Abstract: Devices and methods of use for introduction and implantation of an electrode as part of a minimally invasive technique. An implantable baroreflex activation system includes a control system having an implantable housing, an electrical lead, attachable to the control system, and an electrode structure. The electrode structure is near one end of the electrical lead, and includes a monopolar electrode, a backing material having an effective surface area larger than the electrode, and a releasable pivotable interface to mate with an implant tool. The electrode is configured for implantation on an outer surface of a blood vessel and the control system is programmed to deliver a baroreflex therapy via the monopolar electrode to a baroreceptor within a wall of the blood vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use identification, treatment, and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. Methods may include providing a baroreflex therapy system, providing an implantable measurement device proximate a blood vessel of a patient, the implantable measurement device including a plurality of electrodes, determining an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle, generating at least one signal representative of a pressure waveform based on the impedance, activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreflex therapy system to deliver a therapy to treat heart failure based at least in part on the at least one signal representative of the pressure waveform.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes a programming device that determines parameters for programming an implantable medical device based on patient-specific information including indications for use of the implantable medical device. By executing an indication-based programming algorithm, the programming device substantially automates the process between the diagnosis of a patient and the programming of an implantable medical device using parameters individually determined for that patient.

Abstract: Certain cardiac arrhythmias can be prevented by appropriate electrical stimulation of autonomic nerves innervating the heart. An implantable cardiac rhythm management device is configured to deliver such stimulation when an autonomic imbalance is predicted to be present via an endovascular electrode. Autonomic imbalance may be predicted to be present based upon circadian rhythms, detected heart rates, or detected heart rate variability.

Abstract: Housings for implantable medical devices are configured so as to engage with surrounding tissues inside of a body and resist both rotation in place and movement through the body. Device housings include shapes, surface features, and/or standard surfaces and may include attached implements that engage the surrounding tissue. Shapes include elongated members, flared ends, and so forth. Surface features include pores, grooves, through-holes, and so forth. Attached implements include needles, barbs, tension springs, and so forth. Also provided are methods for engaging an implantable medical device with surrounding tissues.

Abstract: Cardiac devices employing an active can and/or electrode assembly with dedicated defibrillation and sensing electrodes. A housing is configured for subcutaneous non-intrathoracic placement in a patient, the housing having a first face and a second face. One of the first and second face is directed away from the patient's heart, and the other of the first and second face is directed towards the patient's heart. A cardiac arrhythmia may be sensed using an electrode assembly positioned in or on the first face of the housing. A cardiac defibrillation therapy may be delivered to the patient's heart using an electrode assembly positioned in or on the second face of the housing in response to the detected arrhythmia.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes a programming device that determines parameters for programming an implantable medical device based on patient-specific information including indications for use of the implantable medical device. By executing an indication-based programming algorithm, the programming device substantially automates the process between the diagnosis of a patient and the programming of an implantable medical device using parameters individually determined for that patient.