Abstract: Single-use electrical leads for a nerve stimulator are disclosed. The leads include a status flag element such as a fuse, which is deliberately blown after use of the leads has begun to indicate that the leads are not to be reused. The nerve stimulator has a “test mode” that determines a current value for treatment, and a “therapy mode” that administers treatment with the chosen current value. If the fuse in the electrical leads is blown (not conducting), then the stimulator assumes that the leads have already been used and does not enter therapy mode, and optionally may not enter test mode. If the fuse in the electrical leads is intact (conducting), or not blown, then the stimulator assumes that the leads are as yet unused, and allows the user to enter either test mode or therapy mode. The fuse is deliberately blown after a particular amount of time spent in therapy mode.

Abstract: Single-use electrical leads for a nerve stimulator include a status flag element such as a fuse, which is deliberately blown after use of the leads has begun to indicate that the leads are not to be reused. The nerve stimulator has a “test mode” that determines a current value for treatment, and a “therapy mode” that administers treatment with the chosen current value. If the fuse in the electrical leads is blown, then the stimulator assumes that the leads have already been used and does not enter therapy mode. If the fuse in the electrical leads is intact, then the stimulator assumes that the leads are as yet unused, and allows the user to enter either test mode or therapy mode. The fuse is deliberately blown after a particular amount of time spent in therapy mode. After the fuse is blown, the user may still complete the therapy mode.

Abstract: An implantable neuromodulation system and method of treating a patient through neuromodulation of a patient's body tissue. The neuromodulation system includes a portable transmitter and an implantable receiver. The implantable receiver includes one or more electrodes disposed on the distal end of one or more elongated, flexible insulated leads. The transmitter is programmable with a treatment protocol to cause the transmitter to generate a pulsed, alternating magnetic field in accordance with the treatment protocol. When the transmitter is placed in close proximity to the receiver, the alternating magnetic field pulses generated by the transmitter cause the receiver to operably generate stimulating pulses delivered via the electrode(s) to the targeted tissue of the patient.

Abstract: Single-use electrical leads include a status flag element such as a fuse. The nerve stimulator has a “test mode” that determines a current value for treatment, and a “therapy mode” that administers treatment with the chosen current value. If the fuse in the electrical leads is blown, then the stimulator assumes that the leads have already been used and does not enter therapy mode, and optionally test mode. If the fuse in the electrical leads is intact, then the stimulator assumes that the leads are as yet unused, and allows the user to enter either test mode or therapy mode. The fuse is deliberately blown after a particular amount of time spent in therapy mode. After the fuse is blown, the user may still complete the therapy mode, even though the fuse is non-conducting. Preferably the fuse is electrically isolated from the leads that contact the patient.

Abstract: An electro-nerve stimulation apparatus includes a pulse generator, a first electrically conductive, insulated lead wire, a second electrically conductive, insulated lead wire, an electrically conductive transcutaneous electrode and an electrically conductive percutaneous needle electrode. Connected to one end of the first and second lead wires is a connector for electrically coupling with the pulse generator. The transcutaneous electrode is operably connected to the other end of the first lead wire. An electrically conductive adaptor is secured to the other end of the second lead wire for electrically coupling to the terminal end of the percutaneous needle electrode. The lead wire set includes a single-use mechanism adapted to effectively discourage reuse of the electrodes. In use, the transcutaneous electrode is adhered to the patient's skin distal from the desired internal stimulation site. The percutaneous needle electrode is inserted through the skin in proximity to the desired internal stimulation site.

Abstract: An introducer for facilitating the injection of a bulking agent into the urinary sphincter of a patient comprises a rigid tubular member having a closed distal end, an open proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The tubular member has an aperture in a side wall thereof leading to the lumen, the aperture being a known predetermined distance from the closed distal end. Integrally formed with the cylindrical tube is a flared wall structure in the shape of a hollow cone. Formed obliquely through the wall of the cone are a plurality of regularly radially spaced bores that exit the cylindrical tubular portion, a fixed, predetermined distance from the aforementioned aperture.

Abstract: A sling device for surgical implantation into human recipient to support the urethra, the sling including an elongated strip of supple material. The elongated strip has a center portion, opposite first and second side portions, and a slot passing through the center portion, through which one of the side portions can pass, thereby forming a loop in the elongated strip. The material is a biological acceptable material for implantation into the human recipient, preferably selected from the group consisting of synthetic polymers, processed animal tissues, and combination thereof. A method of reducing the incidence of involuntary urination or restoring urinary continence in an incontinent human subject is also disclosed, including the steps of providing a sling device of the type previously described and surgically implanting the sling device in the human subject so that the urethra is biased upward so as to elevate the urethra.