Abstract: A medical lead may be fabricated using an electrode fixture ((130A)-(130D)) configured to facilitate circumferential and axial alignment between electrodes of the lead. In one example, a method includes positioning an electrode fixture around at least one conductor of a plurality of conductors (122) for a medical lead, wherein the electrode fixture at least partially retains an electrode assembly. The method also includes electrically coupling a portion of the at least one conductor with at least a portion of the electrode assembly at an attachment area defined by the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly is at least partially retained by the electrode fixture.

Abstract: A physiological signal processing system for a physiological waveform that includes a cardiovascular signal component provides a variable high pass filter that is responsive to the physiological waveform, and that is configured to high pass filter the physiological waveform in response to a corner frequency that is applied. A heart rate metric extractor is responsive to the variable high pass filter and is configured to extract a heart rate metric from the physiological waveform that is high pass filtered. A corner frequency adjuster is responsive to the heart rate metric extractor and is configured to determine the corner frequency that is applied to the variable high pass filter, based on the heart rate metric that was extracted. Analogous methods may also be provided.

Abstract: A method, including, receiving a first group of electrocardiograph (ECG) signals derived from a single heartbeat and generated at a respective plurality of electrodes on a catheter in a heart of a subject, formulating a template relating times of annotations of the first group of the ECG signals, and assigning the template an index. The method further includes receiving a second group of ECG signals derived from a subsequent single heartbeat and generated at the electrodes, calculating times of annotations of the second group, formulating a comparison between the template and the times of annotations of the second group, and, when the comparison indicates that the times of annotations of the second group correspond to the template, assigning the index to the second group of ECG signals, and presenting graphically on a display an occurrence of the template relative to a timeline representing heartbeats from the heart.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and a computer program for monitoring a fitness exercise are described. A plurality of heart-rate variability values and a plurality of exertion parameter values are measured during an exercise measured. The heart rate variability values correlate with the exertion parameter values through a human physiological mechanism, and the exertion parameter values characterize the physical exertion of the exercise. A mathematical correspondence is then constructed from the plurality of measured heart rate variability values and associated exertion parameter values. The mathematical correspondence describes correlation between the heart rate variability values and the exertion parameter values and the user's physiological state during the exercise. Then, the physical exertion of the exercise is monitored by applying the mathematical correspondence.

Abstract: A probe for resecting and coagulating tissue comprises an outer sleeve having a tissue cutting window and an inner sleeve having a tissue cutting distal end. And RF cutting region is formed at the distal end of the inner member and an RF coagulation region is formed on an exterior surface of the inner member immediately proximal to the cutting surface. A single power supply providing a single RF energy mode can be connected to both RF applicator regions to simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue.

Abstract: Fluid pressure or flow in a human body may be adjusted with circulation or perfusion systems and methods. The system may include a first pump implantable in a chamber or vessel of the human body, and a plurality of struts connected to a housing of the first pump, wherein the struts secure the first pump in a desired location of the chamber or vessel. The system may also include one or more flow modification elements disposed on the first pump, where the flow modification elements direct flow to a desired organ or a desired vessel to adjust pressure or flow as desired.

Abstract: A social intimacy determining method includes detecting electrocardiogram (ECG) data from at least two subjects; detecting heart rhythm pattern (HRP) data from ECG signals of the two subjects; and determining a relationship (intimacy) between the two subjects by comparing the HRP data of the two subjects.

Abstract: Leads for use with implantable medical devices may be implanted in the venous, arterial, or lymphatic networks. The diameter of a microlead may be at most equal to 1.5 French (0.5 mm), and it may include a plurality of micro-cables each including: an electrically conductive core cable for connection to one pole of a multipolar generator of an active implantable medical device, and a polymer insulation layer surrounding the core cable. At least one exposed area may be formed in the insulation layer to form a detection/stimulation electrode.

