Abstract: The disclosed means of determining alignment between an external charger and an implantable medical device (IMD) involves the use of reflected impedance modulation, i.e., by measuring at the external charger reflections arising from modulating the impedance of the charging coil in the IMD. During charging, the charging coil in the IMD is pulsed to modulate its impedance. The difference in the coil voltage (?V) produced at the external charger as a result of these pulses is assessed and is used by the external charger to indicate coupling. If the magnitude of ?V is above a threshold, the external charger considers the coupling to the IMD to be adequate, and an alignment indicator in the external charger is controlled accordingly. The magnitude of Vcoil can be assessed in addition to ?V to determine alignment with the IMD with improved precision, and/or to further define a high quality alignment condition.

Abstract: A lead coupling device adapted for coupling to a lead and methods for using the coupling devices are provided. The coupling device includes a housing assembly having a proximal opening and a distal opening. The coupling device also has a lead receiving channel that is disposed between the two openings to receive a lead therethrough. Various electronics components may also included in the coupling device that enable operations such as sensing, delivery of electrical energy and wireless communication between the coupling device and an external device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a wireless electrical stimulation. The system generally includes at least two electrical stimulation units. Each electrical stimulation unit includes electrodes connected to the unit. The system also includes a transmitter for remotely, wirelessly controlling each of the electrical stimulation units to selectively apply a time-varying electric potential to the electrodes to provide an electrical stimulation to tissue in electrical contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and external control device for providing therapy to a patient using first and second electrodes implanted within the patient is provided. A train of electrical multi-phasic pulses is generated. A first electrical current is sourced from the second electrode and at least a portion of the first electrical current is sunk to the first electrode during a stimulation phase of each multi-phasic pulse, thereby therapeutically stimulating a first tissue region adjacent the first electrode. A second electrical current is sourced from the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrical current is sunk to the second electrode during a charge recovery phase of each multi-phasic pulse, thereby recovering at least a portion of the charge that had been injected into the patient during the stimulation phase of each multi-phasic pulse, and therapeutically stimulating a second tissue region adjacent the second electrode.

Abstract: Device, systems, methods and kits can be useful for auricular stimulation. One such device relates to auricular stimulation. The device includes an earpiece having an electrode arrangement configured and arranged to deliver a series of electrical stimulation signals to an auricular location. A pulse-generator circuit is configured and arranged to generate the series of electrical stimulation signals having a stimulation profile, and to deliver the electrical stimulation signals to the electrode arrangement. A sensor is configured and arranged to generate a feedback signal that is responsive to the electrical stimulation signals. A feedback circuit is configured and arranged to modify the stimulation profile in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed related to cables that may be used within a medical device. According to one example, a cable may comprise multiple wires. Each wire may be formed of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy having an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprising at least two elements selected from a group of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. The cable may be heated to a stress-relieve temperature of the beta titanium alloy to allow the cable to retain a desired configuration while remaining ductile. The cable may be included within a medical device, such as a medical electrical lead.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves an electronic apparatus for programming an implantable medical device to provide a stimulation therapy for a patient. The electronic apparatus includes a user interface configured to communicate with a user, a memory storage configured to store executable instructions, and a computer processor configured to execute the instructions to implement a plurality of safety controls.

Abstract: The stirring efficiency of a heating liquid which is supplied to the balloon of a balloon-equipped ablation catheter is increased to quickly uniformize the surface temperature of the balloon, and air is prevented from remaining in the balloon-equipped ablation catheter to enhance the safety of treatment which uses the balloon-equipped ablation catheter. A shaft for a balloon-equipped ablation catheter, consisting of a single pipe, wherein the shaft has two lumens which communicate from the distal end to the proximal end of the shaft, a first lumen being a guide wire passage lumen which is provided in order to allow a guide wire to pass therethrough, the second lumen being a liquid supply lumen which is provided in order to supply liquid to the inside of the balloon of the balloon-equipped ablation catheter.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes a body defining a lead lumen having a first opening and a second opening through which a lead can pass. The body further defines a transverse lumen that intersects the lead lumen. An exterior member is disposed around at least a portion of the body. The exterior member is formed of a biocompatible material. A fastener anchors the lead to the body through the transverse lumen by deforming a portion of the lead. The transverse lumen is configured and arranged to receive the fastener. At least at least two suture tabs extend from the exterior member and are configured and arranged for receiving a suture to suture the lead anchor to patient tissue.

