Abstract: An implantable electrode assembly configured to deliver electrical stimulation signals to tissue of a patient includes an implantable mesh comprising a plurality of electrically conductive wires. A plurality of electrodes are fastened to the electrically conductive wires. The electrodes include a stimulation surface and an electrically conductive path between the stimulation surface and the wire, to which the electrode is attached. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrodes each comprise first and second members that are fastened together around one of the electrically conductive wires.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for treating insufficient uterine contractions after labor and delivery. The system includes a control module and a current source controlled by the control module to produce stimulating current at a frequency greater than or equal to about 5.0 Hertz. The system also includes one or more stimulation electrodes to provide the stimulating current to the patient in order for the patient to produce tonic uterine contractions.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit, a high-power circuit, and a dual-cell power source. The power source is coupled to a dual-transformer such that each cell is connected to only one of the transformers. Each transformer includes multiple windings and each of the windings is coupled to a capacitor, and the capacitors are all connected in a series configuration. The low power circuit is coupled to the power source and issues a control signal to control the delivery of charge from the power source to the plurality of capacitors through the first and second transformers.

Abstract: A catheter has an inflatable assembly at its distal portion, including a containment chamber, an axial core and a plurality of longitudinally oriented partitions extending from the axial core to the wall of the chamber to divide the containment chamber into at least four inflatable sectors. Hydraulic valves are connected to respective sectors to enable selective inflation of the sectors by a fluid when the valves are connected to a source of the fluid, and at least one surface electrode is mounted on each of the sectors. When introduced into a heart chamber and diametrically opposed sectors are inflated the assembly is stably fixed against the walls of the heart chamber and readings can be obtained from the surface electrodes of the inflated sectors.

Abstract: A heart rate of a user is monitored by a heart rate sensor set. On a touch panel, during execution of high-load exercise, time required from the start of the high-load exercise until the heart rate rises to reach a threshold of a lower limit of a target heartbeat zone of the high-load exercise is measured as a first threshold reaching time and displayed in a threshold-reaching-time display section. During execution of the following low-load exercise, time required from the start of the load exercise until the heart rate falls to reach a threshold of an upper limit of a target heartbeat zone of the low-load exercise is measured as a second threshold reaching time and displayed in the threshold-reaching-time display section.

Abstract: A device includes a hemodynamic sensor measuring blood flow in the left chambers of a myocardium, at least one motion sensor measuring a displacement of the walls of the left ventricle of the myocardium, a first analysis module determining a time of closure of the aortic valve based on a signal of the hemodynamic sensor, a second analysis module determining a time of peak contraction of the left ventricle based on a signal from the motion sensors, and a third analysis module determining a time between the moment of peak contraction of the left ventricle and the moment of closure of the aortic valve. If the peak of contraction of the left ventricle is after the instant of closure of the aortic valve, the device adjusts the inter-ventricular delay and/or the atrioventricular delay to minimize or cancel the time disparity.

Abstract: A method of forming a medical device contact element includes annealing an elongated rod of Ti-15Mo alloy material to form an annealed rod having a Young's Modulus of less than 13.5 Mpsi and an elastic range or strain of at least 0.7%. Then forming a contact ring element from the annealed rod and assembling the contact ring element into a medical device. Contact rings and lead receptacles including the same are also described.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) having a rechargeable and primary battery is disclosed, as are algorithms for automatically selecting use of these batteries at particular times. In one IMD embodiment, the primary battery acts as the main battery, and an algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the primary battery until its voltage reaches a threshold, after which the algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the rechargeable battery when it is sufficiently charged. In another IMD embodiment, the rechargeable battery acts as the main battery, and an algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the rechargeable battery if it is sufficiently charged; otherwise, the algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the primary battery. Further disclosed are techniques for telemetering data relevant to both batteries to an external device, and for allowing a patient to choose use of a particular one of the batteries.

Abstract: Methods and systems achieve tissue ablation, which is carried out by inserting a probe having an ablation electrode into a body of a living subject, and while the ablation electrode is in a non-contacting relationship to a target tissue, making a pre-contact determination of a phase of an electrical current passing between the ablation electrode and another electrode. The ablation electrode is placed in contact with the target tissue, and while the ablation electrode is in the contacting relationship, a dosage of energy is applied via the ablation electrode to the target tissue for ablation thereof. Iterative intra-operative determinations of the phase of the electrical current are made. When one of the intra-operative determinations satisfies a termination criterion, the energy application is terminated.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by electrically stimulating nerves that activate the BAT and/or electrically stimulating brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss through energy expenditure.

