Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management device is configured to discriminate between ventricular and supraventricular tachycardias (referred to as SVT/VT discrimination) by utilizing a morphology criterion in which the morphology of electrogram waveforms during ventricular beats are analyzed to determine if the beats are normally conducted. After the delivery of a cardioversion/defibrillation shock, however, the intraventricular conduction system is left in a modified state which alters the subsequently generated electrogram signal. Use of the morphology criterion for SVT/VT discrimination is discontinued after delivery of such a shock and resumed after a predetermined minimum number of normally conducted ventricular beats has been detected.

Abstract: A maternal-fetal monitoring system for use during all stages of pregnancy, including antepartum and intrapartum stages. The maternal-fetal monitoring system of the subject invention comprises (1) a set of sensors; (2) an amplifying/filtering means; (3) a computing means; and (4) a graphical user interface. Accurate clinical data, which can be extracted and provided to the user in real-time using the system of the invention, include without limitation, maternal electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, maternal uterine activity signals (EHG), maternal heart rate, fetal ECG signals, and fetal heart rate. In a preferred embodiment, the maternal-fetal monitoring system of the invention includes an intelligence means, such as a neural network system, to analyze and interpret clinical data for use in clinical diagnosis antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum, as well as delivery strategy.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrical lead particularly for stimulation of the sacral nerves comprises a lead body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, and the distal end having at least one electrode of an electrode array extending longitudinally from the distal end toward the proximal end. The lead body at its proximal end may be coupled to a pulse generator, additional intermediate wiring, or other stimulation device. A fixation mechanism is formed on or integrally with the lead body proximal to the electrode array that is adapted to be implanted in and engage subcutaneous tissue, particularly muscle tissue, to inhibit axial movement of the lead body and dislodgement of the stimulation electrodes. The fixation mechanism comprises a M tine elements arrayed in a tine element array along a segment of the lead proximal to the stimulation electrode array.

Abstract: Oxygen saturation data is monitored during a predefined window to obtain a measurement of circulation delay. The measured circulation delay is used as a basis for determining therapies, including overdrive pacing. In some embodiments, circulation delay is used to identify patients that will benefit from overdrive pacing as a therapy for sleep disordered breathing.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) used with a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery having an anode electrode with a substrate made substantially from titanium. Such battery construction allows the rechargeable battery to be discharged down to zero volts without damage to the battery. The implantable medical device includes battery charging and protection circuitry that controls the charging of the battery so as to assure its reliable and safe operation. A multi-rate charge algorithm is employed that minimizes charging time while ensuring the battery cell is safely charged. Slow charging occurs at lower battery voltages (e.g., battery voltage below about 2.5 V), and fast charging occurs when the battery voltage has reached a safe level (e.g., above about 2.5 V). When potentially less-than-safe very low voltages are encountered (e.g., less than 2.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly switching stimulation parameters of a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system increases the number of stimulation parameter sets that may be tested during a fitting procedure, or alternatively, reduces the time required for the fitting procedure. The switching method comprises selecting a new stimulation parameter set, and setting the initial stimulation levels to levels at or just below an estimated perception threshold of the patient. The estimated perception level is based on previous stimulation results. The stimulation level is then increased to determine a minimum stimulation level for effective stimulation, and/or an optimal stimulation level, and/or a maximum stimulation level, based on patient perception.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric transducer including piezoelectric fibers in a polymer matrix is described. The piezoelectric fibers or fiber segments are jacketed with a liquid polymer substance in such a way that a distribution of longitudinal axes of the fibers or fiber segments about a preferential direction occurs. The fibers are compacted among each other and the polymer substance is cured. The resulting composite structure is subsequently so processed that areas of the fibers or fiber segments are exposed along the preferential direction. Then electrical contacts are applied on at least one part of the exposed areas. The method permits the very simple and low-cost manufacture of electro-mechanical transducers made of piezoelectric fibers.

Abstract: Identifying infants at risk for SIDS includes applying electrodes to an infant, receiving electrical signals from the electrodes, analyzing the received electrical signals to measure alternans of a heart of the infant, and identifying whether the infant is at risk for SIDS. A system for identifying infants at risk for SIDS includes an input unit configured to receive electrical signals from electrodes applied to an infant, a processor connected to the input unit and configured to process the received electrical signals to measure alternans of a heart of the infant, and a comparator configured to compare the measured alternans with alternans in a population of infants.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulation device includes a sensing unit for monitoring the electrical activity of a heart and a controller configured to predict the onset of an arrhythmia of the heart. The controller calculates a statistical indicia relating to the immediate past four R—R intervals in the form of a sliding average thereof. Upon the prediction that the risk of the onset of an arrhythmia is high, the controller compares the current value of the R—R interval to the indicia. If the current value of the R—R interval exceeds the indicia by a predetermined amount, the controller causes a high amplitude pacing pulse to be delivered to a selected cardiac site in an attempt to forestall the initiation of ventricular fibrillation.

