Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a portable system and method for modulating targeted neural and non-neural tissue of a nervous system to block nerve conduction for the treatment of pain. A high-efficiency portable electrical stimulation system is provided that allows a user to carry the system and move around freely while continuously receiving therapy. The electronic control system is configured to deliver high-frequency electrical stimulation at a therapeutic level, for an intended duration (e.g., up to 24 hours or more) at a manageable and/or comfortable weight for a person, to the target nerve.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a portable system and method for modulating targeted neural and non-neural tissue of a nervous system to block nerve conduction for the treatment of pain. A high-efficiency portable electrical stimulation system is provided that allows a user to carry the system and move around freely while continuously receiving therapy. The electronic control system is configured to deliver high-frequency electrical stimulation at a therapeutic level, for an intended duration (e.g., up to 24 hours or more) at a manageable and/or comfortable weight for a person, to the target nerve.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses and methods that improve conductive communication between an external programmer and an implantable medical device (IMD) that is implanted within a patient. In an embodiment, an auxiliary apparatus of the present technology includes a first auxiliary skin electrode configured to attach to skin of a patient, a second auxiliary skin electrode configured to attach to skin of a patient, and an electrically conductive path extending between the first and second auxiliary skin electrodes and interrupted by a capacitor. The auxiliary apparatus is distinct from the external programmer and the IMD, and can beneficially be used to improve conductive communication therebetween without making any modifications to the external programmer, and without making any modifications to the IMD.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses and methods that improve conductive communication between an external programmer and an implantable medical device (IMD) that is implanted within a patient. In an embodiment, an auxiliary apparatus of the present technology includes a first auxiliary skin electrode configured to attach to skin of a patient, a second auxiliary skin electrode configured to attach to skin of a patient, and an electrically conductive path extending between the first and second auxiliary skin electrodes and interrupted by a capacitor. The auxiliary apparatus is distinct from the external programmer and the IMD, and can beneficially be used to improve conductive communication therebetween without making any modifications to the external programmer, and without making any modifications to the IMD.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and related methods for reducing noise and interference in communications between an external device and implantable medical devices. The external device comprises an isolated switching power supply that includes a transformer separating a non-isolated side from an isolated side of the power supply. The transformer includes a primary winding on the non-isolated side, the primary winding extending between a primary winding upper end and a primary winding lower end, and a secondary winding on the isolated side, the secondary winding extending between a secondary winding upper end and a secondary winding lower end. The power supply further includes a high-frequency switch configured to selectively connect and disconnect the primary winding lower end to a ground, wherein the primary winding is electrically coupled to a supply voltage at an intermediate point between the primary winding upper end and the primary winding lower end.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured to be implanted within a patient. The IMD may include a controller configured to adjust a communication frequency, a housing formed of an electrically common material, and an insulating cover coupled to the housing. The insulating cover may include one or both of at least one opening or at least one thinned area over portions of the housing. Multiple sub-electrodes are formed in the housing through the opening(s) or the thinned area(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and related methods for reducing noise and interference in communications between an external device and implantable medical devices. The external device comprises an isolated switching power supply that includes a transformer separating a non-isolated side from an isolated side of the power supply. The transformer includes a primary winding on the non-isolated side, the primary winding extending between a primary winding upper end and a primary winding lower end, and a secondary winding on the isolated side, the secondary winding extending between a secondary winding upper end and a secondary winding lower end. The power supply further includes a high-frequency switch configured to selectively connect and disconnect the primary winding lower end to a ground, wherein the primary winding is electrically coupled to a supply voltage at an intermediate point between the primary winding upper end and the primary winding lower end.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured to be implanted within a patient. The IMD may include a controller configured to adjust a communication frequency, a housing formed of an electrically common material, and an insulating cover coupled to the housing. The insulating cover may include one or both of at least one opening or at least one thinned area over portions of the housing. Multiple sub-electrodes are formed in the housing through the opening(s) or the thinned area(s).

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, apparatuses and methods are provided for coordinating operation between leadless pacemakers (LPs) located in different chambers of the heart. A method includes configuring a local LP to receive communications from a remote LP through conductive communication over first and second channels, maintaining the first channel active for at least a portion of a time when the second channel is inactive to listen for event messages from the remote LP, detecting an incoming signal at the local LP over the first channel, determining whether the incoming signal received over the first channel corresponds to an LP wakeup notice, when the incoming signal corresponds to the LP wakeup notice, activating the second channel at the local LP, and receiving an event message over the second channel from the remote LP.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured to be implanted within a patient. The IMD may include a controller configured to adjust a communication frequency, a housing formed of an electrically common material, and an insulating cover coupled to the housing. The insulating cover may include one or both of at least one opening or at least one thinned area over portions of the housing. Multiple sub-electrodes are formed in the housing through the opening(s) or the thinned area(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing communications between an external device and first and second leadless pacemakers (LPs) located in a heart are provided. A method includes receiving first and second event messages from the first and second LPs, the first and second event messages received at different points in time at the external device, determining the signal strengths of the first and second event messages, respectively, as received at the external device, adjusting first and second LP discrimination thresholds based on the received signal strengths of the first and second event messages, respectively, and utilizing the first and second LP discrimination thresholds to identify which of the first and second LP transmits subsequent event messages, in order for the external device to independently communicate with the first and second LPs.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured to be implanted within a patient. The IMD may include a controller configured to adjust a communication frequency, a housing formed of an electrically common material, and an insulating cover coupled to the housing. The insulating cover may include one or both of at least one opening or at least one thinned area over portions of the housing. Multiple sub-electrodes are formed in the housing through the opening(s) or the thinned area(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing communications between an external device and first and second leadless pacemakers (LPs) located in a heart are provided. A method includes receiving first and second event messages from the first and second LPs, the first and second event messages received at different points in time at the external device, determining the signal strengths of the first and second event messages, respectively, as received at the external device, adjusting first and second LP discrimination thresholds based on the received signal strengths of the first and second event messages, respectively, and utilizing the first and second LP discrimination thresholds to identify which of the first and second LP transmits subsequent event messages, in order for the external device to independently communicate with the first and second LPs.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, apparatuses and methods are provided for coordinating operation between leadless pacemakers (LPs) located in different chambers of the heart. A method includes configuring a local LP to receive communications from a remote LP through conductive communication over first and second channels, maintaining the first channel active for at least a portion of a time when the second channel is inactive to listen for event messages from the remote LP, detecting an incoming signal at the local LP over the first channel, determining whether the incoming signal received over the first channel corresponds to an LP wakeup notice, when the incoming signal corresponds to the LP wakeup notice, activating the second channel at the local LP, and receiving an event message over the second channel from the remote LP.