Abstract: An exemplary auditory prosthesis system includes a sound processor apparatus having 1) an interface assembly that includes at least a first contact that facilitates interchangeable connectivity of a plurality of external components to the sound processor apparatus, the plurality of external components including a programming system, and 2) a control module communicatively coupled to the first contact and that communicates with each of the plurality of external components by way of the first contact. The exemplary auditory prosthesis system may also include a wireless module configured to be interchangeably connected to the interface assembly in place of the programming system, wherein, while the wireless module is interchangeably connected to the interface assembly, the wireless module is communicatively coupled to the control module by way of the first contact. Corresponding auditory prosthesis systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a system, methods and apparatuses for stopping the development of paroxysms based on a feedback stimulation at low frequencies for a few seconds after the detection of a seizure precursor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating treatment of abnormal heart activity using multiple implanted devices within a patient. In one example, abnormal heart activity may be sensed by a medical device system. One of the devices of the system may determine to deliver anti-tachycardia pacing therapy to the heart of the patient, and may communicate an instruction to another of the devices of the medical device system to deliver anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy to the heart. The receiving medical device may then deliver ATP therapy to the heart of the patient.

Abstract: A PPG system for determining a stroke volume of a patient includes a PPG sensor configured to be secured to an anatomical portion of the patient. The PPG sensor is configured to sense a physiological characteristic of the patient. The PPG system may include a monitor operatively connected to the PPG sensor. The monitor receives a PPG signal from the PPG sensor. The monitor includes a pulse trending module determining a slope transit time of an upslope of a primary peak of the PPG signal. The pulse trending module determines a stroke volume of the patient as a function of the slope transit time.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system delivers neural stimulation to a target nerve with control of direction of propagation of evoked neural signals in one or more fiber types of the target nerve using electrode configuration, thereby providing effective therapy while minimizing unintended effects. In various embodiments, mechanical parameters of a multi-polar electrode are determined to provide directed propagation of the neural stimulation by effecting neural conduction block in or near the stimulation site. In various embodiments, the electrode includes a cathode for evoking action potentials and a plurality of anodes for blocking the propagation of the evoked action potentials in specified direction(s) and fiber type(s) while minimizing the formation of virtual cathodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for long-term assisting the left ventricle of a heart to pump blood is disclosed which includes at least one transluminally deliverable pump and a transluminally deliverable support structure which secures the at least one pump within the aorta for long-term use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hearing auxiliary device for helping a person with hearing impairment to obtain hearing information. The hearing auxiliary device includes a bone conduct transceiver, a receiver and a driver. The bone conduct transceiver converts a sound raw data to a bone conduct signal. The receiver is installed to an inner ear portion of the person with hearing impairment, and the receiver receives the bone conduct signal and converts the bone conduct signal to a sound restoration signal. The driver sends out a physical signal according to the sound restoration signal, in order to let the person with hearing impairment to obtain a hearing signal.

Abstract: An example system and method associated with identifying and treating a source of a heart rhythm disorder are disclosed. In accordance with therewith, a spatial element associated with a region of the heart is selected. Progressive rotational activations or progressive focal activations are determined in relation to the selected spatial element. A plurality of indexes of progressive rotational activations or progressive focal activations over time is formed. One or more indexes are selected from the plurality of indexes that indicate consistency of the successive rotational activations or the progressive focal activations in relation to a portion of the region of the heart.

Abstract: A surgical instrument in HF design includes two tissue branches, at least one of the tissue branches being movable relative to the other tissue branch and being able to be applied to the other tissue branch with a predetermined or predeterminable contact pressure via an actuation mechanism while clamping body tissue between the tissue branches. A clamping pressure controlling or adjustment device is interconnected in a force or torque gear train between the actuation mechanism and the at least one movable tissue branch.

Abstract: A cochlear implant including a cochlear lead, an antenna, a processor case, and a printed circuit board assembly located within the processor case. The processor case may include a base with a bottom wall and first and second side walls that together define a one-piece, unitary structure, a first end wall, attached to the bottom wall and to the first and second side walls, including a first plurality of feedthrough pins, a second end wall, attached to the bottom wall and to the first and second side walls, including a second plurality of feedthrough pins, and a cover attached to the first and second side walls and to the first and second end walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical dissection tips comprising a substrate comprising beryllium copper and a ferromagnetic layer coating at least a portion of the substrate, and methods of making such surgical dissection tips.

Abstract: Provided herein relates to implantable devices and systems with dynamic silk coatings. In some embodiments, the dynamic silk coatings can be formed in situ or in vivo.