Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying and locating a plurality of reflector markers implanted within a target tissue region within a patient's body. A probe is provided that is activated to transmit electromagnetic signals into the patient's body, receive reflected signals from the patient's body, and in synchronization with transmitting the electromagnetic signals, deliver light pulses into the patient's body. The markers reflector tags modulate reflected signals from the respective markers based on orthogonal code sequences opening and closing respective switches of the markers to modulate the reflective properties of the markers. The probe processes the return signals to separate the reflected signals based at least in part on the code sequences to identify and locate each of the plurality of reflector tags substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) comprises a plurality of electrocardiography (ECG) electrodes, a right-leg drive (RLD) electrode, and a plurality of defibrillator electrodes to contact the patient's skin when the WCD is delivering therapy to the patient, a preamplifier coupled to the ECG electrodes and the RLD electrode to obtain ECG data from the patient as one or more ECG vectors, a processor to receive ECG data from the preamplifier and an abort signal from a user interface, an isolation barrier to isolate the preamplifier from the processor, and a high voltage subsystem to provide a defibrillation voltage to the patient through the defibrillator electrodes in response to a shock signal received from the processor. A shock is provided when an abort signal is not received within a predetermined time period of a shock criterion being met. Less than one false alarm occurs every ten patient-days.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to controlling electrical power of an electrotherapeutic signal that is provided to a biological tissue engaged by an electrosurgical instrument during a medical procedure. Electrical power—a product of a voltage difference across and an electrical current conducted by the engaged biological tissue—is controlled according to a therapeutic schedule. The electrotherapeutic schedule can be reduced or terminated in response to a termination criterion being met. In some examples, the termination criterion is a current characteristic, such as, for example, a decrease in current conducted by the engaged biological tissue. In some examples, the termination criterion is a biological tissue resistance characteristic, such as, for example, an increase in the biological tissue resistance that exceeds a predetermined delta resistance value.

Abstract: A system includes a probe configured to transmit ultrasound signals to a target blood vessel, and receive echo information associated with the transmitted ultrasound signals. The system may also include at least one processing device configured process the received echo information and generate an ultrasound image of the blood vessel and identify a seed position within the blood vessel based on the ultrasound image. The at least one processing device may further generate an estimated contour for a lumen of the blood vessel based on pixel intensity values associated with the ultrasound image, generate an estimated contour for the blood vessel using the pixel intensity values, determine whether a thrombus exists within the blood vessel and output image information illustrating the estimated contours of the lumen and the blood vessel.

Abstract: A method for assisting in navigation of a medical instrument such as a catheter inside a hollow body such as a vascular system based on a dataset provided by a sensor device of the medical instrument is provided The method includes determining, by a control device, an internal extent of the hollow body based on the provided dataset and determining, by the control device, a navigation path for an impending movement of the medical instrument through the hollow body based on the determined internal extent. The control device is able to generate a control signal that describes a movement along the navigation path.

Abstract: A surgical device including a surgical generator configured to provide energy for an energy based surgical instrument; a functional device configured to provide a function in its activated state; a switch for activating and deactivating the surgical generator a capacitive sensor including at least one measuring electrode that is arranged at the switch, wherein the capacitive sensor is configured to measure a capacity change or a capacity at the measuring electrode and activate or deactivate the functional device as a function of a measured capacity change or capacity.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive skin treatment device (100) comprising an r.f. treatment electrode (10); a return electrode (40); an r.f. generator (20) configured and arranged such that, during treatment, an r.f. treatment signal is applied between the r.f. treatment electrode (10) and the return electrode (40) for heating an inner region (15) of skin; an impedance measurement circuit (35) configured and arranged to measure, before treatment of the inner region, an initial skin impedance (Zo) between the r.f. treatment electrode (10) and the return electrode (40); and a treatment settings determiner (30) configured and arranged to determine, before treatment of the inner region (15), treatment settings associated with the r.f. treatment signal depending on the initial skin impedance (Zo) and on a dimension of the r.f. treatment electrode (10) in the contact plane, the treatment settings comprising at least one of a treatment duration (TD) associated with a desired treatment result, and an r.f.

