Abstract: A bioerodible stent includes an inner member of a first biocompatible metal, an intermediate member of a second biocompatible metal, and an outer member of a third biocompatible metal. The first biocompatible metal, second biocompatible metal, and third biocompatible member are selected such that galvanic corrosion occurs between the members. A biodegradable polymer coating may surround the members.

Abstract: A system and associated method receives, by a database coupled to a communication network, patient medical data from multiple data sources including data retrieved from implantable medical devices implanted in patients. A processor accesses the database to generate a dataset from the medical data having at least one data characteristic matching a corresponding data characteristic of a patient group of at least one patient. At least one subset of the dataset is identified that had a therapy intervention subsequent to a time point that the subset had the matching data characteristic(s). An outcome of the subset is determined and a predictive outcome for the patient group is produced based on the outcome of at least one subset.

Abstract: An instrument for use in a medical procedure that includes a proximal end, a distal end, a handle adjacent to the proximal end of the instrument, a flexible elongated neck extending distally from a distal end of the handle, a jaw power screw extending from a distal end of the neck, a pair of moveable jaws operatively connected to the jaw power screw, and a handle power screw assembly operatively connected to a proximal end of the flexible neck within the handle, wherein manipulation of the handle will control movement of the jaws.

Abstract: An implantable medical device with lubricious material permits implantable medical devices to have a reduced friction between the device and at least a portion of the surrounding tissue. The implantable medical device may have a housing or it may have a housing and a member for providing a smooth interface between the device and the tissue. The lubricious material may be provided on or impregnated in the housing or the member. In some embodiments, the device is configured for implantation in the head of a human body. In other embodiments, the device is configured for implantation between the cranium and the scalp. In some embodiments, the device includes a single module while in other embodiments a plurality of modules are coupled together to provide a smaller profile.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized permselective membranes and methods for making and using such sensors. Embodiments of the invention also provide analyte sensors such as those having porous matrices coated with an analyte sensing composition and methods for making and using such sensors. Illustrative embodiments include electrochemical glucose sensors having glucose oxidase coatings.

Abstract: A profile altering tip is provided for a delivery system. The tip defines a first profile with a generally conical shape and a second profile with a generally round shape. During use of the delivery system, a tip profile control assembly can alter the tip from the first profile to the second profile.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure relates to system, devices, and techniques for delivering dorsal column stimulation. One or more locations for dorsal column stimulation may be identified based on sensed signals evoked by delivery of stimulation to a dorsal root and/or peripheral nerve of a patient. In some examples, an IMD may deliver dorsal column stimulation in combination with dorsal root stimulation to a patient to treat a patient condition.

Abstract: Generally, the disclosure is directed one or more methods or systems of cardiac pacing employing a right ventricular electrode and a plurality of left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a first one of the left ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Computing a first degree of resynchronization based on a sum of differences of activation times and corresponding activation times. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Computing a second degree of resynchronization based on the sum of differences of activation times and corresponding activation times.

Abstract: A tine portion of an implantable medical device includes a hook segment and a distal segment extending therefrom, wherein the hook segment is pre-set to extend along a curvature and is elastically deformable therefrom to an open position. The distal segment includes a tooth and an end that surrounds the tooth, wherein the end includes a pair of legs and a distal arch. The legs extend along a length of, and on opposing sides of the tooth, and the distal arch extends between the legs, distal to a tissue-piercing tip of the tooth. When the hook segment is in the open position, and a force is applied along a longitudinal axis of the device, to push the distal arch of the distal segment against tissue, for initial tissue penetration, the legs of the end of the distal segment bend in elastic deformation to expose the tissue-piercing tip to the tissue.

Abstract: A stent includes a bioabsorbable metal, a hydrothermal conversion film covering the bioabsorbable metal, and a coating covering the hydrothermal conversion film. A method for manufacturing a stent includes forming a stent body comprising a bioabsorbable metal, forming a hydrothermal conversion film over surfaces of the stent body, and coating the hydrothermal conversion film with an overcoat.

