Abstract: Methods and systems can facilitate identifying effective electrodes and other stimulation parameters, as well as determining whether to use cathodic and anodic stimulation. Alternately, the methods and systems may identify effective electrodes and other stimulation parameters based on preferential stimulation of different types of neural elements. These methods and systems can further facilitate programming an electrical stimulation system for stimulating patient tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuitry of a biopotential acquisition system, where the circuitry includes an input node, an ETI transmitter, a capacitor and an ETI receiver. The input node is configured to receive an input signal from an electrode of the biopotential acquisition system. The ETI transmitter is configured to generate a transmitter signal. A first node of the capacitor is coupled to the ETI transmitter, and a second node of the capacitor is coupled to the input node. The ETI receiver is coupled to the input node, and is configured to receive the transmitter signal via the capacitor to generate an ETI.

Abstract: A method for identifying reversible cardiac dyssynchrony (RCD) of a patient and treating the RCD measures an event relating to a rapid increase in the rate of pressure increase within the left ventricle. The method calculates a first time delay between the event and a first reference time. If the first time delay is longer than a set fraction of electrical activation of the heart, then the presence of cardiac dyssynchrony in the patient is identified. Pacing is applied to the heart, and a second time delay between the event following pacing and a second reference time following pacing is calculated. If the second time delay is shorter than the first time delay, the method identifies a shortening of a delay to onset of myocardial synergy, OoS, thereby identifying the presence of RCD in the patient. Treatment of the RCD is performed.

Abstract: The present invention involves approaches for selecting one or more electrode combinations.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for stimulating a human or animal heart. In operation, the device performs the following steps: a) sensing an atrial electric signal a the first detection unit; b) sensing an electric signal at the His bundle with a second detection unit upon termination of a first time period starting upon sensing the atrial electric signal with the first detection unit and/or starting upon applying a stimulation pulse, wherein the first time period lies in a range of from 10 ms to 100 ms; c) classifying the electric signal sensed with the second detection unit as His bundle activity signal or as ventricular activity signal.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for stimulating a human/animal heart, comprising a housing, a processor, a memory unit, a stimulation unit configured to stimulate the His bundle, and a detection unit configured to detect an electrical signal at the His bundle. The device performs: a) stimulating the His bundle with a stimulation pulse delivered by the stimulation unit; b) measuring an electric signal at the His bundle with the detection unit upon termination of a first period of time starting upon delivering of the stimulation pulse, wherein the first period of time is from 35 ms to 500 ms; c) measuring an impedance of the same heart with the detection unit upon termination of a second period of time starting upon delivering of the stimulation pulse, wherein the second period of time is equal to or longer than the first period of time and is from 50 ms to 500 ms.

Abstract: Techniques for scheduled tests for endpoint agents are disclosed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present technology described herein relate to detecting atrial oversensing in a His intracardiac electrogram (His IEGM), characterizing atrial oversensing, determining when atrial oversensing is likely to occur, and or reducing the chance of atrial oversensing occurring. Some such embodiments characterize and/or avoid atrial oversensing within a His IEGM. Other embodiments of the present technology described herein relate to determining whether atrial capture occurs in response to His bundle pacing (HBP). Still other embodiments of the present technology described herein relate to determining whether AV node capture occurs in response to HBP.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described herein for determining cardiac conduction system capture of ventricle from atrium (VfA) therapy. VfA therapy may be delivered at a plurality of different A-V delays while electrical activity of the patient is monitored. The electrical activity may then be utilized to determine whether the cardiac conduction system of the patient has been captured by the VfA therapy.

Abstract: A system and method for designating between types of activation by a pulse generator configured to deliver a left ventricular (LV) pacing pulse at an LV pacing site as part of a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are provided. The system includes a sensing channel configured to collect cardiac activity (CA) signals along at least one sensing vector extending through a septal wall between the LV and right ventricle (RV). The CA signals are indicative of one or more beats and include a pre-LV pacing segment indicative of cardiac activity preceding the LV pacing pulse and a post-LV pacing segment indicative of cardiac activity following the LV pacing pulse. The system includes memory to store program instructions. One or more processors are configured to implement the program instructions to analyze the pre-LV pacing segment to identify a first myocardium activation (MA) characteristic of interest (COI).