Abstract: A reducer device for insertion into a surgical cannula includes a tubular member having a proximal opening and a distal opening and an electrically conductive component configured and positioned to provide an electrically conductive path from an interior of the tubular member to an exterior of the tubular member. The electrically conductive path is localized along an axial length of the tubular member. A method of configuring a surgical device includes positioning a surgical cannula within an incision of a patient's body wall, positioning a reducer device within the surgical cannula, and positioning a surgical instrument within the reducer device. Positioning the surgical instrument within the reducer device includes forming an electrically conductive pathway between the surgical cannula and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly configured to releasably attach to and extend distally from the body assembly, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. A first electrical connector is coupled to one of the body assembly or the shaft assembly and includes a first connector body and a first electrical contact recessed within the first connector body. A second electrical connector is coupled to the other of the body assembly or the shaft assembly and includes a second connector body and a second electrical contact supported by the second connector body. The first connector body is configured to receive the second electrical contact therein to enable the electrical contacts to electrically couple together when the shaft assembly is attached to the body assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating neurological conditions such as attention deficit disorder, autism, and Parkinson's disease. More particularly, methods and apparatus used to stimulate the 8th cranial nerve, particularly for treatment of such diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Markers and related systems and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The marker includes one or more photosensitive diodes for transforming light pulses striking the marker into electrical energy, one or more antennas, and a switch coupled to the photodiodes and antennas such that the light pulses cause the switch to open and close and modulate radar signals reflected by the marker back to a source of the signals. The antenna(s) may include one or more wire elements extending from a housing, one or more antenna elements printed on a substrate, or one or more chip antennas. Optionally, the marker may include a processor coupled to the photodiodes for identifying signals in the light pulses or one or more coatings or filters to allow selective activation of the marker.

Abstract: A device (2) for an electrical impedance tomograph (3) includes an electrode carrier (4), first and second skin electrodes (6, 8), which are arranged on the electrode carrier (4) at mutually spaced locations from one another in the longitudinal direction (L) of the electrode carrier, as well as a first protective circuit (10), which is at least partly enclosed in the electrode carrier (4). A second protective circuit (12) is provided, which is at least partly enclosed in the electrode carrier (4). The first protective circuit (10) is electrically connected to the first skin electrode (6), and the second protective circuit (12) is electrically connected to the second skin electrode (8).

Abstract: A product programming system includes a product subject to maintenance, part refurbishment and/or part replacement that has a security device communicatively coupled to a computing device programmed to re-authorize normal operation of the product when a predetermined number of uses has been reached or a predetermined period of time has lapsed.

Abstract: Devices having one primary transistor, or a plurality of primary transistors in parallel, protect electrical circuits from overcurrent conditions. Optionally, the devices have only two terminals and require no auxiliary power to operate. In those devices, the voltage drop across the device provides the electrical energy to power the device. A third or fourth terminal can appear in further devices, allowing additional overcurrent and overvoltage monitoring opportunities. Autocatalytic voltage conversion allows certain devices to rapidly limit or block nascent overcurrents.

Abstract: A low leakage current fluid heater and systems and methods thereof. The fluid heater has a configuration whereby a heating element is isolated from a fluid channel so as to leak into fluid passing through the channel an allowed amount of leakage current. Fluid passing through the fluid heater can be heated to a desired temperature. A controller can provide control signals to driver the fluid heater to the desired temperature and maintain the temperature at the desired temperature.

Abstract: An electrosurgical snare device is provided which uses a flow of inert gas to assist in the cutting and sealing process of tissue, while substantially reducing the formation of eschar and collateral tissue damage. The electrosurgical device includes a housing having a longitudinal axis; a support shaft attached to a distal end of the housing, and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the support shaft. The end effector includes a tube including a plurality of apertures and an electrically conducting spring disposed around the tube, where a spacing of the coils of the spring coincides with a spacing of the plurality of apertures, wherein a gas assisted electrosurgical effect is formed at each of the plurality of apertures when an inert gas flows through the tube and the spring is energized. The tube may be configured as a loop or snare.

