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: 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 support structure, and possibly also at the battery, without electrically shorting the battery to the case.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for charging an implanted medical device.

Abstract: A connector for an implantable electrical medical device includes a connector lumen defined in an elongated connector housing and adapted for receiving a portion of a lead. Connector-contact assemblies are disposed in the connector lumen and adapted to couple to terminals of the lead when the lead is received by the connector lumen. Each of the connector-contact assemblies includes a contact body. An inner surface of the contact body defines an open center portion. A first base is disposed along a first end of the contact body, and a second base is disposed along an opposing second end of the contact body and is coupled to the first base. Biasing members are attached to the first base and extend towards the second base. The biasing members are not attached to the second base. When the lead is received by the connector lumen the biasing members physically contact the received lead.

Abstract: A control module for an electrical stimulation system includes a casing defining a sealed inner compartment; an electronic subassembly disposed in the inner compartment; and a header portion coupled to the casing and having a connector to receive a proximal end of a lead or lead extension. The connector includes conductive contacts to electrically couple to terminal contacts on the lead or lead extension. The control module also includes a feedthrough assembly coupling the casing to the header portion. The feedthrough assembly includes a non-conductive ceramic block coupled to the casing, conductive feedthrough pins passing through the ceramic block and electrically coupling the conductive contacts of the connector to the electronic subassembly, a metal braze coupling the feedthrough pins to the ceramic block, and at least one glass layer disposed on at least a portion of the ceramic block and in contact with at least one of the feedthrough pins.

Abstract: An improved medical device system is disclosed in which system devices communicate optically. An Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed having a hermetic window assembly on one side of its case, through which a photoemitter and photodetector can transmit and receive optical signals. The optical radiation in the signals is preferably visible, which permits communications from the IMD to be seen prior to implantation and even after implantation through a patient's tissue. External controllers for adjusting therapeutic operation of the IMD, external chargers for providing a magnetic charging field to charge a battery in the IMD, and combined external controllers/chargers are also disclosed that optically communicate with the IMD through the patient's tissue. The optical communication capabilities of the external charger are particularly useful in determining misalignment with the IMD.

Abstract: An improved medical device system is disclosed in which system devices communicate optically. An Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed having a hermetic window assembly on one side of its case, through which a photoemitter and photodetector can transmit and receive optical signals. The optical radiation in the signals is preferably visible, which permits communications from the IMD to be seen prior to implantation and even after implantation through a patient's tissue. External controllers for adjusting therapeutic operation of the IMD, external chargers for providing a magnetic charging field to charge a battery in the IMD, and combined external controllers/chargers are also disclosed that optically communicate with the IMD through the patient's tissue. The optical communication capabilities of the external charger are particularly useful in determining misalignment with the IMD.

Abstract: Disclosed are designs and methods of construction for an implantable medical device employing 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. Method of construction allows for the subassembly to be adhered to a case of the implantable medical device at the support structure, and possibly also at the battery, without electrically shorting the battery to the case.

Abstract: A control module for an electrical stimulation system includes a casing defining a sealed inner compartment; an electronic subassembly disposed in the inner compartment; and a header portion coupled to the casing and having a connector to receive a proximal end of a lead or lead extension. The connector includes conductive contacts to electrically couple to terminal contacts on the lead or lead extension. The control module also includes a feedthrough assembly coupling the casing to the header portion. The feedthrough assembly includes a non-conductive ceramic block coupled to the casing, conductive feedthrough pins passing through the ceramic block and electrically coupling the conductive contacts of the connector to the electronic subassembly, a metal braze coupling the feedthrough pins to the ceramic block, and at least one glass layer disposed on at least a portion of the ceramic block and in contact with at least one of the feedthrough pins.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for charging an implanted medical device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for charging an implanted medical device.

Abstract: A method of performing a medical procedure on a patient comprises forming a burr hole through the cranium of the patient, mounting a permanently integrated plug electrode within the burr hole, and electrically coupling the plug electrode to an electronics device. Another method of performing a medical procedure on a patient comprises forming a burr hole through the cranium of the patient, mounting an electrode within the burr hole, such that the electrode does not extend within the brain of the patient, and electrically coupling the electrode to an electronics device. A hybrid plug/electrode comprises a plug body configured for being anchored within a burr hole formed within a cranium of a patient, at least one electrode disposed on a distal-facing surface of the plug body, and at least one electrode lead affixed within the plug body in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for charging an implanted medical device.

Abstract: A device for use as a subcutaneous injection set is disclosed which has a soft cannula through which a selected medication can be administered to a patient, wherein the soft cannula is adapted for transcutaneous placement by an insertion needle substantially without crimping or kinking. The cannula is supported by and protrudes outwardly from a housing adapted to receive the selected medication. The insertion needle is initially inserted through a septum on the housing and further through the cannula to provide a rigid structure to insert the soft cannula through the patient's skin. The insertion needle and cannula are constructed to prevent longitudinal slippage of the cannula on the needle during the insertion process, thereby preventing undesired crimping or kinking of the soft cannula. After insertion, the needle is withdrawn from the cannula and housing to permit medication delivery to the patient.