Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter for an adiabatic logic circuit, including at least one variable-capacitance cell, the cell including first and second main terminals and at least one control terminal insulated from its first and second main terminals and capable of receiving a control voltage to vary the capacitance between its first and second main terminals between a low value and a high value, wherein: the cell has its first main terminal coupled to a node of application of a variable periodic converter power supply voltage; the cell has its second main terminal coupled to a node for supplying a binary output signal of the converter; and the cell receives on its first control terminal an analog input voltage of the converter.

Abstract: An implantable medical system for intra-body communication, comprising an implantable first device. The first device comprises a plurality of capacitors and a DC blocking capacitor. The first device is configured to discharge the plurality of capacitors via the DC blocking capacitor in an encoded sequence to generate a signal.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker system and control methods thereof are disclosed, wherein pacing logic and timing functions are enabled by a microprocessor and sensing and pulse delivery capabilities are accomplished by a peripheral IC. The microprocessor communicates with the peripheral IC via serial interfaces and electrical level signals. This allows for full use of internal resources of the modern ultra-low power microprocessor, lowering the dependence of the system on the peripheral IC and reducing the effort required for digital circuit design.

Abstract: For saving power in a monitoring system for monitoring physiological data of a patient, motion activity data of the patient is obtained and measurements of physiological data of the patient are initiated, only when the motion activity is both non-zero and below a selected threshold.

Abstract: A trial stimulation system includes a disposable trial electrical stimulator that, in some examples, is sterilized for a single use in a stimulation trial of one patient. Additionally, systems for securing a disposable trial stimulator to the body of a patient are described, which may function to improve the durability of the system during the trial period and reduce the risk of damage or malfunction to the system due to lead/electrode dislocation and/or off-label uses like showering or bathing with the trial stimulator still secured to the body.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for selectively enabling a control system using a biometric and a physiological sensor to determine the status of an operator. An input component is operatively coupled to the sensor to permit an operator to initialize the sensor. A central processor unit is operatively coupled to the operator sensor and the central processor unit has a transceiver operatively coupled therewith for processing and evaluating the biometric and physiological information; A transceiver coupled with a remote ground control; an override operatively coupled to the ground control. Alternatively, the present invention comprises a security control center, which controls the operation of at least one biometric sensor and at least on physiological sensor; the security control center also capable of detecting said normal and said abnormal sensory reading and the central processing unit in response to said sensory reading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device, having a catheter (1), an actuation device (8) at a first end of the catheter and also a mechanical transmission element (9, 10) for transmitting a movement along the catheter to the actuation device, the actuation device having a coupling element (14) which is connected to the transmission element (9, 10) and can be actuated by the latter relative to the longitudinal direction of the catheter in a first degree of freedom, and also a conversion element (15) which can be actuated by the coupling element and which converts the actuation movement at least partially into a movement in a second degree of freedom. As a result, a combined movement at the distal end of the catheter can be produced particularly simply for compression and release of a functional element.

Abstract: The present document discusses medical device systems and related methods. In an embodiment, a medical device system can include a cardiac device. The cardiac device can include a processor, a memory, a communications circuit, and one or more sensors. The cardiac device can be configured to engage a sensor mode specific for patients receiving or having implanted ventricular assist devices. The cardiac device can be configured to process data as specified by the sensor mode specific for patients receiving or having implanted ventricular assist devices. In an embodiment, a method for monitoring heart failure patients is discussed. In an embodiment, a method of controlling devices for heart failure patients is discussed. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Various techniques are described for periodically performing a calibration routine to calibrate a low-power system clock within an implantable medical device (IMD) based on a high accuracy reference clock also included in the IMD. The system clock is powered continuously, and the reference clock is only powered on during the calibration routine. The techniques include determining a clock error of the system clock based on a difference between frequencies of the system clock and the reference clock over a fixed number of clock cycles, and adjusting a trim value of the system clock to compensate for the clock error. Calibrating the system clock with a delta-sigma loop, for example, reduces the clock error over time. This allows accurate adjustment of the system clock to compensate for errors due to trim resolution, circuit noise and temperature.

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: An implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator that includes EEG sensing for monitoring and treating neurological conditions, and leadless ECG sensing for monitoring cardiac signals. The device includes a connector block with provisions for cardiac leads which may be used/enabled when needed. If significant co-morbid cardiac events are observed in patients via the leadless ECG monitoring, then cardiac leads may be subsequently connected for therapeutic use.

