Abstract: A device positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may discriminate between fluid (e.g., blood) and non-fluid tissue (e.g., wall of heart) to provide information or a mapping indicative of a position and/or orientation of the device in the cavity. Discrimination may be based on flow, or some other characteristic, for example electrical permittivity or force. The device may selectively ablate portions of the non-fluid tissue based on the information or mapping. The device may detect characteristics (e.g., electrical potentials) indicative of whether ablation was successful. The device may include a plurality of transducers, intravascularly guided in an unexpanded configuration and positioned proximate the non-fluid tissue in an expanded configuration. Expansion mechanism may include helical member(s) or inflatable member(s).

Abstract: This system includes a conductor microcable and an insulating microcatheter, including a hollow tube housing the microcable with the possibility of relative axial translation therebetween. The microcatheter is suitable for permanent implantation. The microcatheter, in its distal portion, includes at least one lateral window formed by a through orifice formed on the wall of the hollow tube. The window forms a stimulation site defined on the wall of the target vein facing the window of the microcatheter, and provides for a region of the microcable surface located at the window to form a stimulation electrode. In its distal portion, the microcable is not isolated at least in the region of the window of the microcatheter. The microcatheter is telescopically moveable on the microcable, so as to modify the position of the stimulation site of the target vein.

Abstract: An implantable electrical medical system comprises a low voltage cathode electrode assembly, including a cathode surface adapted for, intimate contact with electrically active tissue, and a low voltage anode electrode assembly, including an anode surface and a porous layer extending over the anode surface. The cathode surface and the anode surface function as a bipolar pair for pacing and the porous layer extending over the anode surface allows conduction therethrough and prevents the anode surface from contacting the electrically active tissue in order to prevent anodal stimulation.

Abstract: A lead assembly including a porous polyethylene cover. In an example, the cover includes sections that have differing pore sizes. In an example, a section of the cover near a distal end portion of a lead assembly includes pores that are large enough to allow tissue ingrowth. In another example, a lead assembly includes two or more polyethylene covers having different porosities.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes positioning a lead in a patient where the lead has a longitudinal axis that extends from a proximal end to a distal end and where the lead includes an electrode with an electrical center offset from the longitudinal axis of the lead body; measuring electrical potential in a three-dimensional potential field using the electrode; and based on the measuring and the offset of the electrical center, determining lead roll about the longitudinal axis of the lead body where lead roll may be used for correction of field heterogeneity, placement or navigation of the lead or physiological monitoring (e.g., cardiac function, respiration, etc.). Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A distal tip assembly for an elongate medical device having an axis comprises a shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a wall, and a central lumen extending axially between said proximal end portion and said distal end portion. The distal tip assembly further comprises a position sensor disposed in an outer sleeve such that the sensor can shift relative to the sleeve. The sleeve is disposed at least in part in the wall and is substantially fixed thereto.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for diagnosis of conductor anomalies, such as partial conductor failures, in an implantable lead for an implantable medical device are disclosed. In various embodiments, small changes in the lead impedance are identified by the use of a small circuit element that is incorporated as part of the distal end of the implantable lead. In various embodiments, the small circuit element is electrically connected to a lead conductor and/or electrode of the implantable lead. Methods of diagnosing conductor anomalies in accordance with these embodiments generate measured values that depend only on the impedance of the conductors and electrodes of the lead, and not on the behavior of the conductor-tissue interface and other body tissues.

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a lead body having a longitudinal surface and a distal end. The device further includes at least one ring array. The at least one ring array includes a plurality of split ring electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead body. Each of the plurality of split ring electrodes includes a stimulating portion and a base portion coupled to the stimulating portion. The split ring electrodes of the at least one ring array are arranged about the circumference of the lead body. At least a portion of the base portion of at least one of the plurality of split ring electrodes is disposed below, and insulated from, at least a portion of the stimulating portion of another of the plurality of split electrodes.

