Abstract: A cardiac lead for placement in the vicinity of a patient's heart is described. The lead includes a self-expanding fixation mechanism, which in a retracted position, is contained within a cavity disposed at a distal end of the lead. In an expanded position, the fixation mechanism extends axially from the distal end of the lead and expands radially into contact with a desired lumen site.

Abstract: A method and medical device for discriminating an arrhythmia that includes an input circuit sensing cardiac signals and a microprocessor identifying an event associated with the sensed cardiac signals as a first arrhythmia event. A first circuit delivers a first therapy, substantially simultaneous with coupling of a charging circuit and an energy storage device to generate stored energy on the energy storage device, in response to the first arrhythmia event, and a control circuit controls delivery of the first therapy by the first circuit. The microprocessor evaluates a physiologic response to the delivered first therapy and determines the event is other than the first arrhythmia event in response to the evaluated physiologic response.

Abstract: A medical device connector module includes a lead retention element extending through an opening in a sidewall of the connector module. The retention element includes a flow passage in fluid communication with a connector bore of the connector module and an outer surface of the sidewall.

Abstract: A connector device, for a temporary cardiac pacing wire, includes a conductive adaptor and a cover section which completely electrically insulates the adaptor and environmentally isolates it. The conductive adaptor comprises a contact receiving end having an aperture therein and a plug portion for plugging into a suitable medical instrument. The cover includes two clam shell sections attached by a hinge and a plug cover connected to one of the clam shell sections. In a first mode, the electrical cover completely surrounds the conductive adaptor and is locked in place so that it is secure and the plug cover is in position over the plug to completely insulate and isolate the conductive adaptor from the outside. According to a second mode, the cap is selectively removed from the plug but the two cover sections remain in place so as to expose the plug for use for connecting to medical instruments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and methods for relieving phantomlimb pain in amputees, and for providing an amputee with sensory feedback from a prosthetic limb. The system employs implantable multichannel, multi-chambered interface structures, namely, nerve cuffs. The implanted nerve cuffs have electrodes which transmit electrical signals generated by a signal generator to nerves, recruiting certain neurons to send sensory signals to the cerebral cortex, suggesting sensory sensations to the amputee. Such signals can arise directly from the signal generator, approximating the train of signals seen by the cortex in a normally innervated limb, or can originate from sensors in a prosthetic limb.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for interactively defining and calibrating a treatment protocol program for a stimulation device such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG). An IPG, whether it is a self-contained implantable pulse generator (SCIPG) or externally-powered implantable pulse generator (EPIPG), communicates with an external patient programmer (EPP) to receive treatment protocol programs. Using the EPP, treatment protocol programs are developed, executed, and tested while the patient provides real-time feedback, providing efficient and effective programming.

Abstract: A cardiac event microrecorder comprising a hermetically sealed housing is shaped and dimensioned to facilitate the subcutaneous implantation of the microrecorder in a human patient by injection through the lumen of a hypodermic needle. The housing comprises a tubular central section of an electrically insulating material, the central section having spaced apart extremities. An electrically conductive sense electrode is secured to and seals each extremity. The housing may have an interior enclosing (1) electrical circuitry for processing, storing and telemetering data representing physiologic information detected by the sense electrodes; (2) a primary cell or rechargeable battery for electrically powering the electrical circuitry; and (3) an inductively couplable charger where a rechargeable battery is used.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices for analyzing intracardiac electrocardiograms (IEGMs) using ensemble averaging and/or an ensemble average. Various methods and/or devices are suitable for use with atrial and/or ventricular autocapture. Other methods, devices and/or systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lead stabilization and extension wire that enables the withdrawal of a guide catheter over an electrical medical lead body without dislodging an electrode or sensor from an implantation site or detaching the fixation mechanism and methods of use and a kit are disclosed. The lead stabilizer and retraction wire comprises a wire sheath and an elongated core wire insertable within a sheath lumen. The sheath is insertable within a lead body lumen and includes a movable lead clamp that can engage with a lead connector element and a friction element frictionally engaging the core wire to maintain the extension wire length. The lead stabilizer and retraction wire is insertable into the lead body lumen enabling retraction of the guide catheter over the lead stabilization and extension wire while force is applied through the lead stabilization and extension wire to maintain the distal electrode at the implantation site.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) includes an Anti-Tachycardia Pacing Before Charge (ATP-BC) mode according to which one or more high-voltage capacitors for storing defibrillation energy are charged in preparation of delivering a defibrillation shock only if a ventricular tachycardia (VT) sustains after an ATP delivery. Fast ATP delivery and effect verification methods are applied to avoid significant delay in delivering the defibrillation shock when found necessary to terminate the VT. A switch is provided such that a user decides whether to activate the ATP-BC mode or to deliver the defibrillation shock without delivering the ATP.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for predicting the onset of a heart condition within a patient based on impedance measurements. Briefly, overloads in fluid levels in the thorax and in ventricular myocardial mass within the patient are detected based on impedance signals sensed using implanted electrodes. The onset of certain heart conditions is then predicted based on the overloads. For example, pulmonary edema arising due to diastolic heart failure is predicted based on the detection of on-going overloads in both fluid levels and ventricular mass. Ventricular hypertrophy is detected based on an on-going ventricular mass overload without a sustained fluid overload. Various other heart conditions may also be predicted based on specific combinations of recent or on-going overloads. Evoked response is exploited to corroborate the predictions. Appropriate warning signals are generated and preemptive therapy is initiated.

Abstract: A method of determining a state of ventricular fibrillation from a waveform, includes: performing calculations on the Fourier transform of the waveform voltage values by using the quotient of the power in a high frequency band and of the power in a low frequency band; and determining the state of ventricular fibrillation by relating this ratio to the state of ventricular fibrillation. A defibrillation system for use in treatment of ventricular fibrillation includes at least one sensor to measure heart rhythm and at least one applicator to apply a defibrillation shock to a patient. The system further includes at least one processor which is adapted to calculate the ratio and also to obtain user input regarding survival of subgroups and average response times in the user's domain which allows calculation of an estimated maximum overall survival and selection of an optimum threshold for the ratio measure based on this maximum.

Abstract: Multiple morphology templates for discliminating between rhythms have been used, such as supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVTs) and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs), for delivering a countershock in response to a VT episode, but withholding delivery of such a countershock in response to an SVT episode. In certain examples, the particular morphology used for storing morphological features is selected at least in part using a sensor-indicated activity level of a subject, or a metabolic need of the subject.