Abstract: Cardioprotective pre-excitation pacing may be applied to stress or de-stress a particular myocardial region delivering of pacing pulses in a manner that causes a dyssynchronous contraction. Such dyssynchronous contractions are responsible for the desired cardioprotective effects of pre-excitation pacing. A method and device for applying reverse hysteresis and mode switching to the delivery of such cardioprotective pacing are described.

Abstract: A release mechanism (100, 100a) for releasing a medical implant (105) from an insertion device (110), comprising a body (10) having a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14), wherein between the proximal end and the distal end (12, 14) an actuator (16, 16a) is provided, wherein for generating a selective relative displacement between the first and second insertion elements (72; 74) of the insertion device (110), the actuator (16, 16a) has a first and at least a second direction of motion (18; 20), wherein in the first direction of motion (18), the first and second insertion elements (72; 74) can be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction (18), and wherein in the at least second direction of motion (20), the actuator (16, 16a) effects a movement transversely to the longitudinal direction (18).

Abstract: In the present disclosure, conservation of an implantable medical device power supply of is facilitated by controlling the power consumption of the device's processing component. The power supplied to the processing component is controlled to enable processing of received events as a function of predetermined criteria rather than the actual occurrence of the events which is frequent, but irregular. Accordingly, the need for the processing component to start and stop (and thereby be fully powered on each start) with receipt of each event is obviated thereby maintaining the power consumption of the processing component and increasing longevity of the device. Event data associated with received events is stored in an event queue and subsequently retrieved and transmitted for processing based on predetermined criteria. The power supplied during an idle state of the processing component may be reduced in relation to the power supplied during a wake up state.

Abstract: A pump for inducing flow within a vascular system comprises two inlets. The pump has a first configuration for deployment within the vascular system and a second, operable configuration for directing the fluid flow within the vascular system, where the second configuration has a greater diameter than the first configuration. A centrifugal impeller is configured to induce the fluid flow by rotation about an axis of rotation, where the flow is in a direction generally transverse to the impeller's axis of rotation.

Abstract: A nerve block catheter system employs an indwelling, flexible catheter comprising a tissue lock to retain the catheter tip in pharmacologically proximity to a target nerve and optionally, a decoupler that insulates the tip of the catheter from proximal tissue movement.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation device including a stimulation module and a data communication module. The stimulation device includes electrodes to delivery stimulation pulses, a voltage source, a DC-blocking capacitor and autoshort switch. The voltage source is connected to the electrodes via stimulation-pulse-switch(s) that controls delivery pacing pulses. The DC-blocking capacitor is connected with the voltage source and an electrode. The autoshort switch allows discharging of the DC-blocking capacitor via the electrodes when closed. The data communication module includes a data transmission control module connected to the autoshort switch and/or the at least one stimulation-pulse-switch, to alternatingly open and close the autoshort switch or the at least one stimulation-pulse-switch respectively, during an autoshort period following the delivery of a stimulation pulse or during a stimulation pulse period, respectively, to modulate an autoshort pulse or a stimulation pulse peak amplitude, respectively.

Abstract: A cardiac therapy device having a cardiac assist pump, a defibrillation unit, and a control unit, which is connected to the cardiac assist pump and the defibrillation unit to control them. The cardiac assist pump is implemented in case of use to pump blood from a ventricle into an associated artery and thus relieve the respective ventricle. The defibrillation unit is implemented for automatic defibrillation of a ventricular fibrillation and the control unit is implemented to activate the cardiac assist pump and the defibrillation unit in a coordinated manner in case of a ventricular fibrillation such that the cardiac assist pump first increases its performance to initially cause a pressure relief of at least one assisted ventricle in case of use and the defibrillation unit only subsequently delivers a defibrillation shock, when a ventricular pressure relief is provided.

Abstract: The pump is of an axial flow rotary type suitable for implantation into the human heart or vascular system. The pump has an elongate tubular casing (1) including an electric motor (4) and defining an inlet (2) for blood, an outlet (3) for blood longitudinally spaced from the inlet and a substantially axial blood flow path (8) from the inlet to the outlet. An elongate rotatable element (7) is arranged to fit within the casing with spacing (15) between an outer surface of the rotatable element and an inner surface of the casing; the rotatable element comprises an electric motor rotor portion (10) arranged to be driven by the electric motor stator and a primary substantially axial blood flow path along the inside of the rotatable element. A rotary impeller (11) is provided axially spaced from the rotor portion for impelling blood along the primary flow path.

Abstract: A pump for inducing flow within a vascular system comprises two inlets. The pump has a first configuration for deployment within the vascular system and a second, operable configuration for directing the fluid flow within the vascular system, where the second configuration has a greater diameter than the first configuration. A centrifugal impeller is configured to induce the fluid flow by rotation about an axis of rotation, where the flow is in a direction generally transverse to the impeller's axis of rotation.

