Abstract: A treatment system includes a regulator implanted within a patient, a computing device storing at least one patient database associated with the patient in whom the regulator is implanted, and a data transfer device. The data transfer device provides bidirectional communication (e.g., voice communication) and a data exchange (e.g., a treatment history, a patient database, and operational instructions) between the regulator and the computing device. A programmer can obtain patient reports and/or default treatment values from the computing device based on the data exchange.

Abstract: Example embodiments of an implantable device are configured to be implanted within a patient to provide medical therapy to the patient. In general, an implantable rechargeable device includes a rechargeable battery and an electronic board assembly arranged within a case and an antenna electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery. The antenna is configured to receive power and to transfer at least a portion of the received power to the rechargeable battery for recharging. A phase change material is arranged within the case around at least a portion of the electronic board assembly. The phase change material is configured to transition from a first phase to a second phase at a transition temperature when the insulating material absorbs heat (e.g., from the electronic board assembly).

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a signal to a nerve for the treatment of a disorder includes a first electrode and a second electrode. Each of the electrodes is adapted to be secured to a nerve of a patient. A signal generator is electrically connected to each of the first and second electrodes. The signal generator is adapted to create a signal having a first waveform at the first electrode and a second waveform at the second electrode. The waveforms have parameters selected to block propagation of neural action potentials. The waveforms have a repeating pattern of cycles of pulses with a delay period between at least selected ones of said pulses. In one embodiment, the first and second waveforms are out of phase for a cycle of one of the waveforms to occur during a delay period of the other of the waveforms.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a signal to a nerve for the treatment of a disorder includes a first electrode and a second electrode. Each of the electrodes is adapted to be secured to a nerve of a patient. A signal generator is electrically connected to each of the first and second electrodes. The signal generator is adapted to create a signal having a first waveform at the first electrode and a second waveform at the second electrode. The waveforms have parameters selected to block propagation of neural action potentials. The waveforms have a repeating pattern of cycles of pulses with a delay period between at least selected ones of said pulses. In one embodiment, the first and second waveforms are out of phase for a cycle of one of the waveforms to occur during a delay period of the other of the waveforms.

Abstract: A data collection system includes remote, implantable sensors for monitoring one or more patient parameters, collecting and processing data from those sensors and utilizing that data in the performance of a clinical study of a drug or other pharmacological agent. The system assists with preparation of a protocol for a clinical trial; presentation of that protocol; assuring compliance with the protocol; and generating useful results from data collected via the system and externally for presentation to an approval forum.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a regulator implanted within a patient, a computing device storing at least one patient database associated with the patient in whom the regulator is implanted, and a data transfer device. The data transfer device provides bidirectional communication (e.g., voice communication) and a data exchange (e.g., a treatment history, a patient database, and operational instructions) between the regulator and the computing device. A programmer can obtain patient reports and/or default treatment values from the computing device based on the data exchange.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a variety of conditions include treating a disorder associated with neural activity near a region of a brain. In such condition, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near said region, creating said field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within said field. For treating a tissue sensation, the method includes identifying a target area of tissue to be treated and placing an electrode to create a field near the target area, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the target area. For treating a condition associated with neural activity of a spinal cord, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near a nerve associated with the spinal cord, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the nerve.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an IMD having a piezoelectric transformer to power a lead-based sensor. The IMD powers the piezoelectric transformer with a low amplitude signal. The piezoelectric transformer serves to convert the voltage level of the low amplitude signal to a higher voltage level to drive the sensor produced by a battery in the IMD to voltage levels appropriate for IMD operation. A piezoelectric transformer offers small size and low profile, as well as operational efficiency, and permits the IMD to transmit a low amplitude signal to a remote sensor deployed within an implantable lead. In addition, the piezoelectric transformer provides electrical isolation that reduces electromagnetic interference among different sensors.

Abstract: A method and corresponding system for updating or installing new software loaded into the memory of an implantable medical device(IMD) implanted within a body of a patient is described. The updated or new software may be installed in the memory of the IMD without the patient having to travel to a clinic or hospital, and may be effected by employing modem telecommunication and Internet techniques in conjunction with a remote computer system.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for automatically generating invoices when medical services are provided to a patient are described. Invoices are automatically generated by the system, for example, when monitoring of certain aspects of the performance of an implantable medical device(IMD) implanted within a body of a patient is initiated by the patient or remotely, or when the delivery of a therapy to the patient through the IMD is initiated locally or remotely. The IMD is capable of bi-directional communication with a communication module, a mobile telephone and/or a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) located outside the patient's body.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an IMD having a piezoelectric transformer to convert battery power to operating power. The piezoelectric transformer serves to convert voltage levels produced by a battery in the IMD to voltage levels appropriate for IMD operation. In contrast to electromagnetic transformers and charge pump arrays, a piezoelectric transformer offers small size and low profile, as well as operational efficiency. In addition, in an implantable cardiac or neurostimulation device, the piezoelectric transformer provides electrical isolation that avoids circuit-induced cross currents between different electrodes.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an IMD having a piezoelectric transformer to power a lead-based sensor. The IMD powers the piezoelectric transformer with a low amplitude signal. The piezoelectric transformer serves to convert the voltage level of the low amplitude signal to a higher voltage level to drive the sensor produced by a battery in the IMD to voltage levels appropriate for IMD operation. A piezoelectric transformer offers small size and low profile, as well as operational efficiency, and permits the IMD to transmit a low amplitude signal to a remote sensor deployed within an implantable lead. In addition, the piezoelectric transformer provides electrical isolation that reduces electromagnetic interference among different sensors.

