Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for positioning an implant at a target location in the body. The methods include testing an implant while within an injection device at a target location to determine whether the implant is functioning effectively. The methods also include testing from or delivery of materials to the target location during implantation, and loading the injection device for use. The device may be configured to permit the longitudinal and/or axial position of the implant to be maintained relative to an injection device during implantation. The device may also be configured to permit testing of the implant. The invention also may include implants configured for use in the injection devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for positioning an implant at a target location in the body. The methods include testing an implant while within an injection device at a target location to determine whether the implant is functioning effectively. The methods also include testing from or delivery of materials to the target location during implantation, and loading the injection device for use. The device may be configured to permit the longitudinal and/or axial position of the implant to be maintained relative to an injection device during implantation. The device may also be configured to permit testing of the implant. The invention also may include implants configured for use in the injection devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning muscles during sleep. The apparatus includes microminiature electrical stimulators that are injected into the muscles to be exercised and a system of transmission coils located in or on the mattress of a bed. The transmission coils transmit power and command signals to the implanted electrical stimulators while the patient sleeps or rests. The implanted electrical stimulators can be programmed so as to produce the desired pattern of muscle exercise without producing cutaneous sensations that would disturb the patient.

Abstract: Spinal cord injury and other injuries and diseases of the nervous system often result in the inability to sense the need to empty the rectum or to control the timing of bowel movements. This invention includes microminiature electronic devices implanted on or around the large bowel to sense the volume and nature of rectal contents and to stimulate peristaltic contractions to empty the large bowel when it is convenient for the patient to do so.

Abstract: A biosensing device for detecting biological analytes, and methods of use and manufacture, are disclosed. The device includes a biosensing element that can remain implanted for extended periods of time. The biosensing element is connected to an optical fiber terminating outside of the body. The optical fiber is also connected to an information analyzer. The information analyzer directs light through the optical fiber into the biosensing element. The light excites fluorophores, created by a chemical reaction between analytes and biosensing material within the biosensing element. Emitted fluorescent light is redirected through the optical fiber to the information analyzer. Optical gratings within the filtering member of the information analyzer selectively deflect fluorescent emissions into a cladding layer.

Abstract: A programming system and method for use with an implantable tissue stimulator allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a multiplicity of electrodes in an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of a directional pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.

Abstract: An instrumentation system for monitoring various physiological functions in small animals utilizes injectable electronic devices. These implanted devices receive power and control data from an RF carrier signal by inductive coupling. The RF carrier is generated by an external control unit with a coil that surrounds the animals and simultaneously energizes one or more implanted devices. Digitally encoded commands can be addressed to each uniquely addressed implant. These commands permit the implant to select among analog signals from various sensors and to adjust the gain of amplification before digitizing these signals. These commands instruct each implant in turn to generate a back-telemetry signal during pauses in the externally generated RF carrier. The back-telemetry signal is an amplitude-modulated RF signal that encodes the digitized data from the selected sensor. The back-telemetry signal is detected by the external coil and control unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning muscles during sleep. The apparatus includes microminiature electrical stimulators that are injected into the muscles to be exercised and a system of transmission coils located in or on the mattress of a bed. The transmission coils transmit power and command signals to the implanted electrical stimulators while the patient sleeps or rests. The implanted electrical stimulators can be programmed so as to produce the desired pattern of muscle exercise without producing cutaneous sensations that would disturb the patient.

Abstract: Electrical stimulation of specific sensory nerves to control the filling and/or emptying of the urinary bladder. A wireless, injectable microstimulator is implanted into the soft tissues through which the sensory nerves pass, but where they are not normally accessible by conventional open surgical implantation of conventional electrical stimulators or electrodes with leads. In males, the dorsal penile nerves 6 are stimulated by a microstimulator injected into the dorsal quadrant of the penis. The activity induced in these nerves cause the spinal cord to generate reflex responses that result in relaxation of the detrusor muscle, increasing bladder capacity and preventing incontinence as a result of inappropriate bladder contractions. The sensory nerves, such as urethral afferents 4, supplying the urethra are stimulated by a microstimulator implanted into the corpus of the penis, adjacent to the urethra.

Abstract: Many patients suffer from diseases and surgical damage that result in failure of the stomach and intestinal tract to contract and relax normally in order to transfer contents distally. Electrical stimulation applied to one or more sites on the surface of the gastrointestinal viscera can treat this problem by triggering or altering muscle contractility. The present invention provides such stimulation by implanting leadless microstimulators in or on the walls of the viscera that can be programmed or controlled from a source outside the body.

Abstract: Recovery from peripheral nerve and nerve plexus injuries is usually slow and incomplete because the regenerating motor axons often head erroneously toward sensory receptors rather than muscle fibers and because the target muscles atrophy while waiting for the slow process of reinnervation. Research has suggested that electrical stimulation with different waveforms and temporal patterns at different times during the regeneration process might improve the clinical outcome through various mechanisms, but a practical means to deliver such stimulation has been lacking. This invention teaches the use of miniature electrical stimulators that can be implanted alongside the injured nerve(s) at the time of surgical repair and that can be powered and controlled by transmission of radiofrequency energy from outside the body so as to provide a variety of electrical stimuli at different times during the recovery process.