Abstract: A delivery catheter, including a catheter body, a side port, a first electrode, and a second electrode, is described. The catheter body may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a perimeter surface. The catheter body defines a delivery lumen extending longitudinally within the catheter body. The side port is defined in the perimeter surface of the catheter body proximate the distal end and in communication with the delivery lumen. The electrodes may be adjacent to and spaced from the side port. Techniques for using the delivery catheter to identify a desired lead implantation location, e.g., via the electrodes, and implant a medical lead or other implantable element at the desired location through the delivery lumen and side port are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode arrangement, preferably for the temporary Stimulation or defibrillation of the heart, consisting of at least one unipolar electrode (cathode) (6), which is fixed at the myocardium of the heart, and an indifferent electrode (2a, 2b) which is fixed at the inner wall of the thorax via its supply line and is positioned such that a direct contact to the heart is prevented.

Abstract: A microlead implantable in a patient's venous, arterial or lymphatic networks for the detection and/or stimulation of tissue. The microlead has a diameter at most equal to 2 French (0.66 mm) and comprises at least one microcable (40) comprising a core cable (11) and an insulation layer (20) partially surrounding the core. The core is formed of a plurality of strands, and has a composite structure comprising a structuring material having high fatigue resistance, and a radiopaque material. A denuded area (30) is formed in the isolation layer (20) so as to form at least one electrode for stimulation detection. The microlead is shaped at the electrodes (30) according to at least one electrical contact and mechanical stabilization preshape, and has a gradual decrease of rigidity along the microlead between its proximal portion and its distal portion.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a conductor cable for use in a lead and more specifically to methods and devices related to laser consolidation of the cable. The various conductor cable embodiments and methods provide for at least one end of the cable having a weld mass created by a laser welding process.

Abstract: A delivery system for implanting a biostimulation device comprising a stylet extending along an axis from knob end to a threaded end configured to engage an internally threaded nut of the biostimulation device and a catheter tube configured to axially contain the stylet. The catheter tube comprises a feature that engages a corresponding feature on the biostimulation device whereby the stylet can be rotated relative to the catheter tube for disengagement of the stylet threaded end from the biostimulation device threaded end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of anatomic defects in human tissues, such as patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial or ventricular septal defects, left atrial appendage, patent ductus arteriosis, blood vessel wall defects and certain electrophysiological defects, involve positioning a distal end of an elongate catheter device at the site of the anatomic defect, engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect to bring the tissues together, and applying energy to the tissues with the catheter device to substantially close the anatomic defect acutely. Apparatus generally includes an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a vacuum application member coupled with the distal end for engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect and applying vacuum to the tissues to bring them together, and at least one energy transmission member coupled with the vacuum application member for applying energy to tissues at the site of the anatomic defect to substantially close the defect acutely.

Abstract: Detects external noise using a motion sensor signal for example to increase the specificity of arrhythmia detections based on active muscle noise detection. Whenever a motion signal is present that is below or above a certain frequency, for example 5 Hz, or within a certain frequency range, for example 1 to 10 Hz, and/or above a certain amplitude, for example greater than 1 mg, or close to a known motion pattern, then the detection of fast ventricular arrhythmia is suspended. For the detection of slow arrhythmia, for example asystole or syncope, an episode is confirmed when a short lasting motion sensor signal occurs. Uses a motion sensor based signal, for example as obtained from an accelerometer on an implantable electrode lead and/or implantable device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to implantable medical devices (IMDs); in particular, to medical electrical leads having an integrated sensor disposed in a hermetic package and said sensor package accommodates a torque coil and an elongated cable conductor extending therethrough. The integrated sensor can include a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, and the like. The coil and the cable can couple to pacing and sensing electrode coupled to the lead distal to the sensor package. The sensor package is compact, substantially circular in cross section and robust, in that the overall design promote mechanical stability.

Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. Various aspects for visualizing and manipulating display of the ECG signal data acquired via the present system, together with aspects of various ECG sensor configurations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed related to wires that may be used within a medical device. According to one example, a wire may include a core formed of a material having a resistivity of less than 25 micro-ohm-cm and a layer of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy surrounding the core. As one example, the beta titanium alloy has an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprises at least two elements from a group consisting of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. In one embodiment, the core may be formed of silver, tantalum, a tantalum alloy, niobium, a niobium alloy, platinum, a platinum alloy, palladium, or a palladium alloy. In some examples, one or more wires may be incorporated into a coil or a cable and one or more such coils or cables may be carried by a medical device such as a medical electrical lead.

