Patents Assigned to Intermedics Inc.
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Patent number: 6321102Abstract: A lead assembly adapted for endocardial fixation to a human heart is provided. The lead assembly includes a lead body that has a proximal end provided with a connector for electrical connection to a cardiac stimulator. The cardiac stimulator may be a pacemaker, a cardioverter/defibrillator, or a sensing instrument. The distal end of the lead body is connected to a tubular electrode housing. The lead body consists of one or more noncoiled conductor cables surrounded by a coextensive insulating sleeve. Each conductor cable consists of a conducting element covered by a coextensive insulating sleeve. The conducting element may be a single filament wire or a plurality of individual conductor wires. In contrast to conventional leads, the lead body of the present invention does not require coiled conductor wires. Lead body diameters of 1.04 mm or smaller are possible.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: Paul R. Spehr, Elmar R. Fischer, Sr., James E. Machek
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Publication number: 20010037134Abstract: An ionically conductive polymeric composition for coating a hot can defibrillator electrode is disclosed. A polymeric coating, such as polyethylene oxide containing NaCl or a similar ionic medium, coats and fills the pores of a high surface area electrode to provide a continuous ionic network from the can to the adjacent body tissue. In certain embodiments, the underlying high surface area, porous electrode is made by chemically etching a smooth electrode surface, such as that of a conventional titanium housing, followed by applying a thin coating of a noble metal such as platinum. In other embodiments, a noble metal or an oxide thereof, such as platinum black or iridium oxide, is applied to a titanium housing to form a porous, high surface area electrode. The conductive polymeric coating is then applied over the porous noble metal or metal oxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Applicant: Intermedics Inc.Inventor: M. Zafar Amin Munshi
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Patent number: 6308099Abstract: A multiprogrammer system for monitoring and optimizing implantable device performance. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two programming devices and an implantable device. Each of the programming devices may be used to perform inquiry and programming operations on the implantable device. In an inquiry operation, the programming device retrieves some or all of the configuration parameters from the implantable device. In a programming operation, the programming device provides one or more modified parameters to the implantable device. As part of the programming operation, the programming device is configured to verify that it is aware of the implantable device's current parameters before sending the modified parameters. In other words, the current programming device verifies that the implantable device's parameters have not been altered by another programming device since the current programming device's last interaction with the implantable device.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: James K. Fox, William B. Rottenberg, Bryan J. Thome
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Patent number: 6298266Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating fibrillation utilize biphasic waveforms. A cardiac stimulator includes a defibrillation circuit that uses a pulse width modulated capacitive discharge to generate various biphasic waveforms, one or more of which may be delivered to the heart to treat the fibrillation.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: Leo Rubin, Christopher A. Bonnerup, Edward A. Schroeppel
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Patent number: 6298267Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating post-defibrillation electromechanical dissociation (“EMD”) or pulseless electrical activity (“PEA”). A first embodiment comprises an implantable defibrillator with the capability of detecting and treating post defibrillation EMD. The stimulator/defibrillator has one or more leads with electrodes and at least one electrode for defibrillation. A sense circuit senses the electrical condition of the heart of the patient. A second sensor senses a parameter correlated to the state of blood flow. The cardiac stimulator/defibrillator detects and terminates ventricular tachyarrhythmia or fibrillation. If the stimulator/defibrillator detects the presence of electrical rhythm in the heart correlated, however, with inadequate blood flow to sustain life (EMD), the device provides an output to stimulate the heart to overcome EMD. The device may also be an external defibrillator.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: John P. Rosborough, D. Curtis Deno, Lawrence J. Stotts
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Patent number: 6295474Abstract: An ionically conductive polymeric composition for coating a hot can defibrillator electrode. A polymeric coating, such as polyethylene oxide containing NaCl or a similar ionic medium, coats and fills the pores of a high surface area electrode to provide a continuous ionic network from the can to the adjacent body tissue. In certain embodiments, the underlying high surface area, porous electrode is made by chemically etching a smooth electrode surface, such as that of a conventional titanium housing, followed by applying a thin coating of a noble metal such as platinum. In other embodiments, a noble metal or an oxide thereof, such as platinum black or iridium oxide, is applied to a titanium housing to form a porous, high surface area electrode. The conductive polymeric coating is then applied over the porous noble metal or metal oxide.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventor: M. Zafar Amin Munshi
