Abstract: A biocompatible, implantable electrode for electrically active medical devices. The implantable medical electrode has a surface geometry which optimizes the electrical performance of the electrode, while mitigating the undesirable effects associated with prior art porous surfaces. The electrode has an optimized surface topography for improved electrical performance. Such a electrode is suitable for devices which may be permanently implanted in the human body as stimulation electrodes, such as pacemakers, or as sensors of medical conditions. Such is achieved by the application of ultrafast high energy pulses to the surface of a solid, monolithic electrode material for the purpose of increasing the surface area and thereby decreasing its after-potential polarization. In addition, the electrode material comprises a biocompatible metal having a minimal or eliminated amount of metal oxides which are detrimental to electrode performance.

Abstract: A biocompatible, implantable electrode for electrically active medical devices. The implantable medical electrode has a surface geometry which optimizes the electrical performance of the electrode, while mitigating the undesirable effects associated with prior art porous surfaces. The electrode has an optimized surface topography for improved electrical performance. Such a electrode is suitable for devices which may be permanently implanted in the human body as stimulation electrodes, such as pacemakers, or as sensors of medical conditions. Such is achieved by the application of ultrafast high energy pulses to the surface of a solid, monolithic electrode material for the purpose of increasing the surface area and thereby decreasing its after-potential polarization. In addition, the electrode material comprises a biocompatible metal having a minimal or eliminated amount of metal oxides which are detrimental to electrode performance.

Abstract: A biocompatible, implantable electrode for electrically active medical devices. The implantable medical electrode has a surface geometry which optimizes the electrical performance of the electrode, while mitigating the undesirable effects associated with prior art porous surfaces. The electrode has an optimized surface topography for improved electrical performance. Such a electrode is suitable for devices which may be permanently implanted in the human body as stimulation electrodes, such as pacemakers, or as sensors of medical conditions. Such is achieved by the application of ultrafast high energy pulses to the surface of a solid, monolithic electrode material for the purpose of increasing the surface area and thereby decreasing its after-potential polarization.

Abstract: A biocompatible, implantable electrode for electrically active medical devices. The implantable medical electrode has a surface geometry which optimizes the electrical performance of the electrode, while mitigating the undesirable effects associated with prior art porous surfaces. The electrode has an optimized surface topography for improved electrical performance. Such a electrode is suitable for devices which may be permanently implanted in the human body as stimulation electrodes, such as pacemakers, or as sensors of medical conditions. Such is achieved by the application of ultrafast high energy pulses to the surface of a solid, monolithic electrode material for the purpose of increasing the surface area and thereby decreasing its after-potential polarization.

Abstract: A titanium based, ceramic reinforced alloy ingot for use in producing medical implants. An ingot is formed from an alloy having comprising from about 5 to about 35 wt. % niobium, from about 0.5 to about 3.5 wt. % silicon, and from about 61.5 to about 94.5 wt. % of titanium. The alloy has a hexagonal crystal lattice ? phase of from about 20 vol % to about 70 vol %, and a cubic body centered ? crystal lattice phase of from about 30 vol. % to about 80 vol. %. The ingot has an ultimate tensile strength of about 940 MPa or more, and a Young's modulus of about 150 GPa or less. A molten substantially uniform admixture of a niobium, silicon, and titanium alloy is formed, cast into a shape, and cooled into an ingot. The ingot may then be formed into a medical implant and optionally annealed.

Abstract: A biocompatible, implantable electrode for electrically active medical devices. The implantable medical electrode has a surface geometry which optimizes the electrical performance of the electrode, while mitigating the undesirable effects associated with prior art porous surfaces. The electrode has an optimized surface topography for improved electrical performance. Such a electrode is suitable for devices which may be permanently implanted in the human body as stimulation electrodes, such as pacemakers, or as sensors of medical conditions. Such is achieved by the application of ultrafast high energy pulses to the surface of a solid, monolithic electrode material for the purpose of increasing the surface area and thereby decreasing its after-potential polarization.

Abstract: A titanium based, ceramic reinforced alloy ingot for use in producing medical implants. An ingot is formed from an alloy having comprising from about 5 to about 35 wt. % niobium, from about 0.5 to about 3.5 wt. % A silicon, and from about 61.5 to about 94.5 wt. % of titanium. The alloy has a hexagonal crystal lattice a phase of from about 20 vol % to about 70 vol %, and a cubic body centered 13 crystal lattice phase of from about 30 vol. % to about 80 vol. %. The ingot has an ultimate tensile strength of about 940 MPa or more, and a Young's modulus of about 150 GPa or less. A molten substantially uniform admixture of a niobium, silicon, and titanium alloy is formed, cast into a shape, and cooled into an ingot. The ingot may then be formed into a medical implant and optionally annealed.

Abstract: A surface geometry for an implantable medical electrode that optimizes the electrical characteristics of the electrode and enables an efficient transfer of signals from the electrode to surrounding bodily tissue. The coating is optimized to increase the double layer capacitance and to lower the after-potential polarization for signals having a pulse width in a pre-determined range by keeping the amplitude of the surface geometry with a desired range.

Abstract: A surface geometry for an implantable medical electrode that optimizes the electrical characteristics of the electrode and enables an efficient transfer of signals from the electrode to surrounding bodily tissue. The coating is optimized to increase the double layer capacitance and to lower the after-potential polarization for signals having a pulse width in a pre-determined range by keeping the amplitude of the surface geometry with a desired range.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices made from a single beta phase Tantalum alloy utilizing Titanium as an alloying agent that are biocompatible, radiopaque and visible under x-ray and fluoroscopy, the alloy having mechanical properties that allow it to be machined by conventional, machining methods for forming the devices, and a method for making the alloy. The alloy is between approximately 10 percent and 25 percent Ti by weight and preferably has a density of 12 g/cm3 or greater.

Abstract: A system for treating a fluid comprising a treatment chamber; a light source for emitting light, such that at least a portion of the light travels within the treatment chamber; and a treatment area within the treatment chamber; wherein a flow profile of the fluid in the treatment area matches the fluence profile of the light that travels within the treatment area. An apparatus for providing a substantially uniform light treatment of a flowing fluid by providing a light source or sources and establishing (or controlling) the flow such that the combination of light intensity and flow velocity provides substantially uniform treatment (i.e. the faster moving fluid streams are treated at higher intensity and the slower moving fluid streams are treated at lower intensity).