Abstract: A device and method for cardiac pacing is disclosed in which anodal pacing of the left ventricle is provided. Anodal pacing occurs when an anodal surface area is sufficiently small to create an area of hyper-polarization of the myocardial cell membrane. This creates a virtual cathode at a location remote from the anode. The virtual cathode results in depolarization of the heart in a manner similar to the virtual cathode at the true fixed cathode. In addition a device and method for summation anodal pacing is provided in which one anode is common between two or more cathodes. This results in hyperpolarization of a larger segment of the myocardium as compared to non-summation anodal pacing and thereby forms a larger virtual electrode to enable capture of localized, discrete cardiac structures such as the bundle of His or the very proximal portions of the right and left bundles.

Abstract: A coiled continuous conductor wire of an implantable medical electrical lead includes a first, electrode length and a second, insulated length, wherein the insulated length of the wire has a radial cross-section defined by a round profile, while the electrode length of the wire has a radial cross-section defined by a flattened profile, a long axis edge of which defines an outer diameter surface of the electrode length. The radial cross-section profile, along the electrode length of wire, is preferably flattened after an entire length of the wire has been coiled.

Abstract: A cardiac medical device and associated method control delivery of dual chamber burst pacing pulses in response to detecting tachycardia. A number of cardiac cycles occurring in a first cardiac chamber are identified subsequent to the dual chamber pacing pulses. The number of sensed intrinsic events occurring in a second cardiac chamber during the first chamber cardiac cycles is determined as a number of second chamber events. The tachycardia episode is classified in response to the number of second chamber events.

Abstract: A medical electrical electrode includes an elongated conductive coil located over a lead body, and a conductive polymer material in contact with the lead body and located between individual coils of the elongated conductive coil. In certain embodiments, the conductive polymer is a polymer (e.g., silicone) implanted with a conductive filler (e.g., carbon black). In certain embodiments, the conductive polymer material is generally isodiametric with an outer diameter of the individual coils of the elongated conductive coil. A medical electrical electrode is fabricated by sliding an elongated conductive coil over a length of a lead body, dispersing a conductive polymer on the helical coil, inserting a tubing over the elongated conductive coil, distributing the polymer material between individual turns of the elongated conductive coil, heating the tubing so the tubing shrinks around the elongated conductive coil, and removing the tubing.

Abstract: An electrode support structure assembly is provided comprising an electrode support structure including a plurality of splines. Each of the plurality of splines can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The assembly further comprises a first element defining an axis and comprising an outer surface. The outer surface comprises a plurality of slots configured to receive the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines. The first element is configured such that the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines may move with respect to each slot. In accordance with some embodiments, the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines comprises a section configured for engagement with the first element, wherein the section comprises a shoulder.

Abstract: A medical device lead includes an insulated lead body including at least one electrode, a helically coiled conductor electrically coupled to the at least one electrode, and one or more polymer coils formed coaxially with the helically coiled conductor. The helically coiled conductor includes a plurality of turns having a conductive coil pitch and including one or more conductive filars each having a conductive filar diameter. The one or more polymer coils provide at least about 25 ?N·m of torque transmitting capacity along a length of the medical device lead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to steerable access sheath assembly (12). Moreover, the present invention relates to a steerable short sheath access device (10) for use in epicardial procedures. Embodiments of the present invention including shorter steerable access sheaths or introducers (10, 12) may provide epicardial access for various ablation tools and devices for the performance of various ablation procedures or procedures involving alternate energy sources. The steerable access device (10) provides an elongated member (20) having a proximal section (26) and a distal section (28), wherein the deflection of the distal section (28) provides a primary curve including an inner radius (r1) that result in a secondary curve of proximal section (26) having an inner radius (r2, r3), wherein the inner radius of curvature (r1) of the primary curve is less than the inside radius of curvature (r2, r3) of the secondary curve.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a hemodynamic performance parameter value of a patient's heart. The system includes a pulse generator and a medical electrical lead implanted partially within a coronary vein of the heart. The lead includes at least one sensor located within the coronary vein configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one dimensional parameter of the coronary vein. Changes in the dimensional parameter during one or more cardiac cycles are measured. The hemodynamic performance parameter is estimated based on the change in the dimensional parameter of the coronary vein.

