Abstract: A method of measuring pressure through a septum in a patient's heart is provided. A lead inserted into the right side of a heart is routed through the septum to gain access to the left side of the heart. The lead includes a mounting mechanism that secures the lead to one or both sides of the septal walls. The lead also includes one or more sensors for measuring cardiac pressure on the left side of the heart and, as necessary, the right side of the heart.

Abstract: An electrical connector is described. In one implementation, the connector includes a female portion including one or more electrical contacts and a male portion including one or more electrical contacts. The female portion and the male portion each have a self-orientating geometry that allows the male portion to be mated with the female portion in any rotational position along 360 degrees of rotation. When mated, the electrical contacts of the female portion mate with corresponding one or more electrical contacts of the male portion to form one or more electrical connections between two electronic components.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating cardiac performance relative to performance of an intrathoracic pressure maneuver is described. Blood pressure is indirectly sensed by directly collecting intracardiac impedance measures through an implantable medical device. Cardiac functional changes to the blood pressure are evaluated in response to performance of an intrathoracic pressure maneuver.

Abstract: A method for performing an in-vivo calibration of a blood pressure sensor that is associated with an in-vivo balloon system. The method involves monitoring a patient's blood pressure by observing the system gas pressure while at the same time monitoring the patient's blood pressure through the sensor. The blood pressure measurements obtained by monitoring the system gas pressure are used as reference, or “true,” blood pressure measurements, and an “offset” is determined between the reference blood pressure measurements and the blood pressure measurements obtained through the sensor. The offset can be stored in a memory, which may also store sensor sensitivity data. The offset and/or sensitivity data may be used to adjust future measurements obtained from the sensor, thereby generating calibrated sensor measurements.

Abstract: A catheter terminates at a tip that includes an array of pressure sensors. The sensors are responsive to detect and alert the user to variations of pressure that indicate the tip is either encountering an obstruction or constriction of smaller diameter than the catheter, as well as to guide the catheter through the conduit into which it is being inserted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to devices and methods for measuring arterial elasticity and/or blood pressure, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device having a sensor element that is configured to engage a vessel of a patient. The sensor element is further configured to generate a signal in response to bending of the sensor element, where bending occurs as a result of changes in the pressure within the vessel. The implantable medical device further includes a controller in signal communication with the sensor element, where the controller is configured to store information regarding the signal generated by the sensor element. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: An intravascular pressure sensor assembly is disclosed herein that is produced in part using photolithography and DRIE solid-state device production processes. Using DRIE production processes facilitates a number of features that could not be readily incorporated in sensor chips fabricated using mechanical saws. In accordance with a first feature, sensor chips are created with non-rectangular outlines. The sensor chip includes a widened portion that substantially abuts an inner wall of a sensor housing, and a cantilevered portion that is relatively narrow in relation to the widened portion. The non-rectangular outline of the sensor chip is formed using photolithography in combination with DRIE processing. In accordance with another feature, the sensor chip is positioned width-wise in the housing, thereby reducing a required length for the housing.

Abstract: This invention is new apparatuses and methods for treatments to be used from inside conduits or biological pathways. Examples of the biological pathways in which these new apparatuses and methods may be used include arteries, veins, and respiratory ways. Multi-purpose catheters (10) and catheter systems using structures including wires (2108), balloons (2150), and cords (2204) are described as well as methods to use such catheters and catheter systems. One of the embodiments is a configurable wire system which carries or transports radioactive sources. The wire is used in conjunction with a closed-end channel catheter.

Abstract: Pressure sensor wire assembly for measuring pressure inside a body of a patient, the assembly comprises a pressure sensor element for measuring pressure and to generate a pressure sensor signal in response of said pressure, and a pressure sensor wire having said pressure sensor element at its distal portion, and adapted to be inserted into the body in order to position the sensor element within the body. In addition is arranged a sensor signal adapting circuitry, being an integrated part of said assembly, wherein the pressure sensor signal is applied to the adapting circuitry that is adapted to automatically generate an output pressure signal, related to the sensor signal, in a standardized format such that the measured pressure is retrievable by an external physiology monitor.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a single microprocessor-based interface that connects between a noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) sensor and an invasive blood pressure (IBP) monitor or module. The interface effectively emulates an IBP transducer in such a way that the IBP monitor sees the interface as if it were a regular IBP transducer from a fluid-filled blood pressure monitoring line. It receives the signal from an NIBP sensor and determines the blood pressure corresponding to the signal. It accepts the excitation voltage provided by the IBP monitor. From the excitation voltage and a known transducer sensitivity which the IBP monitor is configured to work with, the interface emulates the IBP transducer output signal corresponding to the blood pressure. The interface also emulates the input and output impedances of the IBP transducer which the IBP monitor is configured to work with.

