Abstract: A device includes an antenna, a parasitic element, and a telemetry control module. The parasitic element modifies a radiation pattern of the antenna. The parasitic element has an impedance value that is adjustable, and the radiation pattern of the antenna depends on the impedance value of the parasitic element. The telemetry control module is configured to transmit data to a medical device using the antenna, receive data from the medical device using the antenna, and detect communication errors using data that is received from the medical device. Additionally, the telemetry control module is configured to adjust the impedance value of the parasitic element in response to detection of communication errors.

Abstract: An implantable signal generator including electronic circuitry, a computer readable medium, and a connector block with a lumen which receives at least one lead. The at least one lead has at least one electrode connector while the lumen of the connector block has a plurality of contacts operably coupled to the electronic circuitry. The computer readable medium contains instructions for carrying out a process to determine at least one piece of information regarding the at least one lead within the lumen based on an electrode connector being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts, and an electrode connector not being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts.

Abstract: Far field telemetry operations are conducted between an external device and an implantable medical device while power is being transferred to the implantable medical device for purposes of recharging a battery of the implantable medical device. The far field operations may include exchanging recharge information that has been collected by the implantable medical device which allows the external device to exercise control over the recharge process. The far field operations may include suspending far field telemetry communications for periods of time while power continues to be transferred where suspending far field telemetry communications may include powering down far field telemetry communication circuits of the implantable medical device for periods of time which may conserve energy. The far field operations may further include transferring programming instructions to the implantable medical device.

Abstract: An external antenna with a plurality of concentric primary coils recharges an implantable medical device with a secondary coil when the primary coils are placed in proximity of the secondary coil. Selection circuitry determines which of the plurality of concentric primary coils has the most efficient coupling with the secondary coil and drive circuitry drives the selected primary coil with an oscillating current. During a recharge session, selection circuitry periodically checks at least some of the primary coils to determine whether the primary coil with the most efficient connection has changed. An antenna housing may hold the primary coils in a rigid planar relationship with each other or the primary coils may shift with respect to each other, forming a cup-shape around a bulge in the skin created by the implantable medical device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for configuring external programmers for use with implantable medical devices. The techniques may include customizing a generic external programmer, e.g., a patient programmer, with an application for interfacing with the implanted medical device. In one example, a method includes receiving, from a clinician programmer, a selected one of a plurality of applications, wherein each of the applications is configured to control the operation of a patient programmer, the selected application is associated with a type of the IMD, and others of the plurality of applications are associated with different types of IMDs, and configuring, based on the received application, the patient programmer to present an interface that enables a user to interact with the IMD via the patient programmer.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. An antenna is positioned in proximity of the implantable medical device. The position of a core of the antenna is adjusted relative to the implantable medical device while the antenna is maintained substantially stationary. A frequency of transmission of a power source is adjusted, and the antenna is driven at the adjusted frequency to transfer energy transcutaneously to the implantable medical device. In one embodiment, the frequency of transmission is selected based on an amplitude of a signal in the antenna.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. An antenna is positioned in proximity of the implantable medical device. The position of a core of the antenna is adjusted relative to the implantable medical device while the antenna is maintained substantially stationary. A frequency of transmission of a power source is adjusted, and the antenna is driven at the adjusted frequency to transfer energy transcutaneously to the implantable medical device. In one embodiment, the frequency of transmission is selected based on an amplitude of a signal in the antenna.

Abstract: Medical devices include stimulation and/or sensing circuitry that is interconnected to electrical components by a flexible circuit body having exposed portions of circuit traces that are attached to electrical contacts of the electrical components. Each circuit trace may span a separate window formed in an insulative body of the flexible circuit body, or a plurality of circuit traces may span a single window or may be freely extending from the insulative body. The exposed portion of the circuit trace may be plated with a conductive metal and then attached to the electrical contact of the electrical component. The flexible circuit body may be an extension from a flexible electrical circuit board containing the circuit. The circuit may be present on a circuit board that includes electrical contacts and where the flexible circuit body has exposed portions of circuit traces attached to the electrical contacts of the circuit board.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. An antenna is positioned in proximity of the implantable medical device. The position of a core of the antenna is adjusted relative to the implantable medical device while the antenna is maintained substantially stationary. A frequency of transmission of a power source is adjusted, and the antenna is driven at the adjusted frequency to transfer energy transcutaneously to the implantable medical device. In one embodiment, the frequency of transmission is selected based on an amplitude of a signal in the antenna.

