Abstract: A communication device for an implantable medical device may include: an input/output interface configured to communicate with a wireless communication device; a communication interface configured to communicate with a remote system; and a processor configured to perform an analysis of data received from the wireless communication device via the input/output interface and associated with the implantable medical device. The communication device may include a user interface configured to receive data input by a user. A communication system may include a wireless communication device and the aforementioned communication device.

Abstract: Methods for performing cardiac signal analysis in an implanted medical device, and devices configured to perform illustrative methods of cardiac signal analysis. A cardiac signal is captured by an implanted device using implanted electrodes and, during at least certain conditions, the cardiac signal undergoes heuristic filtering. In some embodiments, heuristic filtering is achieved by modifying a signal or value that is used as an indicator of received signal amplitude. In an illustrative example, the heuristic filtering includes periodically incrementing or decrementing the signal or value toward a desired quiescent point, where the heuristic filter period is significantly longer than the sampling period for the signal itself. In another illustrative example, the heuristic filter frequency can be adjusted dynamically to keep the signal average near the desired quiescent point.

Abstract: Vector selection is automatically achieved via a thoracic or intracardiac impedance signal collected in a cardiac function management device or other implantable medical device that includes a test mode and a diagnostic mode. During a test mode, the device cycles through various electrode configurations for collecting thoracic impedance data. At least one figure of merit is calculated from the impedance data for each such electrode configuration. In one example, only non-arrhythmic beats are used for computing the figure of merit. A particular electrode configuration is automatically selected using the figure of merit. During a diagnostic mode, the device collects impedance data using the selected electrode configuration. In one example, the figure of merit includes a ratio of a cardiac stroke amplitude and a respiration amplitude. Other examples of the figure of merit are also described.

Abstract: A method and neurostimulation control system for programming electrodes disposed adjacent tissue of a patient. The electrodes are initially assigned to a plurality of electrode subsets to be evaluated. A pair of immediately neighboring ones of the electrode subsets is determined, and merged into a new electrode subset that includes all electrodes in the pair of immediately neighboring electrode subsets. The new electrode subset is included within the plurality of electrode subsets to be evaluated, while the pair of immediately neighboring electrode subsets is excluded from the plurality of electrode sets to be evaluated. These steps are repeated until all the electrode subsets have been merged into a single electrode subset. A clustering relationship of the electrodes is identified, and the electrodes are programmed based on the identified clustering relationship of the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed.

Abstract: Apparatus configured for implantation in a body of a subject is provided. The apparatus includes a support substrate, and at least 500 electrodes protruding at least 50 um from the support substrate, each electrode having (a) a distal tip, (b) an electrically-exposed tip portion, and (c) a cross-section of 50-1500 um2, 20 um from the distal tip. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system for recharging an implantable medical device. The system comprises a holster that may be donned in multiple respective configurations for charging implanted medical devices implanted at various locations within the patient's body. The system may further comprise a charging unit having an antenna on the patient's right side, a second configuration for charging a pectorally implanted medical device on the patient's left side, or a third configuration for use as a waist belt for charging a pectorally implanted medical device on either side of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mapping a physiological signal into clinical guideline parameters are disclosed. A physiological signal having a characteristic that may represent an anomaly is received and mapped to a clinical guideline condition space. Probabilities are determined that the mapped signal with which the anomaly may be associated represents a first clinical guideline condition corresponding to a referral indication or a second clinical guideline condition corresponding to an absence of the referral indication. The determined probability is presented and a referral decision is made responsive to the determined probability that the anomaly is associated with the first clinical guideline condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the performance of an implanted device based on data including contextual information. Contextual information, including operational and performance data concerning the implanted device as well as the patient with the implanted device, is stored by a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device is adapted for battery operation and includes a personal digital assistant (PDA). The portable electronic device is adapted for use as an interface to conduct wireless communications with the implanted device. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device interfaces with a clinical programmer for use by a physician.

Abstract: An electrocardiogram (ECG) chart device and method capable of easily assisting with the diagnosis of heart disease. Hexagonal radar charts displayed on a screen act as indicators of feature values corresponding to data obtained from each of 12 electrode leads and correlated with the related portions of the heart. For example, a (V1, V2) lead is an indicator of a right ventricle. Each of the radar charts is schematically arranged to correspond with the related portion of the heart. Each vertex of the hexagonal radar charts acts as an indicator of the recognized value. More specifically, each vertex of the radar chart is based on a value obtained by extracting a waveform critical point, a waveform start point, a waveform end point, or the like, of constituent elements of the ECG waveform as the P wave, the Q wave, the R wave, the S wave, the ST segment, the T wave, or the like. Therefore, a user of the ECG radar chart device can intuitively and easily carry out interpretation of ECG data.

