Abstract: Implantable medical devices having galvanic particulates are disclosed. The particulate may be coated onto at least part of a surface of the medical device. In addition, the galvanic particulates may be contained in the material used to manufacture the antimicrobial medical devices, or may be embedded into the surface of the medical devices. The present invention also provides novel coating methods and processing methods. The present invention further provides a combination of galvanic particulates with an aqueous gel, a method of making this combination, and a method of treatment using this combination. The devices and compositions may have advantageous characteristics and effects including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, tissue regeneration promoting, and pain reduction or elimination.

Abstract: A neuro-probe device is provided. The neuro-probe device includes a carrier including bio-resorbable glass, and a neuro-probe mounted on the carrier.

Abstract: A catheter may include electrodes for transvascular nerve stimulation. The electrodes may be positioned within lumens of the catheter and aligned with apertures in the outer wall of the catheter. The electrodes may produce focused electrical fields for stimulation of one or more nerves. In one embodiment, the catheter may include a set of proximal electrodes and a set of distal electrodes, and the proximal electrodes may stimulate a patient's left phrenic nerve and the distal electrodes may stimulate a patient's right phrenic nerve.

Abstract: A device (100), comprising: a housing (110) having an inner surface (160) and an outer surface (170); an electronic unit (130, 140, 180); whereby the housing (110) surrounds the electronic unit (180) at least in part; whereby at least a part of the inner surface (160) of the housing (110) comprises an electrically insulating coating (120) that contains at least 30 wt.-% of a polymer and has a coating surface (150) facing the inner surface (160); whereby the inner surface (160) and the coating surface (150) are interconnected.

Abstract: Technology for deep brain stimulating including devices, systems, computer circuitry, and associated methods is provided. A deep brain stimulating device (100) can include a semiconductor substrate, an array of electrodes (140) coupled to the semiconductor substrate, and circuitry operable to control the array of electrodes (140). Each electrode (142) can be operable to function as an anode, a cathode, a common, or a float independent of other electrodes in the array to create highly configurable electric fields (122, 124).

Abstract: A device comprising: a lead extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the lead comprising, at its distal end portion, an electrode element configured for fixing in a first body tissue, the lead further comprising: an anchoring element disposed between the proximal and the distal end for anchoring the device to a second tissue; and an elastic element disposed between the anchoring element and the distal end and configured so as to permit the pulling of the distal end away from the anchoring element against the biasing force of the elastic element.

Abstract: A microlead has a distal active portion formed by a microcable including an electrically conductive core coated with an insulation layer, with a plurality of exposed areas forming the stimulation electrodes. The microcable has a three-dimensional preshape inscribed in a cylindrical envelope volume so as to match the target vessel wall. The microcable includes a plurality of exposed areas regularly distributed over the circumference of the cylindrical envelope volume considered in axial projection, the exposed zones extending only over an angular sector of the microcable considered in cross section, said angular sector facing the outside of the envelope volume of the preshape.

Abstract: A hermetic terminal for an active implantable medical device (AIMD), includes an RF distance telemetry pin antenna, a capacitor conductively coupled between the antenna and a ground for the AIMD, and an inductor electrically disposed in parallel with the capacitor and conductively coupled between the antenna and a ground for the AIMD. The capacitor and the inductor form a band pass filter for attenuating electromagnetic signals through the antenna except at a selected frequency band. Values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the band pass filter is resonant at the selected frequency band. In an alternative form, the band pass filter is coupled in series with the telemetry pin antenna for attenuating MRI signals of a selected frequency band.

Abstract: An electrode system includes an implantable flexible electrode, especially an epidural electrode, having at least one distal electrical contact (12). The electrode includes a subcutaneously implantable port (26), a probe that can be introduced into the port (26) forms part of the electrode system with at least one probe contact (53), and at least one electrical contact element (56) connected to the distal contact (12) is arranged in the port (26) in order to generate an electrical connection with the probe contact (53).

