Abstract: A multi-branch stimulation electrode is disclosed herein. The multi-branch stimulation electrode can include a plurality of branches that extend from a hub. The branches can each include one or several stimulation contacts that can deliver an electrical current to tissue contacting the stimulation contacts. The stimulation contacts can be electrically connected with the lead. The lead can extend from the hub and can be connected with the pulse generator. The branches can include features to facilitate implantation including, for example, one or several removable stiffening elements.

Abstract: A pacemaker is provided. The pacemaker includes a pulse generator and an electrode line connecting with the pulse generator. The electrode line includes at least one conductor. The at least one conductor includes at least one carbon nanotube wire having a plurality of radioactive particles therein.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. Devices may include a tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue and an ablation member for ablating the tissue. Suction apertures attach the contacting member to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to stabilize the tissue with the device. The devices and methods can be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of a pulmonary vein or to ablate cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. A combined pacing and ablation probe is described for treating cardiac arrhythmia by: advancing the probe through an incision into the vicinity of the patient's heart, verifying at least one location of a cardiac parasympathetic ganglion, and applying ablation energy to the cardiac parasympathetic ganglion.

Abstract: A system for monitoring one or more temperatures at a vessel wall of a vessel of a patient includes an optical fiber, an optical read-out mechanism, and a therapeutic device. The optical fiber may be deployed along an extent of the vessel and may include one or more fiber Bragg grating (FBG) temperature sensors disposed at one or more corresponding sensor locations along a length of the optical fiber. The optical read-out mechanism may be optically coupled to the optical fiber, and it may be configured to transmit light into the optical fiber and detect light reflected from the one or more FBG temperature sensors. The detected light reflected from the one or more FBG temperature sensors may encode local temperatures at each of the one or more corresponding sensor locations. The therapeutic device may be configured for performing a therapeutic procedure to or through the vessel wall.

Abstract: A multi-lead multi-electrode system and method of manufacturing the multi-lead multi-electrode system includes a multi-electrode lead that may be used to deploy multiple separable electrodes to different spaced apart contact sites, such as nerve or muscle tissues, for example, that are spatially distributed over a large area.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical stimulation lead includes molding an electrically-nonconductive substrate over and between spaced-apart electrically-conductive contacts to form a multi-contact lead assembly. The contacts are disposed along a first face of the substrate with a first face of each of the contacts exposed along the first face of the substrate and an opposing second face of each of the contacts covered by material forming a second face of the substrate. The multi-contact lead assembly is coupled along a first end portion of a lead body with the first face of the multi-contact lead assembly conforming to a shape of an outer surface of the lead body, and with the multi-contact lead assembly wrapping around the outer surface of the lead body. Conductors extending along a length of the lead body are electrically coupled to each of the contacts of the multi-contact lead assembly.

Abstract: A method of inducing local cell death in patient tissue is provided. The method includes generating first and second radiation, conveying the radiation to a focusing element, and focusing the radiation on a target with the focusing element. A system for inducing local cell death in patient tissue is also provided. The system includes a power source for generating narrow-band and/or ultra-wideband radiation, and a focusing element for focusing the radiation on a target.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes a body defining a lead lumen having a first opening and a second opening through which a lead can pass. The body further defines a transverse lumen that intersects the lead lumen. An exterior member is disposed around at least a portion of the body. The exterior member is formed of a biocompatible material. A fastener anchors the lead to the body through the transverse lumen by deforming a portion of the lead. The transverse lumen is configured and arranged to receive the fastener. At least at least two suture tabs extend from the exterior member and are configured and arranged for receiving a suture to suture the lead anchor to patient tissue.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a flexible insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, and a distal tip, which is disposed at the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to be brought into contact with tissue in the body cavity. A coupling member couples the distal tip to the distal end of the insertion tube and includes a tubular piece of an elastic material having a helical cut therethrough along a portion of a length of the piece.

