Abstract: An ambulatory medical device is provided. The ambulatory medical device includes at least one sensor configured to acquire physiological data of a patient, at least one network interface and at least one processor coupled to the at least one sensor and the at least one network interface. The at least one processor is configured to detect, via the at least one network interface, a medical device, to establish a secure communication session with the medical device via the at least one network interface, to detect a data capacity of the secure communication session, to identify a category of patient data associated with the data capacity, and to transmit patient data of the category to the medical device via the secure communication session.

Abstract: Implantable leadless cardiac pacing systems and methods for providing substernal pacing using the leadless cardiac pacing systems are described. In one embodiment, an implantable leadless cardiac pacing system includes a housing, a first electrode on the housing, a second electrode on the housing, and a pulse generator within the housing and electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The housing is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of a patient and the pulse generator is configured to deliver pacing pulses to a heart of the patient via a therapy vector formed between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The vagus nerve and branches of the vagus nerve are stimulated below the laryngeal nerve branch bifurcation in order to induce desired parasympathetic responses, such as decreased heart rate, without also triggering any adverse sympathetic responses. Stimulating surfaces of an open field bipolar electrode are positioned on or inserted through the pleural membrane overlying the vagus nerve at a location having substantially no cardiac sympathetic fibers adjacent to the vagus nerve. The open field bipolar electrodes can be securable-wire, needle, plate, or any other type of electrode suitable for being secured to the pleural membrane using one or more fastening mechanisms. Electrical stimuli are generated by a stimulator connected to the stimulating surfaces of the open field bipolar electrode by one or more leads.

Abstract: Described is a low voltage, pulsed electrical stimulation device for controlling expression of, for example, follistatin, a muscle formation promotion protein, by tissues. Epicardial stimulation is especially useful for heart treatment. Follistatin controlled release is also useful for treating other ailments, such as erectile dysfunction, aortic aneurysm, and failing heart valves.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for identifying the location of internal anatomical features by externally marking on skin during a CAT scan comprising a flexible sheet having a plurality of intersecting lines mounted with at least one 3D structure wherein the sheet is provided in the form of a mesh comprising an x-ray opaque material.

Abstract: An RF switchable filter feedthrough housed inside an AIMD is described. The RF switchable filter feedthrough includes an RF switch having a switching pole that is configured to be controlled by an AIMD control signal to switch between first and second throw position. In the first throw position, a conductive leadwire hermetically sealed to and disposed through an insulator is electrically connected to a two-terminal MLCC chip capacitor which in turn is electrically connected to the ferrule. In the first throw position, EMI energy imparted to a body fluid side implanted lead is diverted to the housing of the AIMD by the chip capacitor. In the second throw position, the conductive leadwire is electrically connected to an RF source disposed inside the AIMD housing. In the second throw position, by measuring a reflective return signal from the RF source it can be determined whether the implanted lead has a defective lead conductor.

Abstract: A biofeedback system for monitoring patient-related signals of a patient having adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is disclosed. The present invention provides a personalized biofeedback to the patient based on the patient-related signals for restoring balance in muscle activities and reducing displacement of both sides of the patient's spine as a treatment for AIS. The biofeedback system comprises clothing integrated with posture monitoring sensors, and one or more computational systems comprising a sensor-based sEMG posture training subsystem for providing posture training and a posture monitoring subsystem for providing progressive training through daily activities. The sensor-based sEMG posture training subsystem comprises a posture training device coupled to a plurality of sEMG sensors, a feedback device and a calibration system.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a ventricular assist device that is assisting cardiac function of a biological subject, the apparatus including an electronic processing device that determines a flow rate of blood through the ventricular assist device, analyses the flow rate to determine a flow parameter value at least partially indicative of a change in the flow rate during diastole; and uses the flow parameter value to either derive at least one blood pressure parameter value at least partially indicative of a blood pressure in the biological subject or control the ventricular assist device.

Abstract: If a job is accepted in the middle of cardiac potential measurement in a state where acquisition of data for stress measurement corresponding to cycles necessary for stress measurement has not been completed, the state of progress of stress measurement is compared with the acceptance timing of the job, and with respect to acceptance of a job for which a time from the acceptance timing of the job to completion of stress measurement on a current measurement object cycle does not exceed a pre-set first setting value, the job is executed after completion of stress measurement in the current measurement cycle, and with respect to acceptance of a job for which a time from the acceptance timing of the job to completion of stress measurement exceeds the first setting value, stress measurement is interrupted and the job is preferentially executed and stress measurement is restarted.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for multifocal direct brain stimulation to enhance cognitive processing, such as but not limited to stimulation-induced modulation of memory.

Abstract: An implantable medical device performs a method that includes detecting a cardiac event interval that is greater than a P-wave oversensing threshold interval. In response to detecting the cardiac event interval greater than the P-wave oversensing threshold interval, the device determines the amplitude of the sensed cardiac signal and withholds restarting a pacing interval in response to the amplitude satisfying P-wave oversensing criteria. A pacing pulse may be generated in response to the pacing interval expiring without sensing an intrinsic cardiac electrical event that is not detected as a P-wave oversensing event.