Abstract: Techniques for managing urinary or fecal incontinence include delivering a first type of therapy to generate a first physiological response and, upon detecting a trigger event, delivering a second type of therapy to generate a second physiological response. The first type of therapy can be delivered on a substantially regular basis, while the second type of therapy is delivered as needed to provide an additional boost of therapy. The trigger event for activating the delivery of the second type of therapy may include input from a sensor that indicates a bladder condition, patient activity level or patient posture, or patient input. In some examples, the therapy is stimulation therapy.

Abstract: A medical system is provided, including an ablation system having at least one ablation element and a sensor, a generator operable to deliver radiofrequency ablation energy to the ablation element. A power supply defines a duty cycle and provides a voltage to the generator, and the power supply has a duty cycle modulator and an amplitude modulator. A processor is connected to the power supply, the generator, and the sensor. The processor obtains a feedback signal from the sensor, and adjusts the duty cycle modulator and the amplitude modulator according to the feedback signal.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates generally to methods for treating heart conditions using vagal stimulation, and further to systems and devices for performing such treatment. Such methods may include monitoring physiological parameters of a patient, detecting cardiac conditions, and delivering vagal stimulation (e.g., electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve or neurons having parasympathetic function) to the patient to treat the detected cardiac conditions.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument comprises an outer tubular member having a proximal section, an intermediate section and a central lumen. An inner tubular member is rotatably received within the central lumen and includes a distal end forming a cutting member extending distally beyond, and exposed relative to, the distal section of the outer tubular member. A bearing assembly is coupled to the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A catheter has a shaft that defines a delivery lumen, for example, to deliver an elongate medical device therethrough; a proximal section of the catheter includes a seal zone portion, a handle portion and a proximal port portion. A relatively thin wall section of the proximal port portion extends between the seal zone portion and a proximal edge that defines part of a perimeter of a proximal opening of the delivery lumen. The handle portion projects laterally from the seal zone portion, generally opposite the relatively thin wall section. An inflation subassembly of the catheter includes a compliant sleeve member and an inflation lumen extending from the sleeve member, proximally along the shaft, and into a connector port formed in the handle portion. The inflation lumen may be formed by fusing a section of a tube to the shaft and molding the handle portion around another section of the tube.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that utilize an injectable ropinirole having a therapeutically effective amount of ropinirole in an aqueous solvent, the composition having a pH of from about 3.0 to about 6.5. The compositions and methods provided contain less than 3% by weight of impurities and are suitable for administration by infusion pumps. In some embodiments, the compositions are made in an oxygen free environment and/or are made with an antioxidant to reduce impurities and improve stability. In some embodiments, the compositions provided are utilized to treat Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring holder including a head having an upper surface and an annuloplasty ring receiving surface facing opposite the upper surface. The annuloplasty ring holder also includes means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface may include one or more suture guides operatively associated with the head and configured to position one or more sutures to removably associate an annuloplasty ring with the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The head may include a central hub and more than one spoke radiating out from the central hub. If the head is thus configured, each spoke will include a portion of the annuloplasty ring receiving surface.

Abstract: A medical device having an indicator to indicate whether the medical device has a waterproof seal enclosing an interior volume. The medical device includes a housing having an indicator formed on the exterior surface of the housing. The indicator is capable of moving from a first position to a second position, where the first position indicates that the medical device housing has a waterproof seal to prevent ingress of water into the interior volume of the medical device and the second position indicates that there is a leak in the housing.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for generating stimulation current pulses that have differing pulse shapes in a medical device. A circuit architecture is described that is configured to charge a capacitor to an initial amount of charge, modulate the amount of charge stored in the capacitor based on a control signal, and generate a stimulation current pulse that has an amplitude based on the amount charge stored in the capacitor. The circuit architecture may be configured to generate complex pulse shapes, such as, e.g., steps, ramps, bursts, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for the improved isolation and corresponding treatment of tissue targeted for cryogenic or other thermal therapy to increase the thermal efficacy and thermal efficiency of the treatment. In particular, the present invention provides methods and systems for improved thermal treatment of target tissue, such as a pulmonary vein and/or regions of the left atrium by reducing the resistive forces and/or increased thermal energy experienced from blood flow exiting the pulmonary vein into the left atrium during treatment.