Abstract: Differential charge-balancing can be used in high-frequency neural stimulation. For example, a neural stimulation apparatus can have first and second electrodes configured to be coupled proximate to a nerve fiber to implement a neural stimulation procedure. A neural stimulation circuit can be electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes. The neural stimulation circuit can apply stimulation currents to the nerve fiber through the first and second electrodes during a first stimulation phase of the neural stimulation procedure. The neural stimulation circuit can also apply a modified stimulation current to the nerve fiber through the first electrode during a second stimulation phase of the neural stimulation procedure. The modified stimulation current can be generated based on a difference between (i) a voltage at the first electrode, and (ii) a reference voltage derived from voltages on the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: An example device includes an elongated housing, a first and second electrode, and signal generation circuitry. The housing can be implanted within a single first chamber of the heart. The first electrode extends distally from the distal end of the elongated housing. A distal end of the first electrode can penetrate into wall tissue of a second chamber of the heart. The second electrode, extending from the distal end of the elongated housing, is configured to flexibly maintain contact with the wall tissue of the first chamber without penetration of the wall tissue of the first chamber by the second electrode. Signal generation circuitry can be within the elongated housing and coupled to the first and second electrode. The signal generation circuitry can deliver cardiac pacing to the second chamber via the first electrode and the first chamber via the second electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between the electrode and the tissue, and to calculate an index responsive to the first and second values. The ECU is further configured to process the ECI to assess lesion formation in the tissue.

Abstract: A system for encouraging therapeutic psychosocial activity of a patient comprising a master control system having a processor for operating system software, one or more portable communication devices in communication with the master control system, a testing device having testing input software that operates to transmit information to the master control system, wherein the master control system operates to transmit an information request to the one or more portable communication devices to direct the testing input software to create a window on a display screen informing the patient information has been requested, and the testing device operates to collect and transmit test information in response to the information request.

Abstract: Techniques for switching an implantable medical device (IMD) from a first mode to a second mode in relation to signals obtained from internal sensors are described. The internal sensors may include a temperature sensor and a biosensor. In some examples, processing circuitry of the IMD may make a first preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a first signal from the temperature sensor. In response to the first preliminary determination being that the IMD is implanted, the processing circuitry may make a second preliminary determination that the IMD is implanted based on a second signal from the biosensor. The processing circuitry may switch the IMD from a first mode to a second mode based on both the first preliminary determination and the second preliminary determination being that the IMD is implanted.

Abstract: The disclosure describes various aspects of an automated external defibrillator (AED) system, including shock generating electronics, a battery configured for providing power to the shock generating electronics, power management circuitry configured for managing the shock generating electronics and the battery, at least one environmental sensor configured for monitoring environmental conditions in which the AED system is placed, and a controller configured for controlling the power management circuitry and the at least one environmental sensor. The at least one environmental sensor includes a temperature sensor configured for providing a temperature measurement, and the controller is further configured for adjusting operations of the power management circuitry in accordance with the temperature measurement provided by the temperature sensor. The disclosure further describes associated methods of using the AED system.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulation system and associated capture management method are provided in which capture and device longevity are improved. The device determines a series of capture thresholds. Capture threshold is the minimum pulse level (pulse energy or pulse amplitude or pulse width) that captures the heart. Each determination requires delivery of pacing pulses at several (at least two) known levels (pulse energy, pulse amplitude and/or pulse width) over time. The individual determined capture thresholds are combined into a set and the variability of the set is used to set the safety margin. The greater the variability in the capture thresholds, the bigger the safety margin.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for using a rate of wireless telemetry of an implantable medical device (IMD) to estimate a remaining longevity of a power source of the IMD. For example, the IMD sets a timer indicative of a remaining power capacity of the power source until a recommended replacement time (RRT) threshold. The IMD determines a power consumption of the IMD due to telemetry and updates, based on the power consumption of the IMD due to telemetry, the timer indicative of the remaining power capacity of the power source. The IMD determines, based on expiration of the timer indicative of the remaining power capacity of the power source, that the power source has reached the RRT threshold. In some examples, the IMD may output, to an external device and for display to a user, an indication that the power source has reached the RRT threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for His bundle pacing and classifying response to pacing impulses include applying, using a pulse generator, an impulse through a stimulating electrode to induce a response from a patient heart. A response to the impulse is measured using at least one sensing electrode and time-domain based characteristics of the response are analyzed to determine whether His bundle capture has occurred and, if so, what type of capture has occurred.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an enhancement to lead monitoring techniques, which uses a sensing integrity counter (SIC). The techniques of this disclosure may enhance lead monitoring techniques by detecting possible sensing issues based on a significant increase in periodic, e.g., daily, SIC counts relative to previous periods. Some issues with sensing cardiac signals via implantable cardiac leads can result in an implantable medical device (IMD) measuring very short intervals between what appears to be sensed heart beats. Examples of issues include insulation breach, conductor fracture, or poor electrical connection, which may cause noise that appears to be an R-wave. The IMD may detect the noise, along with actual R-waves, and determine that there are relatively short (e.g., less than a threshold) intervals between the “R-waves.” A significant increase in the number or frequency of very short intervals between R-waves may indicate the date/time of a significant sensing issue.