Abstract: A system for stimulation/defibrillation of the left ventricle endocardially or from a vein in the coronary system including: a lead body (10) having a lumen, a distal end (12) with an anchor (14) connectable to a wall of a heart chamber or of a vein of the coronary system, and a proximal side with a connector (22) having a first terminal (26). The lumen of the lead houses a microcable (28) with an active free part (30) that emerges from the distal end. An insert (38) formed on the lead body includes a first electrical connection to the first terminal (26) of the connector, and a coupler selectively movable between (i) a released position wherein the microcable is free to slide in lumen of the lead body, and (ii) a closed position, wherein the microcable is both mechanically immobilized in the lead body and electrically connected to first electrical connection.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: An implantable lead for placement by means of a guide wire passing therethrough. The lead has an elongated insulative lead body with an axially extending lumen through at least a distal portion of the lead body. A conductor is mounted within and extends to an electrode assembly mounted to a distal portion of the lead body. A seal housing with a seal located therein located at a distal end of the lead body. The seal is located generally perpendicular to the axis of the lead body and is concave on both its proximal and distal sides. The housing is provided with a cavity adjacent each of the seal's proximal and distal sides, into which the seal may be deflected. The electrode assembly may be mounted to the seal housing.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a conduit comprising an insulating material in a form of a tube having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a lead having a proximal section and a curbed section. The lead can comprise an outer tubular portion having a bias such that the lead assumes a curved shape along the curved section. The lead can further include an inner tubular portion extending within the outer tubular portion, the inner tubular portion comprising an inner coil conductor and an inner polymer jacket over the inner coil conductor along the curved section, the inner tubular member stiffer along the proximal section than the curved section, the outer tubular portion stiffer along the curved section relative to the inner tubular portion along the curved section such that the inner tubular portion can rotate relative to the outer tubular portion while the curved shape is substantially maintained. Relative rotation can extend and rotate and active fixation element.

Abstract: Image data can be obtained with an imaging device. A location of the imaging device relative to a subject can be determined. A location of an instrument can be tracked relative to the subject using a tracking system. Also, the tracked location of the instrument can be illustrated relative to the image data.

Abstract: A heart therapy device having a right-ventricular electrode and a left-ventricular electrode connected to a tachycardia identification unit. The tachycardia identification unit identifies ventricular tachycardia and simultaneously evaluates the heart rate at the right-ventricular and left-ventricular electrodes. The ventricular electrodes each include an electrode line having a corresponding sensing electrode pole that senses electric potential courses in the myocardium of the respective ventricle. The heart therapy device includes a dislocation identification unit that detects a possible dislocation of one of the ventricular electrodes, simultaneously evaluates the heart rate at both ventricular electrodes, and signals a right-ventricular or left-ventricular dislocation when a sudden rise in heart rate is sensed at the right-ventricular or left-ventricular electrode, without detecting a considerable change in rhythm at the respective electrode.

Abstract: A catheter includes a handle, a catheter sheath and a stylet having a shaped distal part received within the catheter sheath. The catheter further has a shape adjustment mechanism including a stylet carrier displaceably carried by the handle and a shape adjuster in the form of a collar rotatable about the handle. Rotational movement of the shape adjuster imparts a motion to the stylet carrier to adjust the shape of the distal part of the stylet.

Abstract: An improved medical electrical lead is disclosed herein. The lead may include a longitudinally extending body having a distal end, a proximal end, a conductive element extending between the distal and proximal ends, and an electrode coupled to the conductive element utilizing a reflow process. The conductive element and electrode may comprise materials that are incompatible.

Abstract: A system for constructing multiple shells (electronic models) indicative of the geometry and/or volume of a bodily lumen, such as a heart chamber, is configured to collect a plurality of location data points as the electrode is swept within the chamber. Each of the collected data points has an associated measured cardiac phase at which such point was acquired. The system is configured to segregate the collected electrode locations into sets based on the phase. Each set is characterized by a particular, associated phase of its constituent electrode locations. The system is configured to generate, for each set, a respective shell that will represent the chamber at the associated phase. The shells, once constructed, may be used for or in connection with a variety of diagnostic, mapping, and/or therapeutic procedures. The system is also configured to verify that the electrode is in contact with the heart tissue before using the collected data point in the shell construction (e.g.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern an implantable lead having a coil electrode, configured to deliver defibrillation therapy, made from filars wound in a helical pattern to have a pitch. An end of the coil electrode can be received within a lumen of a tubular fitting, the lumen having threading that corresponds to the pitch of the filars. A wall of a polymer sleeve extending over the coil electrode can be pinched between the threading of the lumen and the filars to mechanically couple the polymer sleeve to the tubular fitting. The polymer sleeve can be porous to permit delivery of the defibrillation through the wall to tissue. Reception of the polymer sleeve within the lumen of the tubular fitting can allow the entire coil electrode to be within the polymer sleeve to prevent direct contact between tissue and the coil electrode.

Abstract: An implantable lead for sensing mechanical activity of a human heart has an insulating polymeric tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the lead, an electrical conductor provided in the lumen of the polymeric tube, and a sensor connected to the conductor at the distal end thereof. The polymeric tube is provided with a conductive surface layer along the inner face between the polymeric tube and the electrical conductor, the conductive surface layer being in electrical contact with this conductor. Accumulation of electrical charges between the electric conductor and the polymeric tube is thereby prevented.

