Abstract: An implantable system includes a housing configured for subcutaneous, non-intrathoracic placement in a patient, and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the housing, each of the plurality of electrodes configured for subcutaneous, non-intrathoracic placement in the patient. Detection circuitry is provided in the housing and coupled to the plurality of electrodes. The detection circuitry is configured to detect cardiac activity necessitating a cardiac stimulation therapy. Energy delivery circuitry is provided in the housing and coupled to the plurality of electrodes. The energy delivery circuitry is configured to deliver the cardiac stimulation therapy.

Abstract: A pulse generator housing for enclosing and containing pulse generator defibrillation circuitry. The housing is formed entirely of electrically conductive metal defining an electrically conductive outer surface which is connected to the pulse generator circuitry for delivering defibrillating energy to the heart. The pulse generator housing is implanted in the pectoral region proximate the heart with the conductive surface facing the heart. Regions of the conductive outer surface may be electrically isolated and dedicated for separately sensing and shocking. The outer surface may be coated with platinum. Additional coiled segment electrodes may extend from the housing and be electrically connected to the conductive outer surface so as to increase the effective conductive surface area.

Abstract: A pulse generator housing for enclosing and containing pulse generator defibrillation circuitry. The housing is formed entirely of electrically conductive metal defining an electrically conductive outer surface which is connected to the pulse generator circuitry for delivering defibrillating energy to the heart. The pulse generator housing is implanted in the pectoral region proximate the heart with the conductive surface facing the heart. Regions of the conductive outer surface may be electrically isolated and dedicated for separately sensing and shocking. The outer surface may be coated with platinum. Additional coiled segment electrodes may extend from the housing and be electrically connected to the conductive outer surface so as to increase the effective conductive surface area.

Abstract: A pulse generator housing for enclosing and containing pulse generator defibrillation circuitry. The housing is formed entirely of electrically conductive metal defining an electrically conductive outer surface which is connected to the pulse generator circuitry for delivering defibrillating energy to the heart. The pulse generator housing is implanted in the pectoral region proximate the heart with the conductive surface facing the heart. Regions of the conductive outer surface may be electrically isolated and dedicated for separately sensing and shocking. The outer surface may be coated with platinum. Additional coiled segment electrodes may extend from the housing and be electrically connected to the conductive outer surface so as to increase the effective conductive surface area.

Abstract: A pulse generator housing for enclosing and containing pulse generator defibrillation circuitry. The housing is formed entirely of electrically conductive metal defining an electrically conductive outer surface which is connected to the pulse generator circuitry for delivering defibrillating energy to the heart. The pulse generator housing is implanted in the pectoral region proximate the heart with the conductive surface facing the heart. Regions of the conductive outer surface may be electrically isolated and dedicated for separately sensing and shocking. The outer surface may be coated with platinum. Additional coiled segment electrodes may extend from the housing and be electrically connected to the conductive outer surface so as to increase the effective conductive surface area.

Abstract: Body-implantable leads with open, unbacked (uninsulated) electrode structures having electrical discharge surfaces formed by conductive elements, such as mesh and braid, and preferably coils. The electrode structures can be classified by pattern: (1) loops, (2) linear arrays and (3) radial arrays. The electrodes are located on or near the epicardial surface of the right and left heart.

Abstract: A device and method for elimination of contamination during transfer of materials either into or from bioreactors, food containers, or other microbially vulnerable systems. Using microwave power, thermal sterilizations of mating fixtures are achieved simply, reliably, and quickly by the volatilization of small quantities of water to produce superheated steam which contacts all exposed surfaces.

Abstract: Body-implantable leads with open, unbacked (uninsulated) electrode structures having electrical discharge surfaces formed by conductive elements, such as mesh and braid, and preferably coils. The electrode structures can be classified by pattern: (1) loops, (2) linear arrays and (3) radial arrays. The electrodes are located on or near the epicardial surface of the right and left heart.

Abstract: Body-implantable leads with open, unbacked (uninsulated) electrode structures having electrical discharge surfaces formed by conductive elements, such as mesh and braid, and preferably coils. The electrode structures can be classified by pattern: (1) loops, (2) linear arrays and (3) radial arrays. The electrodes are located on or near the epicardial surface of the right and left heart.

Abstract: Body-implantable leads with open, unbacked (uninsulated) electrode structures having electrical discharge surfaces formed by conductive elements, such as mesh and braid, and preferably coils. The electrode structures can be classified by pattern: (1) loops, (2) linear arrays and (3) radial arrays. The electrodes are located on or near the epicardial surface of the right and left heart.

Abstract: A pulse generator housing for enclosing and containing pulse generator defibrillation circuitry. The housing is formed entirely of electrically conductive metal defining an electrically conductive outer surface which is connected to the pulse generator circuitry for delivering defibrillating energy to the heart. The pulse generator housing is implanted in the pectoral region proximate the heart with the conductive surface facing the heart. Regions of the conductive outer surface may be electrically isolated and dedicated for separately sensing and shocking. The outer surface may be coated with platinum. Additional coiled segment electrodes may extend from the housing and be electrically connected to the conductive outer surface so as to increase the effective conductive surface area.