Abstract: An implantable device having a power source is provided. The power source uses reverse electrowetting technology to generate a charge to power the implantable device. The power source includes a flexible, non-conductive substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side with a channel between the first and second sides. Electrodes are arranged about the channel in a predefined pattern. A liquid is contained in the channel. The liquid includes a dielectric liquid and a conductive liquid that do not mix. The electric change is generated by moving the liquid back and forth across the electrodes. The force to pump or move the liquid is provided by organic means, such as, for example, the change in blood pressure between systolic and diastolic, the expansion and contraction of an organ, or the movement of a muscle.

Abstract: The burr hole plug comprises a plug base configured for being mounted around a burr hole, and having an aperture through which an elongated medical device exiting the burr hole may pass. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the plug base aperture. The retainer includes a retainer support, a slot formed in the retainer support for receiving the medical device, and a clamping mechanism having a clamping bar and a flange slidably engaged with the retainer support to laterally slide the clamping bar to secure the medical device. A method comprises introducing the medical device through the burr hole, mounting the plug base around the burr hole, mounting the retainer within the plug base aperture, receiving the medical device into the slot, and sliding the slidable flange relative to the retainer support to laterally slide to secure the medical device.

Abstract: A stealthy conductor that may be placed inside a fascicle in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is described. The conductor is placed using a targeted-fascicle or targeted-axon approach to improve specificity and signal to noise ratio (SNR). The conductor is part of a targeted fascicular interface device and is placed using an insertion tool in a manner that reduces nerve damage as compared to conventional systems. The conductor is so small (e.g., <10 ?m diameter) and so flexible (e.g., approximates flexibility of surrounding neuronal material) that biological reactions (e.g., recruitment of macrophages, edema) to the presence of the conductor may be reduced. The targeted fascicular interface device has an insulated portion and a non-insulated portion that may act as an electrode. The insulated portion may include materials that promote healing at the entry/exit site and that adhere to the perineurium.

Abstract: An assembly for a medical lead includes an elongated lead body, and a conductive element located at a distal portion of the lead body. The conductive element substantial!)? encircles a longitudinal axis of the lead body. The assembly further includes a plurality of insulated conductors extending within the lead body, each of the insulated conductors being in electrical contact with the conductive element and extending to a proximal end of the lead body. Each of the insulated conductors contacts a different circumferential portion of the conductive element. The conductive element is configured to facilitate mechanical and electrical separation of different circumferential portions of the conductive element to form two or more electrode segments for the medical lead from the conductive element.

Abstract: A fixation device including a base structure such as a faceplate having an inferior surface capable of contacting a surface of a skull of a patient, having a superior surface, and defining at least two securement features. Each securement feature can be engaged by a cranial fastener to attach the faceplate to the skull. The device further includes a fixation structure such as an alignment plate or a flexible fixation member carried by the base structure and positionable at least one of (i) over an opening in the skull and (ii) within an opening in the skull. At least one surface of the fixation structure defines at least one channel in which an intracranial device is capable of being placed, and further defines at least one fixation feature to enable the intracranial device to be secured to the fixation device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inducing neurogenesis within a human. The invention utilizes an implantable signal generator to deliver high frequency stimulation to deep brain tissue elements. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to the brain to thereby induce neurogenesis by the human. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of nervous system discovery. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate the stimulation and/or drug therapy delivered to the brain.

Abstract: A sterilizable containment that includes an inner packaging and an outer packaging. The outer packaging encloses the inner packaging and includes at least two electric feedthroughs. The inner packaging includes at least two electric contacts, wherein each of the at least two electric contacts of the inner packaging matches one of the at least two electric feedthroughs of the outer packaging to provide an electric connection between a respective feedthrough and the corresponding contact when the inner and the outer packaging are closed. Each of the contacts of the inner packaging feed electrical charge from outside of the inner packaging to the inside of the inner packaging and vice versa. The inner packaging includes electrically conducting media that allows propagation of electrical charge between the contacts of the inner packaging and an implantable medical device included inside in a packaging when the containment is filled.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lead includes forming an elongated multi-lumen conductor guide defining a central stylet lumen and a plurality of conductor lumens arranged around the stylet lumen. The multi-lumen conductor guide is twisted to form at least one helical section where the plurality of conductor lumens each forms a helical pathway around the stylet lumen. Each of the helical pathways of the at least one helical section has a pitch that is no less than 0.04 turns per centimeter.

