Abstract: An implantable cardiac lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the lead body carrying a connector assembly connectable to an implantable medical device, and the distal end of the lead body carrying a distal electrode, a proximal electrode and an intermediate electrode positioned between the distal and proximal electrodes. The distal and proximal electrodes are connected together at a node point located within the distal end of the lead body, the node point being electrically connected to a first terminal contact on the connector assembly and the intermediate electrode being electrically connected to a second terminal contact on the connector assembly. Preferably, the intermediate electrode is positioned approximately midway between the distal and proximal electrodes.

Abstract: Cardiac devices and methods provide adaptation of detection windows used to determine a cardiac response to pacing. Adapting a detection window involves sensing a cardiac signal indicative of a particular type of cardiac pacing response, and detecting a feature of the sensed cardiac signal. The cardiac response detection window associated with the type of cardiac pacing response is preferentially adjusted based on the location of the detected cardiac feature. Preferential adjustment of the detection window may involve determining a direction of change between the detection window and the detected feature. The detection window may be adapted more aggressively in a more preferred direction and less aggressively in a less preferred direction.

Abstract: A method and device the may be employed for inhibiting bone growth, including inducing epiphysiodesis or hemiepiphysiodesis, by applying electrical current to a desired region. The device includes a power source and one or a series of electrodes for applying a current sufficient to reduce or stop the growth of a bone to selected regions of the bone. The method and device may be used to correct growth discrepancies in extremities such as the arms or legs, as well as correct the curvature of the spine in scoliosis patients.

Abstract: Apparatus for control of physiological functions, including physiological functions of the urinary tract, using at least one electrode sized and configured to be located on, in, or near a targeted component of the pudendal nerve, and/or its branch(es), and/or its spinal root(s). The apparatus includes a controller coupled to the electrode to apply an electrical signal having an amplitude to the electrode at a selected frequency to stimulate the targeted component. The controller operates in a first mode to apply a first frequency or range of frequencies without substantially changing the amplitude for achieving a first physiologic response (e.g., controlling urinary continence) and the controller operates in a second mode to apply a second frequency or range of frequencies, different than the first frequency, for achieving a second physiologic response different than the first physiologic response (e.g., controlling micturition).

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for sensing of cardiac activity from a subcutaneous, non-intrathoracic location, and detecting a cardiac condition necessitating treatment in response to the sensed cardiac activity. One of a number of cardiac therapies may be selectively delivered to treat the detected cardiac condition, such cardiac therapies including at least a tachycardia therapy, a bradycardia therapy, and an asystole prevention therapy.

Abstract: A technique for analyzing cardiographic measurements includes receiving bioimpedance information of a subject and determining a rate of change of blood flow based on the bioimpedance information. If the rate of change of blood flow includes at least two peaks during the systole of the subject, a time difference based on at least one of the two of the peaks is determined and compared to a threshold time. A technique for using the cardiographic measurements of the subject further includes if the determined time is greater than the threshold time, implanting a pacemaker in the subject and if the determined time is not greater than the threshold time, not implanting a pacemaker in the subject.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for performing a lead condition assessment and/or a lead orientation determination associated with an implantable medical device (IMD). A first impedance is determined. The first impedance relates to the impedance relative to a first electrode and a portion of the IMD. A second impedance is determined. The second impedance relates to the impedance relative to a second electrode and the portion of the IMD. The first impedance is compared with the second impedance to determine an impedance difference. A determination is made whether the impedance difference is outside a predetermined tolerance range. Furthermore, artifact measured during impedance measurements or test pulses may be compared to assess lead orientation. An indication of a lead condition error is provided in response to determining that the impedance difference is outside the predetermined tolerance range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and measuring cardiac contractile function of a heart using an acceleration sensor unit inserted within the heart, such as within a vein of the cardiac wall are disclosed. The systems and methods involve detecting the occurrence of electrical events within the patient's heart by inserting and positioning an implantable lead having an electrode near a cardiac wall as well as detecting mechanical events within the patient's heart by then inserting and positioning a cardiac motion sensor unit through the inner lumen of the implantable lead. Furthermore, the systems and methods do not require dedicated leads and may be used with preexisting implantable leads.

Abstract: A method (and associated apparatus) of providing electrical neurostimulation therapy to a patient using an implanted neurostimulator comprises (a) delivering an electrical stimulation to a nerve and (b) determining whether a predetermined condition has occurred as a result of the stimulation. The method further comprises (c) if the predetermined condition has not occurred, adjusting one or more stimulation parameters; and (d) repeating (a), (b), and (c) until the predetermined condition occurs.