Abstract: A method of generating an electrophysiology map of a portion of a patient's anatomy using an electroanatomical mapping system, includes defining a plurality of inclusion criteria, collecting a plurality of electrophysiology data points, each being associated with inclusion data, and identifying those electrophysiology data points that have inclusion data satisfying the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria can then be automatically adjusted to drive the number of electrophysiology data points having inclusion data satisfying the inclusion criteria towards a target number. A graphical representation of the electrophysiology map can be rendered using the final set of electrophysiology data points.

Abstract: An exemplary monitoring system 1) monitors evoked responses that occur in response to acoustic stimulation during an insertion procedure in which a lead that is communicatively coupled to a cochlear implant is inserted into a cochlea of a patient, the monitoring comprising using an intracochlear electrode disposed on the lead to measure a first and a second evoked response at a first and a second insertion depth within the cochlea, the second insertion depth nearer to an apex of the cochlea than the first insertion depth, 2) determines that a change between the first evoked response measured at the first insertion depth and the second evoked response measured at the second insertion depth is greater than a predetermined threshold, and 3) determines, based on the determination that the change is greater than the predetermined threshold, that cochlear trauma has likely occurred at the second insertion depth.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to pacing of cardiac tissue, and more particularly to adjusting delivery of His bundle or bundle branch pacing in a cardiac pacing system to achieve synchronized ventricular activation. A leadless pacing device (LPD) may include a plurality of electrodes comprising a bundle pacing electrode leadlessly connected to the housing, which may be implanted proximate to or in the His bundle or bundle branch of the patient's heart. An electrical pulse generator may generate and deliver electrical His-bundle or bundle-branch stimulation pulses using the bundle pacing electrode based on sensing one or both of an atrial event and a ventricular event. The LPD may receive communication from another implantable device, such as a subcutaneously implanted device, and deliver His-bundle or bundle-branch pacing in response to the communication.

Abstract: A medical device system and associated method predict a patient response to a cardiac therapy. The system includes for delivering cardiac pacing pulses to a patient's heart coupled to a cardiac sensing module and a cardiac pacing module for generating cardiac pacing pulses and controlling delivery of the pacing pulses at multiple pace parameter settings. An acoustical sensor obtains heart sound signals. A processor is enabled to receive the heart sound signals, derive a plurality of heart sound signal parameters from the heart sound signals, and determine a trend of each of the plurality of heart sound signal parameters with respect to the plurality of pace parameter settings. An external display is configured to present the trend of at least one heart sound parameter with respect to the plurality of pace parameter settings.

Abstract: Ventricle-from-atrium (VfA) cardiac therapy may utilize a tissue-piercing electrode implanted in the left ventricular myocardium of the patient's heart from the right atrium through the right atrial endocardium and central fibrous body. The exemplary devices and methods may determine whether the tissue-piercing electrode is achieving effective left ventricular capture. Additionally, one or more pacing parameters, or paced settings, may be adjusted in view of the effective left ventricular capture determination.

Abstract: Described herein is an implantable medical device (IMD) that wirelessly communicates another IMD, and methods for use therewith. Such a method can include receiving one or more implant-to-implant (i2i) communication signals from the other IMD using a communication receiver of the IMD, measuring a strength of at least one of the one or more received i2i communication signals or a surrogate thereof, and updating a strength metric based on the measured strength or surrogate thereof. The method further includes determining, based on the updated strength metric, whether to increase, decrease, or maintain the sensitivity of the communication receiver of the IMD, and responding accordingly such that the sensitivity is sometimes increased, sometimes decreased, and sometimes maintained. The method can also include selectively causing a transmitter of the IMD to transmit an i2i communication signal to the other IMD requesting that the other IMD adjust its transmission strength.