Abstract: Body-implantable leads with open, unbacked (uninsulated) electrode structures having electrical discharge surfaces formed by conductive elements, such as mesh and braid, and preferably coils. The electrode structures can be classified by pattern: (1) loops, (2) linear arrays and (3) radial arrays. The electrodes are located on or near the epicardial surface of the right and left heart.

Abstract: A pulse generator housing for enclosing and containing pulse generator defibrillation circuitry. The housing is formed entirely of electrically conductive metal defining an electrically conductive outer surface which is connected to the pulse generator circuitry for delivering defibrillating energy to the heart. The pulse generator housing is implanted in the pectoral region proximate the heart with the conductive surface facing the heart. Regions of the conductive outer surface may be electrically isolated and dedicated for separately sensing and shocking. The outer surface may be coated with platinum. Additional coiled segment electrodes may extend from the housing and be electrically connected to the conductive outer surface so as to increase the effective conductive surface area.

Abstract: The present invention is a one piece, disposable pulse generator emulator for emulating a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) having an active housing electrode. The emulator of the present invention is for use with an external test system to screen a patient for candidacy for an ICD by determining the patient's minimum defibrillation threshold voltage. The one piece, disposable emulator has a housing that has substantially the same conductive geometry as the desired implantable pulse generator.

Abstract: Implantable electrodes for defibrillation are formed of pluralities of electrode segments. Each of the segments is relatively long and narrow. The electrode segments can be parallel and spaced apart from one another a distance at least ten times the nominal width, with one end of each segment mounted to a transverse distal portion of an electrically conductive lead coupling the electrode to a defibrillation pulse generator. Alternatively, segments can branch or radiate outwardly from a common junction. In yet another arrangement, electrode segments are portions of a single conductive path at the distal end of a lead from a pulse generator, arranged in either a spiral configuration or a serpentine configuration which can align electrode segments side by side, parallel and spaced apart.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac electrode includes a flexible polymeric substrate, a metallized surface layer of the polymeric substrate forming one or more electrically conductive regions on the surface of the polymeric substrate, and one or more insulated conductors connecting the electrically conductive regions to leads, the leads being connected to a cardiac monitoring and pulse generating system. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive region forms a band on the outer surface of a polymeric tube and is electrically connected to a conductor embedded in the tube. In another embodiment, the electrically conductive region forms a desired configuration on a planar surface of the polymeric substrate, such as a concentric ring or spiral patch configuration. In these and other embodiments, the metallized surface layer includes a surface layer of the polymeric substrate that is impregnated with a metal such that a conductive region is formed in the surface of the otherwise insulative polymeric substrate.

Abstract: A unitary intravascular defibrillating catheter includes distal and proximal spring electrodes, displaced to such distance from one another that defibrillating shock is effected through a field including the interventricular septum and left ventricular free wall. In one embodiment of this catheter, the proximal electrode is placed in the region of the subclavian vein. Alternatively, it may be placed in the region of the third through seventh intercostal space. A unitary catheter is also described which includes an intermediate electrode, placed between distal and proximal electrodes. Selection of placement of electrodes either in the superior vena cava or in the region of the subclavian vein is medically indicated by physiological conditions of the individual patient. The cardioversion system further includes a unipolar or bipolar sensing circuit with at least one sensing electrode, and a cardioversion/defibrillation circuit with either two or three spaced apart spring electrodes.

Abstract: Implantable electrodes for defibrillation are formed of pluralities of electrode segments. Each of the segments is relatively long and narrow. The electrode segments can be parallel and spaced apart from one another a distance at least ten times the nominal width, with one end of each segment mounted to a transverse distal portion of an electrically conductive lead coupling the electrode to a defibrillation pulse generator. Alternatively, segments can branch or radiate outwardly from a common junction. In yet another arrangement, electrode segments are portions of a single conductive path at the distal end of a lead from a pulse generator, arranged in either a spiral configuration or a serpentine configuration which can align electrode segments side by side, parallel and spaced apart.

Abstract: Implantable electrode structures for use in apparatus for applying electrical therapy to a patient's heart in the treatment of arrhythmias such as tachycardias and fibrillations of the heart are herein disclosed. The electrode structures are made in the form of expandable (or self-expanding) intravascular stents for insertion through the patient's vascular system to locations in or adjacent the heart. The electrode structures can be inserted into the great veins by insertion techniques used for intravascular stent applications and provide increased electrode surfaces for discharge of electrical energy through the heart in conjunction with other strategically placed electrodes. The wire filament of the stents may be evenly spaced to form a circumferential array or may be non-uniformly spaced to form an elliptical array.

Abstract: Body-implantable leads with open, unbacked (uninsulated) electrode structures having electrical discharge surfaces formed by conductive elements, such as mesh and braid, and preferably coils. The electrode structures can be classified by pattern: (1) loops, (2) linear arrays and (3) radial arrays. The electrodes are located on or near the epicardial surface of the right and left heart.