Abstract: A header for use in implantable pulse generator devices. The header is part of electrical connector assembly having one or more openings designed to receive the terminal pin of an electrical lead wire or electrode. The header is designed to provide and sustain long-term electrical and mechanical lead wire connections between the electrodes of a terminal pin and the implantable pulse generator device.

Abstract: A neurostimulation lead including an elongated lead body having a distal end and a proximal base. The lead body may have an elastic property such that the lead body is capable of flexing between different geometries. The lead may also include electrodes positioned along the lead body. The lead body may be configured to be straightened into a substantially linear geometry for delivering the lead body into an epidural space and may be biased such that the lead body is configured to have a wave-like geometry when disposed within the epidural space. The lead body may form first and second lateral segments that are joined by a corresponding linking portion when in the wave-like geometry.

Abstract: An implantable medical assist device includes a medical device. The medical device has a housing and electronics contained therein. A lead provides an electrical path to or from the electronics within the medical device. A resonance tuning module is located in the housing and is connected to the lead. The resonance tuning module includes a control circuit for determining a resonant frequency of the implantable medical assist device and an adjustable impedance circuit to change the combined resonant frequency of the medical device and lead.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a lead comprising a cable conductor and a coil electrode having one or more filars, the one or more filars wound in a helical pattern. The lead can further include an inner fitting axially aligned with the coil electrode. The inner fitting can comprise external threading and a slot extending along the inner fitting. The slot can receive a portion of the cable conductor. The lead can include an outer tubular fitting having a lumen with internal threading. Each of the coil electrode and the inner fitting can be partially received within the lumen, both of the external threading and the one or more filars threadedly engaged with the internal threading. The cable conductor can be pinched in the slot to mechanically connect the cable conductor to the inner fitting. The pinching can be supported by the outer tubular fitting.

Abstract: The present technology provides an organic based artificial retina device that includes a substrate and an array of micro-electrodes formed on the substrate. The illustrative artificial retina device further includes a photoconducting polymer blend deposited on the array of micro-electrodes. The photoconducting polymer blend is configured to produce a photoelectric signal in response to receiving light.

Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient having a disorder using an electrode located adjacent a peripheral target neural region. The method comprises conveying electrical stimulation energy from the electrode that stimulates a first set of nerve endings in the peripheral target neural region. The method further comprises increasing an activation threshold of a second set of nerve endings in the peripheral target neural region, thereby rendering the second set of nerve endings less excitable to the electrical stimulation energy. The first set of nerve endings are relatively far from the electrode and the second set of nerve endings are relatively near the electrode.

Abstract: In various examples, a stimulation lead for at least partial implantation within a patient includes an elongate lead body and a sheath selectively attachable to the lead body. The sheath includes a fixation member. The fixation member includes a retracted configuration in which the fixation member is disposed proximate the sheath. In a deployed configuration, the fixation member extends radially outwardly from the sheath to anchor the stimulation lead within the patient. In a removal configuration, the fixation member is radially inwardly collapsible toward the longitudinal sheath axis with the lead body removed from within the sheath.

Abstract: Strain relief loop holders maintaining strain relief loop formed in a lead while also addressing excessive heating at the point in the loop where the medical lead intersects itself. The strain relief loop includes a body section that the medical lead passes through where the intersection occurs. The body section may be a thermal non-conductor and isolate from excessive heating at the intersection point or may be a thermal conductor and distribute the excessive heating. The strain relief loop may include features such as arms or a coil extending from the body segment with arm segments at the ends of the arms defining lead passageways that assist in maintaining the strain relief loop. The body segment may have a single lead passageway where the intersection point occurs or may have multiple lead passageways. The body itself may house the loop by forming a loop or a capsule.

Abstract: Medical leads have one or more openly coiled filars and a distal body coupled to the openly coiled filars. The openly coiled filars provide a lead with compliance and elasticity while the distal body provides the firmness needed for placement and support of the electrodes. The openly coiled filars may transition to a linear distal portion that extends to the distal body, and the distal body may have proximal tines that fold proximally to become adjacent to the linear distal portion of the filars. The openly coiled filars may instead extend to the distal body and the proximal tines may be laterally arced to then fold against the lateral surface of the coiled filars. The tines may fold distally during explantation to allow the distal body to release and exit the body.

