Abstract: A blood pressure monitor equipped with a cardiovascular health condition monitoring module includes: a blood pressure measurement device measuring a user's blood pressure signal; a host including a blood pressure monitor microprocessor that processes blood pressure correlated signal; a control panel equipped to the host and configured to control blood pressure measured by the blood pressure monitor and heart rhythm analysis; a first display device displaying blood pressure result; and a second display device displaying heart rhythm analysis from the cardiovascular health condition monitoring module.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system is provided for managing neural stimulation therapy. The method comprises under control of one or more processors configured with program instructions. The method delivers a series of candidate stimulation waveforms having varied stimulation intensities to at least one electrode located proximate to nervous tissue of interest. A parameter defines the candidate stimulation waveforms is changed to vary the stimulation intensity. The method identifies a first candidate stimulation waveform that induces a paresthesia-abatement effect, while continuing to induce a select analgesic effect. The method further identifies a second candidate stimulation waveform that does not induce the select analgesic effect. The method sets a stimulation therapy based on the first and second candidate stimulation waveforms.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.

Abstract: This invention is a retinal electrode array assembly and methods of using the same that facilitate surgical implant procedures by providing the operating surgeon with visual references and grasping means and with innovations that reduce actual and potential damage to the retina and the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring electrocardiogram (ECG) using wireless communication, including a first measuring device and a second measuring device connected to each other using wireless communication, wherein the first measuring device includes a first electrode configured to measure a first signal generated by a heartbeat, and a slave signal generation unit configured to generate a slave signal based on the first signal and a wireless virtual ground signal received from the second measuring device, and the second measuring device includes a second electrode configured to measure a second signal generated by a heartbeat, a ground electrode configured to measure a ground signal, a wireless virtual ground unit configured to generate the wireless virtual ground signal based on the ground signal, and an ECG measuring unit configured to measure ECG based on the slave signal, the second signal, and the wireless virtual ground signal.

Abstract: A medical system includes an implantable lead having a plurality of electrode contacts, a pulse generator coupled to the lead and configured to generate electrical pulses to be delivered to a patient through the plurality of electrode contacts, and an electronic programmer coupled to the pulse generator. The electronic programmer programs the pulse generator to generate the electrical pulses. The pulse generator is programmed to generate an electrical stimulation to be applied to the patient via one of the electrode contacts on the implantable lead. A determination is received as to whether the patient, in response to the electrical stimulation, exhibited a bellows response or a toes response. A stimulation parameter of the electrical stimulation is ramped up in response to a determination that the patient did not exhibit the bellows response or the toes response and that the patient did not feel pain in response to the electrical stimulation.

Abstract: Methods for identifying responders to paresthesia-free stimulation therapy, and associated systems are disclosed. A representative method comprises implanting a pair of spinal cord signal delivery devices and connecting an external signal generator thereto. A plurality of the electrical contacts are simultaneously activated with a high frequency signal without causing paresthesia in the patient, wherein the electrical contacts would cause paresthesia in the patient if activated with a low frequency signal. The high frequency signal is in a range of from about 3 kHz to about 20 kHz and an amplitude of less than 4 mA. If the patient responds favorably, a signal generator is implanted in the patient. A second high frequency signal is then applied to fewer than the plurality of electrical contacts.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system having an external or an implantable pulse generator programmed to innervate a specific nerve or group of nerves in a patient through an electrode as a mode of treatment, having a patient remote that wirelessly communicates with the pulse generator to increase stimulation, decrease stimulation, and provide indications to a patient regarding the status of the neurostimulation system. The patient remote can allow for adjustment of stimulation power within a clinically effective range and for turning on and turning off the pulse generator. The patient remote and neurostimulation system can also store a stimulation level when the pulse generator is turned off and automatically restore the pulse generator to the stored stimulation level when the pulse generator is turned on.

Abstract: A method can determine one or more origins of focal activation. The method can include computing phase for the electrical signals at a plurality of nodes distributed across a geometric surface based on the electrical data across time. The method can determine whether or not a given candidate node of the plurality of nodes is a focal point based on the analyzing the computed phase and magnitude of the given candidate node. A graphical map can be generated to visualize focal points detected on the geometric surface.

Abstract: An active bipolar cardiac electrical lead includes a distal electrode (108), an intermediate connection mount (109), a ring electrode (103), and a tip housing (110). The intermediate connection mount (109) defines a proximal fitting (370) and a distal fitting (374). The ring electrode (103) has an exposed section (356) that sleeves over and engages the proximal fitting (370) of the intermediate connection mount (109) with a snap-fit connection. The intermediate connection mount (109) may connect the ring electrode (103) to the tip housing (110) and provide electrical insulation between the ring electrode (103) and the distal electrode (108).

Abstract: Anchors for use with implantable medical leads include an elastic body containing one or more rigid bodies that have longitudinal free edges. The longitudinal free edges run from end to end to define full length slots. Partial length slots may also be included within the one or more rigid bodies. The full length and partial length slots allow for deflection of the rigid bodies against the body of an implantable medical lead to hold the anchor in place on the lead. The full length slots allow a blade to pass through and cut a slit in the elastic body which allows the anchor to be removed from the lead.

