Abstract: A disposable balloon catheter and corresponding catheter system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter system comprises: (a) an elongated catheter comprising a first outer diameter, a first proximal end and a first distal end; (b) an elongated balloon carrier having a second proximal end, a second distal end and a second outer diameter, the second proximal end of the carrier and the first distal end of the catheter being configured to permit the first distal end of the catheter to matingly engage the second proximal end of the carrier, the second outer diameter of the balloon carrier being similar to the first outer diameter of the catheter; and (c) a disposable balloon formed from an expandable and resilient biocompatible material, the balloon having a lumen disposed between a third proximal end and a third distal end thereof, the lumen having at least a third inside diameter.

Abstract: A method of pacing cardiac tissue using an implantable medical device is provided. A first fibrillation-indicative interval is determined based on a first fibrillation-indicative event. A first adjusted pacing interval, wherein the first adjusted pacing interval is shorter than the first fibrillation-indicative interval, is determined and the cardiac tissue is paced based on the first adjusted pacing interval. If the cardiac tissue is not captured by pacing at the first adjusted pacing interval, an additional fibrillation-indicative interval is determined based on an additional earlier fibrillation-indicative event. An additional adjusted pacing interval, wherein the additional adjusted pacing interval is shorter than the additional fibrillation-indicative interval is determined and the cardiac tissue is paced based on the additional adjusted pacing interval.

Abstract: A method and system for pacing cardiac tissue is provided. An implantable medical device is implanted having an initial pacing function value based on a current cardiac rate of the cardiac tissue at implantation. A target pacing function value, a training increment and a training period are determined. The initial pacing function value is gradually increased to the target pacing function value by the training increment during the training period.

Abstract: Implantable medical device telemetry is provided between an implantable medical device and an external communication device. The implantable medical device includes a device transmitter and/or a device receiver. The external communication device includes a moveable communication head including an antenna therein connected to at least one of an external transmitter and/or an external receiver for communication with the device transmitter and/or the device receiver of the implantable medical device. A user moves the moveable head apparatus relative to the implantable medical device. Tactile feedback is provided to the user via the moveable head apparatus upon movement of the moveable head apparatus to a position where valid telemetry can be performed.

Abstract: A transurethral apparatus for radio frequency ablation treatment of the prostate having prostatic tissue of a human male having urethra which extends through the prostate comprising an elongate probe sized so that it is adapted to be introduced into the urethra and having a passageway extending therethrough. The elongate probe has proximal and distal extremities. Proximal and distal pairs of needle electrodes are provided which are carried by the distal extremity of the probe. A control mounted on the proximal extremity of the probe and extends through the passageway and is coupled to the proximal and distal pairs of needle electrodes for movement of the needle electrodes into and out of the prostate. A RF generator is provided for supplying RF energy to the needle electrodes for solely creating bipolar ablation with respect to the proximal and distal pairs of needle electrodes.

Abstract: A method of monitoring heart failure is provided. A baseline heart rate change value is determined, wherein the baseline heart rate change value comprises a speed at which a first initial heart rate changes to a second initial heart rate. At least one subsequent heart rate change value is also determined, wherein the subsequent heart rate change value comprises a subsequent speed at which a first subsequent heart rate changes to a second subsequent heart rate. The subsequent heart rate change value is compared to the baseline heart rate change value to obtain at least one heart failure value. Systems and programs for using the method are also provided.

Abstract: Heparin-polyoxyalkylenepolyamine adducts, and methods of making and using such adducts are disclosed. Compositions including a quaternary ammonium heparin complex, a moisture curable polysiloxane, and an organic solvent are also disclosed, along with methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system for regulating a heart of a patient. The system includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a processor, and a medical device. The first sensor is capable of sensing activity of a heart atrium. The second sensor is capable of sensing activity of a heart ventricle. The processor is coupled to the first and second sensors and is capable of determining an atrial cycle time and a ventricular cycle time based upon signals from the first and second sensors. The processor is further capable of generating a hemodynamic baseline ratio based upon an atrial cycle time and a ventricular cycle time of a hemodynamic heartbeat, as well as an active ratio based upon an atrial cycle time and a ventricular cycle time of an active heartbeat. The processor is further capable of comparing the hemodynamic baseline ratio and the active ratio, and determining a corrective action based upon this comparison.

Abstract: A screening test is used on a patient to determine if pancreatic secretion is responsive to stimulation. The screening test compares measurements of a pancreatic indicator both before and after natural stimulation. The pancreatic indicator is measured before natural stimulation and then the patient's pancreas is naturally stimulated. After waiting a time period from when the natural stimulation began, the pancreatic indicator is once again measured. The difference between the pancreatic indicator measured before ingesting the meal and the pancreatic response indicator measured after ingesting and waiting a time period is calculated and a decision is made whether the patient has a pancreatic condition suitable for treatment with electrical stimulation. Additionally, an efficacy test is used to evaluate the efficacy of employing electrical stimulation to treat a pancreatic condition.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising an elongate probe member having proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending from the proximal extremity to an opening at the distal extremity. The elongate probe member is provided with an elongate cutout adjacent the opening so that the elongate probe member is formed with an elongate extension projecting alongside the cutout beyond the opening. A guide canula is mounted in the passage of the elongate probe member and has proximal and distal extremities and a lumen extending therethrough. A radio frequency electrode is disposed in the lumen and an insulating sleeve is coaxially disposed on the radio frequency electrode. A handle is secured to the proximal extremity of the guide canula for advancing and retracting the radio frequency electrode and the insulating sleeve with respect to the guide canula and for causing bending of the distal extremity of the guide cannula into the cutout.

