Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving cognitive function within a human. The invention utilizes an implanted device, such as an implantable signal generator or an implantable pump, to affect tissue elements within a Papez circuit of the human brain as well as tissue upstream or downstream from the Papez circuit. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to thereby improve cognitive function by the human. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of the cognitive disorder. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate delivery of the stimulation and/or drug therapy.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods that comprise or utilize implantable electrode arrays for neural stimulation and/or sensing. In some embodiments, the electrode array is implanted or inserted into the auditory nerve and is used to deliver electrical impulses to/receive data from the auditory nerve in the treatment of hearing disorders.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus that includes an implantable device housing, a capacitor disposed in the implantable device housing, the capacitor including a dielectric comprising CaCu3Ti4O12 and BaTiO3, the dielectric insulating an anode from a cathode and pulse control electronics disposed in the implantable device housing and connected to the capacitor.

Abstract: Techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.

Abstract: An apparatus for suppressing power frequency common mode interference in a bioelectrical signal measuring system includes a driving circuit configured to amplify and change the phase of a common mode interference signal to produce a first driving signal, wherein the common mode interference signal is extracted from a plurality of first electrodes attached to a patient; phase compensating and processing circuitry electrically connected to the driving circuit for receiving the first driving signal, the phase compensating and processing circuitry configured to produce a second driving signal by phase-compensating the first driving signal based on a characteristic value of power frequency interference in a bioelectrical signal acquired through the plurality of first electrodes; and a switch to receive the first driving signal and the second driving signal, the switch configured to selectively switch between providing the first driving signal and providing the second driving signal to a second electrode attached t

Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of a blood pump, wherein the method includes the steps of deriving an estimated pulsatility index from speed, then deriving an estimated blood pressure from estimated pulsatility index; and maintaining target blood flow rate near to or at a preset value by adjusting the speed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating a subject for obesity-hypoventilation syndrome, or related conditions, are provided. The subject methods include applying an electrical stimulus to a subject in a manner that modulates chest cavity capacity in a manner effective to treat the subject. Also provided are compositions, kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.

Abstract: A method comprises detecting at least one episode of ventricular tachyarrhythmia in a subject using an implantable medical device (IMD), sensing at least one heart sound signal for the subject using the IMD, the heart sound signal associated with mechanical vibration of a heart of the subject; initiating, in response to and during the detected episode of tachyarrhythmia, a measurement of hemodynamic stability of the ventricular tachyarrhythmia from the heart sound signal, and deeming whether the ventricular tachyarrhythmia is stable according to the measurement of hemodynamic stability. The measurement of hemodynamic stability is determined using linear prediction.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) provides quadripolar transthoracic impedance measurement capability by forming at least one of the two electrodes associated with the canister of the device on a lead proximate the canister.

Abstract: An envelope based amplitude mapping achieves the signal compression required to provide a natural sound level without the high processor loading or waveform alteration. In one embodiment, the output of a family of parallel bandpass filters is processed by an envelope detector, followed by decimation. The resulting reduced data rate envelope is log mapped to produce a scaling factor for the original high data rate bandpass filter output sequence. The resulting scaled signal determines the current level for stimulation of the cochlea for each frequency band, which stimulation achieves a log mapping of the sound amplitude effect similar to natural hearing, while reducing processor load, and preserving waveform shape.

Abstract: Introducing one or more stimulating drugs to the vagus nerve and/or one or more branches of the vagus nerve to treat movement disorders uses at least one implantable system control unit (SCU) with an implantable pump with at least one infusion outlet. Optional electrical stimulation may additionally be supplied by an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) with one or more electrodes. In certain embodiments, a single SCU provides one or more stimulating drugs and the optional electrical stimulation. In some embodiments, one or more sensed conditions are used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A biofeedback stimulation device includes a user interface for providing at least one input signal. A processor generates at least one control signal responsive to the at least one input signal. Circuitry within the biofeedback stimulation device enables application of both an electric stimulation signal and a light stimulation signal to a body of an individual. The application of the electrical stimulation signal and the light stimulation signal are controlled by the at least one control signal provided by the processor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting sleep apnea by analyzing characteristic physiological oscillations of the heart rate variability (HRV). Starting from recorded ECG data of the patient, for example, as a long-term sequence of the changing RR intervals, the heart rate variability is examined using autocorrelation calculations for the occurrence of rhythmic oscillations of various frequencies. If oscillations typical for apnea occur having very long period durations in the range of 20 to 80 seconds, these are detected as a maximum of the autocorrelation function. If a pathological sleep apnea accordingly exists, individual apnea events may be identified by prompt analysis of short recorded RR sequences, e.g., in the minute interval.

Abstract: A far-field radio-frequency (RF) telemetry system for data transmission between an implantable medical device and an external system includes a plurality of channels each representing a frequency band within a predetermined frequency range. The data transmission is performed using at least one active channel at any instant. Channel hopping is performed on a periodic basis throughout a telemetry session such that the active channel keeps scanning through an array of channels selected from the plurality of channels. If a data frame is not successfully transmitted, it is repeatedly re-transmitted using the current and/or the next active channels until its transmission becomes successful.

Abstract: A biofeedback electronic stimulation device includes a processor for generating a first control signal and a plurality of second control signals responsive to at least one input signal. Transformer circuitry generates a stimulation signal including packets of at least one pulse responsive to the first control signal. Pulse circuitry configures the at least one pulse in the packet to a selected one of a plurality of configurations responsive to the plurality of second control signals. Output electrodes apply the at least one pulse in the packet to a user and detector circuitry detects zero crossings of the at least one pulse in the packet. The processor further causes generation of an indicator responsive to the detected zero crossings.

Abstract: A method comprising sensing at least one cardiac signal representative of cardiac activity of a subject using an implantable medical device (IMD), calculating, from the cardiac signal, a first dominant vector corresponding to a direction and magnitude of maximum signal power of an ST-T first segment of a cardiac cycle and a second dominant vector corresponding to a direction and magnitude of maximum signal power of a P-QRS second segment of a cardiac cycle, measuring a change in the first dominant vector, measuring a change in the second dominant vector, and subtracting the change in the second dominant vector from the measured change in the first dominant vector to form a difference.

Abstract: A percutaneous gas-line (10) for a medical device (14). The gas-line including a first gas-line part (10a) and a second gas-line part (10b). The first gas-line part (10a) is adapted to be wholly implanted in a patient and has a first end (10a?) adapted for sealing connection to the medical device (14) and a second end (10a?) with a connection fitting (20). The second gas-line part (10b) is adapted to be part-implanted and part-external and has a first (external) end (10b?) adapted for sealing connection to an external driver (12) and a second (implanted) end (10b?) adapted for removable sealing connection with the connection fitting (20) on the second end (10a?) of the first gas-line part (10a).

Abstract: A method and device for delivering pre-excitation pacing to prevent or reduce cardiac remodeling following a myocardial infarction is described. The pre-excitation pacing is modulated in accordance with an intravascular pressure measurement in order to balance the beneficial effects of stress reduction with hemodynamic compromise.

Abstract: An implantable interface system for a medical device system providing selective interconnectivity between conduits and therapy elements. The interface system contains connecting elements that each provide a robust connection between a selected conduit and a selected therapy element. The interface system enables the use of a surplus of therapy elements so that treatment to the same site (in the case of electrode migration or failure), or to different sites but within the spatial domain of the interface's elements may be delivered through the spare/excess therapy elements without the need for additional major surgical procedures.