Abstract: A blood pump assembly includes a blood pump configured for implantation and a cable assembly for providing power and control signals to the blood pump. The cable assembly includes a strain relief assembly and a driveline. The strain relief assembly secures the cable assembly to the blood pump and has an outer surface that is curved along a longitudinal extent of the strain relief assembly at least along an outer peripheral side of the outer surface. The strain relief assembly defines a compartment and an internal passage that leads to the compartment. The driveline houses a plurality of conductors that extend from the driveline through the internal passage and into the compartment.

Abstract: Various techniques for disabling a first implantable medical device (IMD) by modulation of therapeutic electrical stimulation delivered by a second medical device are described. One example method includes delivering therapeutic electrical stimulation from a more recently implanted second IMD at a higher average rate than the previously implanted first IMD so that only the more recently implanted IMD will administer therapy, and modulating stimulation by the more recently implanted IMD in order to send a disable command to the previously implanted IMD.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, conservation of an implantable medical device power supply of is facilitated by controlling the power consumption of the device's processing component. The power supplied to the processing component is controlled to enable processing of received events as a function of predetermined criteria rather than the actual occurrence of the events which is frequent, but irregular. Accordingly, the need for the processing component to start and stop (and thereby be fully powered on each start) with receipt of each event is obviated thereby maintaining the power consumption of the processing component and increasing longevity of the device. Event data associated with received events is stored in an event queue and subsequently retrieved and transmitted for processing based on predetermined criteria. The power supplied during an idle state of the processing component may be reduced in relation to the power supplied during a wake up state.

Abstract: The system and method of the present application includes a wireless transmitter adapted to receive physiological signals from a patient and to wirelessly transmit the physiological signals to a receiver, where a display device prepares the physiological signal for display on a display monitor. In one embodiment, both the wireless transmitter and receiver further include an estimation algorithm module. The estimation algorithm module in each of the wireless transmitter and the receiver calculate a physiological signal based on a collected signal. The system displays the calculated, estimated signal unless the error of the estimated signal reaches a predetermined threshold. When the estimated signal is being displayed, no transmission from the wireless transmitter is necessary.

Abstract: A medical device having a unit in communication with ancillary components wherein the unit and the ancillary components each have a sensory output through which communication with a user of the medical device may be accomplished and to which the user's attention directed. In one aspect, the medical device is an AED unit with associated pads, which are an ancillary component electrically connected to the AED unit. In this illustrative example, the unit has a unit sensory output (e.g., a speaker or a display), and the pads, and/or their associated packaging, have an ancillary sensory output (e.g. a speaker or display). Programming in the AED unit controls output to the sensory outputs such that the user's attention is directed between the unit and the ancillary components.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes accessing cardiac information acquired via a catheter located at various positions in a venous network of a heart of a patient wherein the cardiac information comprises position information with respect to time for one or more electrodes of the catheter; performing a principal component analysis on at least some of the position information; and selecting at least one component of the principal component analysis to represent an axis of a cardiac coordinate system. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

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: The invention relates to a stimulation device for creating complex or multi-purpose tissue stimulation. Many typical stimulation devices suffer from deficiencies in providing complex stimulation patterns. Using a circuitry operable or programmable to repeat and skip stimulation settings, a complex stimulation set may be created. The repeating and skipping functionality may be implemented in hardware or software. In this manner, complex stimulations may be derived from simple circuitries. Furthermore, these stimulations may be used to treat pain, stimulate bone growth, and control motor disorders, among others.

Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a variable pumping stroke from a pump comprising a pumping chamber, a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a valving mechanism, and a drive piston. In one embodiment, the pump inlet is in fluid communication with the pumping chamber regardless of the location of the drive piston within the pumping chamber, and the pump outlet is similarly in fluid communication with the pumping chamber regardless of the location of the drive piston within the pumping chamber.

Abstract: An external defibrillator having a battery; a capacitor electrically communicable with the battery; at least two electrodes electrically communicable with the capacitor and with the skin of a patient; a controller configured to charge the capacitor from the battery and to discharge the capacitor through the electrodes; and a support supporting the battery, capacitor, electrodes and controller in a deployment configuration, the defibrillator having a maximum weight per unit area in the deployment configuration of 0.1 lb/in2 and/or a maximum thickness of 1 inch. The support may be a waterproof housing.

Abstract: A telemetry system is presented for enabling radio-frequency (RF) communications between an implantable medical device and an external device in a manner which reduces the power requirements of the implantable device by duty cycling its RF circuitry.