Abstract: An intracardiac ventricular pacemaker having a motion sensor, a pulse generator and a control circuit coupled to the pulse generator and the motion sensor is configured to identify a ventricular systolic event, detect a ventricular passive filling event signal from the motion signal, and determine a time interval from the ventricular systolic event to the ventricular passive filling event. The pacemaker establishes a minimum pacing interval based on the time interval.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a condition of a heart, comprises receiving a plurality of electric signals, which are acquired by non-invasive measurement on the skin of a person or animal, each signal representing electrical activity in a respective region of the heart of the person or animal; calculating a derivative value of each signal at a plurality of time instances; selecting a plurality of the calculated derivative values of a first signal and determining a first point in time of a first event based on the selected derivative values; selecting a plurality of the calculated derivative values of a second signal and determining a second point in time of a second event, corresponding to the first event, based on the selected derivative values of the second signal, and calculating at least one measure based on a difference of the first point in time and the second point in time.

Abstract: In some examples of selecting a target therapy delivery site for treating a patient condition, a relatively high frequency electrical stimulation signal is delivered to at least two areas within a first region (e.g., an anterior nucleus of the thalamus) of a brain of a patient, and changes in brain activity (e.g., as indicated by bioelectrical brain signals) within a second region (e.g., a hippocampus) of the brain of the patient in response to the delivered stimulation are determined. The target therapy delivery site, an electrode combination, or both, may be selected based on the changes in brain activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pacing cardiac conductive tissue are described. A medical system includes an electrostimulation circuit to generate His-bundle pacing (HBP) pulses. A sensing circuit senses a physiologic signal, and detect a local His-bundle activation discrete from a pacing artifact of the HBP pulse. A control circuit verifies capture status in response to the HBP pulses. Based on the capture status, the control circuit determines one or more pacing thresholds including a selective HBP threshold representing a threshold strength to capture only the His bundle but not the local myocardium, and a non-selective HBP threshold representing a threshold strength to capture both the His bundle and the local myocardium. The electrostimulation circuit may deliver HBP pulses based on the selective and non-selective HBP thresholds.

Abstract: A system and method for medical image based patient-specific ischemic stroke risk prediction is disclosed. Left atrium (LA) and left atrium appendage (LAA) measurements are extracted from medical image data of a patient. Derived metrics for the LA and LAA of the patient are computed using a patient-specific computational model of cardiac function based on the LA and LAA measurements extracted from the medical image data of the patient. A stroke risk score for the patient is calculated based on the extracted LA and LAA measurements and the computed derived metrics for the LA and LAA of the patient using a trained machine learning based classifier, which inputs the extracted LA and LAA measurements and the computed derived metrics for the LA and LAA as features.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods that produce at least two distinct temporal components from two distinct endocardial electrogram (EGM) signals collected concurrently, determines a non-temporal 2D characteristic representative of the cardiac cycle to be analyzed, from the variations of one of the temporal components as a function of another of the temporal components and comparing the characteristic of the current cycle to two reference characteristics previously obtained and stored, one in a situation of complete capture and the other in a situation of spontaneous rhythm. Respective values of similarity descriptors are derived of these two comparisons, which are used to calculate a metric quantifying a fusion rate.

Abstract: A method for mapping atrial fibrillation (AF) in a heart, the method includes receiving an electrogram (EGM) signal, which is acquired at a given position in the heart, and is exhibiting the AF. Two or more primary peaks are identified in the EGM signal, and a cycle length (CL) is calculated between adjacent primary peaks. One or more secondary peaks are identified in the EGM signal within the CL. A local fragmentation index (FI) that is indicative of a number of the secondary peaks per CL, is calculated. The local FI is visualized on a map of at least part of the heart.

Abstract: A medical device system may be configured to detect an improper energy transmission configuration therein. The condition may be detected by way of a detection of a condition where an energy-transmitting electrode of the medical device system becomes too close to or becomes in contact with an object resulting in an inability of the electrode to properly transmit energy. For example, if the energy-transmitting electrode is a first electrode configured in its operational state to transmit energy to bodily tissue adjacent the first electrode, but the first electrode is inadvertently contacting a second electrode, such contact may cause at least some energy transmitted by the first electrode to follow an unintended path away from its intended path to the adjacent tissue. Such a condition may be detected based at least upon an analysis of information acquired from a sensing device system.

