Abstract: A method of collecting patient event information from a cardiac rhythm management system (CRM system) is described, where the CRM system includes a cardiac rhythm management device (CRM device) and an external interface device. The method includes the steps of initiating a transmission session wherein the interface device communicates with the CRM device, prompting a user of the CRM system to select a reason for the transmission session, inputting the selected reason for the transmission session to the interface device, and storing the selected reason for the transmission session and timestamp information for the transmission session.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes a programming device that identifies the device type of an implantable medical device, selects a predetermined questioning sequence based on the device type, and interacts with a user through a user interface screen by conducting a question-and-answer session according to the predetermined questioning sequence. After displaying a question and receiving an answer to the question, the programming device sets one or more programmable parameter values and/or displays a follow-up question in response to the answer. The programming device also allows the user to enter one or more programmable parameter values directly during or after the question-and-answer session. The implantable medical device is programmed to operate in one or more operational modes based on at least the answers received from the user during the question-and-answer session and the parameter values entered by the user, if any.

Abstract: A spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method for automatic adjustments of SCS using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided. A positionally sensitive system for spinal cord stimulation including an electrode assembly with integrated optical components for sensing spinal cord position relative to a stimulating electrode array and an SCS controller for controlling electrode stimulation parameters is provided. The integrated optical components include an IR emitter and a pair of IR photodetectors. As light from the IR emitter reflects from the spinal cord, it is detected by each of the pair of IR photodetectors. As the spinal cord changes position so do the angles of incidence for detected light from the IR emitter, a ratio of optical intensities in combination with a total optical intensity is measured and used to interpolate a set of electrode stimulation settings from a calibration table.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling extracorporeal blood flow in a patient. The system includes a blood pump having a rotor, a plurality of rollers carried by the rotor and a pump chamber extended in tension about the rollers. A sensor measures an operating parameter of the blood pump and a controller, coupled to the sensor, calculates the flow efficiency of the blood pump based on the measured operating parameter. The controller is further configured to display the flow efficiency on the display device, and the operation of the blood pump is adjusted based on the flow efficiency when necessary.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided such that electrical stimulation can be delivered to a patient's skeletal muscles in response to certain respiratory signals, such as when voluntary breathing is detected.

Abstract: A contractile reserve indicator, corresponding to a predicted value of a maximum change in myocardial contractility that can be achieved by a subject, can be determined using a detected indication of cardiac contractility across various different physical activity levels.

Abstract: A system for a neurostimulation device comprises at least one processor configured for estimating at a plurality of spatial points a respective plurality of electrical field vectors resulting from a stimulation lead operating in accordance with a set of stimulation parameters, determining an amplitude of each electrical field vector and an angle between each electrical field vector and a vector aligned with an axis of the stimulation lead, and estimating a tissue of volume activation about the stimulation lead based on the determined amplitude and angle of each electrical field vector.