Abstract: A neural stimulator electrode element and lead includes an elongate sheath having a passage therein and which contains an electrical conductor and electrode, the latter of which communicates through the exterior wall of the sheath. Two pairs of flexible elongate wing members are positioned on the exterior wall of the sheath to stabilize the tip when it is installed in the patient's epidural space. The flexible wing members flex during installation, but extend laterally from the sheath following installation of the element to prevent the element and lead from rotating and maintain the element in position.

Abstract: Nutritional mineral supplements comprise a mixture of a calcium source, especially calcium citrate-malate, and an iron-sugar complex, especially iron sucrate-malate. Food and beverage compositions, especially juice beverages, supplemented with these calcium and iron materials are disclosed.

Abstract: The cardiac mapping lead comprises a main body portion and a tip portion having a tip. The main body portion is relatively flexible longitudinally and relatively stiff in a rotational sense so as to be torque transmitting when rotated. The tip portion includes a relatively flexible body having a preformed "pigtail" shape and one or more sleeve electrodes thereon. The torque transmitting main body portion can be rotated a predetermined amount at the proximal end thereof to effect like rotation of the tip portion in the heart chamber for placing the one or more pairs of sleeve electrodes against different, rotationally selected, inner wall surfaces of the heart chamber.

Abstract: A ventricular catheter and a method for making same are provided wherein the catheter comprises a tubing assembly including a porous portion and a non-porous portion. The porous portion has a high surface density of very fine pores which are substantially resistant to blockage under in vivo conditions yet allow cerebrospinal fluid to pass therethrough when the assembly is attached to a cerebrospinal fluid pressure relief system for the treatment of hydrocephalus. The porous portion is generally formed by extruding a fiber forming polymer which is wound directly onto a mandrel.

Abstract: The bipolar screw-in pacing lead assembly is adapted to be mechanically secured to tissue of a body in an electrically conductive manner. The pacing lead assembly comprises an insulative tubular sheath having a distal end and a proximal end. First and second conductive members each having a distal end and a proximal end are received in and extend substantially the length of the tubular sheath. The first conductive member is insulated from the second conductive member. The pacing lead assembly further includes a distal electrode assembly at the distal end of the tubular sheath comprising a corkscrew attachment device which is electrically and mechanically connected to the second conductive member.

Abstract: An implantable neural stimulator lead for introduction to and fixation in the epidural space of a patient includes an electrical conductor coated with a non-conductive coating and having a contact region thereon including an electrode for stimulating the patient's spinal cord through the dura. The contact region is located substantially intermediate the distal ends of the lead, whereby the lead may be installed and fixed in the epidural space by manipulation of both ends of the lead. A second surrogate lead is also provided for coupling to an end of the stimulator lead to enable the stimulator lead to be pulled into a position in the patient's body where stimulation is to be effected. One end of the surrogate lead includes a groove to facilitate snaring with a looped snare.