Abstract: A patient programmer has a housing having a key-fob-sized form factor. The patient programmer has electrical circuitry implemented inside the housing. The electrical circuitry includes a communication module configured to conduct wireless communications with an implantable pulse generator. The patient programmer has a user display implemented on the housing. The user display is configured to display one or more statuses of the implantable pulse generator. The implantable pulse generator is configured to generate an electrical stimulation therapy. The patient programmer has one or more buttons implemented on the housing. The one or more buttons are configured to send instructions, via the communication module, to the implantable pulse generator to adjust a stimulation parameter of the electrical stimulation therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods, systems, and computer program products for coordinating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular hemodynamics. In some embodiments, a heart pacing signal causes heart contractions to occur with an essentially constant time relationship with respect to rhythmic musculoskeletal activity. In other embodiments, prompts (e.g., audio, graphical, etc.) are provided to a user to assist them in timing of their rhythmic musculoskeletal activity relative to timing of their cardiovascular cycle. In further embodiments, accurately indicating a heart condition during a cardiac stress test is increased.

Abstract: A metallic tube arrangement includes an electrode region configured to expand radially and contract radially in response to increasing and decreasing a temperature at the electrode region, respectively. The electrode region is configured for intravascular deployment and delivery of high frequency energy to target tissue of a target vessel of the body. The electrode region is configured to expand radially to a diameter sufficient to contact an inner wall of the target vessel in response to a decrease in electrode region temperature and to contract radially to a diameter smaller than a diameter of the target vessel in response to an increase in electrode region temperature.

Abstract: Example implantable cardiac stimulation devices, pulse generators, and methods providing enhanced cardiac pacing energy are disclosed herein. In an example, an implantable cardiac stimulation device may include a pulse generator having a pacing output node providing cardiac pacing pulses to be applied to a heart of a patient. The pulse generator may include a pulse voltage regulator that receives a pacing signal and generates cardiac pacing pulses at an output of the pulse voltage regulator according to the pacing signal. The pulse voltage regulator may receive a supply voltage to generate cardiac pacing pulses at the supply voltage, gated by the pacing signal.

Abstract: Provided is an atrial fibrillation detection system which can reduce the burden on a test subject, with which it is possible to detect even paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and which can be used in the home, contributing to early detection of atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: A defibrillator system employs an external ECG monitor (40) and a defibrillator (20). In operation, external ECG monitor (40) generates a synchronized cardioversion input signal as one of an external ECG waveform (50) of a heart (11) of a patient (10) or an external synchronized pulse (51) indicative of a detection by the external ECG monitor (40) of at least one QRS complex of the external ECG waveform (50). Defibrillator (40) includes a synchronized cardioversion input channel (29) for receiving the synchronized cardioversion input signal from external ECG monitor (40), and controls a conditional delivery of a defibrillation shock synchronized with the synchronized cardioversion input signal to the patient (10) in response to the defibrillator (20) receiving the synchronized cardioversion input signal. One condition for shock delivery is a measured time delay between an internal ECG waveform (30) and the synchronized cardioversion input signal being less than a baseline time delay.

Abstract: A method to identify feature points associated with the heart valve movement, heart contraction or cardiac hemodynamics is revealed. The mechanocardiography (MCG) is a technology that makes use of vibrational waveforms acquired using at least one gravity sensor attached on one of the four heart valve auscultation sites on the body surface. The data of the electrocardiography (ECG) is recorded simultaneously with the MCG. The feature points are identified by comparing P, R and T points of synchronized ECG with the MCG spectrum. By the time sequences and amplitudes of the feature points, the method provides additional clinical information of cardiac cycle abnormalities for diagnosis.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) within the heart includes one or more tools, each having a body with a passage. Each tool body can be engaged with an anchor ring assembly secured to the heart. A coring tool can be advanced through the passage in a tool body and used to from a hole in the heart wall, and then valve actuating elements carried on the tool can be used to close a valve incorporated in the anchor ring assembly. A VAD can be passed into the heart through a passage in a tool body after opening the valve. The procedure can be performed while the heart continues to beat, without gross blood loss.

Abstract: A positionally sensitive spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided for automatic adjustments of spinal cord stimulation. The system comprises an electrode assembly with an integrated optical fiber sensor for sensing spinal cord position. The integrated optical fiber sensor, comprising a pair of optical elements for emitting light from an IR emitter and for collecting reflected light into a photodetector, determines a set of measured photocurrents. As the spinal cord changes position, the angles of incidence for light from the IR emitter and the measured optical intensities change. Electrode pulse characteristics are adjusted in real time, based on the set of measured optical intensities, to minimize changes in stimulation perceived by the patient during motion. The system includes automatic calibration of the optical fiber sensor when the patient is at rest, and a patient orientation detection.