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Publication number: 20010023361Abstract: A system is provided for optically communicating with an implantable device. In one embodiment, the system includes an implantable device having a large memory and an external unit which downloads information from the memory for analysis and display. The implantable device includes a light-emitting diode (LED) and a modulator for driving the LED. Although various frequencies can be used, frequencies which experience relatively little attenuation through body tissue are presently preferred. The external device includes a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and a demodulator for equalizing and demodulating the detection signal produced by the PMT in response to detected light. A high bandwidth channel (perhaps as much as 500 Mbits/sec) is created by these components. This channel advantageously allows for a substantially reduced download time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2001Publication date: September 20, 2001Applicant: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Pauly, Travis H. Bendele
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Patent number: 6288627Abstract: A resistor may be embedded into a substrate. A portion of the resistor may be exposed, by segmenting the substrate, for instance, so that the resistor may be trimmed to a desired resistance level. Alternatively, a portion of a resistor may be embedded into a substrate, with another portion of the resistor being disposed on the outer surface of the substrate. The portion of the resistor on the outer surface may be trimmed to adjust the resistance of the resistor to a desired level.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventor: Kenneth R. Ulmer
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Patent number: 6282447Abstract: It has been determined that certain cardiac stimulators may operate in a manner in which the ventricular pace refractory period (VPRP) may be greater than the post-ventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP). Various exemplary techniques may be used to improve the ability of cardiac stimulators to lengthen the PVARP. In accordance with one technique, the VPRP is adjusted with the pacing rate so that as the pacing rate becomes slower the VPRP increases. The VPRP is compared with the PVARP. The PVARP remains constant until the VPRP becomes greater than the PVARP. Then, the PVARP is adjusted to make it greater than or equal to the VPRP. In accordance with another technique, the VPRP and the PVARP are adjusted with the pacing rate, with the PVARP remaining greater than or equal to the VPRP.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: Douglas Jason Cook, Randolph K. Armstrong, Joseph W. Vandegriff, Denise R. Brown
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Publication number: 20010014817Abstract: It has been determined that certain dual-chambered cardiac stimulators may operate in a region in which an atrial pacing event may obscure the detection of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Various exemplary techniques may be used to improve the ability of dual-chamber cardiac stimulators to detect such ventricular events. In accordance with one technique, it is determined whether a ventricular event should be classified as a ventricular tachyarrhythmia. If not, the VA interval is restarted as usual. However, if the ventricular event may be classified as a ventricular tachyarrhythmia, it is determined whether the ventricular event falls within the region in which an atrial pacing event may obscure its detection. If not, then the VA interval is restarted as usual. However, if the ventricular event falls within this region, the VA interval is restarted with the VT rate detection boundary.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Applicant: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: Randolph Kerry Armstrong, Douglas Jason Cook
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Publication number: 20010011183Abstract: A thin film capacitor for use in an implantable defibrillator. A first dielectric polymer filmlayer has a metallized film on one side thereof. A second dielectric polymer film layer has a metallized film on one side thereof. The first and second layers are overlain on each other and wound spirally with the metallized film of one layer adjacent the dielectric polymer of the other layer. The beginnings and ends of the first and second metallized films are offset from the respective beginnings and ends of the first and second polymer film layers. The dielectric layers can be tapered in increasing thickness toward the respective beginnings and ends of the layers. The dielectric layers can themselves comprise at least two layers of differing polymer materials, the preferred materials being polyvinylidene fluoride and polyester for improved energy density and self-healing properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Applicant: Intermedics Inc.Inventor: Mohammed Zafar Amin Munshi
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Patent number: 6269272Abstract: A cardiac stimulator lead is provided that includes a connector for connecting to a cardiac stimulator and a tubular insulating sleeve that has a first end coupled to the connector and a second end. An electrode is coupled to the second end and has a longitudinal bore. An extendable/retractable corkscrew is positioned in the bore. The cork screw has a selected pitch and is mounted on a threaded shaft. Threads on the shaft have a different pitch from the pitch of the cork screw, preferably a pitch less than that of the cork screw, and most preferably a pitch about half that of the corkscrew.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Intermedics, Inc.Inventor: Elmar R. Fischer, Sr.
