Abstract: Power consumption in medical devices is reduced through the use and operation of multiple digital signal processing systems. Each processor of the multiple systems performs at least one particular function in a predetermined time period. The multiple digital signal processors of such systems can be operated at lower clock frequencies relative to those that would be required by one of such processors to complete the multiple functions within the predetermined time period. With reduced clock frequency, power consumption is reduced. Further, with reduced clock speed, supply voltages applied to such digital signal processors may also be reduced.

Abstract: A high energy density capacitor comprising an organic polymeric dielectric material having a dielectric constant of at least about 7; wherein the organic polymeric dielectric material comprises polymerized alkyl (alpha-substituted)acrylate monomers having at least one dipole group; wherein when the monomers are polymerized, the dipole group is attached to the main polymeric chain through a heteroatom-containing linking group.

Abstract: Power consumption in medical and battery powered devices is reduced through the use and operation of a data monitor which measures, senses or detects signals, inputs or outputs in a medical device before they are input to a principal or main digital signal processor, controller or microprocessor. In response to detecting or measuring such a signal which meets certain amplitude, frequency and/or phase characteristics, the data monitor directs or controls voltage supply circuits to increase or decrease the voltages provided to certain circuits within the medical device. The voltages so employed are tailored to reduce the amount of power consumed by the medical device while preserving computational performance.

Abstract: In electrochemical cells for medical devices having anodes assemblies, an anode assembly includes a folded lithium element having a first and second section. The first and second sections are for receiving a current collector therebetween. A method of forming an anode arrangement includes a step of folding a lithium element having the first and second sections with a current collector positioned therebetween. Thereafter, a pressing step is performed in an oversized die.

Abstract: A stacked semiconductor device is formed with a first mounting substrate, e.g., a single metal layer die tape, having a first semiconductor die attached thereto and a second mounting substrate, e.g., a double metal layer die tape having a second semiconductor die attached thereto. Substantially columnar solder connections, each formed from two solder balls are used to stack the first mounting substrate and the second mounting substrate such that the second semiconductor die is positioned between the mounting substrates. For example, identical memory dice may be stacked in this manner or different types of die such as a processor die and a memory die may be stacked in this manner for use in implantable medical apparatus.

Abstract: Methods for making bioprosthetic devices made of collagen-based material having collagen amine groups and collagen carboxyl groups are provided. The methods include blocking at least a portion of the collagen amine groups with a blocking agent, activating at least a portion of the collagen carboxyl groups after blocking at least a portion of the collagen amine groups to form activated carboxyl groups, and contacting the activated collagen carboxyl groups with a polyfunctional spacer to crosslink the collagen-based material.

Abstract: Power consumption in medical and battery powered devices is reduced through the use and operation of a data monitor which measures, senses or detects signals, inputs or outputs in a medical device before they are input to a principal or main digital signal processor, controller or microprocessor. In response to detecting or measuring such a signal which meets certain amplitude, frequency and/or phase characteristics, the data monitor directs or controls clock or voltage supply circuits to increase or decrease clock frequency, or to increase or decrease the voltage provided to certain circuits within the medical device. The clock frequencies and/or voltages so employed are tailored to reduce the amount of power consumed by the medical device while preserving computational performance.

Abstract: Downlink telemetry for an implantable medical device includes controlling downlink energy by generating a downlink strength signal representative of the strength of one or more downlink control bursts transmitted from an external communication device and received at the receiver of the implantable medical device. The peak amplitude of modulated downlink data bursts is controlled by adjusting the burst duration of the ramped envelope of such downlink data bursts as a function of the downlink strength signal.

Abstract: Power consumption in medical and battery powered devices is reduced through the use and operation of pipeline architecture in a digital signal processor, microcontroller or microprocessor by operating such devices at clock frequencies tailored to conserve power while preserving computational and executional performance. The digital signal processor, microcontroller or microprocessor can be operated at lower clock frequencies relative to those that would be required by one of such processors to complete the multiple functions within a predetermined time period but having no pipeline architecture. With reduced clock frequency, power consumption is reduced. Further, with reduced clock speed, supply voltages applied to such processors may also be reduced.

Abstract: A software programmable device means such as a microprocessor discriminates between evoked response signals and post-pace polarization signals sensed by an implantable medical device. The polarity of the positive or negative change in voltage in respect of time (or dv/dt) of the waveform incident on the lead electrodes is monitored during a short period of time immediately following a paced event. It has been discovered that the post-pace polarization signal exhibits a relatively constant polarity during the capture detect window, and that the evoked response signal may cause the polarity of post-pace polarization signal to reverse during the capture detect window . The sign of the post-pace polarization polarity, either positive or negative, is determined by the design of the specific output circuitry. The evoked response signal may reverse the polarity of the sensed signal in either case, from positive to negative or from negative to positive, during the time window of interest.

