Abstract: A lead has a helix at a distal end of a rotatable shaft. Prior to implantation of the lead, the helix has a first configuration comprising an electrically active surface coated with an electrically insulative layer of a biologically dissolvable material to render the helix electrically inactive. Upon fixation of the helix into an organ, the helix has the first configuration and a pin is in electrical contact with the organ to detect proper fixation of the helix into the organ. Subsequent to fixation of the helix into the organ, the helix has a second configuration comprising an electrically active surface exposed upon dissolving of the electrically insulative layer of the biologically dissolvable material to render the helix electrically active.

Abstract: A lead has an electrically controlled switch at a proximal end of a rotatable shaft. The electrically controlled switch has a first configuration to electrically connect a first electric conductor to a second electric conductor for electrically activating the pin and has a second configuration to electrically connect the first electric conductor to the rotatable shaft for electrically activating the helix. Proper fixation of the helix to an organ is determined by switching the electrically controlled switch to the first configuration to render the pin electrically active and to electrically deactivate the helix. Upon determination of proper fixation of the helix to the organ, the electrically controlled switch is switched to the second configuration to render the helix electrically active and to electrically deactivate the pin.

Abstract: An RF surgical apparatus and method for operating such an apparatus. The RF surgical apparatus comprises at least two RF generators and at least one neutral electrode output for one neutral electrode. At least two outputs for connecting RF surgical instruments for applying treatment currents to the surgical instruments are provided. Furthermore, a switching device is provided. To enable a simultaneous operation of several RF surgical apparatuses, and not generate any neuromuscular stimulation, a separate generator is provided for each RF surgical instrument and a single neutral electrode is provided for all of the instruments and generators. The switching device is adapted to be arranged in a controlling connection with the RF generators such that the RF generators will never generate, and output to the instruments, any treatment currents at the same time (that is, they output only sequentially).

Abstract: A temporary implantable medical electrical lead includes a conductor extending along a proximal, extracorporeal length and a distal, subcutaneous length of the lead. Electrically isolated first and second wire filars of the conductor are wound to form an elongate lumen of the lead. First and second electrodes are mounted directly onto the conductor, along the subcutaneous length, and each is directly coupled to the corresponding filar. A fixation member is attached to a tubular member, which is conformed to an outer surface of the conductor so as to only cover the conductor along the subcutaneous length, leaving the outer surface exposed along a portion thereof, adjacent to the extracorporeal length. When the lead is implanted, the fixation member holds the subcutaneous length in a relatively fixed location, and fluid communication exists between the outer surface of the conductor and the lumen of the lead.

Abstract: Provided herein is an electrode device comprising an interface comprising at least one magnetic contact. The interface can be adaptable to be in communication with an electronic member, wherein the magnetic contact on the interface is adaptable to align and position the electronic member with respect to the interface. The interface can be further adaptable to remain affixed to a patient while an electronic member is removed and/or inserted from the interface. Further provided herein are methods of using the electrode device and kits.

Abstract: A garment is provided with a tube that may be used to facilitate placement of needle electrodes into a patient to facilitate intraoperative monitoring during surgical procedures.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system of electrodes used for transdermal conduction of electrical signals and a method of use thereof, the system comprising a plurality of electrode parts connected by means of electrical conductors to electric impedance tomography apparatuses, as well as other devices, the parts being secured to an outer side of a flexible and porous blade coated on both sides thereof by layers of electrically conductive and adhesive materials, such electrically conductive and adhesive materials being in mutual contact through the pores of the blade, the inner face of the latter being removably secured, by means of adhesion, to the patient. The invention comprises means for positioning the electrode parts, as well as means for external protection thereof and of their respective conductors.

Abstract: A lightweight, disposable and substantially radiolucent electrode or sensor assembly for that universally connects to separate, non-integrated electrodes or sensors for the monitoring of the physiological parameters of a live subject wherein the electrode assembly is comprised of one or more radiolucent electrical connectors for connecting the electrode assembly to the sensors. The present invention also discloses a method of positioning the electrode assembly on a patient whose physiological signs are being monitored such that access to the patient's chest is substantially unimpeded so as not to obstruct the electromagnetic imaging of the patient's chest, the application of defibrillation paddles or surgical procedures that require access to the chest area.