Abstract: Implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring arterial blood pressure on a chronic basis are provided herein. A first signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart, and a second signal indicative of mechanical activity of the patient's heart, are obtained using implanted electrodes and an implanted sensor. By measuring the times between various features of the first signal relative to features of the second signal, values indicative of systolic pressure and diastolic pressure can be determined. In specific embodiments, such features are used to determine a peak pulse arrival time (PPAT), which is used to determine the value indicative of systolic pressure. Additionally, a peak-to-peak amplitude at the maximum peak of the second signal, and the value indicative of systolic pressure, can be used to determine the value indicative of diastolic pressure.

Abstract: Implantable pressure measuring unit for internal pressure measurement in a blood vessel or heart of a patient, having a pressure sensor having electrical signal output, fixing means adapted to the intended measurement location for fixing the pressure sensor, a power supply unit of the pressure sensor, a signal detection unit connected by a line to the signal output of the pressure sensor, and a transmitting unit connected to a measurement data output of the signal detection unit, in particular for wireless transmission of measurement data to an analysis unit, in particular outward from the patient body.

Abstract: A monitoring and/or stimulation device to receive a signal from a lead sensor positioned in the heart of patient. The monitoring and/or stimulation device processes the blood pressure data received from the sensor to determine an augmentation pressure for each heart beat. The augmentation pressure may be tracked over time or compared to a template to determine the circadian state of the patient. The augmentation pressure may be tracked or analyzed over a longer time period to detect other heart conditions such as hypertension.

Abstract: A method of identifying sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in a patient includes monitoring a hemodynamic pressure, deriving high, middle, and low values representative of the distribution of the hemodynamic pressure over a storage interval, measuring a ratio of a lower range to a full range of the hemodynamic pressure based on the derived high, middle, and low values, and using the ratio to determine whether the patient has experienced an SDB episode. Certain embodiments of the invention compare the ratio to a threshold value to identify the occurrence of an SDB episode, while other embodiments of the invention identify the occurrence of an SDB episode by monitoring for a simultaneous increase in both the ratio and the full range of the hemodynamic pressure. In certain other embodiments of the invention, activity level and/or duration criteria may be employed to confirm the occurrence of an SDB episode detected using the ratio.

Abstract: The progress of a endovascular cardiac repair can be monitored by inserting a pressure transducer sensor using a catheter into a chamber of the heart during endovascular repair and then using a small, hand-held read out device to measure pressure easily, safely, inexpensively and accurately. In one aspect a sensor is introduced into the body by the steps of folding or rolling the sensor into a cylinder, loading it into a catheter, and deploying into the heart chamber by allowing it to unroll or unfold, either by itself or facilitated by the incorporation of a super-elastic alloy component.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments present improved catheters with physiological sensors. In one embodiment, the catheter includes, generally, a pressure transducer/electronics assembly connected to a pressure transmission catheter. The pressure transmission catheter includes a hollow tube made from a low compliance material. The distal end of the hollow tube is filled with a gel-like material or plug which acts as a barrier between the catheter liquid and the target fluid. The hollow tube is partially filled with a low viscosity liquid and is in fluid communication with the gel-like material and the pressure transducer. The pressure of the target fluid is transmitted to the liquid in the hollow tube through the gel-like material and/or the wall of the distal tip and is fluidically transmitted to the pressure transducer. The pressure transmission catheter may be inserted into a vessel lumen or into a lumen of a therapeutic or diagnostic catheter for biomedical applications.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a right atrial pressure (RAP) and a left atrial pressure (LAP) for diagnosis of a heart condition includes positioning a transseptal device with respect to a pulmonary artery to monitor at least one flow characteristic of blood through the pulmonary artery. The transseptal device is configured to generate one or more signals representative of the at least one flow characteristic. A right ventricular end diastolic pressure (RVEDP) and a left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) are detected to facilitate monitoring the heart condition.

Abstract: A test system and method for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy that incorporates an implanted medical device. One aspect of the invention relates to a system for performing cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) testing in a diabetic patient having an implantable medical device (IMD) that includes a plurality of implantable physiological sensors and that is configured to transmit a wireless signal corresponding to a sensed physiological activity and to receive wireless signals. The system further includes one or more non-implantable physiological sensors, where the non-implantable physiological sensors are each configured to transmit a signal corresponding to a sensed physiological parameter, and a monitor device having a patient interface. The monitor device is configured to interface with a patient, including directing the patient to answer health related questions and use one or more of the non-implantable physiological sensors.

