Abstract: An implantable medical device with an inductive switching regulator having an inductor with a ferromagnetic core is described. The device incorporates a core saturation detector for detecting saturation in the inductor core indicating the presence of a magnetic field such as produced by an MRI scan. The device is configured to alter its behavior when core saturation is detected such as by entering an MRI mode that may include cessation of therapy, fixed-rate bradycardia pacing, and/or disablement of tachyarrhythmia therapy.

Abstract: A system and method for determining oversensing during post-processing of sensing data generated by a medical device that includes transmitting a plurality of stored sensing data generated by the medical device to an access device, the stored sensing data including sensed atrial events and sensed ventricular events. The access device determines, in response to the transmitted data, instances where the medical device identified a cardiac event being detected in response to the sensing data, identifies and removes suspected far-field R-waves, and determines whether a signal including the removed suspected far-field R-waves is regular.

Abstract: A first chamber minute ventilation rate is determined based on a first transthoracic impedance signal received from a first chamber of a heart and a second chamber minute ventilation rate is determined based on a second transthoracic impedance signal received from a second chamber of the heart. A processor compares the minute ventilation rates to determine a rate. In one embodiment, an accelerometer sensor provides data for evaluating propriety of a rate. Before implementing a rate change, signals from multiple sensors are cross-checked.

Abstract: A wire form includes a conductor having a distal end and a proximal end. The conductor is coiled and has a predetermined spacing between adjacent coils. The predetermined spacing provides a parasitic capacitance and an inductance. The parasitic capacitance and inductance have a resonance frequency tuned to about an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic-resonance imaging scanner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating or preventing neurocardiogenic syncope is disclosed. Upon detection of bradycardia or a drop in blood pressure indicating the onset of syncope, electrostimulation pulses are delivered during the heart's refractory period. The pulses are non-excitatory but increase myocardial contractility and thereby increase cardiac output.

Abstract: A pancreatic controller, comprising: at least one electrode adapted for electrifying at least a portion of a pancreas; and a controller programmed to electrify said electrode so as to positively control at least the effect of at least two members of a group consisting of blood glucose level, blood insulin level and blood level of another pancreatic hormone. In one example, the controller controls insulin, glucagon and/or glucose blood levels.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device (“IMD”) that can be programmed from one operational mode to another operational mode when in the presence of electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the IMD includes a communication interface for receiving communication signals from an external device, such as a command to switch the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. The IMD further includes a processor in electrical communication with the communication interface, which is operable to switch or reprogram the IMD from the first operation mode to the second operation mode upon receiving a command to do so. In addition, the IMD includes a timer operable to measure a time period from when the processor switches the IMD to the second operation mode.

Abstract: Apparatus (18) is provided for defibrillating a heart (20) of a person. The apparatus (18) includes one or more electrodes (100) that are adapted to be coupled to the heart, and a control unit (90) that is adapted to drive the electrodes to apply electrical pulses to the heart at a rate which is typically greater than about 10 Hz. The control unit terminates the electrical pulses, so that the heart beats without fibrillation. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. An antenna is positioned in proximity of the implantable medical device. The position of a core of the antenna is adjusted relative to the implantable medical device while the antenna is maintained substantially stationary. A frequency of transmission of a power source is adjusted, and the antenna is driven at the adjusted frequency to transfer energy transcutaneously to the implantable medical device. In one embodiment, the frequency of transmission is selected based on an amplitude of a signal in the antenna.

Abstract: According to a charging system of this invention, an alternating current required for charging of an electric double layer capacitor of a storage device in the body may be transmitted from a feeding device outside the body through power receiving and power transmitting coils. The electric double layer capacitor may be charged in a contactless mode, without incising the body of the artificial organ user, while the storage device remains embedded in the body. The electric double layer capacitor may be charged reliably by avoiding a shortage of charging since the charge status of the electric double layer capacitor of the storage device is known during a charging operation.

Abstract: An electrode array for neural stimulation is disclosed which has particular applications for use in a retinal prosthesis. The electrode array can be formed as a hermetically-sealed two-part ceramic package which includes an electronic circuit such as a demultiplexer circuit encapsulated therein. A relatively large number (up to 1000 or more) of individually-addressable electrodes are provided on a curved surface of a ceramic base portion the electrode array, while a much smaller number of electrical connections are provided on a ceramic lid of the electrode array. The base and lid can be attached using a metal-to-metal seal formed by laser brazing. Electrical connections to the electrode array can be provided by a flexible ribbon cable which can also be used to secure the electrode array in place.