Abstract: An electric stimulator for heart, brain, organs and general cells with a possibly random shape and position of electrodes which enhances its performance for breaking the symmetry. Two types of electrodes are introduced: type-1, or active electrodes are similar to prior art, while type-2, or passive electrodes have not been used in this context. Passive electrodes are electrically insulated, being unable to inject current in the surrounding medium, but they are capable of shaping the electric field, which has consequence on the path of the stimulating currents injected by type-1 electrodes. The invention also discloses a supercapacitor-type passive electrode of type-2, which maximizes the stored charge on the electrode—therefore increasing the electric field magnitude created by it.

Abstract: Implant tools and techniques for implantation of a medical lead, catheter or other component are provided. The implant tools and techniques are particularly useful in implanting medical electrical leads in extravascular locations, including subcutaneous locations. An implant tool for implanting a medical lead may include a handle and a shaft adjacent the handle. The shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and an open channel that extends from near the proximal end to the distal end, the open channel having a width that is greater than or equal to an outer diameter of the implantable medical lead.

Abstract: Designs and methods of construction for a printed circuit board (PCB) in an implantable pulse generator (IPG) are disclosed which facilitate IPG PCB testing while also providing for protection of IPG circuitry in a simple and cost effective manner. The IPG PCB is formed as part of a larger test PCB, which includes an extender portion with traces routing nodes of interest in the IPG PCB to an edge connector. IPG electronics are mounted or soldered to the IPG PCB, and then such electronics are tested via the edge connector. The IPG PCB is then singulated from the extender portion in a manner leaving one or more PCB tabs at the severed edge of the PCB. The PCB tab(s) extend from the severed edge, and create an offset distance preventing traces severed and now exposed at the severed edge from contacting and potentially shorting to conductive structures in the IPG.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating chronic pain occurring secondarily to subacromial impingement syndrome in a human body. A system is provided to deliver percutaneous electrical stimulation through at least one electrode to neurological motor points of the posterior and middle deltoid muscles to mediate such pain. One-time, continued and/or periodic dosing of treatment methods according to the present invention may result in a change to central nervous system maladaptive neuroplasticity.

Abstract: Implant tools and techniques for implantation of a medical lead, catheter or other component are provided. The implant tools and techniques are particularly useful in implanting medical electrical leads in extravascular locations, including subcutaneous locations. An implant tool for implanting a medical lead may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, an open channel that extends from near the proximal end to the distal end, and an attachment feature configured to couple to the medical lead. Such an implant tool provides a user with the versatility to use the same implant tool to either pull the lead through a tunnel formed via the implant tool or push the lead through the tunnel via the open channel in the implant tool.

Abstract: An elevated feedthrough is attachable to a top or a side of an active implantable medical device. The feedthrough includes a conductive ferrule and a dielectric substrate. The dielectric substrate is defined as comprising a body fluid side and a device side disposed within the conductive ferrule. The dielectric substrate includes a body fluid side elevated portion generally raised above the conductive ferrule. At least one via hole is disposed through the dielectric substrate from the body fluid side to the device side. A conductive fill is disposed within the at least one via hole forming a hermetic seal and electrically conductive between the body fluid side and the device side. A leadwire connection feature is on the body fluid side electrically coupled to the conductive fill and disposed adjacent to the elevated portion of the dielectric substrate.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes a lead with a distal end and a proximal end. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end and a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end. The lead also defines at least one central lumen and a plurality of outer lumens. The central and outer lumens extend from the proximal end to the distal end such that the plurality of outer lumens extend laterally from the at least one central lumen. The lead further includes a plurality of conductive wires. Each conductive wire couples at least one of the plurality of electrodes electrically to at least one of the plurality of terminals. At least two conductive wires are disposed in each of the plurality of outer lumens.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to a method. According to various method embodiments, cardiac activity is detected, and neural stimulation is synchronized with a reference event in the detected cardiac activity. Neural stimulation is titrated based on a detected response to the neural stimulation. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: Various implantable medical device embodiments stimulate an autonomic neural target from within a pulmonary artery, and comprise at least one electrode, a power supply, a neural stimulator connected to the power supply, and an anchor structure. The neural stimulator is configured to generate a neural stimulation signal for delivery to the neural stimulation target through the at least one electrode. The anchor structure is configured to chronically and securely implant the neural stimulator, the power supply and the at least one electrode within the pulmonary artery. The anchor structure, the neural stimulator, the power supply and the at least one electrode are configured to be implanted through a pulmonary valve into the pulmonary artery. In various embodiments, the neural stimulator is configured to be operational to implement a neural stimulation protocol when chronically implanted within the pulmonary artery without a wired connection through the pulmonary valve.