Abstract: A magnetically-levitated blood pump with an optimization method that enables miniaturization and supercritical operation. The blood pump includes an optimized annular blood gap that increases blood flow and also provides a reduction in bearing stiffness among the permanent magnet bearings. Sensors are configured and placed optimally to provide space savings for the motor and magnet sections of the blood pump. Rotor mass is increased by providing permanent magnet placement deep within the rotor enabled by a draw rod configuration.

Abstract: A method of modeling time-dependent electrical activity of a biological system, the method comprises transforming an input through at least one dynamic mode to yield at least one modal output; processing the at least one modal output to yield at least one amplitude variable and at least one phase variable; and mapping the at least one amplitude variable and the at least one phase variable to an observable output.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for defibrillation delivery decision comprising the steps of: a) Determining a shockable rhythm with a first algorithm, whereby said first algorithm is adapted to analyze an ECG signal in the presence of chest compression; b) Determining a shockable rhythm with a second algorithm, whereby said second algorithm is adapted to analyze an ECG in the absence of chest compression; c) Determining with a third algorithm if the patient is undergoing chest compression.

Abstract: A medical device lead includes a proximal connector configured to couple the lead to a pulse generator, an insulative lead body extending distally from the proximal connector, and a conductor assembly extending distally from the proximal connector within the lead body. The conductor assembly includes a conductor having a proximal end electrically coupled to the connector and a distal end electrically coupled to a defibrillation coil. A first portion of the defibrillation coil is exposed at an outer surface of the medical device lead and a second portion of the defibrillation coil is insulated at the outer surface of the medical device lead.

Abstract: The invention relates a system (302) for medical stimulation. The system (302) comprises an implantable probe (304) bifurcated into a primary branch (306) and a secondary branch (308) at a bifurcation (310), wherein the probe is provided at its distal end (112, 312) with an electrode (114) for delivering electrical stimulation to tissue. Herein, the primary branch (306) is configured for at least temporarily mechanically co-operating with a guide wire (316) configured for guiding the probe (304) into said tissue whereas the secondary branch (308) is configured for electrically connecting said electrode to a device for generating the electrical stimulation.

Abstract: An electrode lead assembly is described. The lead assembly includes an expandable cuff electrode that includes a series of spaced apart electrode elements and a substantially re-closable opening.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator to a craniofacial region of a subject includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft having a contoured distal portion, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is configured to be advanced under a zygomatic bone along a maxillary tuberosity towards a pterygopalatine fossa. The distal portion includes a distal dissecting tip. The insertion groove is configured to receive, support, and guide a medical device or instrument.

Abstract: An electrode lead comprises a tubular lead body, an electrode supported by the lead body, a rotatable member, a deployable member and a deployment mechanism. The rotatable member is contained within a distal end of the tubular lead body. The deployable member is attached to the rotatable member and comprises a tissue anchor. The deployment mechanism is configured to drive the deployable member along a central axis and out the distal end of the tubular lead body responsive to rotation of the rotatable member about the central axis. In one embodiment, the deployable member does not rotate about the central axis with the rotation of the rotatable member.

Abstract: A surgical guide to facilitate delivery of a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa of a subject includes a curvilinear body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The proximal end portion is defined by oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The proximal end portion and the intermediate portion define a longitudinal plane that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has an arcuate configuration relative to the longitudinal plane and is defined by oppositely disposed third and fourth surfaces.

Abstract: A device that may be used as an automatic voiding diary detects urinary and/or fecal voiding events and records voiding information indicative of the voiding events without the need for significant patient interaction. The device includes a microphone that captures internal and/or external sounds that are associated with voiding events and generates an electrical signal based the sounds. The device processes the electrical signal to determine whether the signal is indicative of the occurrence of a voiding event (i.e., the device detects voiding events) by, for example, comparing the electrical signal to a signal template or comparing an amplitude of the signal to a threshold. The device may be a device implanted within the patient or an external device that can be carried or attached to the body or clothing of the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments include heart monitoring systems, apparatus, and methods adapted to detect myocardial ischemia. An apparatus includes at least one first-tier sensor/analyzer adapted to sense a first input related to cardiac function, and to produce a first-tier trigger signal when the first input indicates myocardial ischemia. In an embodiment, a first-tier sensor/analyzer includes an ECG sensor/analyzer. In another embodiment, a first-tier sensor/analyzer includes a patient activator. An apparatus further includes at least one second-tier sensor/analyzer adapted to sense a second input related to cardiac function, and to produce a second-tier trigger signal when the second input indicates myocardial ischemia. In an embodiment, a second-tier sensor-analyzer includes a heart sound sensor/analyzer. A triggering element is adapted to produce a response-invoking signal in response to the first-tier trigger signal and the second-tier trigger signal.