Abstract: An implantable or other ambulatory medical apparatus comprises a posture sensing circuit, a physiologic sensing circuit that senses a time varying physiologic signal, and a processor circuit. The processor circuit includes a posture calculation circuit and a measurement circuit. The posture calculation circuit determines a posture of the subject using posture data obtained using the posture signal and determines when the posture of the subject is steady state. The measurement circuit derives a physiologic measurement using physiologic data extracted from the physiologic signal during at least one time period when posture is determined to be steady state and provides the physiologic measurement to at least one of a user and a process in association with the determined steady state posture.

Abstract: A method, system and external instrument are provided. The method initiates a communication link between an external instrument (EI) and an implantable medical device (MD), established a first connection interval for conveying data packets between the EI and IMD and monitors a connection criteria that includes at least one of a data throughput requirement. A battery indicator or link condition of the communications link is between the IMD and EI. The method further changes from the first connection interval to a second connection interval based on the connection criteria.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a lightweight wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a reusable monitor recorder that removably snaps into a receptacle on the electrode patch. The wearable monitor sits centrally (in the midline) on the patient's chest along the sternum oriented top-to-bottom. The placement of the wearable monitor in a location at the sternal midline, with its unique narrow “hourglass”-like shape, significantly improves the ability of the wearable monitor to cutaneously sense cardiac electrical potential signals, particularly the P-wave and, to a lesser extent, the QRS interval signals indicating ventricular activity in the ECG waveforms. Additionally, the monitor recorder includes an ECG sensing circuit that measures raw cutaneous electrical signals and performs signal processing prior to outputting the processed signals for sampling and storage.

Abstract: According to some methods, for example, preprogrammed in a microprocessor element of an implantable cardiac pacing system, at least one of a number of periodic pacing threshold searches includes steps to reduce an evoked response amplitude threshold for evoked response signal detection. The reduction may be to a minimum value measurable above zero, for example, as determined by establishing a ‘noise floor’. Alternately, amplitudes of test pacing pulses and corresponding post pulse signals are collected and reviewed to search for a break, to determine a lower value to which the evoked response threshold may be adjusted without detecting noise. Subsequent to reducing the threshold, if no evoked response signal is detected for a test pulse applied at or above a predetermined maximum desirable pulse energy, an operational pacing pulse energy is set to greater than or equal to the maximum desirable in conjunction with a reduction in pacing rate.

Abstract: Systems, methods and implantable devices configured to provide cardiac resynchronization therapy and/or bradycardia pacing therapy. A first device located in the heart of the patient is configured to receive a communication from a second device and deliver a pacing therapy in response to or in accordance with the received communication. A second device located elsewhere is configured to determine an atrial event has occurred and communicate to the first device to trigger the pacing therapy. The second device may be configured for sensing the atrial event by the use of vector selection and atrial event windowing, among other enhancements. Exception cases are discussed and handled as well.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) automatically determines at least a portion of the parameters and, in some instances all of the parameters, of an exposure operating mode based on stored information regarding sensed physiological events or therapy provided over a predetermined period of time. The IMD may configure itself to operate in accordance with the automatically determined parameters of the exposure operating mode in response to detecting a disruptive energy field. Alternatively, the IMD may provide the automatically determined parameters of the exposure operating mode to a physician as suggested or recommended parameters for the exposure operating mode. In other instances, the automatically determined parameters may be compared to parameters received manually via telemetry and, if differences exist or occur, a physician or patient may be notified and/or the manual parameters may be overridden by the automatically determined parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interface means, especially an interface means for a medical device, comprising at least one or more lines, whereby the lines are configured such that each line has at least one specific functionality and/or is able to connect a first connection means with a second connection means, and at least one grouping and/or redistributing means, wherein the at least one grouping and/or redistributing means is configured such that the lines can be grouped and/or redistributed onto one or more lines and/or the functionality of lines can be grouped and/or redistributed onto one or more lines, preferably onto at least one single line. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for communicating a plurality of signals, in particular power and/or data signals and/or control signals, over a plurality of lines.