Abstract: Implantable element having an elongate main body, a functional conductor which extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body or forms it, and which acts to implement a medical function of the element and has an inductive section, and magnetic flux generation means for generating a magnetic flux in the surroundings of the functional conductor, in particular of its inductive section, which are magnetically coupled to the functional conductor in such a way that the magnetic flux generated upon a current flux through the functional conductor is counteracted and the current flux density through the functional conductor is thus reduced.

Abstract: A new pacemaker apparatus for treating the physiological electric conduction of the heart that includes a conduction abnormality in a ventricle. The pacemaker includes a pulse generator and a pacing electrode located in the heart, the pulse generator providing pacing signals to the pacing electrode. The pacemaker further includes a signal generation circuit that generates electrical signals from heart-related feedback signals that indicate that the pacing electrode is delivering the pacing signals in a region at or near the His bundle of the heart. The combination of the pulse generator and the signal generation circuit indicates that the pacing electrode is delivering the pacing signals in the region, at or near the His bundle of the heart, to electrically bypass the conduction abnormality of the heart in the ventricle.

Abstract: A tissue electrode assembly includes a membrane configured to form an expandable, conformable body that is deployable in a patient. The assembly further includes a flexible circuit positioned on a surface of the membrane and comprising at least one base substrate layer, at least one insulating layer and at least one planar conducting layer. An electrically-conductive electrode covers at least a portion of the flexible circuit and a portion of the surface of the membrane not covered by the flexible circuit, wherein the electrically-conductive electrode is foldable upon itself with the membrane to a delivery conformation having a diameter suitable for minimally-invasive delivery of the assembly to the patient.

Abstract: A medical device according to the invention for insertion into a human and/or animal body comprises an elongated tubular lead probe including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, an opening which opens into a lumen extending in the axial direction being formed on the proximal end of the lead probe, and the distal end of the lead probe being closed. The medical device further comprises an elongated core which is constructed in such a manner that it can be inserted into the lead probe and removed again via the lumen, and the core is made from non-metallic filaments and a matrix material.

Abstract: A transvenously implantable medical device (TIMD) includes an electrical lead and a control module. The electrical lead includes one or more electrodes and is adapted for transvenous implantation. The electrical lead is also pre-biased to expand from a collapsed state to an expanded state to mechanically engage an internal wall of a blood vessel. The control module is secured to and in electrical communication with the electrical lead. The control module includes a signal management component and a power component disposed in a housing adapted for implantation into the blood vessel. The control module is adapted for at least one of stimulating and sensing a physiologic response using the one or more electrodes of the electrical lead.

Abstract: Improving cardiac response in terms of pressure, ejected volume, and filling and ejection times by cardiac reverse remodelling, including temporary, occasionally harmful stimulation sequences. An original pacing configuration (a) is switched to a modified pacing configuration (b) in a direction opposite to that of an optimization of the hemodynamic parameters, to cause an immediate change in the response to controlled stimulation of the myocardium. This response is assessed based on: the maximum value (P (b, a)) achieved by the peak-to-peak (PEA (i)) of the first peak of endocardial acceleration (PEA) after a pacing configuration change, the mean PEA value (A (b, a)) after stabilization, the PEA variability (V (b, a)) around this average value, and the duration (T (b, a)) of stabilization after the pacing configuration change.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The lead may include a longitudinally extending body, an electrical conductor, a tube and an electrical component, such as, for example, an electrode for sensing or pacing, a defibrillation coil, a strain gage, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an integrated chip, an inductor, etc. The body may include a distal end and a proximal end. The electrical conductor may extend through the body between the proximal end and the distal end. The tube may be swaged about an outer circumferential portion of the electrical conductor. The electrical component may be on the body and electrically connected to the tube.