Abstract: One embodiment is a stimulation lead that includes a lead body having a longitudinal surface, a distal end, and a proximal end; and multiple electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead body near the distal end of the lead body. The electrodes include multiple groups of segmented electrodes with each group of segmented electrodes having multiple segmented electrodes disposed at a same longitudinal position along the lead. For at least one first group of segmented electrodes, a first pair of the segmented electrodes in the first group are disposed on opposite sides of the lead body and are electrically ganged together by a conductor therebetween.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a plurality of mapping electro-cardiogram (ECG) signals from respective mapping electrodes coupled to a surface of a heart of a patient. Multiple reference ECG signals are received from respective reference electrodes coupled to the patient. The multiple reference ECG signals are jointly processed, so as to produce a single timing reference indicative of cardiac cycle timing of the heart. The single timing reference is applied to the mapping ECG signals.

Abstract: A medical device lead includes a proximal connector configured to couple the lead to a pulse generator, an insulative lead body extending distally from the proximal connector, and a conductor assembly extending distally from the proximal connector within the lead body. The conductor assembly includes a conductor having a proximal end electrically coupled to the connector and a distal end electrically coupled to a defibrillation coil. A first portion of the defibrillation coil is exposed at an outer surface of the medical device lead and a second portion of the defibrillation coil is insulated at the outer surface of the medical device lead.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a neurostimulator system includes a pulse generator module and a power source and control module. The pulse generator module includes an electrical stimulation lead and electrodes and is configured to be implanted within a body of a subject, to provide a therapy to the subject, and to receive power wirelessly from a source remote from the pulse generator module. And the power source and control module is configured to be located external to the body of the subject, to cause the pulse generator module to affect the therapy, and to provide power wirelessly to the pulse generator module.

Abstract: A stimulation electrode for a stimulation device for stimulating organs in the case of spinal paraplegia, more particularly in the case of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, including an electrode shaft, at one end of which an electrode tip is arranged for emitting a stimulation signal and at the other end of which a connection region is provided for a signal line, and also at least one fixing mechanism for fixing the position of the electrode shaft in the surrounding tissue along the longitudinal axis of the electrode shaft, the fixing mechanism having at least one holding member preventing a withdrawal and at least one holding member preventing an advance.

Abstract: A microlead includes exposed areas forming stimulation electrodes. The microlead further includes a stimulation zone (ZS) defined by a first preshape of the microcable at the distal end thereof, in a region including the electrodes (30). The microlead further includes a retention zone (ZR) including a retainer shape adapted to abut the wall of the target vessel. The microlead further includes a stretching zone (ZEL) proximal to the retention zone. The stretching zone may be defined by a shape adapted to make the region elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction under the effect of an axial traction/compression stress. The axial traction/compression stiffness in the elongation zone is lower than that in the retention and stimulation areas.

Abstract: A pacemaker is provided. The pacemaker includes a pulse generator and an electrode line connecting with the pulse generator. The electrode line includes a conductor, an insulation layer and a shielding layer. The insulation layer is located on an outer surface of the conductor. The shielding layer is located on an outer surface of the first insulation layer. The shielding layer is a carbon nanotube structure having a plurality of radioactive particles therein.

Abstract: Medical leads included coiled filars that have longitudinally straight ends. The coiled filars may be coiled at a constant pitch until reaching the point where the filars become longitudinally straight. The coiled filars may reside within a central lumen of the lead body, while the longitudinally straight portions may reside in a region where electrical connectors are present and where filar passageways provide a pathway for the filars to exit the central lumen and bond with the electrical connectors. The coiled filars may be created with longitudinally straight ends using a body that includes longitudinally straight holes that receive the filars and maintain the longitudinally straight configuration while the remaining portion of the filars is being coiled.

Abstract: An electrically identifiable medical electrode lead. The lead includes a flexible lead body having a distal end and a connector end. The lead also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed near the distal end of the flexible lead body. The lead further includes a connector disposed at the connector end of the flexible lead body, the connector including a plurality of contacts. The lead additionally includes a plurality of conductors supported by and passing through the flexible lead body, the plurality of conductors including electrical conductors that provide paths for electrical current from the connector to the plurality of electrodes. Finally, the lead includes a memory circuit supported by the flexible lead body and being in electrical communication with a contact of the plurality of contacts in the connector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, a method and a catheter that provide improved ablation capabilities and improved energy efficiency by selectively energizing catheter electrodes on the basis of impedance measurements. In particular, the invention is directed to the selective energization of catheter radial electrodes that together with a tip electrode form a generally continuous tissue contact surface, wherein the selection is made on the basis of impedance measurement as an indication of the amount of tissue contact of each radial electrode.