Abstract: Aspects include high resolution brain-electronic interfaces and related methods. Aspects include forming a semiconductor circuit on a substrate, depositing a tensile stress layer on the circuit, and separating the semiconductor circuit from a portion of the silicon substrate. Aspects also include removing the tensile stress layer from the semiconductor circuit and transferring the semiconductor circuit to a biocompatible film.

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing device, e.g. a hearing aid, comprising a first part for being inserted in an ear canal or fully or partially implanted in the head of a user, the first part comprising at least one electrode unit, termed a PR-electrode unit, for making contact to skin or tissue of a user when mounted or implanted in an operational condition, the at least one PR-electrode unit being configured to pick up a physiological response from the user, and wherein the at least one PR-electrode unit comprises an electrically conductive material, e.g. a shape memory alloy. The first part may comprise an implanted part, e.g. in combination with an external part adapted for being located in an ear canal, wherein both parts comprise one or more PR-electrode units. The invention may e.g. be used hearing aids, headsets, ear phones, active ear protection systems, or combinations thereof, e.g. to control processing of the hearing device or to monitor a condition of the user wearing the hearing device.

Abstract: Apparatus for the delivery of an electrical field which facilitates the intracellular delivery of a therapeutic agent to a predetermined site within the tissue of a patient. The apparatus will comprise a plurality of penetrating electrodes arranged in a predetermined spatial relationship, each electrode with a cross sectional area contributing to the total cross sectional area of all electrodes, and structural means incorporating an inanimate source of energy operatively connected to the plurality of electrodes for deploying the electrodes, wherein the source of energy is sufficient to impart a force of at least 1000 pounds per square inch (0.7 kilogram per square millimeter) of total cross sectional area of all electrodes at the initiation of the deployment of the electrodes. The apparatus will also comprise means for generating an electrical field which facilitates the intracellular delivery of a therapeutic agent, which means is operatively connected to said electrodes at least in their deployed state.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) system includes an ICD implanted subcutaneously in a patient, a defibrillation lead having a proximal portion coupled to the ICD and a distal portion having a defibrillation electrode configured to deliver a defibrillation or cardioversion shock to a heart of the patient, and a pacing lead that includes a distal portion having one or more electrodes and a proximal portion coupled to the ICD. The distal portion of the pacing lead is implanted at least partially along a posterior side of a sternum of the patient within the anterior mediastinum. The ICD is configured to provide pacing pulses to the heart of the patient via the pacing lead and provide defibrillation shocks to the patient via the defibrillation lead. As such, the implantable cardiac system provides pacing from the substernal space for an extravascular ICD system.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes an electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS) sound processor, a cochlear implant communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor, an electrode array communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant, and a receiver communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor and configured to be in communication with an ear of a patient. The EAS sound processor 1) directs, while in a self-fitting mode, the receiver to apply acoustic stimulation to the patient, 2) records, using at least one electrode included in the electrode array, an evoked response that occurs in response to the acoustic stimulation, 3) compares the evoked response to a baseline evoked response recorded by the EAS sound processor prior to recording the evoked response, and 4) performs a predetermined action based on the comparison between the evoked response and the baseline evoked response. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and device for promoting a localized change in a flow of blood through a blood vessel in a limb segment of a body by a series of electrically stimulated contractions of muscle tissue in the limb segment, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a device including: (i) first, second and third electrodes, each adapted to operatively contact the limb segment; (ii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the electrodes, adapted to produce a series of electrical impulses to the limb segment via the electrodes, and (iii) a control unit adapted to control the signal generator to produce the series of electrical impulses; (b) positioning the electrodes on the limb segment, wherein the first electrode is positioned on a lower end of the lower leg, the second electrode is positioned on the lower leg, and the third electrode is positioned on an upper end of the lower leg, whereby the first and third electrodes are disposed on opposite ends of the lower leg, and the second electrode and

Abstract: Implantable cardiac pacing systems and methods for providing substernal pacing are described. In one example, a cardiac pacing system includes a pacemaker implanted in a patient and an implantable medical electrical lead. The implantable medical electrical lead includes an elongated lead body having a proximal end and a distal portion, a connector configured to couple to the pacemaker at the proximal end of the elongated lead body, and one or more electrodes along the distal portion of the elongated lead body, wherein the distal portion of the elongated lead body of the lead is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of the patient and the pacemaker is configured to deliver pacing pulses to a heart of the patient.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array is provided that includes a carrier that is flexible. At least one control module is coupled to the carrier. A shell encases the control module. At least one electrode is coupled to the carrier and is electrically connected to the control module.

Abstract: Implantable cardiac systems and methods for providing substernal pacing in an ICD system are described. In one example, an implantable cardiac system comprises an ICD system and an implantable leadless pacing device (LPD) communicatively coupled to the ICD system. The ICD system includes an ICD and an implantable defibrillation lead having a proximal portion coupled to the ICD and a distal portion having a defibrillation electrode configured to deliver a defibrillation shock to a heart of the patient. The LPD includes a housing, a first electrode on the housing, a second electrode on the housing, and a pulse generator within the housing and electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The housing of the LPD is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of the patient and the pulse generator is configured to deliver pacing pulses to a heart via the first and second electrodes.