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Patent number: 6265691Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed by which a laser beam is used to remove or ablate the insulating coating from a desired segment of an insulated conductor without damaging or causing mechanical stress to the wire, so that the wire can be used to transmit electrical signals to an electrode in a implantable medical device. The invention can be applied to one or more conductors that are coiled coaxially and can be used to expose separate portions of two or more conductors if the insulating coatings thereon are differentiated in a way that causes the separate insulating coatings to respond differently to contact with a laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: Yan Cardineau, Mark M. Frankovich
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Patent number: 6263241Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating post-defibrillation electromechanical dissociation (“EMD”). A first embodiment comprises an implantable defibrillator, which may include cardioversion and pacemaker capabilities, which has the capability of detecting and treating post defibrillation EMD. The stimulator/defibrillator has one or more leads with electrodes. At least one electrode for defibrillation may be an endocardial or epicardial electrode or other suitable defibrillation electrode. A sense circuit senses the electrical condition of the heart of the patient. A hemodynamic sensor senses a parameter correlated to the state of blood flow. The cardiac stimulator/defibrillator detects ventricular tachyarrhythmia including fibrillation and terminates ventricular tachyarrhythmia. After termination of the ventricular tachyarrhythmia, the stimulator/defibrillator can detect the presence of electrical rhythm in the heart correlated, however, with inadequate blood flow to sustain life.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Intermedics, Inc.Inventors: John P. Rosborough, D. Curtis Deno
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Patent number: 6256880Abstract: A circuit substrate utilizes buried edge connectors. The buried edge connectors are mechanically disposed within the edge of the substrate and have substantial thickness. The configuration and method for making the same provides relatively large edge connectors mechanically constrained in the edge of a circuit substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Intermedics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth R. Ulmer, John M. Cecere
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Patent number: 6259954Abstract: An implantable endocardial defibrillation lead having a conductor for conducting at least high voltage defibrillation shocks. A coil electrode is connected to an elongated, flexible, electrically non-conductive lead body and is supplied with electrical power for delivering electrical shocks to the heart through a looped cable conductor that extends through the lead body and is associated with a power source. The coil electrode extends proximately from a connection between the conductor and the coil electrode, forming a proximal segment. The proximal segment is preferably at least 5 mm long, more preferably between 7 mm and 10 mm long.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: Steven Conger, Stephen L. Goldman
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Patent number: 6259953Abstract: A cardiac stimulator lead is provided that includes a connector for connecting to a cardiac stimulator and an insulating sleeve that has a first end coupled to the connector and a second end. The second end has an opening therein. An electrode is positioned in the insulating sleeve and has a piercing member. The electrode is moveable axially from a retracted position to an extended position wherein the piercing member projects from the opening. A conductor wire is disposed in the sleeve and coupled between the connector and the electrode for transmitting electric signals between the cardiac stimulator and the electrode. A lubricant is provided inside the insulating sleeve for lubricating the movement of the electrode. The lubricant reduces the potential for sticking, particularly for silicone lead sleeves.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Intermedics, Inc.Inventors: Arthur J. Lucchesi, Paul R. Spher, Michael C. Smith
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Patent number: 6259949Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating post-defibrillation electromechanical dissociation (“EMD”). A first embodiment comprises an implantable defibrillator, which may include cardioversion and pacemaker capabilities, which has the capability of detecting and treating post defibrillation EMD. The stimulator/defibrillator has one or more leads with electrodes. At least one electrode for defibrillation may be an endocardial or epicardial electrode or other suitable defibrillation electrode. A sense circuit senses the electrical condition of the heart of the patient. A hemodynamic sensor senses a parameter correlated to the state of blood flow. The cardiac stimulator/defibrillator detects ventricular tachyarrhythmia including fibrillation and terminates ventricular tachyarrhythmia. After termination of the ventricular tachyarrhythmia, the stimulator/defibrillator can detect the presence of electrical rhythm in the heart correlated, however, with inadequate blood flow to sustain life.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Intermedics, Inc.Inventors: John P. Rosborough, D. Curtis Deno
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Patent number: 6253108Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating post-defibrillation electromechanical dissociation (“EMD”). A first embodiment comprises an implantable defibrillator, which may include cardioversion and pacemaker capabilities, which has the capability of detecting and treating post defibrillation EMD. The stimulator/defibrillator has one or more leads with electrodes. At least one electrode for defibrillation may be an endocardial or epicardial electrode or other suitable defibrillation electrode. A sense circuit senses the electrical condition of the heart of the patient. A hemodynamic sensor senses a parameter correlated to the state of blood flow. The cardiac stimulator/defibrillator detects ventricular tachyarrhythmia including fibrillation and terminates ventricular tachyarrhythmia. After termination of the ventricular tachyarrhythmia, the stimulator/defibrillator can detect the presence of electrical rhythm in the heart correlated, however, with inadequate blood flow to sustain life.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: John P. Rosborough, D. Curtis Deno
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Patent number: 6251219Abstract: A fixture holds a plurality of circuit components backside up in a substantially coplanar relationship in the same spatial relationship between the circuit components that the components are intended to have a circuit board or substrate as part of an electronic device. An adhesive applying device, such as a screen printer, applies adhesive to the backside of each circuit component. The circuit components may then be transferred onto a substrate by the use of a piston transfer device, for instance. Preferably, all the circuit components are transferred substantially simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1998Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: Philip H. Chen, Dennis M. Gibson, Cuong Van Pham