Abstract: The present invention provides an advancement in the art of cardiac pacemakers. The invention provides a novel and unobvious pacemaker system that comprises at least one pacemaker and that is, to a large extent, self-controlled, allows for long-term implantation in a patient, and minimizes current inconveniences and problems associated with battery life. The invention further includes a mechanism in which at least two pacemakers are implanted in a patient, and in which the pacemakers communicate with each other at the time of a given pacing or respiratory event, without any required external input, and adjust pacing parameters to respond to the patient's need for blood flow. The invention further provides a novel design for a pacemaker in which the pacemaker electrode is connected to the pacemaker body by a lead that is configured to allow the pacemaker to lie parallel to the epicardial surface and to reduce stress on the pacemaker and heart tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advancement in the art of cardiac pacemakers. The invention provides a novel and unobvious pacemaker system that comprises at least one pacemaker and that is, to a large extent, self-controlled, allows for long-term implantation in a patient, and minimizes current inconveniences and problems associated with battery life. The invention further includes a mechanism in which at least two pacemakers are implanted in a patient, and in which the pacemakers communicate with each other at the time of a given pacing or respiratory event, without any required external input, and adjust pacing parameters to respond to the patient's need for blood flow. The invention further provides a novel design for a pacemaker in which the pacemaker electrode is connected to the pacemaker body by a lead that is configured to allow the pacemaker to lie parallel to the epicardial surface and to reduce stress on the pacemaker and heart tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel design for sheaths intended for medical procedures. The sheath includes structures that anchor the sheath in a cavity or space when deployed but are at the same time retractable such that the sheath can be removed without tearing the tissue defining the space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel design for sheaths intended for medical procedures. The sheath includes structures that anchor the sheath in a cavity or space when deployed but are at the same time retractable such that the sheath can be removed without tearing the tissue defining the space.

Abstract: An open coiled pacemaker lead is provided that has improved structural stability and functional life in vivo. The open coiled lead includes an electrically conductive material that is coated or covered by a thin layer of electrically insulative material. The coated coiled lead has adequate spacing between adjacent coils, and has a lumen of sufficient diameter, to allow for infiltration of biological connective tissue onto the surface of the coated coil when maintained in vivo for a sufficient amount of time. Infiltration of the connective tissue essentially uniformly along the entire coiled lead strengthens and lengthens the functional life of the coated coil lead.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advancement in the art of cardiac pacemakers. The invention provides a novel and unobvious pacemaker system that comprises at least one pacemaker and that is, to a large extent, self-controlled, allows for long-term implantation in a patient, and minimizes current inconveniences and problems associated with battery life. The invention further includes a mechanism in which at least two pacemakers are implanted in a patient, and in which the pacemakers communicate with each other at the time of a given pacing or respiratory event, without any required external input, and adjust pacing parameters to respond to the patient's need for blood flow. The invention further provides a novel design for a pacemaker in which the pacemaker electrode is connected to the pacemaker body by a lead that is configured to allow the pacemaker to lie parallel to the epicardial surface and to reduce stress on the pacemaker and heart tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides advancements in the art of cardiac pacemakers. The invention provides a pacemaker system that comprises at least one pacemaker and that is, to a large extent, self-controlled, allows for long-term implantation in a patient, and minimizes current inconveniences and problems associated with battery life. The invention further includes a mechanism in which at least two pacemakers are implanted in a patient, and in which the pacemakers communicate with each other at the time of a given pacing or respiratory event, without any required external input, and adjust pacing parameters to respond to the patient's need for blood flow. The invention further provides a design for a pacemaker in which the pacemaker electrode is connected to the pacemaker body by a lead that is configured to allow the pacemaker to lie parallel to the epicardial surface and to reduce stress on the pacemaker and heart tissue.