Abstract: An external controller/charger system for an implantable medical device is disclosed, in which the external controller/charger system provides automatic switching between telemetry and charging without any manual intervention by the patient. The external controller/charger system includes an external controller which houses a telemetry coil and an external charging coil coupled to the external controller. Normally, a charging session is carried out using the external charging coil, and a telemetry session is carried out using the telemetry coil. However, when a patient requests to carry out telemetry during a charging session, the external charging coil is used instead of the internal telemetry coil.

Abstract: A shielded component or network for an active medical device (AMD) implantable lead includes an implantable lead having a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end, all external of an AMD housing, a passive component or network disposed somewhere along the length of the implantable lead, the passive component or network including at least one inductive component having a first inductive value, and an electromagnetic shield substantially surrounding the inductive component or the passive network. The first inductive value of the inductive component is adjusted to account for a shift in its inductance to a second inductive value when shielded.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a nerve includes a Foley type catheter having an exterior surface, and first and second pairs of ring electrodes formed on the exterior surface of the Foley catheter. Each of the first and second pairs of ring electrodes is configured to perform at least one of stimulating the nerve and recording nerve activity.

Abstract: A medical implantable lead includes a core formed of elongated filaments formed of a first biocompatible conductive wire in a matrix formed of a second biocompatible metal, surrounded by a biomechanical insulating material, wherein filaments of the first biocompatible conductive wire extend from one or both ends of the lead.

Abstract: Provided are a living body stimulating electrode, a living body stimulating electrode apparatus, and a method for producing a living body stimulating electrode. The living body stimulating electrode has a flexible circuit board (FPC) between a living body stimulating electrode and a resin part. The resin part and the FPC are fixed with the living body stimulating electrode. Specifically, the flexible circuit board is disposed between the living body stimulating electrode and the resin part, and one or both of a stimulating electrode and a contact electrode constituting the living body stimulating electrode have an engaging part having a pressing part and a fixing part. The pressing part presses the flexible circuit board onto the resin part. Simultaneously, the fixing part is penetrated through a through hole formed in the flexible circuit board and pressed into a hole formed in the resin part, thereby fixed to and held by the resin part.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system may include an electrode lead(s) having a proximal end and a distal end, with the electrode lead(s) including a plurality of spaced apart electrodes carried by the distal end to be positioned adjacent a nerve(s) in a patient. A subcutaneous lead connector plug including a housing electrically connected to the proximal end of the electrode lead(s) may be positioned with the electrode lead(s) inside the patient beneath the patient's skin, with the housing defining a lead connection port(s), and an anchor point(s) carried by the housing. The system may also include a generator lead(s) having a distal end configured to be removably plugged into and electrically connected with the lead connector port(s), and a proximal end. A neural stimulation generator may be electrically connected to the proximal end of the generator lead(s) and configured to provide electrical stimulation to the nerve(s) via the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: An anchor sleeve for securing a therapy delivery element, such as a stimulation lead or catheter, within a living body, that includes an inner sleeve with pre-formed locations of weakness that facilitate localized deformation. The anchor includes a deformable outer sleeve with a primary lumen extending along an axis. The outer surface of the outer sleeve includes a plurality of suture grooves oriented generally concentric to the axis. The inner sleeve includes a plurality of beams connected at deflection regions arranged around a secondary lumen. The inner sleeve is located in the primary lumen adjacent to the suture grooves so that the secondary lumen is generally concentric with the primary lumen. A plurality of locations of weakness are preformed in each of the beams to facilitate localized deformation in response to a radially inward force applied around the suture grooves by a suture material.

