Abstract: A combination of a transmitter and implantable receiver are disclosed wherein data is conveyed from transmitter to receiver utilizing a data format in which each channel to be stimulated is adapted to convey information in monopolar, bipolar or analog form.The data format includes two types of code words: transition words in which one bit is assigned to each channel and can be used to create monopolar pulsatile or bipolar pulsatile waveforms; and amplitude words which can create analog waveforms one channel at a time.An essential element of the output system is a current source digital to analog converter which responds to the code words to form the appropriate output on each channel. Each output is composed of a set of eight current sources, four with one polarity of current and the other four with the opposite polarity of current. In each group of four, the current sources are binarily related, I, 2I, 4I and 8I.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting nasal secretions by selective neural stimulation applies an electrical signal to a selected neurally sensitive area of the oral cavity. A method for inhibiting nasal secretions includes the steps of applying an electrical signal to a neurally sensitive area in the oral cavity, such as on opposite sides of the frenulum and beneath the philtrum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic rhythm analysis of digitized ECG signals. Candidate heartbeats are detected and the noise of the ECG signal portion containing the candidate is evaluated to determine whether the candidate is a valid nominal or noisy beat or an invalid noisy saturated signal. The timing of detected heartbeats, both noisy and nominal, are determined relative to prior validated heartbeats. Features of the detected heartbeats are automatically extracted including onset, offset and R wave locations; QRS complex width; R-R interval based on the onset points; instantaneous and averaged heartrates; and others. A 16 point template of the heartbeat starting at the onset is also determined. Beats are then classified in a two step process; first, by template comparison with a previously determined dominant template, and second, by a finite state machine process based on the results of the template comparison and relative timing of the beat.

Abstract: A system is provided for preventing cross-stimulation between the atrium and ventricle during cardiac pacing using a dual chamber cardiac pacer. A first output capacitor is connected in series with the atrium lead and a second output capacitor is connected in series with the ventricle lead. The first output capacitor is isolated from being charged until an atrial stimulus pulse is issued and the second output capacitor is isolated from being charged until a ventricle stimulus pulse is issued. The isolation means comprises analog switches that are controlled by a pacer logic circuit so that a current flow line is provided to the first output capacitor only when a stimulus pulse is issued to the atrium and a current flow line is provided to the second output capacitor only when a stimulus pulse is issued to the ventricle.

Abstract: Temporomandibular joint-myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (TMJ-MPDS) treatment apparatus and methodology employs a transcutaneous electronic wave to suppress pain associated with TMJ-MPDS. A first positive contact electrode is placed at the pain site and a second positive contact electrode is placed at the contra-lateral temporomandibular joint; and a negative contact electrode is placed at the web of the ipsilateral hand. An electronic current wave comprising relatively high frequency pulses with a low frequency amplitude modulation is then applied between the first to the second electrodes.

Abstract: The implantable heart assist device includes an elongated assembly extending transversely between the ribs of a person from the rib cage to the aorta of the heart to be assisted. The elongated assembly includes an aorta compressing device at the front end thereof for engaging the aorta externally thereof. A mounting device at the rear end of the elongated assembly supports the device from the ribs of the person, and a motive device actuates and deactivates the compressing means alternatingly to help pump blood through the aorta.To implant the heart assist device, a small incision is made at an area between the ribs, and the heart assist device is inserted through the incisional opening between the ribs. The mounting device is then affixed to the rib cage, and the motive device is then activated to cause the aorta compressing device to compress and release the aorta repeatedly.

Abstract: A composite assembly includes a first catheter having a lead grasping mechanism extending through a channel thereof, a second catheter concentrically disposed over the first catheter and having a smooth, tapered end and a third catheter concentrically disposed over the second catheter and is used to remove an inoperative endocardial lead from a patient's heart through a venous path. A free end of the lead is grasped and held securely to the first catheter by a grasping mechanism. The second and third catheters then are slid as a unit through the venous path over the grasped end of the lead as opposing tensile force is maintained on the first catheter to prevent movement of the lead. The second catheter is rotated to cause its smooth, tapered, leading edge with outward sharp serrations to separate scar tissue from the lead and dilate a path through the scar tissue.

Abstract: An ECG recorder apparatus includes a recorder and a lead arrangement comprising a pair of manually operable resiliently biased jaws carrying electrodes. The electrodes are connected via a connection and a lead to a jack plug which on insertion in the corresponding socket in the recorder causes the recorder to commence operation. The apparatus may be applied by a patient to record an ECG when symptoms are perceived. The electrode arrangement may be easily and reliably applied and the fact that the recorder begins operating automatically reduces the possibility of patient error.

Abstract: A system for stimulating a grasping action by a paralyzed hand. The system includes a sensor arrangement for detecting movement of a shoulder by the paralyzed person. The sensor transmits shoulder movement signals to a computerized controller which generates stimulation signals for stimulation electrodes mounted within a cuff worn about the forearm which supports the hand to be stimulated. Closed loop control is accomplished by use of a glove to which are attached a length sensor and a pressure sensor connected for alternative selection. Stimulation of deeply buried muscles is accomplished by arranging the stimulation electrodes into side-by-side electrode sets which are so positioned as to produce focusing of stimulation energy at the location of the subject muscle.

