Abstract: An arrangement (10) for monitoring and adjusting a control of an electromedical implant (12) by means of an external control and evaluation unit (14) is made up of the electromedical implant, the external control and evaluation unit and a central, autarchically runnable evaluation logic means (30) which controls the activities of a telemetry unit (16) and a memory unit (34), which is connected to a clock and timer unit (42) and which on the basis of certain communicated data ascertains control sequences and control parameters for monitoring and adjusting the implant and co-ordinates the transmission thereof to the implant. An expert system (ES) may be adapted to assess all monitoring and adjusting tasks on a patient-individual basis.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides for the trending of a third heart sound (S3) index. The S3 index is a ratio, or an estimate of the ratio, of the number of S3 beats to the number of all heart beats, where the S3 beats are each a heart beat during which an occurrence of S3 is detected. An implantable sensor such as an accelerometer or a microphone senses an acoustic signal indicative heart sounds including S3. An S3 detector detects occurrences of S3 from the acoustic signal. A heart sound processing system trends the S3 index on a periodic basis to allow continuous monitoring of the S3 activity level, which is indicative of conditions related to heart failure.

Abstract: A combined programming wand and PSA for physician programmers. A programmer/PSA wand can be connected to known programmers and PSA application software can be installed on the programmer to provide a system with the functionality of a PSA and a programmer in a single piece of clinical equipment. The programmer/PSA wand includes electronics to sense, pace, and shock to facilitate evaluation of indwelling leads during implantation of the implantable device and leads to facilitate programming of the device. The system includes one or more displays and control inputs that can provide information to a clinician at a single point that is typically provided with separate programmer and PSA equipment. The system provides increased efficiency, reduced opportunities for errors and/or equipment malfunction, and integrated data collection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monitoring septal wall motion of the atrial and/or ventricular chambers of a heart for optimizing cardiac pacing intervals based on signals derived from the monitored wall motion. At least one lead of medical device is equipped with a motion sensor adapted to couple to septal tissue. The device receives and may post-process (e.g., suitably filter, rectify and/or integrate) motion signals to determine acceleration, velocity and/or displacement. During pacing interval optimization the wall motion is measured for those pacing intervals and the pacing interval setting(s) that produce minimal wall motion for chronic therapy delivery. In addition, methods for periodically determining whether to cease or resume delivery of a bi-ventricular pacing therapy to a patient that may have experienced beneficial reverse remodeling of the heart.

Abstract: The output state of a pulse wave optimum to the user and applied to the head of the user is automatically set while improving the wearability of the electrodes, and different output states of pulse waves can be simultaneously applied to a large number of users. A pulse wave of predetermined pattern is given to the skin near an ear of the user and/or of the back of a hand of the user to directly stimulate and activate the brain. This stimulation is significantly effective especially for colorblindness. By systematizing such a revolutionary therapy, pulse waves of different patterns can be applied to a large number of patients (users), enabling a quick, effective therapy.

Abstract: A driver for a pneumatic ventricular assist device (VAD) is powered by pressurized air, oxygen or any other gas commonly available in hospital rooms, intensive care units and operating rooms. The driver can provide both blood-ejecting pressure (systole) and blood-filling vacuum (diastole) to the VAD. The driver is controlled by a computer/digital controller by means of pressure and volume sensors, and electromechanical valves. Ventricular pumping is performed by a single spring-loaded piston or bellows. The computer can actively regulate maximum systolic ventricular pressure, maximum diastolic vacuum, cycling rate and/or ejection volume (depending on the operating mode). The driver is also capable of automatically and periodically venting the drive line to eliminate condensation and foul air. The absence of a motor or electrical pump make the device small, reliable, easy to handle, and less expensive.

