Abstract: A cardiac stimulation device and method monitor and store discrepancies in sensor indicated rates determined from two or more sensors generating signals related to metabolic demand. One feature included in the present invention is a sensor cross-check record that stores the time, duration and sensor indicated rates whenever individual sensor indicated rates differ by more than a discrepancy threshold. This record allows a clinician to monitor an abnormal patient condition or determine if a sensor is not functioning properly or is programmed sub-optimally. Another feature provided by the present invention is a sensor cross-check histogram in which sensor indicated rate differences are stored. Histogram data aids the clinician in selecting programmable operating parameters that control the calculation of sensor indicated rates and the rate response of the cardiac stimulation device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of correcting a data signal sampled at a first rate to a data signal displayed on a video monitor at a second rate is claimed. A data signal is received at a first rate. The data signal is separated into data windows. The minimum and maximum values and positions of data points in data windows are identified relative to a reference, and displayed on a video monitor.

Abstract: A medical data processing system that enables individual implanted medical device (IMD) programming units to securely access information networks that are susceptible to carrying data contaminants. In an example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for exchanging data with a plurality of implanted medical device (IMD) programming units, via a server arrangement that is coupled to a network, includes the step of establishing communication connections between the server arrangement and the plurality of IMD programming units. In response to receiving data at the server arrangement and destined for the IMD programming units, further including the step of identifying data contaminants in the received data and intercepting data containing data contaminants before the data reach the IMD programming units.

Abstract: An implantable, rechargeable assembly comprised of an implantable device disposed within a living organism, an electrical storage device connected to the implantable device, and a thermoelectric charging assembly operatively connected to the electrical storage device. The thermoelectric charging assembly has devices for transferring thermal energy between the living organism and a thermoelectric module, for generating an electrical current from the thermal energy, for charging the electrical storage device with the electrical current, for determining the extent to which the electrical storage device is being charged with the electrical current, and for generating a signal whenever the extent to which the electrical storage device is being charged with the electrical current falls below a specified value.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, functional electrical stimulation (FES) system 10 includes an implantable stimulator unit 12 for stimulating a plurality of different sites in a patient's body 14. A transmitter 20 is arranged externally of the patient's body 14 for supplying signals transcutaneously to the stimulator unit 12. A controller 16 is in communication with the transmitter 20. At least one implantable switching node 26 has an input terminal 30 in electrical communication with the stimulator unit 12 and a plurality of output terminals to each of which one of a further switching node 26 and a stimulating element 24 is connected. The switching node 26 including addressing circuitry 44 for switching at least one output terminal into electrical connection with the input terminal 30 of the switching node 26 in response to a control signal received from the controller 16 via the stimulator unit 12.

Abstract: An intracardial electrode lead comprises a distal end, a proximal end and an elongate electrode lead body which includes a helical coil having a lumen and a sheath enclosing the helical coil. The distal end of the electrode lead carries a an electrode. The electrode is electrically connected to a connection at the proximal end of the electrode lead for communication with a medical device. The distal end has a sleeve with a proximal end and a distal end, which is enclosed by the distal end of the helical coil at the sleeve proximal end and contacts a lip seal at its distal end. The lip seal elastically closes a distal opening of the lumen. The sleeve is also electrically connected to the electrode, which has an external surface and projects distally beyond the lip seal.

Abstract: An implantable biocompatible device, that may be either a sensor or stimulator, having electronic circuitry and electrodes formed on a substrate, is uniformly covered with a coating approximately one-micron thick of ultra-nanocrystalline diamond, hermetically sealing the electronic circuitry. Selected electrodes are either left uncovered during coating or uncovered by conventional patterning techniques, allowing the electrodes to be exposed to living tissue and fluids. The ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating may be doped to create electrically conductive electrodes. These approaches eliminate the need for a hermetically sealed lid or cover to protect hybrid electronic circuitry, and thus allow the device to be thinner than otherwise possible. The conformal ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating uniformly covers the device, providing relief from sharp edges and producing a strong, uniformly thick hermetic coating around sharp edges and on high aspect-ratio parts.

Abstract: A low-polarization electrode for use with an implantable lead. The low polarization electrode comprises a base substrate of a conductive material, an intermediate layer of a high dielectric layer over the base substrate, and a polarization-reducing coating over the intermediate layer. The low-polarization electrode essentially operates as a parallel-plate capacitor, thereby alleviating the polarization artifact at an electrode/tissue interface.

Abstract: Certain cardiac arrhythmias can be prevented by appropriate electrical stimulation of autonomic nerves innervating the heart. An implantable cardiac rhythm management device is configured to deliver such stimulation when an autonomic imbalance is predicted to be present via an endovascular electrode. Autonomic imbalance may be predicted to be present based upon circadian rhythms, detected heart rates, or detected heart rate variability.