Abstract: This is directed to methods and devices suited for airway based measurements of pressure in a pulmonary artery. A device is advanced into an airway and in the vicinity of the pulmonary artery. Physical properties of the pulmonary artery are observed through the airway wall using one or more minimally invasive modalities. In a variation, a bronchial balloon catheter measures pressure of the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: A disposable manometer for use with a breathing system for monitoring a patient during positive pressure ventilation. The disposable manometer includes a housing with an upper and lower portion, a moving member and a flexible rolling diaphragm sealing mechanism between the moving member and the upper portion of the housing. A calibrated tension means resists movement of the moving member and provides accurate measurement of the ventilation pressure.

Abstract: A peripherally inserted central catheter includes three lumens that communicate with its proximal end. A large lumen terminates short of the distal end of the catheter and is used for the infusion of fluids into the venous system. A second lumen terminates at the distal end and is suitable for measuring blood pressure in the central venous system and infusion of fluids into the central venous system. The third lumen houses a pair of optical fibers which form part of a central venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) monitoring system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torque device for a sensor guide wire having a sensor provided at a distal portion and a male connector provided at the proximal end, which torque device comprises a grip body and a cap adapted to be joined to the grip body, and a number of chuck segments provided on the cap or the grip body, wherein the torque device is a one-way device defining an insertion direction for the sensor guide wire and wherein the chuck segments have free ends which are directed in the insertion direction.

Abstract: An implantable medical device including a tubular housing defining a passage between a proximal end and a distal end of the housing. The passage providing fluid communication through the housing. A sensing unit is positioned within the passage and coupled to the housing. The sensing unit is configured to sense at least one of a physical, chemical, and physiological parameter within the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of measuring pressure through a septum in a patient's heart is disclosed. A lead inserted into the right side of a heart is routed through the septum to gain access to the left side of the heart. The lead includes an attachment structure that secures the lead to one or both of the septal walls. The attachment structure may include at least one protruding tine, membrane, inflatable balloon, involuted spiral or J-lead that engage one or more sides of the septum. The lead also includes one or more sensors for measuring cardiac pressure on the left side of the heart and, as necessary, the right side of the heart.

Abstract: A system and a method of disposing a second sensor module overlying a first sensor module system is described. A first assembly including an expandable anchor and a sensor module is at least partially overlapped by a second assembly including an expandable anchor and a sensor module. If necessary or desired, the functions of the second sensor module can replace the functions of the first sensor module. The sensor module may include a blood pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interconnect for an implantable medical device. The interconnect includes a pad and a first layer introduced over the pad. At least one of the pad or the first layer comprise a negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) material.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for calibrating and estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) using an implantable medical device, based on impedance, admittance or conductance parameters measured within a patient. In one example, default conversion factors are exploited for converting the measured parameters to estimates of LAP. The default conversion factors are derived from populations of patients. In another example, a correlation between individual conversion factors is exploited to allow for more efficient calibration. In yet another example, differences in thoracic fluid states are exploited during calibration. In still yet another example, a multiple stage calibration procedure is described, wherein both invasive and noninvasive calibration techniques are exploited. In a still further example, a therapy control procedure is provided, which exploits day time and night time impedance/admittance measurements.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an estimation of a person's aortic systolic blood pressure, which method comprises non-invasively measuring the person's brachial systolic blood pressure, non-invasively measuring the person's brachial diastolic blood pressure, obtaining the person's radial augmentation index by measuring the person's radial pulse waveform, and obtaining the estimation of the person's aortic systolic blood pressure from the following equation: aSBP=?+?·rA1x+?·bSBP+?·bDBP where the coefficients ?, ?, ? and ? are constants with approximate values of ?=?24.2, ?=0.28, ?=0.83, ?=0.17.

Abstract: A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a medical patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of the measured information intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and a processing and display module which is external of the patient and optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the implanted module transduces the measured information and a near infrared (NIR) emitter transmits this telemetry information when interrogated by the complementary external coupling module. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field which is generated by a power source within the external coupling module, in concept much like a conventional electrical transformer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to methods and systems for using a pulmonary artery pressure signal to detect and/or monitor physiological parameters, physiological status, and aspects of disorders and diseases, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for detecting pulmonary symptoms of a disorder. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for detecting a pathological change to a tissue, structure, or fluid volume in or around the lung. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for detecting a disorder affecting airflow. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient involving a conductance catheter (12) for measuring conductance and blood volume in a heart chamber of the patient. The apparatus includes a processor (14) for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle by applying a non-linear relationship between the measured conductance and the volume of blood in the heart chamber to identify mechanical strength of the chamber. The processor (14) is in communication with the conductance catheter (12).