Abstract: A universal programming device for individualized patient medical devices such as implants has an RF transceiver (transmitter/receiver), a control unit, and a man-machine interface (or a connection for a man-machine interface). The RF transceiver is configured to receive and transmit data in the MICS frequency band. The control unit is connected to the transceiver and has preconfigured software interfaces, such that the programming device can be expanded by addition of control software modules. The preconfigured software interfaces define a uniform interface for triggering the transceiver, which the control software modules can access. The man-machine interface, e.g., a keyboard and/or a display (and/or the connection for such a man-machine interface) is connected to the control unit.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrical lead for electrical stimulation of body tissue that includes at least one shape memory polymer portion that has a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the second configuration is obtained upon exposure of the shape memory polymer portion to a transition stimulus, and wherein the second configuration of the modifiable portion exhibits a greater resistance to movement of the lead within the body tissue than does the first configuration; and at least one electrode configured to provide electrical stimulation of body tissue, wherein the lead has a proximal end and a distal end. Systems and kits as well as methods of utilizing the leads of the invention are also included.

Abstract: This disclosure includes techniques for securing the proximal ends of a medical lead to the connector block of an IMD with a fastener device that incorporates a flexible clamp. A fastener device for a medical device comprising a flexible clamp forming a clamp aperture, wherein the flexible clamp includes a clamp protrusion configured to facilitate actuation of the flexible clamp, a rigid body, wherein the rigid body connects to and surrounds the flexible clamp, and an actuator configured to actuate on the clamp protrusion to change a perimeter of the clamp aperture, wherein the change of the perimeter of the clamp aperture by the actuator is configured to apply a compressive force about a perimeter of an electrical contact of a medical lead in the clamp aperture to electrically and mechanically connect the medical lead to the fastener device.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes a first paddle assembly and a flexible housing. The first paddle assembly includes an assembly housing, an actuator, and at least one pivotable paddle attached to the housing and operably coupled to the actuator. The at least one pivotable paddle is suitably arranged to pivot out of the assembly housing when a user operates the actuator. The lead anchor also includes a flexible housing disposed around the first paddle assembly and defining at least one lead lumen extending adjacent to the first paddle assembly so that the at least one pivotable paddle pivots into a one of the at least one lead lumen to constrain any lead disposed within the one of the at least one lead lumen.

Abstract: A neural probe comprising an array of stimulation and/or recording electrodes supported on a tape spring-type carrier is described. The neural probe comprising the tape spring-type carrier is used to insert flexible electrode arrays straight into tissue, or to insert them off-axis from the initial penetration of a guide tube. Importantly, the neural probe is not rigid, but has a degree of stiffness provided by the tape spring-type carrier that maintains a desired trajectory into body tissue, but will subsequently allow the probe to flex and move in unison with movement of the body tissue.

Abstract: An implantable subcutaneous electrode system is disclosed. A minimally invasive delivery device and methods for delivery of an implantable electrode system is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for anchoring a brain lead that includes an anchoring ring with a circular base and a flange joining together where the inner walls form an aperture define a passage of a lead. Outer walls engage with a burr hole to secure the ring to the cranium, and a septum is contained within the aperture of the anchoring ring. Because the septum is already placed in the aperture when the trocar is removed from the brain, the body of the brain lead is immediately clamped by the elastic material of the septum while the tip of trocar is removed from the slit of septum. Friction between the lead body and the elastic material prohibits any movement of the lead caused by handling.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable multi-electrode device (300) and related methods and apparatuses. In one embodiment, the invention includes an implantable device (300) comprising: an assembly block (320); and a plurality of leads (340 . . . 348) radiating from the assembly block (320), each of the plurality of leads (340 . . . 348) containing at least one electrode (342A), such that the electrodes are distributed within a three-dimensional space, wherein the assembly block (320) includes a barb (350) for anchoring the assembly block (320) within implanted tissue.