Abstract: A method and system for neuromodulating vagus nerve(s) to provide therapy for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders comprises implantable and external components. The pulsed electrical stimulation to vagus nerve(s) is used for disorders such as epilepsy, depression, anxiety disorders, neurogenic pain, compulsive eating disorders, obesity, dementia including Alzheimer's disease, and migraines. The pulsed electrical stimulation to vagus nerve(s) may be provided using one of the following stimulation systems, such as: a) an implanted stimulus-receiver with an external stimulator; b) an implanted stimulus-receiver comprising a high value capacitor for storing charge, used in conjunction with an external stimulator; c) a programmer-less implantable pulse generator (IPG) which is operable with a magnet; d) a programmable implantable pulse generator; e) a combination implantable device comprising both a stimulus-receiver and a programmable IPG; and f) an IPG comprising a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining alternans data of an ECG signal. The method can include determining at least one value representing at least one morphology feature of each beat of the ECG signal and generating a set of data points based on a total quantity of values and a total quantity of beats. The data points can each include a first value determined using a first mathematical function and a second value determined using a second mathematical function. The method can also include several preprocessing algorithms to improve the signal to noise ratio. The method can also include separating the data points into a first group of points and a second group of points and generating a feature map by plotting the first group of points and the second group of points in order to assess an alternans pattern of variation. The feature map can be analyzed by statistical tests to determine the significance difference between groups and clusters.

Abstract: Computer method and apparatus for reading and analyzing ECG signals includes applying a plurality of heart condition detectors to a subject ECG signal. Each detector produces a respective indication of likelihood of certain heart conditions existing in the subject. A lattice having annotations of the different detector heart conditions is formed from the detector indications. The lattice enables medical personnel to navigate through and hence more easily read the ECG signal data. The lattice effectively provides an indexed or annotated version of the subject ECG signal.

Abstract: A device, such as an implantable cardiac device, and methods for determining heart rate recovery of a patient after exercise. Specifically, the method includes identifying a first heart rate indicative of exercise, a second heart rate indicative of a slow-down in exercise, and using the first and second heart rates to determine a measure of heart rate recovery. The first heart rate may be identified when a heart rate measurement and/or an activity level exceeds a predetermined threshold. The second heart rate may be identified based when a heart rate measurement and/or the activity level falls below a predetermined threshold. The device includes hardware and/or software for performing the described methods.

Abstract: A connector system for use with a sealed implantable medical device has a lead receiving channel with an open end for slidably receiving a connecting lead tip pin of an electrical lead and includes an electrically conductive connector body and a tip assembly coaxial with the connector body mounted on the proximal end thereof for slidably engageably receiving the lead tip pin. The tip assembly includes an electrically conductive retention mechanism for achieving and maintaining electrical continuity with the lead tip pin and for firmly engaging the lead tip pin as it is inserted into the lead receiving channel. The retention mechanism includes a tubular carrier coaxial with the connector body, a plurality of bearing members rotatably mounted on the tubular carrier engageable with the lead tip pin, and a resilient member biasing the bearing members into engagement with the lead tip pin.

Abstract: An implantable electrical lead for electrical sensing and stimulation of the heart includes a lead body which includes a ventricular tip, a pair of distal atrial ring electrodes, a pair of proximal atrial ring electrodes, a pair of first stationary contacts in electrical continuity, respectively, with the distal atrial ring electrodes, and a pair of second stationary contacts in electrical continuity, respectively, with the proximal atrial ring electrodes. A bifurcation boot overlies the lead and is slidable lengthwise of the lead body. The bifurcation boot carries first and second mobile contacts movable between first and second longitudinally spaced positions on the lead body. In the first position, the first and second mobile contacts are engaged with the first pair of the stationary contacts, respectively. In the second position, the first and second mobile contacts are engaged with the second pair of the stationary contacts, respectively.

Abstract: A device, such as an implantable cardiac device, and methods for determining exercise diagnostic parameters of a patient are disclosed. Specifically, a maximum observed heart rate of a patient during exercise can be identified when an activity level and a heart rate measurement of the patient exceed predetermined thresholds. Included are methods for filtering out premature heartbeats or noise from the maximum heart rate determination. Methods of determining other exercise parameters, such as workload are also disclosed. The device includes hardware and/or software for performing the described methods.

Abstract: A blood pumping system to support living organisms based on a spherical multi vane and multi chamber pump with an oscillating motion that delivers pulsatile flow. The blood pumping system includes a number of design elements that address the particular needs and compatibility issues (both biological and hemological) of a blood pumping system.