Abstract: An implantable dual transducer apparatus for use with an implantable medical device and control method are disclosed. The dual transducer assembly includes two physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors. Switching circuitry is controlled by the medical device to selectively activate and deactivate the two physiologic sensors by application of a supply voltage of an appropriate polarity. Each sensor of the dual transducer assembly is connected to the pair of lead conductors through a respective power switch. In response to the polarity of the supply voltage applied to the lead conductors, the power switches activate or deactivate their respective sensor in an alternating manner. Selective activation of one of the sensor while concurrently deactivating the other sensor of the dual transducer assembly provides for reduced power consumption and reliable communication of sensor data and other information transmitted over the pair of lead conductors.

Abstract: A band-shaped annuloplasty device (e.g., C- or D-shaped ring) that is relatively rigid during handling and implantation and becomes relatively complaint after implantation. Preferably, the device includes a core material that softens after implantation.

Abstract: There is provided a cardiac pacemaker system with a ventricular tachycardia prevention feature, whereby the pacemaker monitors ventricular activity during each patient awakening period to determine when VT is likely. In a preferred embodiment, QRS and T wave templates are generated cyclically during awakening, and compared to normal templates to obtain a measure of variability, indicative of refractory dispersion and thus of probable VT. Ventricular extra-systoles are also monitored and analyzed during the awakening period to see how closely they occur to the ventricular vulnerable period. When the monitored data indicates VT probability during awakening, the pacemaker responds by overdriving the heart with an intervention pacing rate which is continually adjusted as a function of the currently obtained data.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and electrode assembly are disclosed in which a separator having at least one thermally formed tab slot disposed therein is employed in conjunction with an alkali metal anode and a cathode assembly that are wound together in a unidirectional winding having substantially straight sides such that the winding will fit into a prismatic cell. The separator inhibits tearing or splitting of the material from which it is formed in the region of the tab slot. A tab connected to a current collector projects through the tab slot. The tab slots are formed by folding a separator material around a template, aligning the template with a slot guide, and applying heat to the separator material in the region of the slot(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graphical display method and apparatus representing an electrogram signal received from at least one lead used in conjunction with an implantable medical device. The present invention provides a time-expanded waveform of a portion of a signal relating to a single heartbeat. Sensitivity threshold information is also graphically displayed on the waveform. The programmer assembly of the present invention comprises an analyzer for locating and marking desired characteristics of an electrogram signal received from at least one lead position within a passageway of a heart. The analyzer produces a marked electrogram signal. A processor receives the marked electrogram signal from the analyzer and recognizes the marked desired characteristics of the electrogram signal. A display, controlled by the processor, displays information representing a portion of the electrogram signal adjacent to the marked desired characteristics of the electrogram signal.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter having a multiple locking mechanism for connecting a proximal portion of the catheter shaft to a distal portion of the catheter shaft is provided. Also provided is a method for connecting a catheter shaft employing the multiple locking mechanism of the invention. The multiple locking mechanism permits a proximal shaft to be joined with a distal end portions, while simultaneously ensuring integrity of the connection between the proximal shaft and the distal end portion.

Abstract: An ambulatory recorder having real time non-real time processors is described. The real time processor handles sampling functions while the non real time processor handles other functions, such as high processing operations associated with multitasking, graphical user interface, floating point calculation, Infra Red communication and long term memory storage. The second processor is primarily provided to operate a Windows CE operating system as well as one or more embedded applications. Through this design, electrical power provided by a battery is only consumed by those components essential to device operation at any particular time.

Abstract: An implantable system is provided that includes: a cell repopulation source comprising genetic material, undifferentiated contractile cells, or a combination thereof capable of forming new contractile tissue in and/or near an infarct zone of a patient's myocardium; and an electrical stimulation device for electrically stimulating the new contractile tissue in and/or near the infarct zone of the patient's myocardium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pacing system with a lead having a fixation element for providing stable fixation relative to the junction of the left and right brachiocephalic veins of the patient. In a first embodiment, a short tine element is provided for engaging the brachiocephalic junction. The present invention also provides a pacing system with a lead having a fixation element for providing stable fixation relative to the atrium and the SVC of the patient. In another embodiment, a three-pronged tine is provided for engaging the portion of the atrium adjacent the SVC.