Abstract: A computer monitors a memory system during operation. The computer detects a first number of errors in the memory system. The computer determines that the first number of errors is below an error level threshold. The computer lowers a first group of one or more memory parameters of the memory system by a first amount. After the lowering of one or more memory parameters by the first amount, the computer detects a second number of errors in the memory system. The computer determines that the second number of errors is above the error level threshold. The computer raises a second group of one or more memory parameters of the memory system by a second amount.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector portion, a data storage component, a reader, and a use control. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes a support portion. The end effector portion is configured to selectively couple with the support portion of the shaft assembly. The data storage component is associated with the end effector portion and contains data uniquely associated with the end effector portion. The reader is adapted to read the data from the data storage component. The use control is adapted to enable operation of the end effector portion if the data meets at least one usage parameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various methods for determining a neuromuscular blockade status and systems suitable for performing such methods. The present disclosure further relates to electro-stimulation electrodes for stimulating a muscle of a patient, optionally in the context of at least some of the mentioned methods. The present disclosure still further relates to hybrid air-signal connectors for use in an electro-stimulation cuff which can be used in the context of at least some of the cited methods. The present disclosure also relates to electro-stimulation circuits comprising an electrode portion and a track portion suitable for pressure cuffs for electro-stimulation, and to pressure cuffs configured to be arranged around a limb of a patient and comprising an active electro-stimulation electrode and a passive electro-stimulation electrode. These electro-stimulation circuits and pressure cuffs may also be used in the context of at least some of the mentioned methods.

Abstract: A plasma instrument includes an elongated body defining a lumen therethrough, the lumen being in fluid communication with an ionizable media source; and a plasma applicator coupled to a distal portion of the elongated body. The plasma applicator includes: an active electrode configured to couple to an active terminal of a generator; and a corona electrode configured to couple to a return terminal of a generator. The plasma instrument also includes a switching element coupled to the corona electrode, the switching element configured to control at least one of resistivity or connectivity of the corona electrode to a generator.

Abstract: A pulse oximetry system for reducing the risk of electric shock to a medical patient can include physiological sensors, at least one of which has a light emitter that can impinge light on body tissue of a living patient and a detector responsive to the light after attenuation by the body tissue. The detector can generate a signal indicative of a physiological characteristic of the living patient. The pulse oximetry system may also include a splitter cable that can connect the physiological sensors to a physiological monitor. The splitter cable may have a plurality of cable sections each including one or more electrical conductors that can interface with one of the physiological sensors. One or more decoupling circuits may be disposed in the splitter cable, which can be in communication with selected ones of the electrical conductors. The one or more decoupling circuits can electrically decouple the physiological sensors.

Abstract: An electrosurgical unit having detection circuitry for reducing radiofrequency leakage current in an electrosurgical unit. The electrosurgical unit includes a radiofrequency generator configured to generate electrosurgical energy, the radiofrequency generator including a detection circuit having a resistor ladder and an isolation transformer in electrical communication with the resistor ladder. The detection circuit is configured to detect a change in impedance across the isolation transformer and correlate the change in impedance to one of a plurality of predetermined energy thresholds.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system comprises a data acquisition device that records physiological signals from a patient, the data acquisition device having at least 3 receiving ports, each receiving port configured to connect to a patient connector. The monitoring system further includes a galvanic patient connector that galvanically connects a first receiving port of the patient connector and the patient, and at least a first capacitive patient connector and a second capacitive patient connector. Each capacitive patient connector capacitively couples a respective receiving port of the data acquisition device and the patient.

Abstract: Provided is a Coupled Domain Sensor (CDS) that can be used to, for example, evaluate hydration and occlusion of blood in patients with edema using electrical and optical measurements. Advantageously, the CDS provides a quicker, more effective and accurate way of monitoring this medical condition.

Abstract: Markers and related systems and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The marker includes one or more photosensitive diodes for transforming light pulses striking the marker into electrical energy, one or more antennas, and a switch coupled to the photodiodes and antennas such that the light pulses cause the switch to open and close and modulate radar signals reflected by the marker back to a source of the signals. The antenna(s) may include one or more wire elements extending from a housing, one or more antenna elements printed on a substrate, or one or more chip antennas. Optionally, the marker may include a processor coupled to the photodiodes for identifying signals in the light pulses or one or more coatings or filters to allow selective activation of the marker.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microwave ablation device, the method including applying a balun short circumferentially about an outer conductor of a coaxial feedline and applying a dielectric material circumferentially about the outer conductor of the coaxial feedline and in contact with the balun short to form a balun. The method further including extending a temperature sensor along the coaxial feedline such that the sensor contacts the balun short, securing the temperature sensor to the coaxial feedline with a first heat shrink material, and securing the dielectric material, balun short, and temperature sensor in contact with each other and to the coaxial feedline using a second heat shrink material.