Abstract: A biventricular pacing system incorporates a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) response. The biventricular pacing system also includes a programmable ventricular blanking period (VBP) that is initiated with the PVC response. During the programmed VBP, ventricular events are effectively blanked out. This prevents both ventricular leads from each independently initiating a dual PVC response, based on the same PVC event.

Abstract: A sensing methodology is used based on measuring a physical response from a living structure as a result of a chemical compound stimulating this structure on the cellular level. Measurement of the heat response (calorimetry) from a group of pancreatic islets of Langerhans stimulated by glucose is proposed as a glucose biosensor. A novel biosensor concept is proposed acquiring physical response from living cells or cell clusters. In this particular case, membrane impedance of pancreatic B-cells, as a result of glucose stimulated cellular metabolism is used as physical readout. This method of physical assessment is made possible by growing genetically engineered pancreatic beta cells onto a substrate equipped with a set of interdigitated electrodes (IDEs).

Abstract: A method of diagnosing pulmonary congestion is provided. At least one decrease in a trans-thoracic impedance value from a baseline trans-thoracic impedance value is sensed. At least one increase in a heart rate value from a baseline heart rate value is also sensed. Pulmonary congestion is diagnosed if the decrease in the trans-thoracic impedance value corresponding to the increase in the heart rate does not increase after a predetermined interval. Systems and programs incorporating the method are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for pacing the heart of a patient as a function of an intra-cardiac pressure make use of a pressure monitor that receives a pressure signal from a pressure sensor in the patient's right ventricle. The pressure monitor estimates the patient's pulmonary artery diastolic pressure. A rate-responsive pacemaker paces the patient's heart as a function of the estimated pulmonary artery diastolic pressure.

Abstract: Information derived from ECG signals and EEG signals may be employed in combination to reliably predict the onset, or to indicate the presence of, hypoglycemia in a human patient. In one embodiment, ECG and EEG signals are processed and the information derived from them is combined to determine whether a patient suffering from diabetes is undergoing a hypoglycemic event, or whether such an event is imminent. Input data from the patient or a health care provider may also be used to increase the accuracy and reliability of the system. Detection of a hypoglycemic event by the system can result in the output of an alarm signal and/or the delivery or administration of a beneficial agent such as insulin, glucagon or diazoxide to the patient. The system may be implantable, external, or a combination of external and implantable components. The control strategy of the present system is preferably microprocessor based and/or implemented using dedicated electronics.

Abstract: A method of discriminating a captured beat is provided. A pulse is transmitted and an evoked response signal is received. The evoked response signal is filtered and the filtered response signal is analyzed for at least one positive signal component. Systems and devices for discriminating a captured beat are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing a pacer function of an implantable medical device disposed within a mammalian heart is provided. Generally speaking, the present invention provides pacing the mammalian heart according to a first pacing rate. A command to increase the first pacing rate is then received. Additionally, an upper pacing rate is received. A time interval is then received. Finally, the first pacing rate of the mammalian heart is increased to the second pacing rate during the time interval.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for preparing articles having modified surfaces. Preferably the articles are medical devices. Preferably the surfaces are elastomeric. Preferably the articles having modified surfaces are useful for immobilizing biologically active agents on the surfaces.

Abstract: There is provided an implantable system and method for monitoring pancreatic beta cell electrical activity in a patient in order to obtain a measure of a patient's insulin demand and blood glucose level. A stimulus generator is controlled to deliver stimulus pulses so as to synchronize pancreatic beta cell depolarization, thereby producing an enhanced electrical signal which is sensed and processed. In a specific embodiment, the signal is processed to determine the start and end of beta cell depolarization, from which the depolarization duration is obtained. In order to reduce cardiac interference, each stimulus pulse is timed to be offset from the QRS signal which can interfere with the pancreas sensing. Additionally, the beta cell signals are processed by a correction circuit, e.g., an adaptive filter, to remove QRS artifacts, as well as artifacts from other sources, such as respiration.

Abstract: An elongated coronary vein lead having a variable stiffness lead body and most preferably adapted to be advanced into a selected coronary vein for delivering a pacing or defibrillation signal to a predetermined region of a patient's heart, such as the left ventricle is disclosed. A method of pacing and/or defibrillating a patient's heart using the lead is also described. The method of pacing or defibrillating the heart includes advancing the coronary vein lead through both the coronary sinus and into a selected coronary vein of a patient's heart, connecting the lead to an electrical pacing source and applying electrical stimulation to a particular chamber of the patient's heart via the implanted lead. The lead includes a variable stiffness lead body that enhances the ability of the lead to be retained in a coronary vein after the lead has been implanted therein.