Abstract: Improved low-cost, highly reliable methods for increasing the electrochemical surface area of neural electrodes are described. A mono-layer of polymeric nanospheres is first deposited on a metallization supported on a dielectric substrate. The nanospheres self-assemble into generally repeating lattice forms with interstitial space between them. Then, the geometric surface area of the metallization material is increased by either selectively etching part-way into its depth at the interstitial space between adjacent nanospheres. Another technique is to deposit addition metallization material into the interstitial space. The result is undulation surface features provided on the exposed surface of the metallization. This helps improve the electrochemical surface area when the treated metallizations are fabricated into electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac monitoring device includes first and second arms, pivotably attached to one another; electronic circuitry and an associated power source of the device are hermetically sealed in a housing formed by one of the arms. A first electrode is carried by the first arm, a second electrode by the second arm, and a third electrode by one of the two arms. The device further includes a tether element, preferably a strut, pivotably attached between the arms and movable between a folded state and an expanded state. When the strut is in the folded state, the device, in a relatively compact form, can be inserted through a relatively small incision and into subcutaneous tissue, after which, the strut is moved to the expanded state where ends of the arms are spaced apart from one another and supported by the strut, and the three electrodes form dual sensing vectors.

Abstract: A physiological signal detection device includes at least one electrode pad, a base layer, and at least one water absorption unit. The electrode pad is positioned on a top surface of the base layer. The electrode pad and the base layer form a first receiving compartment therebetween. The water absorption unit is positioned in the first receiving compartment. The water absorption unit has a top engaging the electrode pad, and the water absorption unit has a bottom engaging the base layer.

Abstract: A garment and/or garment system with health-monitoring (e.g., cardiovascular monitoring) capability, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and techniques for applying a device to a subject. Such apparatus and techniques may provide feedback to an operator and/or regulate the force used to apply the device, yielding an improved result. Particularly useful embodiments include apparatus and techniques for applying a medical device, such as a skin surface electrode or microneedle array, to a patient's tissue.

Abstract: A lead comprises a mechanical switch at a proximal end of a rotatable shaft. The mechanical switch has a first position to electrically connect a first electric conductor to a second electric conductor for electrically activating a pin and has a second position to electrically connect the first electric conductor to the rotatable shaft for electrically activating a helix. Proper fixation of the helix to an organ is determined by inserting a stylet into the mechanical switch to render the pin electrically active and the helix electrically inactive. Upon determination of proper fixation of the helix to the organ, the stylet is removed from the mechanical switch to render the helix electrically active and the pin electrically inactive.

Abstract: A catheter with ablation and potential sensing capabilities is adapted for outer circumferential contact with an opening of a tubular region and inner circumferential contact within the tubular region. The catheter has a proximal electrode assembly and a distal electrode assembly for ablation of an ostium and potential sensing inside the pulmonary vein so that it is possible to obtain ECG signals inside a pulmonary vein when ablating around the ostium. The distal electrode assembly has an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of spines surrounding the member and converging at their proximal and distal ends, where each spine has at least one electrode and a curvature so that the spine bows radially outwardly from the member.

Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring and/or treating patients comprise a switch to automatically start-up the device when the device contacts tissue. By automatically starting up the device, the device may be installed without the clinician and/or user turning on the device, such that the device can be easy to use. In many embodiments, the device comprises startup circuitry with very low current and/or power consumption, for example less than 100 pA. The startup circuitry can detect tissue contact and turn on circuitry that is used to monitor or treat the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for producing and using electrodes, which may be flexible and/or stretchable, and interconnection structures that can be used both externally and/or implanted within the body. Electrodes according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be produced by depositing patterned layers of insulating and conductive polymers to form multi-layer circuits. The conductive materials and layers in the structure can be exposed on the surface of the structures for use as electrodes. A plurality of electrodes may be formed into an electrode array. In various embodiments, electrode arrays may be associated with telemetry modules configured to wirelessly transmit data collected by the electrode array to a receiver module.

Abstract: The system for displaying muscle force data includes a wearable patch and a remote visual display. The wearable patch carries electrodes suitable for sensing electromyographic signals on the skin of the patient. The patch carries circuitry which converts the detected electromyographic signal to a digital output which can be transmitted to the remote visual display. The circuitry relies on filtering to produce a usable digital signal at very low power consumption. The transmitted signal can be used to drive a variety of visual displays, including a conventional hand-held personal communicators and entertainment devices which had been programmed to suitably process the visual display.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a rotational control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The rotational control assembly has an outer rotational member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the rotational control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: A waterproof physiological signal detection device includes at least one electrode pad, a waterproof base layer, at least one water absorption unit, and a waterproof top layer. The electrode pad is positioned on a top surface of the waterproof base layer, and a first receiving compartment formed therebetween. The water absorption unit is positioned in the first receiving compartment. The water absorption unit has a top engaging the electrode pad and s a bottom engaging the waterproof base layer. The waterproof top layer overlaps the waterproof base layer and forms at least one top layer opening that corresponds to and exposes the at least one electrode pad. An undersurface of a circumference of the top layer opening overlaps a circumference of a top surface of the electrode pad with a central portion of the electrode pad projecting through the top layer opening.