Abstract: Implantable medical leads and implantable lead extensions include a shield. The implantable medical lead is coupled to the implantable lead extension. Stimulation electrodes of the implantable medical lead contact stimulation connectors within a housing of the implantable extension to establish a conductive pathway for stimulation signals from filars of the implantable extension to filars of the implantable medical lead. Continuity is established between the shield of the implantable medical lead and the implantable extension by providing a radio frequency conductive pathway within the housing. The radio frequency conductive pathway extends from a shield of the implantable extension to a shield connector that contacts a shield electrode of the implantable medical lead. The radio frequency conductive pathway may have various forms such as a jumper wire or an extension of the shield within the implantable extension.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed toward techniques for remotely monitoring the integrity of a medical device and its components. A remote networking device communicates with a medical device, e.g., an implantable medical device, via a network. The remote networking device sends a request for an integrity measurement to the medical device via the network, a remote network that requests a medical device to perform an integrity measurement. In response to the request, the medical device performs the requested integrity measurement. The medical device may transmit a result of the integrity measurement, e.g., a measured value, back to the remote networking device via the network.

Abstract: The disclosure features systems and methods for detecting a user's facial movement and expression, that include a plurality of radiation sources, a plurality of radiation detectors, where each radiation detector is paired with a different one of the radiation sources and configured to detect radiation emitted by its paired radiation source, and a controller connected to the radiation detectors and configured to receive signals corresponding to measurements of emitted radiation from each of the radiation detectors, determine, for each radiation source-detector pair, information about whether a radiation path between the source and detector is blocked by a portion of the user's face, and determine a facial movement or expression of the user based on the information.

Abstract: A characteristic of a washout period following the delivery of therapy to a patient according to a therapy program may be determined based on a physiological parameter of the patient. A washout period includes the period of time during which a carryover effect from the therapy dissipates. The washout period characteristic may include, for example, a duration of the washout period, an amplitude or a trend in a physiological signal during the washout period or a power level or a ratio of power levels in frequency bands of the physiological signal. In some embodiments, washout period characteristics associated with a plurality of therapy programs may be used to compare the programs. In other embodiments, a washout period characteristic may be used to determine a mood state of the patient and, in some cases, modify a therapy program. Monitoring a washout period may also be useful for timing therapy program trials.

Abstract: First cardiac signal data generated from measured heart beats of a subject is received. Characteristics of alternans occurring in the received first cardiac signal data are determined. Second cardiac signal data generated from measured heart beats of the subject after a change relating to an administration of a pharmacological agent is received. Characteristics of alternans occurring in the received second cardiac signal data are determined. The characteristics of alternans occurring in the received first cardiac signal data are compared with the characteristics of alternans occurring in the received second cardiac signal data.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a sensing circuit and an arrhythmia detection circuit. The sensing circuit is configured to generate a sensed physiological signal representative of cardiac activity of a subject. The arrhythmia detection circuit is configured to monitor ventricular depolarization (V-V) intervals using the sensed physiological signal, detect when at least a portion of the V-V intervals satisfies an arrhythmia detection threshold interval, calculate a value of variability of the V-V intervals and calculate a value of variability of a systolic portion of the V-V intervals in response to the detection, and generate an indication of atrial fibrillation (AF) according to a comparison including the value of variability of the V-V intervals and the value of variability of the systolic portion of the V-V intervals and provide the indication to at least one of a user or process.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for controlling one or more functions of a device utilizing one or more tags. In one example, a method for controlling one or more functions of a medical device includes scanning a data interface of the medical device for signals induced wirelessly by one or more gestures made with one or more tags associated with a recipient of the medical device and controlling one or more functions of the medical device based on the wirelessly induced signals.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for labeling an implantable medical device (IMD). In one example, an IMD can include a housing including electronic circuitry. The IMD can include a header coupled to the housing and includes a core. The core can define a bore and include a first metal label positioned adjacent to the at least one bore. The IMD includes a lead assembly including at least one lead having a distal end and a proximal end, the at least one lead including a second metal label, the distal end including at least one electrode and the proximal end received within the bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for positioning of an implantable lead in a patient with an integrated EMG and stimulation clinician programmer. The integrated clinician programmer is coupled to the implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes, and to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The method comprises delivering a test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead. Test stimulations are delivered at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead.

Abstract: Overvoltage protection circuitry configured to protect internal integrated circuits within an implantable device in the presence of a high voltage event such as defibrillation or electrocautery. The circuitry allows for an internal node to rise above the voltage level of the high voltage event to insure that an overvoltage protection element is triggered, even if the voltage level of the high voltage event is below the voltage trigger level of the overvoltage protection element.