Abstract: A manipulator joined to a distal end of a delivery system shaft includes a plurality of arms and a collar. A proximal portion of each of the arms is joined to the shaft and a distal portion of each of the arms is joined to the collar such that the collar is substantially aligned with a lumen of the shaft. The lumen and the collar slideably and rotatably engage a medical electrical lead while a plurality of control wires, adapted to manipulate the manipulator, join to each of the plurality of manipulator arms in proximity to the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: An anchoring device and a delivery method thereof can effectively provide a means for securing an implant to a wall of an internal organ within a patient in a variety of clinical applications. In one embodiment, an anchoring device used to retain a cardiac pressure measurement device is provided. The device is implanted in the body by deforming it to a small cross section profile, sliding it through a low profile delivery device and ejecting from the delivery device at a targeted site. The anchoring mechanism, when ejected from the delivery device, reverts back to pre-formed configuration and engages opposite sides of an organ wall, thereby anchoring the implant in the organ wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the secure delivery of an extra-systolic stimulation (ESS) therapy to treat cardiac dysfunction that employs atrial and/or ventricular extra-systoles via pacing-like stimulation of the heart. These extra-systoles must be timed correctly to achieve beneficial effects on myocardial mechanics (benefit) while maintaining an extremely low level of risk of arrhythmia induction and excellent ICD-like arrhythmia sensing and detection (security). Further experience with ESS has led to improved implementation methods that depend on better blanking, ESS stimulation timing (of an “extra-systolic interval” or ESI), and ESS therapy delivery options and guidance. These methods may be employed individually or in combinations in an external or implantable ESS therapy delivery device.

Abstract: Improved skipping strategies for cochlear or other multi-channel neural stimulation implants selects N out of M channels for stimulation during a given stimulation frame. A microphone transduces acoustic energy into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is processed by a family of bandpass filters, or the equivalent, to produce a number of frequency channels. In a first embodiment, a probability based channel selection strategy computes a probably for each of the M channels based on the strength of each channel. N channels are probabilistically selected for stimulation based on their individual probability. The result is a randomized “stochastic” stimulus presentation to the patient. Such randomized stimulation reduces under representation of weaker channels for steady state input conditions such as vowels. In second, third and fourth embodiments, a variable threshold is adjusted to obtain the selection of N channels per frame.

Abstract: An implantable lead having at least one electrode contact at or near its distal end prevents undesirable movement of the electrode contact from its initial implant location. One embodiment relates to a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. A balloon may be positioned on the electrode lead array. The balloon is filled with air, liquid or a compliant material. When inflated, the balloon stabilizes the lead with respect to the spinal cord and holds the lead in place. The pressure of the balloon is monitored or otherwise controlled during the filling process in order to determine at what point the filling process should be discontinued. An elastic aspect of the balloon serves as a contained relief valve to limit the pressure the balloon may place on the surrounding tissues when the epidural space is constrained.

Abstract: A physiological pacing system including a physiological pacing lead having an electrode array and a means for fixation, including a collar for securing the fixation means to a lead body of the pacing lead, is inserted into a bore within a heart wall at a physiological pacing site. The system further includes a means to create the bore, the means being a piercing tip, which is either coupled to a piercing tool or the pacing lead. The piercing tool may be an elongated hollow shaft into which the pacing lead is slideably insertable or a stylet wire, which is slideably insertable within a lumen of the pacing lead. Once the electrode array is implanted within the bore, a first pair of electrodes is selected for sensing and a second pair of electrodes is selected for pacing.

Abstract: In a half-fitting prevention connector (31) of the invention, a fitting detection member (60) is moved to a proper-fitting detecting position in a female connector (40) before connection terminals are automatically inserted by an automatic terminal inserting machine. As a result of this movement, a rear end of the fitting detection member (60) substantially coincides with a rear end surface of the housing of the female connector (40), so that the connection terminals can be automatically inserted into terminal accommodating chambers (40a) by the automatic terminal inserting machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for wiring electrical contact sites, in particular on the surface of an electronic or microelectronic component, with the following steps: applying and patterning at least one dielectric on the component surface; currentlessly depositing a conductor starting layer for producing metal wiring interconnects and substitute contact sites with short-circuit contacts for interconnecting the individual metal wiring interconnects and the corresponding electrical contact sites; reinforcing the conductor starting layer by a common electrodepositing process; and separating the short-circuit contacts for separating the electrical contact sites or the contact sites of the wiring from one another.

Abstract: A system and method for removing narrowband noise from an input signal in which notch filters having notch frequencies corresponding to the noise are dynamically adjusted in accordance with a detected noise spectrum. The method may be applied to telemetry systems for implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers to result in improved noise immunity.

Abstract: A vacuum pipette has a filter grid that is shifted into its extended interior and whose cross section is considerably greater than the cross section of an end-side suction opening. The gaps formed in the filter grid can be so narrow that even very small components are reliably retained. Nevertheless, the entire passage cross section available is considerably greater than in the case of a filter grid arranged at the end side. As a result, favorable suction forces are generated under constant suction conditions.

Abstract: A method for attaching an IC package to a circuit board, the IC package having a plurality of electrical contacts in an arrangement having a perimeter, first positions the IC package adjacent to the circuit board. Then, electrically connects the IC package to the circuit board through the plurality of electrical contacts. The method finally, disposes at least one anchor mechanically attaching the IC package to the circuit board, the anchor disposed at a location outside of the perimeter of the plurality of electrical contacts. The type, quantity, and exact geometry of the anchors depend on the specific design parameters of the IC package and circuit board.