Abstract: Passive monitoring of bioelectric signals is made in the presence of active electrical anesthesia stimulation signal such that the bio-electric signals have interference artifacts from the active signal. The interference artifacts are determined and suppressed to produce a processed bio-electric signal from which can be derived quantitative values for evaluating the neurological state.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture device for controlling nausea. The device includes a wristwatch like housing, circuitry for generating electro-acupuncture stimulus disposed within the housing, and a strap for securing the housing to the wrist. The device also includes a pair of D-shaped electrodes disposed on the bottom outer surface of the housing. A gasket made of an electrically non-conductive material is applied to the bottom outer surface of the housing. The gasket has apertures which are sized and shaped to receive the D-shaped electrodes. When the device is strapped to a patient's wrist, the electrodes contact the wrist and provide electric stimulation to the wrist.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods for measuring cardiac impedances and producing one or more resynchronization index parameters each indicative of a cardiac synchrony or asynchrony using the measured cardiac impedances. In one example, the one or more resynchronization index parameters are used to adjust one or more pacing parameters of a cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: A percutaneous stimulating device 10 comprises a self-contained permanent or long-term unit for neuromodulation in the management of chronic pain and for cosmetic applications in accordance with the invention. It comprises a stimulating zone 12 with one or more electrodes 14, and an integral control unit 16 electrically connected by means of suitable wires 18 to the stimulating zone. The control unit 16 is arranged to supply an electrical stimulating signal to the electrode(s) 14. The device is in the form of a closed cylinder having a diameter of 1.2 to 1.5 mm and is no more than 70 mm in length so that it can be located and inserted into a patient using a stimulating needle, which is subsequently withdrawn from the patient when the device is in place. The invention extends to a method for long term pain management by means of neuromodulation using the percutaneous device in accordance with the invention to supply a stimulating signal at between 2 and 50 Hz.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying a determined cardiac event in a medical device based on detected variation in hemodynamic status that includes a physiologic sensor sensing physiologic signals to generate a plurality of variation index samples corresponding to the sensed signals, and a microprocessor computing a variation index trend associated with a predetermined number of variation index samples of the plurality of variation index samples, determining whether deviations of the predetermined number of variation index samples over predetermined sampling windows are less than a deviation threshold, and determining, in response to the deviations being less than the deviation threshold, a corrected variation index trend in response to the changes in the variation index trend during the predetermined sampling windows.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for applying electrical current to the quadriceps muscle. The apparatus is in the form of a garment (to be worn on a user's thigh) having a integrated programmable stimulation device including integral electronics, LCD display, user controls and a battery. To ensure accurate and repeatable positioning of the garment, it is shaped such that it locates above the patella. Furthermore, reference lines are provided on the skin facing surface of the garment to assist the user in the accurate placement of skin engaging electrodes. In combination, the features of the invention provides a safe and convenient means of electrically stimulating the quadriceps muscle irrespective of patient size whilst minimizing the opportunity for error. Moreover, the invention dispenses with the need to employ a skilled clinician to individually place each electrode.

Abstract: An external cardiac medical device for delivering Cardiac Potentiation Therapy (CPT). Techniques used with the device include initial diagnosis of the patient, delivery of the CPT, and configuration of the external device, so that CPT can be effectively and efficiently provided. In particular, these techniques include initially determining whether a patient should receive CPT, how to set the coupling interval for delivering CPT, how to configure the external medical device to deliver CPT stimulation pulses while not adversely affecting the device's ability to sense a patient's cardiac parameters and/or signals.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, cardioverter and/ or defibrillator of AAI or AAI/DDD type, with detection of ventricular tachycardiae. This device senses spontaneous ventricular and atrial events; delivers atrial pacing pulses; and is able to apply, after delivery of an atrial pacing pulse, concurrently with sensing ventricular events, a refractory period (PR) and a safety window (FS) of predetermined durations; and determining the beginning of a spontaneous ventricular cycle in response to sensing of a ventricular event out of the safety window (R0, R1, R2, R3).

Abstract: An RF diathermy coil assembly, including a generally elastically deformable patient conforming garment and a conductive coil secured to the garment. The conductive coil having a woven wire construction such that the coil can deform as the garment elastically deforms. The RF diathermy coil assembly can be used for wound healing in conjunction with muscle stimulation.