Abstract: A medical system may include a first medical device such as a leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) that is configured to pace a patient's heart and a second medical device that is configured to have a capture threshold capability. The second medical device may monitor the patient's heart to ascertain whether the pacing pulses from the first medical device are capturing the heart, and to send the first medical device instructions to alter an energy level of subsequent pacing pulses.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for glucose sensor signal stability analysis. In certain example embodiments, a series of samples of at least one sensor signal that is responsive to a blood glucose level of a patient may be obtained. Based at least partly on the series of samples, at least one metric may be determined to assess an underlying trend of a change in responsiveness of the at least one sensor signal to the blood glucose level of the patient over time. A reliability of the at least one sensor signal to respond to the blood glucose level of the patient may be assessed based at least partly on the at least one metric assessing the underlying trend. Other example embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing pacing capture verification in implantable medical devices such as a leadless cardiac pacemakers using a pressure signal. An example medical device includes a pressure sensor and is configured to monitor for an evoked capture response using the pressure sensor following pace delivery. Various factors of the pressure waveform may be used including the use of threshold, templating, and slope, as well as comparing cross-domain sensed events including using a fiducial point from the pressure signal for comparison to an acoustic, electrical, or motion event, or the use of data obtained from a second device which may be implanted, wearable, or external to the patient.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a device operates by comparative morphological analysis of depolarization signals collected in spontaneous rhythm on separate respective channels, with two temporal components combined into a single 2D parametric VGM vectogram characteristic. Similarity quantification methods evaluate a variation over time of a descriptor parameter of a current VGM compared to a stored previous reference VGM. This variation is compared with predetermined thresholds to diagnose an occurrence of remodeling or reverse remodeling in a patient, and/or to detect a lead failure or an occurrence of ischemia. The descriptor parameter is a function of a velocity vector of the VGM, a comparison relating to a correlation coefficient between respective magnitudes of a current VGM velocity vector and of a reference VGM velocity vector, and an average angle between these respective velocity vectors.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulation system and associated capture management method are provided in which capture and device longevity are improved. The device determines a series of capture thresholds. Capture threshold is the minimum pulse level (pulse energy or pulse amplitude or pulse width) that captures the heart. Each determination requires delivery of pacing pulses at several (at least two) known levels (pulse energy, pulse amplitude and/or pulse width) over time. The individual determined capture thresholds are combined into a set and the variability of the set is used to set the safety margin. The greater the variability in the capture thresholds, the bigger the safety margin.

Abstract: A non-invasive bodily-attached ambulatory medical monitoring and treatment device with pacing is provided. The device includes at least one therapy electrode; a memory storing information indicative of a patient's cardiac activity; circuitry for implementing a plurality of pacing routines, each pacing routine of the plurality of pacing routines corresponding to at least one cardiac condition of a plurality of cardiac conditions; and at least one processor coupled to the circuitry and configured to identify, within the information, at least one cardiac condition of the plurality of cardiac conditions; and respond to the identified cardiac condition in part by causing execution of at least one pacing routine corresponding to the identified cardiac condition.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating medical disorders, such as migraine or other primary headaches, or fibromyalgia, by noninvasive electrical stimulation of a vagus nerve, used in conjunction with the measurement of evoked potentials (EPs). The system comprises a stimulator that is applied to the surface of the patient's neck to apply electrical impulses sufficient to stimulate a cervical vagus nerve, scalp electrodes that are used to measure EPs that are evoked by that stimulation, feedback or biofeedback circuits to vary the stimulation based upon EP characteristics, and other sensory stimulation modalities that produce EPs. The system is preferably used to optimize the placement of the stimulator, to test whether a patient is a suitable candidate for treatment using vagus nerve stimulation, and to select the stimulation parameters that optimized acute or chronic treatment, e.g., by correcting an EP habituation deficit.

Abstract: A method, system and external instrument are provided. The method initiates a communication link between an external instrument (EI) and an implantable medical device (IMD), established a first connection interval for conveying data packets between the EI and IMD and monitors a connection criteria that includes at least one of a data throughput requirement. A battery indicator or link condition of the communications link is between the IMD and EI. The method further changes from the first connection interval to a second connection interval based on the connection criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods may facilitate selection of a vector for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient's heart. One illustrative method may include delivering electrical stimulation at a first voltage to each vector in a first set of two or more vectors of a multi-vector medical system, determining whether the delivered electrical stimulation at the first voltage resulted in capture for each of the vectors in the first set of two or more vectors, identifying those vectors of the first set of two or more vectors that were determined to result in capture as a second set of vectors, delivering electrical stimulation at a second voltage that is lower than the first voltage to each vector in the second set of vectors, and determining whether the delivered electrical stimulation at the second voltage resulted in capture for each of the vectors in the second set of vectors.