Abstract: A lead-connection system includes a lead and a connector. The lead includes a distal end, a proximal end, a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and a plurality of conductor wires electrically coupling each of the plurality of electrodes to a different one of the plurality of terminals. The connector defines a port for receiving the proximal end of the lead and a plurality of connector contacts. The number of connector contacts is greater than the number of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead. When the connector receives the proximal end of the lead, each of the terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead makes electrical contact with at least one of the connector contacts of the connector and no two terminals make electrical contact with a same one of the connector contacts.

Abstract: A temporary medical lead in which stimulating electrical energy is transmitted to body tissue through the lead electrodes via ionic conduction within the hydrogel material. The structure of the hydrophilic hydrogel material consists of a porous structure into which conductive salt ions are diffused. In addition the structure of the hydrogel material can be loaded with a single or combination of therapeutic drugs from which is eluted from the electrode's surface.

Abstract: In a visual prosthesis or other neural stimulator it is advantageous to provide non-overlapping pulses in order to provide independent control of brightness from different electrodes. Non-overlapping pulses on geographically close electrodes avoid electric-field interaction which leads to brightness summation or changes in the shape and area of percepts. It is advantageous to apply pulses to nearby electrodes in a way that the currents do not overlap in time at all. The new finding is that even a small amount of separation in time results in a significant improvement with a time separation as small as 0.225 msec. ‘Nearby’ is defined as within a few millimeters of each other.

Abstract: An implant includes a humidity sensor for generating a signal indicative of humidity within the implant. A controller within the implant receives the signal indicative of humidity, and controls the implant based on the signal indicative of humidity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for allowing an implantable medical device, such as pacemaker, to properly sense electrophysiological signals and hemodynamic signals within a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure. Systems and methods are also provided for allowing the implantable medical device to transmit the sensed data to an external monitoring system during the MRI procedure so that attending medical personnel can closely monitor the health of the patient and the operation of the implantable device during the MRI. These improvements provide the attending personnel with information needed to determine whether the MRI should be suspended in response to induced tachyarrhythmias or other adverse conditions within the patient.

Abstract: A method of making a custom mold and the custom mold itself having a first layer, a second layer, and a tail that are formed around the bulging area of an implantable medical device (IMD) are presented. The moldable material during hardening is flattened to form a docking platform for the flat planar bottom of an external antenna. The final apparatus of an antenna support may have all the custom contours of the patient's body around the implanted IMD. An optional tape patch and/or bandage may help maintain a proper placement of the external antenna over the IMD depending on amount of mobility the patient wishes to have during charging. An alternate embodiment uses magnets to secure an external antenna over a metallic segment of an IMD.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed that detect signal artifacts in one or more event signals. The system and method may be used with a patient monitoring apparatus that adapts to a patient's condition and distinguishes between clinically significant changes in the patient's state verse clinically insignificant changes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for efficient multiplexing of a plurality of electrodes in a nerve stimulator using improved, predetermined, regular, repeatable geometric patterns arranged in a predetermined mosaic to form a desired array. Multiple electrodes within said array are addressed by the nerve stimulator as being a stimulating electrode by an instruction specifying a single identifier, indicating a position within each regular geometric pattern. As such, each electrode within the array, maintaining the specified position within its respective repeatable geometric pattern, becomes a stimulating electrode and is connected to the appropriate electronic circuit for subsequent, potential use in nerve stimulation.

Abstract: A notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer having an automated external defibrillator (AED) capability, and methods of utilizing the notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer defibrillator to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Kits and methods for converting, adapting or retrofitting a common notebook, laptop computer and tablet computer to enable each to be used as an AED to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. A kit including an adjustable case for receiving, encompassing, adapting and converting a common notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer to enable each to be used as an AED. A kit including a slave automated external defibrillator (AED) that is joined to a common notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer to adapt, convert and enable each to be used as an AED.

Abstract: A method for stimulating a predetermined body part such as a nerve using a stimulation device including an external non-implantable transmitting device powered by a power source and generating an electrical waveform signal. A surface electrode applies the generated electrical waveform signal transcutaneously. An implantable piezoelectric element receives the applied electrical waveform signal generated transcutaneously and, in turn, causes mechanical deformation resulting in mechanical vibration of the implantable piezoelectric element sufficient to stimulate the predetermined body part. The electrical waveform signal may be either a high frequency continuous waveform or high frequency burst packets.