Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body insertable into a patient. Electrodes are disposed along the lead body. The electrodes include at least two sets of segmented electrodes. Each set of segmented electrodes includes a first segmented electrode and a second segmented electrode radially spaced apart from one another around a circumference of the lead body. A tab is disposed on the first segmented electrode of each set of segmented electrodes. The tabs extend into the lead body. A guide feature is disposed on the tabs. The guide features are each radially aligned with one another along the length of the lead body. Conductors extend along the length of the lead body from a proximal end to the electrodes. Each of the conductors is electrically coupled to at least one of the electrodes. At least one of the conductors extends through the radially-aligned guide features of the tabs.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system includes a tip assembly configured to provide ablation energy to tissue. The tip assembly includes an outer surface and a piezoelectric element is acoustically coupled to the outer surface of the tip assembly. The piezoelectric element is configured to cause the outer surface of the tip assembly to vibrate.

Abstract: A connector for an implantable medical device includes an elongated connector housing having a first end, a second end, a length, and an outer surface. The connector housing defines a port at the second end of the connector housing that extends along the length toward the first end. The port is configured and arranged for receiving a proximal end of lead or lead extension. Connector contacts disposed in the connector housing are configured and arranged for coupling to terminals disposed on the lead or lead extension when the lead or lead extension is received by the port. At least one window is defined along the outer surface of the connector housing. The at least one window is configured and arranged for viewing at least a portion of the lead or lead extension when the lead or lead extension is received by the port.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body insertable into a patient. Electrodes are disposed along the lead body. The electrodes include at least two sets of segmented electrodes. Each set of segmented electrodes includes a first segmented electrode and a second segmented electrode radially spaced apart from one another around a circumference of the lead body. A tab is disposed on the first segmented electrode of each set of segmented electrodes. The tabs extend into the lead body. A guide feature is disposed on the tabs. The guide features are each radially aligned with one another along the length of the lead body. Conductors extend along the length of the lead body from a proximal end to the electrodes. Each of the conductors is electrically coupled to at least one of the electrodes. At least one of the conductors extends through the radially-aligned guide features of the tabs.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body insertable into a patient. Electrodes are disposed along the lead body. The electrodes include at least two sets of segmented electrodes. Each set of segmented electrodes includes a first segmented electrode and a second segmented electrode radially spaced apart from one another around a circumference of the lead body. A tab is disposed on the first segmented electrode of each set of segmented electrodes. The tabs extend into the lead body. A guide feature is disposed on the tabs. The guide features are each radially aligned with one another along the length of the lead body. Conductors extend along the length of the lead body from a proximal end to the electrodes. Each of the conductors is electrically coupled to at least one of the electrodes. At least one of the conductors extends through the radially-aligned guide features of the tabs.

Abstract: A paddle lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a paddle body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes are disposed on the paddle body. The plurality of spaced-apart electrodes include a first electrode and a second electrode. At least one adjustable region is configured and arranged to adjust a center-to-center distance between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one lead body is coupled to the paddle body. A plurality of terminals are disposed on the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: A connector for an implantable medical device includes an elongated connector housing having a first end, a second end, a length, and an outer surface. The connector housing defines a port at the second end of the connector housing that extends along the length toward the first end. The port is configured and arranged for receiving a proximal end of lead or lead extension. Connector contacts disposed in the connector housing are configured and arranged for coupling to terminals disposed on the lead or lead extension when the lead or lead extension is received by the port. At least one window is defined along the outer surface of the connector housing. The at least one window is configured and arranged for viewing at least a portion of the lead or lead extension when the lead or lead extension is received by the port.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body insertable into a patient. Electrodes are disposed along the lead body. The electrodes include at least two sets of segmented electrodes. Each set of segmented electrodes includes a first segmented electrode and a second segmented electrode radially spaced apart from one another around a circumference of the lead body. A tab is disposed on the first segmented electrode of each set of segmented electrodes. The tabs extend into the lead body. A guide feature is disposed on the tabs. The guide features are each radially aligned with one another along the length of the lead body. Conductors extend along the length of the lead body from a proximal end to the electrodes. Each of the conductors is electrically coupled to at least one of the electrodes. At least one of the conductors extends through the radially-aligned guide features of the tabs.

Abstract: A paddle lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a paddle body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes are disposed on the paddle body. The plurality of spaced-apart electrodes include a first electrode and a second electrode. At least one adjustable region is configured and arranged to adjust a center-to-center distance between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one lead body is coupled to the paddle body. A plurality of terminals are disposed on the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: A measuring system may provide quantitative information relating to condition of cartilage. Negative pressure may be applied to cartilage to induce flow of fluid from or through the cartilage. A level of negative pressure needed to induce a particular flow of the fluid may be employed to provide a quantitative indicia of cartilage condition. An averaged level of negative pressure measured over a period of time may be used to calculate hydraulic resistance of the cartilage.