Abstract: A filar includes an inner conductive core that is formed of a low-resistivity material such as silver having a resistivity of less than 20 ?? per centimeter. A conductive coil is provided around the core to form a filar. This coil is formed of a biocompatible alloy or super alloy having an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of between 150 kilo pounds per square inch (ksi) and 280 ksi at room temperature. Examples of such alloys include CoCrMo, CoFeCrMo, and CoFeNiCrMo. In one specific embodiment, the alloy is MP35N (CoNiCrMo), which may be low-titanium (“low-ti”) MP35N. One or more such filars may be included within a wire. This wire may be carried by an implantable medical apparatus such as a lead, lead extension, or catheter. The wire may electrically couple elements such as connector electrodes to conducting electrodes or sensors.

Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.

Abstract: An electrode catheter for use with an endocardial ablation catheter, wherein the electrode catheter receives the transmitted energy for ablating a portion of the heart. The electrode catheter comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a longitudinal structure there between; and an electrode in communication with said electrode catheter, wherein said electrode receives the transmitted energy from the endocardial ablation catheter, or alternatively an epicardial ablation catheter.

Abstract: Implantable medical leads are shielded with a braided shield that surrounds an inner layer of insulation. An outer layer of insulation may also surround the shield. The shield is designed with parameters that limit the passage of radio frequency energy, particularly in the magnetic resonance imaging spectrum, to filars that are surrounded by the inner layer of insulation. The braided shield has a plurality of parameters and corresponding ranges. The parameters include one or more of braid angle, wire size, number of wires wound per direction, number of wires in a bundle, wire spacing in an axial dimension, ultimate tensile strength, cross-sectional wire shape, material, and distance from termination to a nearest electrode. Additional parameters of the lead related to the shielding also include one or more of inner insulation thickness, and outer insulation thickness.

Abstract: A delivery system for implanting a leadless cardiac pacemaker into a patient is provided. The cardiac pacemaker can include a docking or delivery feature having a through-hole disposed on or near a proximal end of the pacemaker for attachment to the delivery system. In some embodiments, the delivery catheter can include first and second tethers configured to engage the delivery feature of the pacemaker. The tethers, when partially aligned, can have a cross-sectional diameter larger than the through-hole of the delivery feature, and when un-aligned, can have a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the through-hole of the delivery feature. Methods of delivering the leadless cardiac pacemaker with the delivery system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device (2) for electrical stimulation. The device comprising an implantable elongated lead system (20) having a distal end (21) and a proximal end (22), the lead system comprises one or more electrical conductors (23) for connection to one or more electrodes (24). The one or more electrical conductors are wound along a length axis (25) of the lead system with a plurality of windings, and wherein the density of windings is non-uniformly distributed along the length axis. In an embodiment, the medical device is in the form of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device.

Abstract: Catheters and methods are provided for performing medical procedures, such as tissue ablation, adjacent the ostia of anatomical vessels, such as pulmonary veins. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible integrated catheter body having proximal and distal shaft portions and at least one operative element carried by the distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion has a proximal section configured to be internally actuated (e.g., using a steering mechanism or pre-shaping the proximal section) to form a simple curve with an apex that can be inserted into the vessel ostium, an intermediate section pre-shaped to form a curve that bends opposite the simple curve, and a distal section configured to be placed into a non-radial relationship (tangential or oblique) with the vessel ostium when the apex of the simple curve is inserted into the vessel ostium.

Abstract: System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a the brain, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables the incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the same procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing a degree of coupling between an electrode and tissue in a body is provided. Values for first and second components of a complex impedance (e.g., resistance and reactance or impedance magnitude and phase angle) between the electrode and the tissue are obtained. These values are used together with a standardization value indicative of a deviation from a reference standard by a parameter associated with at least one of the body, the electrode and another component of the system to calculate a coupling index that is indicative of a degree of coupling between the electrode and the tissue. The coupling index may be displayed to a clinician in a variety of ways to indicate the degree of coupling to the clinician. The system and method find particular application in ablation of tissue by permitting a clinician to create lesions in the tissue more effectively and safely.

