Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes a telemetry module to communicate with an external device according to a given protocol. To establish a communication session, the IMD will extend active periods of reception on a given channel when some confirmed data is received from the external device. In addition, once a session has been opened, the programmer transmits a short data set (or preamble) for each cycle which the IMD is set to receive. This data set indicates whether additional data will or will not be sent. If no additional data is to be sent during that cycle, then the IMD powers down the receiver for that cycle.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat urinary incontinence by the bilateral stimulation of the left and/or right branches of the dorsal genital nerves using a single lead implanted in adipose or other tissue in the region at or near the pubic symphysis.

Abstract: Techniques are described that allow an implantable device to sense gastric data and activity data from a patient, and estimate the patient's amount of energy consumed and energy expended based on the sensed data. A system provides feedback to the patient, a family member, or a doctor about the patient's energy consumed, energy expended, and net energy. The data may be provided in table or graphical format, and may show daily or weekly energy balance data or may show a trend of the daily or weekly energy data. The patient may receive feedback by an implanted alert module that provides and audio alert or a vibration alert. In addition, data acquired by the system may be used to adjust the patient's stimulation therapy parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided including an element shaped so as to define at least one surface. The element is adapted to be implanted in an ascending aorta of a subject in a vicinity of an aortic valve, and, during systole, to store, as potential energy, work applied to the surface by blood of the subject passing through the element. The element allows at least 75% of the blood passing into the element during systole of each cardiac cycle to exit the element during systole of the respective cardiac cycle. The element applies the stored energy to push blood towards at least one coronary artery of the subject during diastole. For some applications, the surface includes a first surface, and the element is shaped so as to define a second surface, which is configured to apply the stored energy. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implantable lead comprises a lead body extending from a lead proximal end portion to a lead distal end portion. The lead body includes one or more longitudinally extending lumens. A conductor is received in, and extends along, a lumen. In varying examples, the implantable lead further comprises a tubular electrode co-axial with, and overlying portions of, the lead body. In one example, a lumen wall is sized and shaped to urge an electrically conductive interposer coupled with the conductor toward an inner surface of the electrode. In another example, a ring member is disposed within a lumen and the conductor is drawn and coupled thereto. In yet another example, an electrically conductive connector couples a first and a second conductor via grooves or threads. In a further example, an axial support member couples a distal end electrode and the lead body. Methods associated with the foregoing are also discussed.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes delivering biventricular pacing therapy using one or more timing parameters, detecting loss of capture, deciding if fusion exists without adjusting the one or more timing parameters and, based on the deciding, calling for fusion avoidance or calling for a capture threshold search. Various other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: This document describes systems, devices, and methods that use multiple morphology templates for discriminating between rhythms, such as supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVTs) and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs), for delivering a countershock in response to a VT episode, but withholding delivery of such a countershock in response to an SVT episode. In certain examples, the particular morphology used for storing morphological features is selected at least in part using a sensor-indicated activity level of a subject, or a metabolic need of the subject.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and associated method are provided including a vibratory alert and a vibration-sensitive sensor. Further included is a circuit in communication with the vibratory alert and the vibration-sensitive sensor. Such circuit is adapted for at least reducing an affect of the vibratory alert on the vibration-sensitive sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides an implant, system and method for electrically stimulating a target tissue to either activate or block neural impulses. The implant provides a conductive pathway for a portion of electrical current flowing between surface electrodes positioned on the skin and transmits that current to the target tissue. The implant has a passive electrical conductor of sufficient length to extend from subcutaneous tissue located below a surface cathodic electrode to the target tissue. The conductor has a pick-up end which forms an electrical termination having a sufficient surface area to allow a sufficient portion of the electrical current to flow through the conductor, in preference to flowing through body tissue between the surface electrodes, such that the target tissue is stimulated to either activate or block neural impulses. The conductor also has a stimulating end which forms an electrical termination for delivering the current to the target body tissue.

Abstract: A device for fastening an electrode in the pacemaker bed before the entry of the electrode into a vein is provided, and includes a sheath having two parts and, with a hose extending through their interior. The two parts and of the sheath are profiled at the contacting edges of a common separating point so that they are fixed in reference to one another in the rotational direction until a user pulls them apart beyond the axial extension of the profiling. In this pulled-apart position the parts of the sheath can be rotated in reference to one another under torsion of the hose and subsequently, due to the restoring force of the hose, will be again guided together axially, which reduces the interior cross-section of the hose and allows a form-fitting grasping the electrode extending therethrough.