Abstract: In a catheter (2) to assist the performance of a heart (1) with at least one pump (7), the pump is formed as a rotary pump at the distal end of the catheter (2), the rotor (6) lying distally on the outer side being coupled via a magneto coupling with a drive wheel (21), formed as a hydraulically or pneumatically operated paddle wheel, arranged inside the catheter (2). The driving fluid is supplied to the paddle wheel via a lumen (22) of the catheter (2) and is carried off via a further lumen (23) of the catheter.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with an implantable cardiac stimulation device equipped for multi-site left ventricular (MSLV) pacing using a multi-pole LV lead. In one example, referred to herein as QuickStim, cardiac pacing configurations are optimized based on an assessment of hemodynamic benefit and device longevity. In another example, referred to herein as QuickSense, cardiac sensing configurations are optimized based on sensing profiles input by a clinician. Various virtual sensing channels are also described that provide for the multiplexing or gating of sensed signals. Anisotropic oversampling is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stimulation device for creating complex or multi-purpose tissue stimulation. Many typical stimulation devices suffer from deficiencies in providing complex stimulation patterns. Using a circuitry operable or programmable to repeat and skip stimulation settings, a complex stimulation set may be created. The repeating and skipping functionality may be implemented in hardware or software. In this manner, complex stimulations may be derived from simple circuitries. Furthermore, these stimulations may be used to treat pain, stimulate bone growth, and control motor disorders, among others.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering both anti-tachy pacing (ATP) therapy and high-voltage shock therapy in response to detection of abnormal cardiac rhythms is disclosed. The system controls the time between delivering ATP therapy and the charging of high-voltage capacitors in preparation for shock delivery based on a predetermined set of criteria. In one embodiment, the inventive system operates in an ATP During Capacitor Charging (ATP-DCC) mode wherein all, or substantially all, of the ATP therapy is delivered during charging of the high-voltage capacitors. Based on evaluation of the predetermined set of criteria, the system may switch to an additional ATP Before Capacitor Charging (ATP-BCC) mode, wherein substantially all of the ATP therapy is delivered prior to charging of the high-voltage capacitor. According to one aspect of the invention, the predetermined set of criteria is based, at least in part, on the effectiveness of previously-delivered ATP therapy.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system for gathering physiologic data related to a human body includes a sensor device implanted in the human body, an inductive coil communicably coupled to the implanted sensor device; and a manager device in communication with the implanted sensor device via the inductive coil. The coil may be wrapped around the sensor device or attached to the sensor device fixation. An embodiment of a method for gathering physiologic data related to a physiologic parameter in a human body includes communicably coupling an inductive coil to communication circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD), deploying the inductive coil and the IMD into a vessel of the human body, and inducing current in the inductive coil via the communication circuitry, the current representative of data associated with the IMD.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator that includes EEG sensing for monitoring and treating neurological conditions, and leadless ECG sensing for monitoring cardiac signals. The device includes a connector block with provisions for cardiac leads which may be used/enabled when needed. If significant co-morbid cardiac events are observed in patients via the leadless ECG monitoring, then cardiac leads may be subsequently connected for therapeutic use.

Abstract: The application relates to a stimulation device with power conservation functionality. In implantable devices, power supplies may be limited. Replenishing these power supplies may require costly surgery or periodic recharging depending on the model. A method may be implemented that skips or drops periodic pulses without apparently changing the frequency of the pulses. In this manner, the dropped pulses may be undetected by the patient. On the other hand, the dropped pulse represents power savings. Dropping one in ten pulses may lead to a 10% energy savings. The stimulation device may implement the method with one or more counters implemented in hardware or software.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a pulsatile heart assist device (14) in a patient (10). The method consisting of utilising sounds produced by the heart (12) to control the operation of the heart assist device (14).

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes a telemetry module to communicate with an external device according to a given protocol. To establish a communication session, the IMD will extend active periods of reception on a given channel when some confirmed data is received from the external device. In addition, once a session has been opened, the programmer transmits a short data set (or preamble) for each cycle which the IMD is set to receive. This data set indicates whether additional data will or will not be sent. If no additional data is to be sent during that cycle, then the IMD powers down the receiver for that cycle.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes providing a maximum right ventricular systolic pressure value and corresponding time during a cardiac cycle, providing a left ventricular displacement value for the corresponding time, determining a product of the maximum right ventricular systolic pressure value and the magnitude of the left ventricular displacement value and assessing ventricular synchrony for the cardiac cycle based at least in part on the product. Such a method may include adjusting one or more cardiac pacing parameters based at least in part on the product. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes a telemetry module to communicate with an external device according to a given protocol. To establish a communication session, the IMD will extend active periods of reception on a given channel when some confirmed data is received from the external device. In addition, once a session has been opened, the programmer transmits a short data set (or preamble) for each cycle which the IMD is set to receive. This data set indicates whether additional data will or will not be sent. If no additional data is to be sent during that cycle, then the IMD powers down the receiver for that cycle.