Abstract: Many diseases are related to variations in the genetically specified structure of proteins synthesized by cells. Genetic engineering is now able to identify the structural variations and to introduce new genes to synthesize more healthful proteins, but it is difficult actually to identify the specific protein or chemical variants in bodily fluids and extracts of tissues in order to diagnose diseases and to assess the effects of treatment. This invention provides apparatuses and methods which allow a user to finely discriminate between small variations in the structure, function and levels of specific biochemicals even when admixed with other biochemicals.

Abstract: Spinal cord injury and other injuries and diseases of the nervous system often result in the inability to sense the need to empty the rectum or to control the timing of bowel movements. This invention includes microminiature electronic devices implanted on or around the large bowel to sense the volume and nature of rectal contents and to stimulate peristaltic contractions to empty the large bowel when it is convenient for the patient to do so.

Abstract: A method and system for treatment of incontinence, urgency, frequency, and/or pelvic pain includes implantation of electrodes on a lead or the discharge portion of a catheter adjacent the perineal nerve(s) or tissue(s) to be stimulated. Stimulation pulses, either electrical or drug infusion pulses, are supplied by a stimulator implanted remotely, and through the lead or catheter, which is tunneled subcutaneously between the stimulator and stimulation site. For instance, the system and method reduce or eliminate the incidence of unintentional episodes of bladder emptying by stimulating nerve pathways that diminish involuntary bladder contractions, improve closure of the bladder outlet, and/or improve the long-term health of the urinary system by increasing bladder capacity and period between emptying.

Abstract: Electrodes are implanted at strategic locations within a patient and are then controlled in a manner so as to stimulate muscle and nerve tissue in a constructive manner which helps open blocked airways. In a preferred method, at least one microstimulator treats sleep apnea in an open loop fashion by providing electrical stimulation pulses in a rhythm or cycle having a period corresponding approximately to the natural respiratory rhythm of the patient. Such open loop stimulation entrains the patient's respiratory rate to follow the pattern set by the microstimulator so that stimulation is applied to open the airway during a period of inspiration by the patient.

Abstract: A conference system for electronic caregiving is described. A one-on-one audio/video-call system allows communication between an elderly or disabled user and caregiver using audio, video and/or data. The system includes two communication systems—one for the user and one for the caregiver. Each communication system includes a console coupled to a television. The console has a digital processor, storage, software, and connections to telephone equipment, channel tuner, a video camera, and steering for the video camera. A remote control issues commands to the console to initiate or accept calls to the other communication system. The phone line is used to carry the audio portion of the call while the network is used to carry any video and/or data portion of the call. In some embodiments, a passkey allows the caregiver's communication system to control the user's communication system without any interaction by the user. In other embodiments, more than one video camera is used for a communication system.

Abstract: Electrodes are implanted at strategic locations within a patient and are then controlled in a manner so as to stimulate muscle and nerve tissue in a constructive manner which helps open blocked airways. In a preferred method, at least one microstimulator treats sleep apnea in an open loop fashion by providing electrical stimulation pulses in a rhythm or cycle having a period corresponding approximately to the natural respiratory rhythm of the patient. Such open loop stimulation entrains the patient's respiratory rate to follow the pattern set by the microstimulator so that stimulation is applied to open the airway during a period of inspiration by the patient.

Abstract: One or more implantable microminiature electronic devices, termed “microstimulators”, are used to treat sleep apnea. The microstimulators are implanted at strategic locations within the patient and are then controlled in a manner so as to stimulate muscle and nerve tissue in a constructive manner which helps open blocked airways. In one embodiment, the microstimulators sense blockage of a patient's airway and provide electrical stimuli in a closed loop fashion to open the airway. In another embodiment, at least one microstimulator treats sleep apnea in an open loop fashion by providing electrical stimulation pulses in a rhythm or cycle having a period corresponding approximately to the natural respiratory rhythm of the patient. Such open loop stimulation entrains the patient's respiratory rate to follow the pattern set by the microstimulator so that stimulation is applied to open the airway during a period of inspiration by the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing or treating a neurological disorder, usually associated with a lack of attentiveness, in a subject by detecting the subject's eye movement. The apparatus includes a helmet for blocking visual stimuli from the subject's visual field; at least three visual cues disposed inside the helmet within the visual field of the subject when the helmet is placed on the subject's head, the visual cues capable of being switched from on to off states; at least two electrodes for attaching to the subject's face, the electrodes producing electrical signals corresponding to the subject's eye movements; signal processing means for controlling on and off states of the visual cues, receiving and processing electrical signals produced by the electrodes, and producing output signals corresponding to the subject's eye movements; and means for displaying output signals produced by the signal processing means.