Abstract: An open coiled pacemaker lead is provided that has improved structural stability and functional life in vivo. The open coiled lead includes an electrically conductive material that is coated or covered by a thin layer of electrically insulative material. The coated coiled lead has adequate spacing between adjacent coils, and has a lumen of sufficient diameter, to allow for infiltration of biological connective tissue onto the surface of the coated coil when maintained in vivo for a sufficient amount of time. Infiltration of the connective tissue essentially uniformly along the entire coiled lead strengthens and lengthens the functional life of the coated coil lead.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fully intrathoracic artificial pacemaker. The pacemaker is of sufficiently compact size to allow for implantation of both the electrode and the power source within the chest cavity. In exemplary embodiments, a screw-type electrode is used for connection to heart tissue, and a relatively short lead is used to connect the electrode to a battery unit, which can comprise electronics for control of the pacemaker. An assembly for implanting the pacemaker, as well as methods of implanting the pacemaker, are disclosed. In embodiments, the device is designed as a fetal pacemaker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel design for sheaths intended for medical procedures. The sheath includes structures that anchor the sheath in a cavity or space when deployed but are at the same time retractable such that the sheath can be removed without tearing the tissue defining the space.

Abstract: The present invention provides advancements in the art of cardiac pacemakers. The invention provides a pacemaker system that comprises at least one pacemaker and that is, to a large extent, self-controlled, allows for long-term implantation in a patient, and minimizes current inconveniences and problems associated with battery life. The invention further includes a mechanism in which at least two pacemakers are implanted in a patient, and in which the pacemakers communicate with each other at the time of a given pacing or respiratory event, without any required external input, and adjust pacing parameters to respond to the patient's need for blood flow. The invention further provides a design for a pacemaker in which the pacemaker electrode is connected to the pacemaker body by a lead that is configured to allow the pacemaker to lie parallel to the epicardial surface and to reduce stress on the pacemaker and heart tissue.

Abstract: A fully implantable cardiac pacemaker system is provided. The pacemaker system includes a pacemaker having an electrode sub-assembly containing an electrode and a base into which the electrode is embedded. It also includes an implantable package that has electronic components for providing electrical pulses to a patient's heart. The pacemaker also has a power supply and a flexible electrically conductive lead that connects the electronic components to the electrode. In addition to the pacemaker, the pacemaker system includes a removable insertion casing that is physically attached to the base portion of the electrode sub-assembly. Upon insertion of the pacemaker into a patient's heart, the pacemaker is detached from the removable insertion casing and deployed fully in the patient's chest. The pacemaker system has particular use in fetal applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fully intrathoracic artificial pacemaker. The pacemaker is of sufficiently compact size to allow for implantation of both the electrode and the power source within the chest cavity. In exemplary embodiments, a screw-type electrode is used for connection to heart tissue, and a relatively short lead is used to connect the electrode to a battery unit, which can comprise electronics for control of the pacemaker. An assembly for implanting the pacemaker, as well as methods of implanting the pacemaker, are disclosed. In embodiments, the device is designed as a fetal pacemaker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fully intrathoracic artificial pacemaker. The pacemaker is of sufficiently compact size to allow for implantation of both the electrode and the power source within the chest cavity. In exemplary embodiments, a screw-type electrode is used for connection to heart tissue, and a relatively short lead is used to connect the electrode to a battery unit, which can comprise electronics for control of the pacemaker. An assembly for implanting the pacemaker, as well as methods of implanting the pacemaker, are disclosed. In embodiments, the device is designed as a fetal pacemaker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fully intrathoracic artificial pacemaker. The pacemaker is of sufficiently compact size to allow for implantation of both the electrode and the power source within the chest cavity. In exemplary embodiments, a screw-type electrode is used for connection to heart tissue, and a relatively short lead is used to connect the electrode to a battery unit, which can comprise electronics for control of the pacemaker. An assembly for implanting the pacemaker, as well as methods of implanting the pacemaker, are disclosed. In embodiments, the device is designed as a fetal pacemaker.

Abstract: A cardiovascular mechanically expanding catheter apparatus in accordance with the invention generally includes a catheter having a mechanically expanding mechanism on a distal end thereof for dilating vessels such as arteries and other endoluminal structures and for the deployment of intraluminal stents. A permeable, mechanical dilating mechanism includes a pair of expanders which provide a radial force against walls of the vessel in response to a pulling or contracting longitudinal force on the dilating mechanism, by means of a cable for example. A set of adjacent quadrates are preferably provided for promoting uniformity of pressure by the expanders. An elastomer sleeve may be provided for protecting the vessel during the surgical procedure.