Abstract: A system and method for waking up an implantable medical device (“IMD”) from a sleep state in which power consumption by the IMD is essentially zero. The IMD may be adapted to perform one or more designated measurement and/or therapeutic functions. In one embodiment, the IMD includes a wake-up sensor that is adapted to sense the presence or absence of a wake-up field generated by another IMD or an external device. The wake-up field may, in some embodiments, be an electromagnetic field, a magnetic field, or a physiologically sub-threshold excitation current (i.e., E-field). Upon sensing by the wake-up sensor of the wake-up field, other components of the IMD, which may include a controller, a sensing and/or therapy module, and/or a communications module, are awakened to perform one or more designated functions.

Abstract: An implantable medical device with a main processor also has a telemetry processor to perform some telemetry processing functions resulting under some circumstances in reducing demands on the main processor, conserving energy, increasing telemetry processing speed, and many other advantages. A wide variety of implantable medical devices can be configured with a telemetry processor including neuro stimulators, pacemakers, defibrillators, drug delivery pumps, diagnostic recorders, and cochlear implants. The telemetry processor includes control logic, a data decoder, a receive buffer, a data encoder, and a transmit buffer. Methods of receiving messages and transmitting messages with a telemetry processor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling an implantable medical device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a voltage of a power source within the implantable medical device is monitored. If this voltage is above a first threshold, the implantable medical device enables the following functions: it listens for a first type of telemetry from a first external component; it listens for a second type of telemetry from an external charging component; and it provides stimulation to device electrodes using the power source. By contrast, if the power source voltage falls below the first threshold, the implant discontinues listening for the first type of telemetry from the first external component and discontinues providing stimulation to device electrodes using the power source, but continues to listen for the second type of telemetry.

Abstract: The application relates to a stimulation device with power conservation functionality. In implantable devices, power supplies may be limited. Replenishing these power supplies may require costly surgery or periodic recharging depending on the model. A method may be implemented that skips or drops periodic pulses without apparently changing the frequency of the pulses. In this manner, the dropped pulses may be undetected by the patient. On the other hand, the dropped pulse represents power savings. Dropping one in ten pulses may lead to a 10% energy savings. The stimulation device may implement the method with one or more counters implemented in hardware or software.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes a telemetry module to communicate with an external device according to a given protocol. To establish a communication session, the IMD will extend active periods of reception on a given channel when some confirmed data is received from the external device. In addition, once a session has been opened, the programmer transmits a short data set (or preamble) for each cycle which the IMD is set to receive. This data set indicates whether additional data will or will not be sent. If no additional data is to be sent during that cycle, then the IMD powers down the receiver for that cycle.

Abstract: Heart stimulating system for stimulating at least a ventricle of a heart including: stimulation pulse generator adapted to generate stimulation pulses and connected to a ventricular stimulation electrode for delivering stimulation pulses, atrial sensing stage connected to an electrode for picking up potentials inside an atrium and adapted to sense an excitation or contraction of atrial myocardium, ventricular sensing stage connected to an electrode for picking up potentials inside a ventricle and adapted to sense an excitation or contraction of ventricular myocardium, memory for AV-delay values, a control unit adapted to trigger said stimulation pulse generator to generate ventricular stimulation pulses timed based on AV-delay values stored in said memory and to acquire atrioventricular interval samples, and atrioventricular interval timing analyzing unit for receiving atrioventricular interval samples from said control unit and adapted to generate at least one histogram based on said atrioventricular interva

Abstract: An artificial cardiac pump includes an impeller (3) rotatably supported on a fixed shaft body (2) in a housing (1) and a drive mechanism rotating the impeller, wherein blood is taken in from the front side and force-fed to the rear side by the rotation of the impeller (3). The shaft body (2) is connected between a front side fixed body (5) fixed to a straightening plate (4) joined to the housing (1) at the front of the impeller (3) and a rear side fixed body (7) fixed to a diffuser (6) joined to the housing (1) at the rear of the impeller (3). The impeller (3) further includes a sleeve (8) having an inner peripheral surface opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body (2) through a minute clearance and front and rear end faces opposed to the rear end face of the front side fixed body (5) and the front end face of the rear side fixed body (7) through minute clearances, and an impeller (9) joined to the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve (8).