Abstract: An apparatus comprising an electrode subsystem configured to interface to biological tissue, an electronic subsystem electrically coupled to the electrode subsystem by a connector, and a guide tube disposed over at least a portion of the electrode subsystem and the connector. The guide tube includes material to provide stiffness to the electrode subsystem and the connector in an axial direction of the guide tube. The guide tube material is removable from the electrode subsystem and the connector over the electronic subsystem when the electrode subsystem is positioned to interface to the biological tissue and while the electronic subsystem remains electrically coupled to the electrode subsystem.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical device that includes a neurostimulator. The neurostimulator includes one or more channels. Each channel includes a digitally-controlled switch coupled to a voltage source. The switch is in one of an “on” state and an “off” state in response to a first control signal. Each channel also includes a digitally-controlled current sink coupled to the switch. The current sink is coupled between the switch and the voltage source. The current sink draws a variable amount of electrical current in response to a second control signal. Each channel further includes a conductor coupled to the switch and the current sink. The conductor is configured to be coupled to an electrode that is operable to deliver the electrical current drawn by the current sink to a target tissue area.

Abstract: Uses of a neurostimulator to treat various conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and allergies is described. A neurostimulator may be used to modulate neural impulses into and out of the target organs, in this case the bronchi and other airway structures. Stimulation can be used to cause airway dilation and also to inhibit airway constriction.

Abstract: The use of an increased cathode weight and thickness or basis weight in a primary electrochemical cell for the purpose of reducing DC resistance (Rdc) is described. This is particularly important when the cell is subjected to high rate discharge conditions of the type typically required for medical device applications, such as activating a cardiac defibrillator. A preferred couple is of a lithium/silver vanadium oxide (Li/SVO) cell or a lithium/copper silver vanadium oxide (Li/CSVO) cell. Reducing cell Rdc by increasing basis weight has the added benefit of increasing the cell's energy density through comparatively greater amounts of active cathode material in a give casing volume.

Abstract: A vascular stent comprising a drug-eluting outer layer of a porous sputtered columnar metal having each column capped with a biocompatible carbon-containing material is described. This is done by placing the stent over a close-fitting mandrel and rotating the assembly in a sputter flux. The result is a coating that is evenly distributed over the outward-facing side of the stent's wire mesh while preventing the sputtered columnar coating from reaching the inward facing side where a smooth hemocompatible surface is required. The stent is then removed from the mandrel, exposing all surfaces, and finally coated with a layer of carbon such as amorphous carbon or diamond-like carbon. The carbonaceous coating enhances biocompatibility without preventing elutriation of a therapeutic drug provided in the porosity formed between the columnar structures. The result is a stent that is adapted to both the hemodynamic and the immune response requirements of its vascular environment.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a method and apparatus for testing electrochemical cells which is faster and more cost-effective than current testing methods. Accordingly, the invention provides a method for testing electrochemical cells, particularly batteries for medical applications, such as for implantable devices for pacemakers, defibrillators, etc., comprising the steps of: surrounding at least one electrochemical cell with a vacuum with a pressure range of 0 to 0.001 Torr and measuring energy emitted from the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A electrical connector for connection to an electrochemical cell, wherein the connector is disposed on the cell exterior, and does not occupy internal volume of the cell. The connector comprises a conductive lid including a wall, and an opening therethrough; a ferrule comprised of a conductive hollow cylindrical body having a central axis, an interior surface, an exterior surface, an outer end, and an inner end, the inner end disposed within the opening through the wall of the conductive lid; a conductive center pin disposed within the hollow cylindrical body of the ferrule and aligned along the central axis thereof, thereby forming an annular cavity between an elongated surface of the center pin and the interior surface of the ferrule; and a hermetic seal formed in the annular cavity. A mating terminal connector adapted to be connected to the ferrule and the conductive center pin is further provided.

Abstract: Improved batteries described herein generally comprise an electrolyte having lithium ions and a cathode comprising submicron metal vanadium oxide particles. In some embodiments, the battery demonstrate an accessible current capacity of at least about 220 mAh/g when pulsed in groups of four constant energy pulses at a current density of 30 mA/cm2 to deliver 50 Joules per pulse. The four pulses of a pulse train are separated by 15 seconds of rest between each pulse, and there are 6 days between pulse groups, upon discharge down to a pulse discharge voltage of 2 V. In further embodiments, the batteries have an average internal electrical resistance of no more than 0.2 Ohms at a current density of at least about 30 mA/cm2. Furthermore, the batteries can have a current capability of at least about 0.4 amps per cubic centimeter battery volume.

