Abstract: Rate responsive pacing systems that employ a time-dependent AV delay in the pacing hearts in Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) (a CHF/DCM heart) during a post-implant Time-Adaptive period are disclosed. A starting or initial AV delay is set to an intrinsic AV delay time interval exhibited by the patient's heart at the time of implant. A chronic AV delay is then set to a therapeutic AV delay time interval that is shorter than the intrinsic AV delay time interval and alleviates symptoms of the CHF/DCM heart. A Time-Adaptive AV delay (TA-AV delay) is employed during a post-implant Time-Adaptive period that gradually changes the initial AV delay to the chronic AV delay at the end of the post-implant Time-Adaptive period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for minimizing calcification of a heart valve wherein electric energy is supplied to the heart in the region of the aortic valve during the refractory period of the heart.

Abstract: An implantable beneficial agent infusion device featuring a unique safety valve assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a seal in the safety valve assembly is normally closed and only opens upon a deflectable or moveable member to which the seal is attached being electrically, magnetically or electromagnetically activated. The valve assembly is preferably small in size and made of corrosion resistant materials. The valve assembly may be employed in either a passive or an active implantable drug or beneficial agent infusion system.

Abstract: Floating and non-floating on-chip capacitors are formed by vertical walls and/or large aspect ratio deep trenches disposed in semiconductor material. By optimizing the through spacing and substrate voltage, a very small parasitic to intended capacitance ratio may be obtained. Capacitors so formed may be used as on-chip charge storage and other types of on-chip capacitors, and eliminate or reduce the number of off-chip capacitors that would otherwise be required. The deep trench capacitors find particularly efficacious application in implantable medical devices where volume, cost and electrical energy consumption must be minimized, and preferably have capacitances which range between about 10 nF and about 1000 uF.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus and a method for testing to optimally place a deep brain lead, particularly for stimulating the GPi or other deep brain target to treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease and the like. The invention embraces determining the location of a feedback target such as the motor cortex, the location of the deep brain target, and inserting a test lead along a substantially linear trajectory so as to be able to stimulate both concurrently. The test lead has an electrode at about its distal end for stimulation of the deep brain target, and an electrode adjustably positioned 3-8 cm proximal for stimulation of the motor cortex. When stimulation is applied concurrently through both electrodes, the affected body portion, e.g., limb, can be made to move when and if the deep brain electrode is optimally positioned. The position can be checked during surgical implant of the system, and the lead position adjusted until the optimum position is found.

Abstract: An implantable pump apparatus and method of operating the implantable pump for infusing a fluid into a body as described. An expandable fluid reservoir member includes a first end, a second end, an inlet for receiving the fluid from an outside source and an outlet for dispensing the fluid into the body. A first conductor is operably attached to the first end of the expandable fluid reservoir member. A second conductor is operably attached to the second end of the expandable fluid reservoir member. The level of fluid within the expandable fluid reservoir member is determined by measuring an inductance value at the first conductor that is proportional to the distance between the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: A prosthetic lamina that replaces a portion of the lamina bone structure is described. The prosthetic lamina may be configured with means for delivering a variety of medical treatments, such as electrodes for electrical stimulation, fluid channels, catheters for dispensing drugs and means for healing bone tissue.

Abstract: Implantable medical device telemetry control systems and methods are used to coordinate medical therapy delivery from an implantable medical device (IMD) to a patient-driver of a vehicle, e.g., automobile. In one embodiment, the control system alerts the patient-driver to stop the vehicle after a medical event is detected by the IMD. Once the vehicle is stopped, the therapy is delivered. In another embodiment, a vehicle control module is provided which actively controls various subsystems of the car in response to a detected medical event. For example, the vehicle control module may control vehicle engine speed or vehicle braking to slow or stop the vehicle or, alternatively, assist the patient-driver in stopping the vehicle, prior to or simultaneously with therapy delivery. In still other embodiments, an emergency communication is automatically transmitted to emergency personnel informing the same of the medical event.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method of pacing provide for switching from a first pacing mode to second pacing mode upon detection of a period of accelerated atrial arrhythmia. Generally, the second pacing mode has an associated predetermined lower pacing rate. At least initially, upon switching from the first pacing mode to the second pacing mode, the predetermined lower pacing rate is adjusted to an elevated adjusted lower rate. Further, this elevated adjusted lower rate may then be decelerated towards a programmed basic pacing rate during a deceleration period. Generally, the programmed basic pacing rate is elevated relative to the predetermined lower pacing rate.

Abstract: A bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular patient safety cable includes a multi-conductor insulated external cable having a Y-connector portion, an external lead connector assembly, and two or more lead adaptors. The patient safety cable is used to electrically connect one or more implantable leads “in parallel” to an external medical device.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac electrical stimulating lead is disclosed having a stimulating electrode mounted in or on an electrode mounting pad disposed at a distal end of the lead, the pad having a biodegradable adhesive disposed thereon and/or therewithin. The adhesive, and preferably also the electrode mounting pad, are capable of biodegradably dissolving over time in human body fluids. The adhesive permits the electrode mounting pad to be attached to a patient's epicardium without the use of sutures, or with fewer sutures than have heretofore been required to suitably affix an electrode mounting pad to a patient's heart. In a preferred embodiment, when the lead body is pulled away from the electrode mounting pad and removed from a patient, any portion of the electrode mounting pad and the adhesive remaining within the patient dissolves over time and disappears.

Abstract: A self-centering epidural lead is configured to center itself in an optimal location in respect of the midline of the spinal cord for stimulation of the cord. A method for using the lead in spinal cord stimulation is also described. The self-centering epidural lead includes a front side configured to face the spinal cord and a back side to which a pivot member or other self-centering device is operably attached. The pivot member or other self-centering device stabilizes the lead in an optimal position adjacent the spinal cord and aids in preventing spatial migration of the lead.

Abstract: A system for providing electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve through a lead. The lead features a lead body, a coupling for connecting a lead into a medical stimulator and a distal electrode assembly. The electrode assembly features a pair of oppositely disposed curved semi-circular cuffs disposed to conform a lumen therethrough. The ends of each cuff are mounted into a resilient hinge disposed upon the distal end of the lead body. The hinge biases the cuffs towards one another in such a manner that the lumen is maintained patent such that the nerve will remain therein. The hinge is further designed so as to be easily opened so as to spread the cuffs apart. Hinge opening is accomplished through a specialized implant tool, the implant tool being a generally cylindrical tube designed to meet about the lead body. A divergence in the lead body near the hinge permits the implant tool to engage the lead body in that section and thus forces the cuffs apart.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system and a propellant therefor. The propellant comprises a mixture of a plurality of substances, the precise by-weight or by-molar combination of which is used to set the propellant pressure within a desirable pressure range. At least one of the plurality of propellant substances is a relatively higher vapor pressure fluid; and at least one of the plurality of propellant substances is a relatively lower vapor pressure fluid.

Abstract: Techniques using one or more drugs and/or electrical stimulation for treating an anxiety disorder by means of an implantable signal generator and electrode and/or an implantable pump and catheter. A catheter is surgically implanted in the brain to infuse the drugs, and one or more electrodes may be surgically implanted in the brain to provide electrical stimulation.