Abstract: In order to monitor the number of plug cycles of a plug, such as a plug of a charging cable for an electric car, a plug cycle counter associated with the plug is counted up in an electronic memory after every plug cycle. A warning can thus be issued when a permitted quantity of plug cycles for the plug has been exceeded. Alternatively, the electrical connection at a charging station for an electric car or at a data cable for an automation system can also be cut off if the service life of the plug has been exceeded. High availability of the plug is thereby achieved, because the corresponding cable can be replaced in a timely manner. A hazard to persons due to defective current-carrying parts is also prevented.

Abstract: A data acquisition system for use with expandable ECG electrode systems. The data acquisition system includes a main unit and one or more expansion units for increasing the number of ECG leads applied to a patient for enhanced monitoring capabilities. Multiple embodiments are illustrated for providing a common mode signal between the main electrode unit and expansion units without requiring the physical transmission of voltage potential between the main unit and the expansion unit. In one embodiment, the main unit and the expansion unit share a common ground reference potential. In a second embodiment, an optical signal is transmitted between the main unit and the extension unit to relay the common mode information while in a third embodiment, common electrode potentials are provided to both the main unit and the extension unit for constructing their own common reference signal.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a common mode trap for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus. In one embodiment, a common mode trap for an MRI apparatus comprises: a first conductor and a second conductor counterwound around a length of a central conductor, wherein the first and the second conductors are radially spaced a first distance from the central conductor at first and second ends of the length, and wherein the first and the second conductors are radially spaced a second distance larger than the first distance from the central conductor at a midpoint of the length. In this way, coupling and subsequent detuning of common mode traps provided adjacent to one another may be prevented.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a control unit for determining an electrical leakage between a first electrode pad and a second electrode pad of an in vivo medical device. The first electrode pad may be spaced from the second electrode pad. The first electrode pad may have an active electrode and a spaced ground electrode. The second electrode pad may have an active electrode and a ground electrode. The ground electrode of the first electrode pad may be electrically connected to the ground electrode of the second electrode pad.

Abstract: Surgery systems and methods for providing vibration feedback are disclosed. A surgery system includes an electrocautery tool, a current sensor, and an actuator. The current sensor is coupled to the electrocautery tool to sense a current through the electrocautery tool indicative of an electrocautery action being performed with the tool. The actuator is in communication with the current sensor and is configured to provide a vibration to an operator of the electrocautery tool when the current sensor senses the current through the electrocautery tool indicative of the electrocautery action. A surgical method includes sensing a current through an electrocautery tool indicative of an electrocautery action being performed with the tool, and actuating an actuator to provide a vibration to an operator of the electrocautery tool when the current sensor senses the current through the electrocautery tool indicative of the electrocautery action.

Abstract: A device for detecting, monitoring and optionally recording ECG signals is disclosed. The device has at least two electrodes and an on-board memory. The electrodes can be recoatable and/or replaceable. The device can be charged wirelessly through the electrodes or by an internal energy harvesting system. A power saving mode is provided whereby the electrodes are activated by a pre-defined tapping pattern of electrical contact applied by a user and, upon activation, the device starts pairing with and transmitting ECG signals to a receiving station, e.g. a computer, a smart phone, a tablet or the like.

Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient implanted with an array of electrodes is provided. A train of electrical stimulation pulses is conveyed within a stimulation timing channel between a group of the electrodes to stimulate neural tissue, thereby providing continuous therapy to the patient. Electrical parameter is sensed within a sensing timing channel using at least one of the electrodes, wherein the first stimulation timing channel and sensing timing channel are coordinated, such that the electrical parameter is sensed during the conveyance of the pulse train within time slots that do not temporally overlap any active phase of the stimulation pulses.

Abstract: A method for operating a bioelectric differential measurement arrangement includes detecting a bioelectric measurement signal. The bioelectric measurement signal includes a bioelectric useful signal and an interference signal. The method also includes detecting the interference signal by a common-mode current measurement by the bioelectric differential measurement arrangement.

Abstract: A device uses cold plasma to treat cancerous tumors. The device has a gas supply tube with a delivery end. The gas supply tube is configured to carry a gas to the delivery end. A syringe is provided having an opening. The syringe is connected to the supply tube and configured to carry the gas to the opening. A first electrode is positioned inside said syringe, and a second electrode is positioned adjacent to the opening. The first and second electrodes excite the gas to enter a cold plasma state prior to being discharged from the opening of the syringe. An endoscopic tube can be used instead of the syringe. An exhaust tube can be provided to remove gas introduced into the body cavity by the cold plasma jet.