Abstract: An improved electrical connection capable of mechanical movement for providing an electrical connection between a rotatable terminal pin and an external pacer terminal casing in an improved cardiac pacer lead is disclosed. The pacer lead includes an elongated terminal pin at its proximal end that has a generally cylindrical cross-section which extends through an axial bore of an external retaining collar, a coupling and an insulating sleeve and terminates in engagement with an electrode at the distal end at the pacer lead. The retaining collar has a counterbore that defines an annular cavity between the collar and the terminal pin which accomodates an electrical connecting coil. The connection coil has a configuration wherein individual coil turns are circumferentially offset from adjacent coil turns and project radially outwardly from the axis of the coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for separating scar tissue through a venous path to allow passage of an endocardial lead extracting apparatus into a patient's heart. A metal cannula having a smooth leading edge is manipulated in conjunction with a lead grasping device to slip the metal cannula over the lead to be removed, controlling advancement of the cannula with a cannula control catheter until the leading edge of the cannula is advanced a predetermined distance into the scar tissue. A metal shearing cylinder having a plurality of sharp teeth disposed on its leading end and controlled by a cylinder control catheter is advanced over the surface of the cannula, depressing a locking element thereof and to lock the cannula to the lead. Further advancement of the cylinder causes its teeth to separate a thin layer of the scar tissue. The cylinder is retracted to unlock the cannula, which is advanced. The shearing cylinder is advanced, relocking the cannula and separate a further portion of the scar tissue.

Abstract: A defibrillator which will automatically ascertain the transthoracic resistance of the patient and then automatically apply a defibrillation shock according to the transthoracic resistance and an amperes per ohm factor.

Abstract: An extractor is provided for safely and easily removing an implanted lead such as a cardiac pacing lead from a patient. The extractor accomplishes a method that includes imparting a wedging condition to an implanted lead at a distal location thereof, such as a location at or near an electrode implanted in an atrium or ventricle of a heart, which wedging condition permits a pulling force to be transmitted along the length of the extractor and to the implanted electrode location, thereby avoiding the need to impart any substantial pulling forces along length of the lead itself. The extractor includes a tube and a line which move with respect to each other to impart the wedging condition onto a distal portion of the implanted lead.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis employs a transcutaneous electronic wave to suppress perceived pain, increase strength, improve the perception of sensation, reduce spasticity associated with the disease, and create a general feeling of improved well being in the patient. A positive contact electrode is placed on the center of the frontalis muscle, and a negative electrode located at the occiput of the head. Additional negative contacts are placed at the base of the spine, on the medial malleolus of each affected leg and the web space of each affected hand. An electronic current wave comprising relatively high frequency pulses with a low frequency amplitude modulation is then applied between the first to the second electrodes.

Abstract: A cable harness device for use with an EKG machine in which the cable harness device includes a central unit having spring biased laterally extending arms, side arms perpendicularly attached to the lateral arms, a swivel joint mounted on top of the central unit, a boom attached to the swivel joint; and a plurality of EKG electrodes attached to the boom, lateral arms, and side arms to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. The cable harness device of the present invention permits the operator to quickly remove the chest electrodes attached to the boom by rotating the boom away from the chest in order to permit heart message if cardiac arrest occurs while the patient is attached to the EKG machine. This arrangement also permits the side arm and lateral electrodes to remain attached to the patient to monitor the electrical activity of the heart while heart message is being given.

Abstract: An electrical therapy device comprises a needle-like probe connected to a source of low current, high voltage electrical discharge. The probe can be placed in skin contact with a patient to introduce a stream of negative charge into the anatomy of the patient in order to effect relief, and in some cases cure, of inflammatory ailments.

Abstract: A fetal heartbeat signal detected by the principle of an ultrasonic Doppler effect is autocorrelated, and a fetal heart rate is detected from the periodicity of peaks of a determined autocorrelation function. In such a process, peaks of the autocorrelation function are detected, and a peak truly indicative of the fetal heart rate is detected from closeness of righthand inclindations of the peaks to a righthand inclination of the origin of the autocorrelation function.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new, useful and simple apparatus, and surgical method, for implantation of same, for selective control of evacuating the urinary bladder in mammals by electrical stimulation of the motor innervations of the bladder's detrusor urinae muscle. Contractions of this muscle occur by timed electrical pulses conducted by electrodes placed in the fluid of the sacral canal, to conduct electrical stimulus through the fluid in the sacral region of the spinal cord. Nerve roots located in this region of the sacral canal, and which innervate the bladder, are stimulated by the electricity conducted by the fluid, causing contraction of the bladder's detrusor muscle, and results in micturition. In preferred form, the apparatus may be used on paraplegic or quadriplegic humans and could be selectively controllable by a paraplegic human. The apparatus may also be used to evacuate the bladder in paraplegic mammals such as dogs and cats.

Abstract: A computer algorithm and hardware are disclosed for feedback control of movement in man for standing and walking. The system measures motion of the hips, knees and ankles and generates control signals for ten different muscle groups. Hip and knee supports are provided for restricting hip and knee movement to a common plane.

Abstract: A low-power personal epilepsy seizure warning system is disclosed based on the clinical observation that while the brain potentials marking the onset of epilepsy vary from patient to patient, indicative brain potentials in any one patient are highly likely to remain constant. The system includes an implantable monitor to detect brain potentials and recognize the onset of a seizure, and an external warning unit to warn the patient when a seizure is imminent. The monitor is configured to recognize a patient's indicative potentials after preoperative EEG observation, and may include relatively simple analog circuitry to recognize simple forms, or a microprocessor and programmed memory to recognize complex forms utilizing algorithms such as the fast Fourier transform. An external program adjustment unit may also be utilized to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the monitor corresponding to the patient's experience of insufficient or excessive warnings after implantation.