Abstract: A magnetic field modulation system for a cochlear implant: The magnetic field modulation system receives audible tones and processes the tones into radio frequency signals that are received by a radio frequency coil system. The radio frequency coil system has a transmitting coil and a receiving coil wound in a plurality of configurations. The transmitting coil is implanted in the ear canal wherein it receives processed radio frequency signals. The receiving coil is implanted into the middle ear wherein it receives the radio frequency signals from the transmitting coil. The receiving coil is hermetically sealed inside an enclosure wherein it receives and demodulates the radio frequency signal. Audio electrical signals are extracted from the demodulated radio frequency signal and delivered to the cochlea via an electrode. The audio electrical signals are received by the human brain via the nerves from the cochlea.

Abstract: An analog physiologic signal, e.g., the cardiac EGM, sensed by an IMD is filtered with a high pass filter (HPF), the cut-off frequency of the HPF being within a predetermined frequency bandwidth, wherein a low-band portion of the predetermined frequency bandwidth is attenuated in the filtered physiologic signal. The filtered physiologic signal is digitized in real time order, and the digital data set is filtered in reverse time order employing a digital IIR filter having characteristics substantially matching the cut-off frequency and filter characteristics of the HPF. When the system is implemented within an IMD, the filtered digital data set is compressed by lossy compression algorithm, and the compressed data set is filtered in reverse time order.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management device is configured to detect oscillations in cardiac rhythm by measuring the amplitudes of heart sounds during successive heart beats. Upon detection of acoustic alternans, the device may adjust its operating behavior to compensate for the deleterious effects of the condition.

Abstract: A visual restoration aiding device including an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes placed on or under a retina of an eye of the patient for applying an electrical stimulation pulse signal to cells constituting the retina; a photographing unit which photographs an object to be recognized by the patient; a converting unit which converts photographic data transmitted from the photographing unit to data for electrical stimulation pulse signals; and a control unit which outputs an electrical stimulation pulse signal through each electrode based on the data for electrical stimulation pulse signals so as not to simultaneously output the electrical stimulation pulse signals through electrodes arranged within a distance that electrical stimulation pulse signals outputted through the electrodes will interfere with each other and which switches between the electrodes used for outputting the electrical stimulation pulse signals and the electrodes unused for outputting the electrical stimulation pulse signal

Abstract: A combined audio and electrical anatomy-signal sensor which is designed to collect, essentially from a selected, common anatomical site, related audio and electrical anatomical signals, such as heart-produced signals. The sensor includes a unique body structure which is designed to function both as a part of the audio-information gathering structure, and as a part of electrical electrode structure for gathering electrical signals. Chamber space is provided within this body for receiving and containing desired electrical circuitry, in the form of circuit-board-supported electrical components, which may be designed to perform any one of a number of different functions relative to signal gathering and transferring at and from an anatomical site.

Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, and/or systems that may be configured for placement at one or more cortical and/or other neuroanatomical sites to provide electrical stimulation and/or monitor neuroelectric activity within a patient. In one embodiment, an implantable articulated electrode assembly may include an array of electrodes or electrical contacts carried by a support member configured to be implanted or positioned relative to a set of neuroanatomical sites. Various embodiments of the articulated electrode assemblies may comprise multiple portions, segments, paddles, and/or panels having spatially divergent placement capabilities in relation to one another. Such segments or panels may be positioned in a variety of manners relative to each other and/or one or more neuroanatomical sites or locations, which may facilitate establishment of an intended type of stimulation field distribution and/or monitoring configuration.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker with a telemetry coil located in the device header rather than the conductive housing. The telemetry coil has a core made of magnetically permeable material such as ferrite in order to increase the efficiency of the coil and lessen space requirements.

Abstract: A medical system incorporating fluid delivery and lead delivery lumens dispense fluid into a volume of tissue. The fluid comprises or contains a pharmacologic, genetic, or biologic agent. The fluid may be dispensed initially during implantation or later using a minimally invasive medical procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of correcting a data signal sampled at a first rate to a data signal displayed on a video monitor at a second rate is claimed. A data signal is received at a first rate. The data signal is separated into data windows. The minimum and maximum values and positions of data points in data windows are identified relative to a reference, and displayed on a video monitor.

Abstract: A brassiere for supporting the breasts of a wearer and for receiving and supporting a funnel for expressing breast milk, comprising a pair of cups, at least one of which includes a first portion and a second portion having at least one elastic band. The first and second portion, and of the cup are expandable to allow a funnel to be selectively inserted between said first portion and said second portion, and under said first portion, and under said second portion, so as to contact said breast for expressing milk.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device measures the temperature of a fluid at selected locations along an IV fluid line. The device is secured to a selected portion of the IV line and includes a temperature sensor for measuring fluid flowing within that line. The device is coupled to a temperature display device to display the measured temperature. The temperature sensing device may include: a housing with a lower cover to engage the line and a temperature sensor; a holder movable along the line and including a temperature sensor; a housing with a lower member including a tip to pierce and measure temperature of fluid within the line; a resilient member with a spiral configuration and a tip to pierce and measure temperature of fluid within the line; a ‘T’-type fitting including a temperature sensor; or a ‘Y’-type fitting including a temperature sensor in the form of a needle.