Abstract: A system includes an electrically conductive handle, a detector, and a controller. The electrically conductive handle is configured to move along a fixed handle path relative to a floor. The detector is electrically coupled to the handle and is configured to detect at least one of a voltage or an electrical charge at the handle during movement of the handle relative to the floor along the handle path. The controller is configured to initiate an event based upon the voltage or charge detected at the handle during movement of the handle relative to the floor along the handle path.

Abstract: Some surgical instruments become partially or fully disabled at a device firmware level after being used in a surgical procedure in order to prevent overuse or abuse of the surgical instrument that could create patient safety concerns. A reconditioning device may be used by the end user of such a surgical instrument to perform diagnostics and reconditioning of the surgical instrument so that the surgical instrument may be placed back into service without the direct intervention of the manufacturer. The reconditioning device provides power to the surgical instrument, analyzes device usage history, activates and tests the surgical instrument cutting and gripping functions, and measures electrical characteristics and mechanical characteristics of the surgical instrument. Gathered data is used to determine if the surgical instrument may be safely reconditioned for further use. If reconditioning is possible, the device will be reconfigured for safe use, reactivated, and then sterilized for subsequent re-use.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to intravascular ultrasound imaging and to systems and methods to improve line density and image quality. The invention provides an intravascular imaging system that uses a clock device to provide a set of trigger signals for each revolution of the imaging catheter and capture various patterns of scan lines for each set of trigger signals. The system can be operated to capture two scan lines of data for each trigger signal thereby doubling scan line density compared to existing systems. The clock device can be provided by hardware, such as a rotary encoder, that is configured to define a maximum number of trigger signals that the module can provide per rotation of the catheter.

Abstract: An electrosurgical energy delivery apparatus includes an energy delivery circuit, a control circuit and an energy-harvesting system with a plurality of energy-harvesting circuits and a voltage regulator that provides a regulated DC voltage to the energy delivery circuit and/or the control circuit. The energy delivery circuit receives an electrosurgical energy signal having a primary frequency and selectively provides the electrosurgical energy signal to an energy delivery element. The control circuit connects to the energy delivery circuit and selectively enables the flow of electrosurgical energy to the energy delivery element. The plurality of energy-harvesting circuits each include an energy-harvesting antenna tuned to a particular frequency, a matched circuit configured to receive an RF signal from the energy-harvesting antenna, rectify the RF signal and generate a DC signal, and an energy storage device that connects to the voltage regulator to receive and store the DC signal.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for neuromodulation are provided. For example, a neuromodulation system is disclosed that comprises an implantable neuromodulation module having a photodiode configured to generate electrical current in response to receiving light from an optical fiber; an optical transceiver; and at least one electrode configured to provide electrical stimulation to a nerve utilizing the electrical current generated by the photodiode. As another example, a method of neuromodulation is disclosed that comprises receiving light at a photodiode of a neuromodulation module and generating electrical current in response to receiving the light; and providing, via at least one electrode of the module positioned within the patient, electrical stimulation to a nerve of the patient utilizing the electrical current generated by the photodiode.

Abstract: Technology for a neural interface is described. The neural interface can include an intracranial electrode grid operable to detect neural activity. The neural interface can include a subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit operable to process the neural activity in order to obtain digital neural activity information. The neural interface can include a cable connecting the intracranial electrode grid and the subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit. The neural interface can include a wired connector attached to the subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit that is operable to transmit the digital neural activity information from the subcutaneous microelectronic signal processing unit to an external signal processing device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes a first normally-off type transistor including a first source, a first drain, a first gate, and a first body diode, a second normally-off type transistor including a second source connected to the first source, a second drain, a second gate connected to the first gate, and a second body diode, a normally-on type transistor including a third source connected to the first drain, a third drain, and a third gate connected to the second drain, and a diode including an anode connected to the second drain and a cathode connected to the third drain.

Abstract: A system and method to help maintain quality control and reduce cannibalization of accessories and attached probes in a highly sensitive patient monitor, such as a pulse oximetry system. One or more attached components may have information elements designed to designate what quality control mechanisms a patient monitor should look to find on that or another component or designate other components with which the one component may properly work. In a further embodiment, such information elements may also include data indicating the appropriate life of the component.