Abstract: A peel-away lead implant tool is described. The peel away lead implant tool is adapted to be disposed over the terminal connector of a lead during an implantation procedure to protect the terminal connector. The peel-away lead implant tool includes a flexible polymer sheath including electrical contacts formed in a contact region of the sheath. The electrical contacts can be either metal foil contacts or conductive polymer contacts and extend from an outer surface to an inner surface of the sheath such that when the testing apparatus is coupled to the lead implant tool, the electrical contacts are pressed into electrical contact with the ring electrodes located on the terminal connector. The lead implant tool also includes various removal means facilitating the easy removal of the implant tool from the terminal connector when the implantation procedure is complete.

Abstract: An external pacemaker with at least one electrode temporarily connectable to the heart, and at the distal end of which is an active region, which makes contact with heart tissue, and at the proximal end is a contact plug. The electrode is for transmission of stimulation, defibrillation, and/or cardioversion pulses and is plugged into a pacemaker plug socket. The contact plug has first and second contact regions at its plug part. The plug socket matches the contact plug with two mating contacts, the first for transmitting stimulation pulses and the second for transmitting defibrillation and/or cardioversion pulses. In the plugged-in position, only the contact region on the plug part makes contact with the mating contact provided for transmitting the defibrillation and/or cardioversion pulses, such that no defibrillation and/or cardioversion pulse can be transmitted to electrodes which are unsuitable for defibrillation and/or cardioversion and have only a single-stage contact plug.

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface and a distal end. The lead includes a longitudinal rail disposed within the distal end of the lead. The longitudinal rail includes at least two prongs, each prong being configured and arranged to receive at least one segmented electrode. The lead further includes a plurality of segmented electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes is coupled to one of the at least two prongs of the rail.

Abstract: Systems and methods for temporarily pacing a patient's heart are provided. One system includes a hemostasis valve with an adjustable electrical connection, the adjustable electrical connection having one or more adjustable contacts. The adjustable contacts have a first, radially expanded configuration and a second, radially constricted configuration. In the radially constricted configuration, the adjustable contacts are configured to pierce through a layer of an elongate medical device that is disposed in the hemostasis valve. The elongate medical device has a distal electrode and a conductor extending along a portion of the elongate medical device. The adjustable contacts pierce through a make contact with the conductor, providing an electrical pathway to the distal electrode. Also provided are vascular access systems including a hemostasis valve and a guide catheter, guide wire torquers with adjustable contacts and methods of temporarily pacing a patient's heart.

Abstract: Methods of locating a tip of a central venous catheter (“CVC”) relative to the superior vena cava, sino-atrial node, right atrium, and/or right ventricle using electrocardiogram data. The CVC includes at least one electrode. In particular embodiments, the CVC includes two or three pairs of electrodes. Further, depending upon the embodiment implemented, one or more electrodes may be attached to the patient's skin. The voltage across the electrodes is used to generate a P wave. A reference deflection value is determined for the P wave detected when the tip is within the proximal superior vena cava. Then, the tip is advanced and a new deflection value determined. A ratio of the new and reference deflection values is used to determine a tip location. The ratio may be used to instruct a user to advance or withdraw the tip.

Abstract: An electrode catheter, in particular for cardiac therapy, includes an elongated, tube-type catheter body, a ring electrode before the distal end of the electrode catheter for delivery and/or measurement of an electrical signal, in particular an electrocardio signal, by way of the outer electrode contact surface thereof, and a supply lead for the electrical connection of the ring electrode. The ring electrode is mounted on the catheter body such that it can be displaced relative thereto in the longitudinal axial direction.

