Abstract: A micro-extruder, comprising a funnel shaped tip piece defining a front aperture, through which wire is drawn, and a front rim, around which extrudate flows, and which has an outer diameter of less than 3.8 mm (150 mils). In addition, a structurally unitary cross-head body has a front aperture and a protruding rim about this front aperture. The funnel shaped tip piece protrudes through the front aperture. Also, a die having a surface that defines an aperture is adapted and positioned to abut the protruding rim and to form a seal against the protruding rim, so that no extrudate may leak out between the surface defining an aperture and the protruding rim.

Abstract: An extruder, and a method of using the same, that provides instantaneous inspection of the extrudate. The invention incorporates the use of video monitors electrically connected to video cameras, to provide magnification observation of the extrudate, and may use associated mirrors to observe the extrudate along multiple views as it exits the die.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an implantable pump. The implantable pump has a port with light emitters indicating the location of the port. The port can be useful in providing bolus injections or the refilling of reservoirs. The light emitters can be arranged in various forms about the port including linear, triangular, square, or circular, among others. If more than one port is located on a device, these ports can be differentiated by differing colors and arrangements of emitters. In addition, various circuitries can be used to activate the emitters. These circuitries can include a coil and capacitor arrangement that provide a separate power source from that of the pump.

Abstract: A cardiac implant electric cable, comprising a conductive lead adapted to supply power to a cardiac implant and a coaxial lead adapted to provide an expanded information conduit to and from said cardiac implant. Also, a bioelectrical stimulus implant cable may comprise a set of fibrils, each of which has a diameter of less than 30 &mgr;m and which are configured together longitudinally. The set of fibrils is electrically isolated by insulative material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable infusion pump having a refillable infusate reservoir in fluid communication with a delivery site via a flow path. This flow path includes a flow resistance. The infusion pump includes a sensing device(s), positioned relative to the flow path, to provide data regarding a flow rate along the flow path. The infusion pump effects a division of a total flow period into at least a plurality of unit dose periods, each unit dose period effecting delivery of a unit dose of infusate. The cumulative effect of delivering the total number of unit dose periods is the delivery of a desired dose over the total flow period. The present invention permits a reservoir pressure to vary over any portion of total flow period but effects a constant-pressure state over each unit dose cycle.

Abstract: A tunneling tool forms a subdural pathway between a first incision and a second incision. This tool includes a shaft having a tunneling tip located at one end of the shaft. The tunneling tip is inserted through the first incision to tunnel the subdural pathway between the first incision and the second incision. A handle at the opposite end of the shaft guides the tunneling tip from the first incision to the second incision. A tapered slot in the shaft has a wide opening located opposite the tunneling tip and tapered sides that taper inwardly towards the tunneling tip. The wide opening receives an implantable line that the tapered sides secure to the tunneling tool. This allows the tunneling tool to be withdrawn along the subdural pathway to locate the line along the subdural pathway.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ribbon cable, comprising providing a set of insulated wires and aligning said insulated wires in a predetermined arrangement. The insulated wires are warmed sufficiently for said insulation to be become soft and adhesive, are pressed together so that they adhere to one another and allowed to cool, to form a ribbon cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an epidural stimulation lead having at least one electrode that substantially encircles another electrode. Operatively, the encircling electrode can be set as an, anode and the encircled electrode can be set as a cathode to generate an electrical field therebetween. The encircling electrode functions in this capacity as an anode guard, which among other things, concentrates the electrical field about the designated cathode and limits the lateral range of a generated electrical field.

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy system includes a programmer and a stimulation system. The stimulation system is capable of storing multiple data sets, each data set effecting an independent therapy. The stimulation system includes a display mechanism that can display certain imagery to distinguish visually one therapy from another therapy.

Abstract: An implantable infusion pump to deliver stored infusate to a desired fluid delivery site. The pump includes a collapsible fluid chamber. The pump can include a multi-stage filtration system to filter micro-emboli as well as larger particles that are inadvertently introduced into the pump system. An external member can receive the pump and provide a medium to include additional, interactive components, e.g., a bolus port, as well as provide a versatile suture structure to enable the pump to be properly secured within an implantation site. To improve volumetric efficiency, the pump can further incorporate an outlet flow passage within a movable wall of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A database methodology that concerns the mapping of any arbitrary object into a plurality of regions, enabling the assignment of multiple region-specific attributes thereto and facilitating the concurrent, graphical presentation of any assigned attributes. Attribute storage, manipulation, and presentation are driven by the individual regions and characteristics of the object.

Abstract: An implantable infusion pump to deliver stored infusate to a desired fluid delivery site. The pump includes a collapsible fluid chamber. The pump can include a multi-stage filtration system to filter micro-emboli as well as larger particles that are inadvertently introduced into the pump system. An external member can receive the pump and provide a medium to include additional, interactive components, e.g., a bolus port, as well as provide a versatile suture structure to enable the pump to be properly secured within an implantation site. To improve volumetric efficiency, the pump can further incorporate an outlet flow passage within a movable wall of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable infusion pump having a refillable infusate reservoir in fluid communication with a delivery site via a flow path. This flow path includes a flow resistance. The infusion pump includes a sensing device(s), positioned relative to the flow path, to provide data regarding a flow rate along the flow path. The infusion pump effects a division of a total flow period into at least a plurality of unit dose periods, each unit dose period effecting delivery of a unit dose of infusate. The cumulative effect of delivering the total number of unit dose periods is the delivery of a desired dose over the total flow period. The present invention permits a reservoir pressure to vary over any portion of total flow period but effects a constant-pressure state over each unit dose cycle.

Abstract: An electronic stimulation system is used to control pain over multiple regions of a patient's body. The system has one or more percutaneous leads, each having multiple electrodes, implanted within the patient's epidural space parallel to the axis of the spinal cord. The leads are connected to either a totally implanted system or a radio frequency system. The system is able to treat pain over different regions of a patient's body by “simultaneously” stimulating the patient with at least three different stimulation settings. “Simultaneous” stimulation involves sequentially stimulating the patient with the multiple stimulation settings such that the patient receives the cumulative effect of each stimulation setting, while not perceiving the transition from one stimulation setting to another.

Abstract: An implantable, substantially isodiametric, low resistance implantable lead having at least one electrode positioned in a stimulation/sensing portion of the lead. At least the stimulation/sensing portion is unitized through partially surrounding and supporting insulation and conductive element(s) of the stimulation/sensing portion with a fused matrix of material having mechanical properties consistent with a body of the lead.

Abstract: A stimulation lead connection assembly capable of easily receiving and engaging a stimulation lead for purposes of transmitting selected electrical energy to electrodes of a received stimulation lead. The connection assembly retains a stimulation lead in a manner that permits a user to freely insert (and/or withdraw) a steering mechanism, for example, a stylet, into the stimulation lead that is electrically engaged by the connection assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the placement of a spinal cord stimulation lead with respect to the dorsal column of a patient. The apparatus detects evoked potentials which result from the controlled stimulation of spinal nerves and provides information to an operator to allow a stimulation lead to be positioned relative to a physiological midline and/or positioned along the dorsal column in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A computer based system and methods for use with known neuromodulation systems to assist in the performance of pre-, intra- and post-operative procedures relating to the determination and optimization of a patient's therapeutic regimen. The system can use a computer database of information in connection with the pain map of an individual patient to aid the physician in making more accurate decisions regarding waveform and electrode configuration definition, as well as multi-electrode lead placement. The system can record and process patient responses to test stimulation patterns during the operation of placing the electrodes, so as to give the physician real-time information that can be used to effectively position the multi-electrode leads within the patient's body.