Abstract: A radiofrequency tissue ablation device includes an elongate outer cannula having proximal and distal ends and an intermediate length therebetween where a longitudinal region of the intermediate length is configured as an ablation electrode. A cannula lumen extends longitudinally through the cannula. A stylet extends slidably through the lumen and is secured to the cannula between the ablation electrode and the cannula distal end. The ablation electrode includes a plurality of substantially parallel helical apertures disposed around and extending through a cannula circumference.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this disclosure concern a lead end having an inner support. Such a lead can include a first end, a second end, a main body, and a plurality of exposed electrical elements on each of the lead ends. A metal support can be contained within the first end, the metal support comprising a plurality of longitudinal members and a plurality of cross members between the longitudinal members, the metal support having an interior space. The first lead end can further include polymer fill within the interior space of the metal support and encapsulating at least a substantial portion of the metal support, the polymer fill defining at least some of the exterior surface of the first end between the exposed electrical elements of the first end.

Abstract: An MR compatible deflectable catheter and method of using the same is provided. The MR compatible deflectable catheter includes a steerable sheath having a tubular shaft. The tubular shaft receives first and second longitudinal movement wires at a distal end thereof. A control handle is coupled to a proximal end of the first and second longitudinal movement wires and causes longitudinal movement of the wires.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein can be used to automatically turn on and off stimulation of a target dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and/or adjust stimulation parameters. At least one of an input signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent distal sensory nerve fibers toward the target DRG), an output signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent proximal sensory nerve fibers away from the target DRG) or a DRG signal (indicative of an electrical field produced by cell bodies of primary sensory neurons within the target DRG and resulting from an electrical signal propagated by sensory nerve fibers within the target DRG) is/are obtained and analyzed. Delivery of electrical stimulation is turned on and off and/or at least one of pulse amplitude, pulse width and/or pulse repetition rate is/are adjusted based on results of the analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating mitral regurgitation with electrical stimulation. By providing pacing stimulation to a region of the left ventricle in proximity to the mitral valve apparatus in a manner which pre-excites the region during early ventricular systole, a beneficial effect is obtained which can prevent or reduce the extent of mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A catheter includes a handle, a catheter sheath and a stylet having a shaped distal part received within the catheter sheath. The catheter includes a catheter shape release mechanism comprising the catheter handle and an elongate catheter sheath carrier. The catheter sheath carrier is slidable between a first position in which the shaped distal part of the stylet lies in register with the distal part of the catheter sheath to impart that shape to the catheter sheath and a second position in which the shaped distal part of the stylet is located proximally of the distal part of the catheter sheath. The catheter shape release mechanism enables retraction of the handle and the stylet while keeping the catheter sheath in place in case the catheter snags on tissue when in use.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a first communication equipment includes a first communication unit configured to transmit and receive a signal, and a first conductor electrically connected to the first communication unit. A second communication equipment includes a second conductor, a third conductor located in parallel with the second conductor and set to first reference potential, a fourth conductor separated from the second conductor and located substantially orthogonal to the second conductor, a fifth conductor located in parallel with the fourth conductor and set to the first reference potential, a first detection unit configured to detect a first differential output between signal outputs respectively observed by the second conductor and the fourth conductor, and a second communication unit configured to receive the first differential output and transmit and receives a signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes a guidewire and/or other surgical implement extending from the wound. A hemostatic material is advanced over the surgical implement and into contact with an area of the blood vessel surrounding the wound. The surgical implement is removed. Blood soaks the hemostatic material, and blood clotting is facilitated by the hemostatic agent within the material. A sealing layer of adhesive can be applied to the hemostatic material, confining the blood flow to the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by natural blood clot formation.

Abstract: Cardiac tissue ablation is carried out by defining first regions containing first locations including ganglionated plexi in a heart of a living subject, and inserting a probe into the heart. The method is further carried out by detecting electrical activity in the heart via electrodes on the distal portion of the probe, defining second regions having second locations, wherein the electrical activity exhibits a dominant frequency that is higher than a predefined threshold, defining third regions having third locations, wherein the electrical activity exhibits complex fractionated atrial electrograms, constructing an electroanatomical map of the heart that defines intersections of the first regions and at least one of the second regions and the third regions, selecting ablation sites within the intersections, and ablating cardiac tissue at the ablation sites.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing electrode position, including positioning a plurality of electrodes within a heart and proximate a pulmonary vein; obtaining an impedance measurement from each of the plurality of electrodes; determining whether any of the plurality of electrodes is located within the pulmonary vein based at least in part on the obtained impedance measurements; and generating an indication if at least one of the plurality of electrodes is determined to be located within the pulmonary vein.