Abstract: Miniature defibrillators and cardioverters detect abnormal heart rhythms and automatically apply electrical therapy to restore normal heart function. Critical components in these devices are aluminum electrolytic capacitors, which store and deliver one or more life-saving bursts of electric charge to a heart of a patient. This type of capacitor requires regular “reform” to preserve its charging efficiency over time. Because reform expends valuable battery life, manufacturers developed wet-tantalum capacitors, which are generally understood not to require reform. Yet, the present inventors discovered through extensive study that wet-tantalum capacitors exhibit progressively worse charging efficiency over time. Accordingly, to address this problem, the inventors devised unique reform techniques for wet-tantalum capacitors.

Abstract: A process for improving the adhesion of polymers to metal surfaces includes a highly porous layer that is condensed onto a metal substrate to provide a strong bond between the metal substrate and the highly porous layer. A polymer adhesive is deposited on top of the highly porous layer, where the polymer adhesive bonds to the pores that exist in the highly porous layer, improving the adhesion of the polymer adhesive to the metal substrate.

Abstract: A feedthrough terminal pin assembly includes an outer ferrule hermetically sealed through a braze joint to an insulator seated within the ferrule is described. The insulator is also hermetically brazed to at least one terminal pin. The terminal pin is provided with a braze retention structure such as an annular groove that prevents braze material from filleting past the groove. Similarly, either the ferrule or the insulator is provided with a retention structure such as an annular groove that prevents braze material spill out from the insulator/ferrule interface. In that manner, the braze retention structures keep braze material from accumulating in unwanted areas where it could adversely affect hermeticity as well as proper attachment of an EMI filter to the feedthrough assembly.

Abstract: A method for anodizing valve metal structures to a target formation voltage is described. The valve metal structures are placed in an anodizing electrolyte and connected to a power supply that generates a source voltage to at least one current limiting device. If at least two current limiting devices are used, they are in series with the valve metal structures with the one current limiting device connected to at least one structure. The valve metal structures are then subjected to a current that decreases over time, a formation voltage that increases over time to a level below the voltage from the power supply and a power level that is self-adjusted to a level that decreases excessive heating in the structure. The invention also includes the components for the method.

Abstract: A vascular stent comprising a drug-eluting outer layer of a porous sputtered columnar metal having each column capped with a biocompatible carbon-containing material is described. This is done by placing the stent over a close-fitting mandrel and rotating the assembly in a sputter flux. The result is a coating that is evenly distributed over the outward-facing side of the stent's wire mesh while preventing the sputtered columnar coating from reaching the inward facing side where a smooth hemocompatible surface is required. The stent is then removed from the mandrel, exposing all surfaces, and finally coated with a layer of carbon such as amorphous carbon or diamond-like carbon. The carbonaceous coating enhances biocompatibility without preventing elutriation of a therapeutic drug provided in the porosity formed between the columnar structures. The result is a stent that is adapted to both the hemodynamic and the immune response requirements of its vascular environment.

Abstract: A capacitor comprised of a casing; a cathode comprising an active material of at least an oxide of a first metal provided on a substrate, wherein the active material is characterized as comprising a substantially homogeneous coating formed by sputtering a target comprised of the first metal in a vacuum chamber; an anode spaced from the cathode coating; and an electrolyte in contact with the cathode coating and the anode, the casing containing the anode, the cathode and the electrolyte. A method and apparatus for providing the sputtered coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for anodizing valve metal structures to a target formation voltage with a controlled power source.

Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor comprising a plurality of polymeric structures molded about the periphery of the anode pellet is described. The polymeric structures contact between a weld strap surrounding the butt seam between mating “clamshell” casing portions and the anode pellet sidewall. That way, the anode pellet is restrained from moving along both an x- and y-axes inside the casing. Having the cathode active material contacting the opposed major casing sidewalls being in a closely spaced relationship with the anode pellet through an intermediate separator prevents movement along the z-axis. The resulting capacitor is particularly well suited for use in high shock and vibration conditions.

Abstract: A feedthrough terminal pin assembly comprises an outer ferrule hermetically sealed through a braze joint to an insulator seated within the ferrule is described. The insulator is also hermetically brazed to at least one terminal pin. The terminal pin is provided with a braze retention structure such as an annular groove that prevents braze material from filleting past the groove. Similarly, either the ferrule or the insulator is provided with a retention structure such as an annular groove that prevents braze material spill out from the insulator/ferrule interface. In that manner, the braze retention structures keep braze material from accumulating in unwanted areas where it could adversely affect hermeticity as well as proper attachment of an EMI filter to the feedthrough assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a header assembly attachable to a medical device for the purpose of connecting its output terminals to at least one lead, the lead terminating at a target organ or portion of the body intending to be assisted. A number of leads are connectable to the header, including single and coaxial leads. The header assembly may be molded directly to the medical device or performed and then attached to the device casing, either by mechanical fastener and/or chemical adhesive.

Abstract: Structures for serially connecting at least two capacitors together are described. Serially connecting capacitors together provides device manufactures, such as those selling implantable medical devices, with broad flexibility in terms of both how many capacitors are incorporated in the device and what configuration the capacitor assembly will assume.