Abstract: An ISG that includes a housing, a connector block having a first surface and a second surface, a lumen extending through the connector block from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the lumen is configured to receive at least one lead, wherein said lead comprises at least one electrode connector, a plurality of contacts housed within the lumen, electronic circuitry that is operably coupled to the ISG, wherein the plurality of contacts are operably coupled to the electronic circuitry, a computer readable medium containing instructions for carrying out a process to determine at least one piece of information regarding a lead that is received within the lumen, the process includes the steps of measuring at least one characteristic of at least one of the plurality of contacts, and determining which of two ranges the measured characteristic fits, wherein the two ranges of characteristics correspond to an electrode connector being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contact

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to a patient programmer for an implantable medical device. The patient programmer may include one or more of a variety of features that may enhance performance, support mobility and compactness, or promote patient convenience.

Abstract: A system for recharging an implantable medical device. The system comprises a holster that may be donned in multiple respective configurations for charging implanted medical devices implanted at various locations within the patient's body. The system may further comprise a charging unit having an antenna on the patient's right side, a second configuration for charging a pectorally implanted medical device on the patient's left side, or a third configuration for use as a waist belt for charging a pectorally implanted medical device on either side of the patient.

Abstract: A lead extension includes a proximal portion having first and second contacts, and further includes a connector having a body. The body of the connector houses first and second lead receptacles. The first lead receptacle has an internal contact electrically coupled to the first proximal contact. The second lead receptacle has an internal contact electrically coupled to the second proximal contact.

Abstract: An implantable signal generator including electronic circuitry, a computer readable medium, and a connector block with a lumen which receives at least one lead. The at least one lead has at least one electrode connector while the lumen of the connector block has a plurality of contacts operably coupled to the electronic circuitry. The computer readable medium contains instructions for carrying out a process to determine at least one piece of information regarding the at least one lead within the lumen based on an electrode connector being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts, and an electrode connector not being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a proximal portion having first and second contacts. The lead further includes a first distal arm having a first electrode that is electrically coupled to the first contact, and includes a second distal arm having a second electrode that is electrically coupled to the second contact. The lead also includes a branch region where the proximal portion transitions to the first and second distal arms. A tissue anchoring element is attached to the branch region for securing the branch region to tissue of a patient into which the lead is implanted. Such bifurcated leads may be used to apply electrical signals to occipital nerves of the patient via the electrodes. A lead extension includes a distal connector with two lead receptacles and a tissue anchoring element attached to the connector. An adaptor having three lead receptacles includes an anchoring element attached thereto.

Abstract: A holster that may be donned in a first configuration for charging a pectorally implanted medical device on the patient's right side, a second configuration for charging a pectorally implanted medical device on the patient's left side, or a third configuration for use as a waist belt for charging a pectorally implanted medical device on either side of the patient.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The lead also includes first and second contacts located at the proximal portion of the lead body, and includes first and second electrodes located at the distal portion of the lead body. The first electrode is electrically coupled to the first contact and the second electrode is electrically coupled to the second contact. The first contact has a proximal end and a distal end and the second contact has proximal end and a distal end. The second contact is radially spaced apart from the first contact. The contacts do not extend around the lead body. This disclosure also relates to an implantable lead extension and to an implatable signal generator having connectors configured to receive the present lead.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a proximal portion including a contact. The lead also includes a distal portion having a paddle-shaped portion, an electrode, and an engagement element configured to cooperate with a lead advancement tool to facilitate placement of the lead such that distal advancement of the tool relative to the lead pushes the lead distally. The electrode is electrically coupled to the contact, and the engagement element is distal to the electrode. The engagement element is integrally formed with the paddle-shaped portion.

Abstract: Bifurcated leads may simplify implantation procedures associated with electrical single therapy at two distinct anatomical locations, such as a left and a right occipital nerve.