Abstract: The method disclosed herein permits the operator of an electrosurgical device to move a safety switch-off threshold for a contact resistance at a neutral electrode from a first value to a second and slightly higher value. This way, for patients with a relatively high resistance yielding a somewhat elevated contact resistance despite correct attachment of the neutral electrode, uninterrupted operation of the device is achievable.

Abstract: A device for detecting electric potentials includes a plurality of measuring inputs (9) for connecting to measuring electrodes (11), which can be placed on the body of a patient (3), a plurality of measuring amplifiers (Op1, . . . , OpN), and a potential output (27) for connecting to an additional electrode (31), which can be placed on the body of the patient (3), to which a preset voltage can be applied. A summing unit (17) sends a signal, which is an indicator of the mean value of the signals sent by the measuring amplifiers (Op1, . . . , OpN). A current-measuring device (29) sends a current signal, which is proportional to the current flowing through the potential output. An analyzing unit (35) is connected to receive a potential output voltage signal, the summing unit output (19) signal and the current-measuring device signal. The analyzing unit is configured to generate an impedance signal from the fed signals.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for medical treatment comprising a medical device and a separate hand-held device. The medical device comprises an energy-receiving unit and the separate hand-held device comprises a housing and an energy-transfer unit to transfer energy to be used at least in part for performing medical treatment to the energy-receiving unit of the medical device when the energy-receiving unit and the energy-receiving unit are in an energy-transfer position. The system further comprises at least one position sensor adapted to detect at least when the energy-transfer unit and the energy-receiving unit are in the energy-transfer position. The system further comprises a controller for controlling the energy-transfer unit such that the transfer of energy needed for medical treatment from the energy-transfer unit to the energy-receiving unit is enabled only when the energy-transfer unit and the energy-receiving unit are in the energy-transfer position.

Abstract: A power detector measures RF power delivered into a first load of uncertain impedance. A reference power meter measures power of a reference signal to a second load of known impedance. The reference power meter measures voltage across the second load; measures a current through the second load; and multiplies the measured voltage by the measured current to generate a reference power signal proportional to power delivered to the second load. A measurement power meter measures power of a signal to the first load. The measurement power meter measures voltage across the first load; measures current through the first load; and multiplies the measured voltage by the measured current to generate a measured power signal proportional to power delivered to the first load. The power detector includes a processor to calculate power delivered to the second load, and to generate a power delivered to the first load.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a controller (22). The controller includes at least one interface (62) that couples the controller to stimulation circuitry (24), which includes a pair of electrodes (26a, 26b), and to measuring circuitry, and further includes controller circuitry (64). While the electrodes are coupled to skin (60) of a subject, the controller circuitry, via the interface, drives the stimulation circuitry to (i) pass a plurality of stimulating pulses (32) between the electrodes, and (ii) pass one or more reference pulses (34) between the electrodes, the reference pulses being different from each of the stimulating pulses. The controller receives, from the measuring circuitry, an impedance between the electrodes that is measured using the reference pulses. In response to the impedance measured using the reference pulses, but not in response to any impedance measured using the stimulating pulses, the controller circuitry controls the stimulation procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved external cable box assembly and external trial stimulator (ETS) for use with an implantable medical device. The improved external cable box assembly has memory and logic circuitry embedded in it which allows the cable box to be identified. Associated logic circuitry in the improved ETS allows the ETS to read and write characteristics—such as electronic identifiers or cable addresses—of the external cable box assemblies and to store the values of those characteristics in its memory, associating characteristic values with each of its ports. If the external cable box assemblies become unplugged from the ETS and then are reconnected to incorrect ports on the ETS, logic in the ETS will either alert the patient to swap the port locations of the external stimulation cables, or the ETS will automatically reroute the correct therapy through each port.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising a main device and an accessory, which can be connected by a safe connector and a safe detection method. According to the invention, the assembly comprises: —a main device (2), —an accessory (3) connectable to the main device (2), —the accessory (3) comprising an accessory connector (4) for mating with a device connector (5) of the main device (2), —the accessory connector (4) and the device connector (5) each comprising one or more supply contacts (7) for transmitting electric power from the main device (2) to the accessory (3), —the main device (2) comprising a detection device (9), which, if connecting the accessory (3) to the main device (2), receives complex accessory data stored by the accessory (3) and which by positive evaluation of the complex data enables applying a supply voltage at the one or more supply contacts (7) of the device connector (5).