Abstract: Methods and devices for comprising: obtaining an estimated heart rate training zone for a user; measuring the pulse rate of the user; and performing a plurality of computerized talk tests, such that a higher number of computerized talk tests are performed when the measured pulse rate is more in the vicinity of the estimated heart rate training zone than outside the vicinity of the estimated heart rate training zone. Other embodiments include devices for controlling an exercise program, comprising: an interface to an element configured to play auditory signals, and an interface to an element configured to record a user's speech in accordance with the auditory signals; wherein the device is configured to provide an indication upon identifying involuntary interruptions in the user's speech.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a cardiac signal sensing circuit and a first implantable electrode pair. At least one electrode of the first implantable electrode pair is configured for placement at a location in a right branch of a His bundle of the subject. The apparatus can include a therapy circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit can include an AH delay calculation circuit configured to calculate an optimal paced AH delay interval. The pacing stimulation location is distal to a location of RV conduction block in a right branch of the His bundle. The control circuit initiates delivery of an electrical stimulation pulse to the stimulation location in the His bundle according to the calculated paced AH delay interval and in response to an intrinsic depolarization event sensed in an atrium of the subject.

Abstract: A conductive coil arrangement, in particular for electrode catheters for cardiac therapy, including a multipolar conductive coil having a plurality of coradially interwoven individual coil wires and a contact zone in which at least one individual coil wire from the conductive coil can be connected to a contact element for electrical contacting. The at least one individual coil wire to be contacted is routed outwardly out of the wire interconnection of the conductive coil with a radial direction component. The remainder of the conductive coil is routed further centrally axially through the contact zone.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal a mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a linear control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The linear control assembly has a linear control member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the linear control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: Medical devices and therapeutic methods for use in the field of cardiology, cardiac rhythm management and interventional cardiology, and more specifically to catheter-based systems for implantation of pacing leads and electrodes, or intramural myocardial reinforcement devices, within the myocardial wall of the heart, such as the ventricles, to provide improved cardiac function.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high density mapping catheter including a number of shape memory electrode fibers and associated methods of construction and operation. The invention ensures good electrical contact between a large number of mapping electrodes and cardiac tissue in relation to a number of cardiac tissue approach angles, including head-on approaches. In addition, the invention allows for a reduced range of deflection angles in relation to deployment and retraction of the electrode fibers, thereby reducing resistance to retraction and reducing stress on the fibers and associated concerns regarding patient safety. The catheter of the present invention allows for rapid acquisition of a large amount of mapping data and allows for a variety of different geometries in relation to sweeping of the catheter across the cardiac tissue.

Abstract: A medical device lead includes an electrode, a helically coiled conductor electrically coupled to the electrode, and a polymer sheath formed over the helically coiled conductor. The helically coiled conductor includes a plurality of turns helically wound around a longitudinal axis of the conductor, and consists of one filar.

Abstract: An embodiment of an open-irrigated catheter system comprises a tip section, a distal insert, and mapping electrodes. The tip section has an exterior wall that defines an open interior region within the tip section. The exterior wall includes mapping electrode openings and irrigation ports. The exterior wall is conductive for delivering radio frequency (RF) energy for an RF ablation procedure. The irrigation ports are in fluid communication with the open interior region to allow fluid to flow from the open interior region through the irrigation ports. The distal insert is positioned within the tip section to separate the open region into a distal fluid reservoir and a proximal fluid reservoir. The mapping electrodes are positioned in the mapping electrode openings in the tip section.

Abstract: A lead including one or more electrodes having circuitry associated therewith. Each such electrode includes a circuit extending along and conforming to at least a portion of an inner surface of the electrode. The circuit includes an isolation substrate contacting at least a portion of the inner surface of the cylindrical electrode portion, a first contact electrically isolated from the electrode portion by the isolation substrate and an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the first contact and the electrode.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes a ring component having mechanical coupling features, and at least one polymer component mechanically coupled with the mechanical coupling features of the ring component. Elongate tubing is disposed over the polymer component and is secured with the polymer component.

Abstract: A method and a system to increase the reliability of the electrical connections between the electrodes and the battery/controlling electronics of an electrical stimulating device as DBS (Deep Brain Stimulator), heart pacemakers and the like. We disclose a redundant connector which in prior art is used to complete the connection between the wires leading to the electrodes and the wires leading to the battery/controlling electronics, which is subject to loss of continuity due to the adverse effect of body fluids, and a set of redundant wires from this redundant connector to the battery/controlling electronics, which often breaks, due to repeated motion by the human subject, particularly in the DBS case, where the wires run down the neck of the human subject.