Abstract: An apparatus includes an endoluminal implant, a RF coupling coil coupled to the endoluminal implant and a therapeutic transducer electrically coupled to the RF coupling coil and physically coupled to the endoluminal implant. The RF coupling coil supplies electrical power to the therapeutic transducer. The therapeutic transducer has a capability for delivering therapeutic energy to a lumen disposed within the endoluminal implant in response to signals coupled via the RF coupling coil.

Abstract: An implantable sensor device, such as a pressure monitor, is implanted in the left ventricle (LV), in other heart chambers, or elsewhere, from which it wirelessly communicates pressure information to a remote communication device. The sensor device can be implanted using a placement catheter, an endoscope, or a laparoscope. The device can be secured entirely within the LV or heart wall, such as by using a corkscrew, a helical anchor, a harpoon, a threaded member, a hook, a barb, a fastener, a suture, or a mesh or coating for receiving fibrous tissue growth. The implantable sensor device provides less invasive chronic measurements of left ventricular blood pressure or other physical parameters. The wireless communication techniques include radio-telemetry, inductive coupling, passive transponders, and using the body as a conductor (referred to as “intracorporeal conductive communication” or a “personal area network”). Data from the receiver is downloadable into a computer for analysis or display.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an in-vivo blood pressure sensor device including a strain transducer and flexible biocompatible material that carries the strain transducer. The flexible biocompatible material is configured to encircle the outside of a blood vessel when surgically installed. A preferred embodiment in-vivo blood pressure sensor device of the invention includes a strain transducer carried by a flexible biocompatible ring that is configured to be surgically installed to encircle a blood vessel. The device also includes passive circuitry encased in biocompatible material for sensing strain in the strain transducer and for providing data to an external reader. The passive circuitry is also configured to be surgically installed in a subject.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medical device adapted to be implanted in the heart of a patient and operable therein i) as a heart valve; or ii) to assist in the functioning of one of the patient's heart valves; or iii) to monitor the functioning of one of the patient's heart valves. The device includes one or more sensors for sensing a physiologically or clinically relevant parameter of a patient. A telemetric communication device telemetrically transmits data related to a parameter sensed by the sensor to a remote device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.

Abstract: Left atrial access apparatus and methods are described herein. Different parameters, such as oxygen saturation difference, between the left and right atrial chambers is utilized to guide a needle or catheter into a desired position within the heart. Various sensing elements can be utilized to detect the physiological parameter difference, such as oxygen levels, in the left atrium. The sensor can be carried by the needle, at its tip or along its body, and can measure the physiological parameter levels contained in the blood, fluid, or tissue.

Abstract: Implantable medical device systems and methods for measuring a body parameter utilizing an implantable functional pressure sensor and a fixed reference sensor, wherein the reference sensor compensates for drift of all other components in the measurement system other than the functional sensor. The reference sensor provides a basis for comparison to determine if and to what extent the electronic components, for example, have drifted over time, and thus provides a basis for correcting functional measurements and improving long term measurement accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus for validating a non-invasively obtained estimate of LVEDP includes a non-invasive system for non-invasively obtaining a first estimate of the LVEDP; an invasive system for invasively obtaining a second estimate of the LVEDP concurrent with the first estimate; and a processor for comparing the first and second estimates of the LVEDP.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for sensing a pulmonary artery pressure (“PAP”) signal of a pulmonary artery (“PA”) and computing an indication of a reduction of blood supply to at least a portion of a heart using information from the PAP signal. The reduction of blood supply to at least a portion of the heart can be detected using a PAP signal characteristic or measurement, using a change in the PAP, using an interval between multiple PAP signal features, using a mitral valve performance, or using information from the PAP and information from a different physiological signal, including a cardiac signal, a heart sound signal, right ventricular pressure signal, a left ventricular pressure signal, a blood pressure signal, and an oxygen saturation signal.

Abstract: A device measures pressures in animals and humans and includes a pressure transmission catheter (PTC) filled with a pressure transmitting medium and implantable in an area in having a physiological pressure. A transducer communicates with the pressure transmitting medium to provide a pressure signal representing variations in the physiologic pressure on electrical wires. A connecting catheter carries the electrical wires to signal processing and telemetry circuitry, which transmits a telemetry signal representing the pressure signal to a receiver external to the animal or human. A housing holds the signal processing and telemetry circuitry, but the transducer is remote from the housing. The device is particularly useful in measuring venous pressure, pulmonary pressure, bladder pressure, or intracranial pressure without significant head pressure artifact and with a sufficient dynamic response. One embodiment of the PTC includes a multi-durometer stem.