Abstract: An implantable multi-conductor endocardial lead for a cardiac stimulator includes a tubular lead body of flexible resilient insulative material having a first lumen and a smaller diameter tubular member of similar material having a second lumen is coaxially received in the first lumen. An outer coil conductor is received within an annular cavity between the tubular lead body and the tubular member. An elongated inner coil conductor is received within the second lumen. A tip electrode at the distal end of the lead is coupled to the inner coil conductor and a ring electrode proximally spaced from the tip electrode is coupled to the outer coil conductor. All components except for the outer coil conductor have a normally straight configuration and the outer coil conductor is pre-shaped into a generally circular looped configuration such that, upon assembly, the resulting endocardial lead results in a J-configuration at its distal end.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an implantable neurostimulator device for delivery of neurostimulation to treat head, neck, or facial pain or tension, including pain or tension caused by occipital neuralgia. The device may be a neurostimulation device having a miniaturized housing with a low profile that permits subcutaneous implantation at a stimulation site directly adjacent a neuralgic region at the back of the neck of a patient. For example, the device may be subcutaneously implanted at the back of the neck of a patient to relieve symptoms of occipital neuralgia.

Abstract: An implantable substrate sensor has electronic circuitry and electrodes formed on opposite sides of a substrate. A protective coating covers the substrate, effectively hermetically sealing the electronic circuitry under the coating. Exposed areas of the electrodes are selectively left uncovered by the protective coating, thereby allowing such electrodes to be exposed to body tissue and fluids when the sensor is implanted in living tissue. The substrate on which the electronic circuitry and electrodes are formed is the same substrate or “chip” on which an integrated circuit (IC) is formed, which integrated circuit contains the desired electronic circuitry. Such approach eliminates the need for an hermetically sealed lid or cover to cover hybrid electronic circuitry, and allows the sensor to be made much thinner than would otherwise be possible. In one embodiment, two such substrate sensor may be placed back-to-back, with the electrodes facing outward.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter provide devices and methods to treat AV-conducted ventricular tachyarrhythmia (AVCVT). According to various embodiments of the method, an AVCVT is sensed, an IVC-LA fat pad is stimulated when the AVCVT is sensed to block AV conduction, and bradycardia support pacing is provided while the IVC-LA fat pad is stimulated. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference immune defibrillator lead has a first electromagnetic insulating layer. A first layer is formed on the first electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer having a plurality of first conductive rings composed of first conductive material, each first conductive ring being separated by first insulating material. A second electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the first layer. A second layer is, formed on the second electromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having a plurality of second conductive rings composed of second conductive material, each second conductive ring being separated by second insulating material. A third electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the second layer. The second conductive rings of second conductive material are positioned such that a second conductive ring overlaps a portion of a first conductive ring and overlaps a portion of a second conductive ring, the second conductive ring being adjacent to the first conductive ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving cognitive function or for improving coordination of function across a patient's cortical regions. The method includes applying electrical stimulation to at least a portion of the patient's subcortical structures involved in the generation and control of generalized efference copy signals. Internally generated movement of the patient is then detected and, in response to such internally generated movement, application of electrical stimulation is controlled. The method of the present invention has a number of benefits, including increasing flexibility in identifying targets for stimulation, improving the probability of successfully treating brain injury, and permitting patient biofeedback and self-regulation.

Abstract: Real time cardiac electrical data are received from a patient, manipulated to determine various useful aspects of the ECG signal, and displayed in real time in a useful form on a computer screen or monitor. The monitor displays the high frequency data from the QRS complex in units of microvolts, juxtaposed with a display of conventional ECG data in units of millivolts or microvolts. The high frequency data are analyzed for their root mean square (RMS) voltage values and the discrete RMS values and related parameters are displayed in real time. The high frequency data from the QRS complex are analyzed with imbedded algorithms to determine the presence or absence of reduced amplitude zones, referred to herein as “RAZs”. RAZs are displayed as “go, no-go” signals on the computer monitor. The RMS and related values of the high frequency components are displayed as time varying signals, and the presence or absence of RAZs may be similarly displayed over time.

Abstract: A power supply for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib and using a lead system that does not directly contact a patient's heart or reside in the intrathoracic blood vessels and for providing anti-tachycardia pacing energy to the heart, comprising a capacitor subsystem for storing the anti-tachycardia pacing energy for delivery to the patient's heart; and a battery subsystem electrically coupled to the capacitor subsystem for providing the anti-tachycardia pacing energy to the capacitor subsystem.

Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a helical fixation member extending from the distal end of the elongated body, the helical fixation member including a distal tip for affixing the distal end of the elongated body at an implant site, and a tracking member extending from the distal end of the elongated body, through the helical fixation member and outward from the distal tip of the helical fixation member for tracking along an implant pathway during implantation of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A system is provided for backing up and synchronizing data stored within a set of programmers used for programming implantable cardiac stimulation devices such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). The data from the programmers that is backed up and synchronized includes programmer software, set up and configuration data, programming parameters, patient personal data, implantable device diagnostic data, and patient diagnostic data received from implanted devices. The implanted devices are classified into one or more groups and the programmer backup system merges and synchronizes data received from all programmers within a particular group. In other words, the backup system operates to ensure that each programmer within a particular group shares the same set up and configuration data, programmer software, patient contact data, and device diagnostic information.