Abstract: A compensating structure includes layers of non-uniform arrays of conductive patches configured to provide phase and/or amplitude distribution modification of feed primary patterns.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a container with a top portion that defines a container opening area includes a bottom lid member sized to fit over the top portion of the container. The bottom lid member includes an extension portion configured to mechanically engage the bottom lid member with the top portion of the container and to provide a peripheral structure with a peripheral structure area larger than the container opening area. The lid assembly also includes a top lid member configured to mechanically engage with the bottom lid member such that a premium storage space is provided therebetween.

Abstract: A quadrature vestigial-sideband (QVSB) method and system with correlated noise removal are embodied in a QVSB receiver with a correlated-noise estimator-subtractor configured to obtain I/Q channel correlated noise estimates for receive-filtered I/Q signals in the QVSB receiver, and to subtract the I/Q channel correlated noise estimates from the receive-filtered I/Q signals to whiten noises entering a quadrature-crosstalk, maximum-likelihood-sequence-estimator (QC-MLSE) of the QVSB receiver.

Abstract: An implantable pump system includes: an implantable pump having separate chambers or reservoirs; and a catheter having two or more reservoir-specific inlet ports directed into respective lumens of the catheter. In one embodiment, the distal tips of the respective lumens may be directed to different sites within the patient's body, thereby allowing site specific and independent delivery of the medications stored in the respective pump chambers or reservoirs to be administered to different body sites at independently controlled times and rates. In another embodiment, the distal tips of the respective lumens are directed, more or less, to the same body site or tissue region, thereby providing for the independent delivery of multiple medications to the same regions at independently controlled times and rates.

Abstract: Surgical methods and apparatus for positioning diagnostic an therapeutic elements on the epicardium or other organ surface.

Abstract: A probe that includes a elongate body and a steerable loop structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

Abstract: A probe that may be used to create circumferential lesions in body tissue and, in some implementations, may also be used to perform mapping functions. The probe includes a collapsible/expandable structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

Abstract: A sensing arrangement for sensing one or more properties of a fluid is provided. The sensing arrangement includes a fluid flow path (3) and a sensing means (5) to sense one or more properties of the fluid. The sensing means (5) is positioned or positionable within the fluid flow path (3). In use, the sensing arrangement directs the fluid in a substantially spiral flow (2) within the fluid flow path (3) past the sensing means (5). Also provided is a method of sensing one or more properties of a fluid and a fluid system for controlling one or more properties of a fluid.

Abstract: Low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods. The apparatus includes a base member and an inflatable element carried by the base member.

Abstract: Treatment of hypertension includes implantation of the discharge portion(s) of a catheter and/or electrical stimulation electrode(s) adjacent the tissue(s) to be stimulated. Stimulation pulses, i.e., drug infusion pulses and/or electrical pulses, are supplied by one or more implanted stimulators, through the catheter and possibly also a lead, tunneled subcutaneously between the stimulator and stimulation site. A microstimulator(s) may also/instead deliver electrical stimulation pulses. Stimulation sites include the carotid sinus and carotid body, among other locations. Treatments include drugs used for acute and/or chronic treatment of hypertension. In a number of embodiments, a need for or response to treatment is sensed, and the electrical and/or infusion pulses adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for patient control of the stimulation parameters of a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system, or other neurostimulation system, provides an increased Therapeutic Ratio (TR). Measurements of the just-perceptible stimulation level and the maximum-comfortable stimulation level are made for at least two values of pulse duration and two values of pulse amplitude. A Therapeutic Ratio is determined for stimulation level control strategies based on fixed pulse duration and variable pulse amplitude, and alternatively for fixed pulse amplitude and variable pulse duration. The control strategy providing the greatest therapeutic ratio is then selected for use by the patient. In an alternative embodiment, the pulse durations at the just-perceptible and maximum-comfortable stimulation levels are measured, and the pulse amplitudes at the just-perceptible and maximum-comfortable stimulation levels are determined using a curve-fitting process.

Abstract: An exemplary method of reconstructing a hidden surface area in an image includes the steps of: identifying a separation pixel gap in an image resulting from a repositioning of image pixels to create a three-dimensional image; identifying pixels from one or more images; and filling the separation pixel gap with the pixels. Replacement pixels can be retrieved from a single image in a search sequence of images, or from a plurality of images in the sequence. One or more pixel fill techniques can be employed to determine replacement pixels for the separation pixel gap which best match adjacent background pixels.

Abstract: A method of ablating tissue in the heart to treat atrial fibrillation introduces into a selected atrium an energy emitting element. The method exposes the element to a region of the atrial wall and applies ablating energy to the element to thermally destroy tissue. The method forms a convoluted lesion pattern comprising elongated straight lesions and elongated curvilinear lesions. The lesion pattern directs electrical impulses within the atrial myocardium along a path that activates the atrial myocardium while interrupting reentry circuits that, if not interrupted, would cause fibrillation. The method emulates the surgical maze procedure, but lends itself to catheter-based procedures that do not require open heart surgical techniques. A composite structure for performing the method is formed using a template that displays in planar view a desired lesion pattern for the tissue. An array of spaced apart element is laid on the template.

Abstract: A method for converting two-dimensional images into three-dimensional images includes: tracking an object in an image, the object having an object edge and an object outline thereabout, from frame to frame over a sequence of images; and creating object outlines in subsequent frames for converting two-dimensional images into three-dimensional images maintaining an object outline to object edge distance spacing relationship as the object moves or changes from frame to frame.

Abstract: A probe including an elongate body defining a distal region adapted to be bent into a loop and an inflatable tissue coagulation body supported on the elongate body distal region.