Abstract: Determining the transition between systole and diastole is important for pulse contour-analytical determination of hemodynamic, first of all cardiac output. During the temporal progression of arterial pressure P(t) on which pulse contour analysis is based, the transition between systole and diastole appears as a local minimum. This local slump of the pressure curve downward is very short and is often little recognizable in the actually measured curves due to inaccuracies conditioned by measuring techniques. It was also found that the transition between systole and diastole can be more reliably and accurately determined as the site of maximum curvature of function P(t). Consequently, the invention relates to a device having a calculation unit that comprises evaluation means for detecting the site of maximum curvature of function P(t) in a detection area between the maximum and minimum functional value of the pulse cycle as the site of transition between systole and diastole.

Abstract: A method for measuring blood pressure utilizes an implantable sensor for measuring blood pressure. The implantable sensor includes a probe having a neck portion extending outwardly from the main body to a conical locking flange; a terminus of the conical locking flange forming an aperture that is covered with a flexible membrane that defines an internal chamber that is filled with a biocompatible fluid; and a capacitor electronically connected to the implant inductor and operatively positioned adjacent the internal chamber. The implantable sensor is positioned adjacent a blood vessel such that the probe extends through a blood vessel wall such that the conical locking flange lockingly engages the blood vessel wall.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac device is configured and programmed to collect blood pressure waveforms from one or more implantable pressure sensors. Techniques are described for extracting features and reducing noise in the pressure waveforms by averaging waveforms which are aligned with a detected cardiac cycle. Noise can also be reduced by gating and calibration functions performed in accordance with other sensor data.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein labeled antibodies can be provided in vivo to tissue having antigens that specifically bind the labeled antibody. A first optical radiation is emitted into the tissue in vivo to excite the labeled antibody bound to the antigen in vivo. A second optical radiation that is emitted by the excited labeled antibody, in response to the excitation thereof, can be detected in vivo. Related telemetric circuits and compositions of matter are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which in an alternating manner the coronary sinus is occluded by an occlusion device and the occlusion is released, the curve of the fluid pressure occurring in the coronary sinus after the release of the occlusion is estimated by calculation and the time of the beginning of the next occlusion is determined as a function of the estimated pressure curve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantation system for delivering and securing a sensor in a patient's pulmonary artery. In general, the implantation system includes a pulse generator, a catheter, and a sensor coupled to the distal end of the catheter. The sensor is wireless and is adapted to communicate with the pulse generator or an external device.

Abstract: A device measures pressures in animals and humans and includes a pressure transmission catheter (PTC) filled with a pressure transmitting medium and implantable in an area in having a physiological pressure. A transducer communicates with the pressure transmitting medium to provide a pressure signal representing variations in the physiologic pressure on electrical wires. A connecting catheter carries the electrical wires to signal processing and telemetry circuitry, which transmits a telemetry signal representing the pressure signal to a receiver external to the animal or human. A housing holds the signal processing and telemetry circuitry, but the transducer is remote from the housing. The device is particularly useful in measuring venous pressure, pulmonary pressure, bladder pressure, or intracranial pressure without significant head pressure artifact and with a sufficient dynamic response. One embodiment of the PTC includes a multi-durometer stem.

Abstract: According to this technique of packaging a sensor device implantable in a living body so as to provide protection of the sensor device and to the living body itself, an electrical conductor of the sensor device is sealed in an insulating substrate extending between proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the electrical conductor is externally connected to an external sensor on the sensor device and the proximal end of the electrical conductor is externally connected to a distal end of a lead wire extending proximally to a pulse generator and these connections are embedded in an insulative sheath. The external sensor, substrate, and insulative sheath are encapsulated in a thin film of hermetic material without interference with the lead wire. In another embodiment, a layer of insulating material may underlie the hermetic material to encapsulate the external sensor and the substrate.

Abstract: An anchor for an implantable medical device, for example, and implantable physiologic sensor, includes a proximal hub portion, an intermediate portion extending radially and distally from the hub portion, and a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion and adapted to engage an inner surface of a target vessel for securing the implantable medical device therein. The anchor can assume a collapsed configuration for delivery through a catheter, and an expanded configuration for fixation within the vessel once deployed. The intermediate portion extends from the proximal portion at an oblique angle, allowing the anchor to be retracted and re-collapsed within the delivery catheter after initial deployment, if re-positioning or removal of the implantable medical device is necessary or desired.