Abstract: A medical information communication system and corresponding methods are described. The system permits monitoring the performance of an implantable medical device (IMD) implanted within a body of a patient, monitoring the health of the patient, or remotely delivering a therapy to the patient through the IMD. The IMD is capable of bi-directional communication with a communication module, a mobile telephone and/or a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) located outside the patient's body. The system may comprise the IMD, the communication module and/or a mobile telephone and/or a PDA, a remote computer system, and a communication system capable of bi-directional communication, where the communication module, the mobile telephone and/or the PDA are capable of receiving information from the IMD or relaying information thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and method facilitates communications between an implanted component and an external component of a medical device system through a relaying module. The medical device system provides treatment to a patient for a nervous system disorder. The relaying module (which may be worn by the patient) provides telemetry channels between the implanted component and the relaying module and between the telemetry module and the external component. With an implantable configuration the implanted component comprises a monitoring element, a treatment therapy unit, an interfacing unit, and a processing unit, and the external component comprises a programmer. With a hybrid configuration the implanted component comprises a monitoring element, a treatment delivery unit, and an interfacing unit, and the external component comprises a processing unit.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system that includes an implantable medical device, along with a transceiver device that exchanges data with the patient, between the patient and the implantable medical device, and between a remote location and the implantable medical device. A communication device coupled to the transceiver device exchanges data with the transceiver device, the implantable medical device through the receiver device, and between the transceiver device and the remote location to enable bi-directional data transfer between the patient, the implantable medical device, the transceiver device, and the remote location. A converter unit converts transmission of the data from a first telemetry format to a second telemetry format, and a user interface enables information to be exchanged between the transceiver device and the patient, between the implantable medical device and the patient through the transceiver device, and between the patient and the remote location through the transceiver device.

Abstract: An implantable pacemaker is provided with cardiac depolarization sensing electrodes welded into the case along a peripheral edge surface thereof. The electrodes are coupled to signal processing circuitry within the case to provide leadless acquisition of electrocardiographic data for telemetry to a programmer. Each electrode is a thin film, multilayer ceramic structure mounted in a welding ring. Each electrode is substantially flat and is disposed within a recess in the peripheral edge surface of the case. Each electrode is a sandwich structure comprising a thin film layer, first and second ceramic layers, and a ground plane layer between the ceramic layers.

Abstract: A subcutaneous electrode is structured to acquire electrocardiographic data and waveform tracings from an implanted pacemaker without the need for or use of surface (skin) electrodes. Thin film electrodes disposed on a top surface of a feedthrough are adapted to connect into an assembly at the peripheral edge of the implantable device. Each of the electrodes comprise an integral element of a subcutaneous electrode array or SEA which detects cardiac depolarizations that are communicable and displayable by a portable device programmer. The thin film electrode is a complete functional component with a hermetically attached weld ring adapted for direct welding into the implanted device casing. The distribution and dispersion of the electrodes around the perimeter of the pacemaker provide a maximum and equidistance setting of electrode pairs for either three or four preferred electrode configurations.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system that includes an implantable medical device, along with a transceiver device that exchanges data with the patient, between the patient and the implantable medical device, and between a remote location and the implantable medical device. A communication device coupled to the transceiver device exchanges data with the transceiver device, the implantable medical device through the receiver device, and between the transceiver device and the remote location to enable bi-directional data transfer between the patient, the implantable medical device, the transceiver device, and the remote location. A converter unit converts transmission of the data from a first telemetry format to a second telemetry format, and a user interface enables information to be exchanged between the transceiver device and the patient, between the implantable medical device and the patient through the transceiver device, and between the patient and the remote location through the transceiver device.

Abstract: A medical information communication system and corresponding methods are described. The system permits monitoring the performance of an implantable medical device (IMD) implanted within a body of a patient, monitoring the health of the patient, or remotely delivering a therapy to the patient through the IMD. The IMD is capable of bi-directional communication with a communication module, a mobile telephone and/or a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) located outside the patient's body. The system may comprise the IMD, the communication module and/or a mobile telephone and/or a PDA, a remote computer system, and a communication system capable of bi-directional communication, where the communication module, the mobile telephone and/or the PDA are capable of receiving information from the IMD or relaying information thereto.

Abstract: A subcutaneous electrode is structured to acquire electrocardiographic data and waveform tracings from an implanted pacemaker without the need for or use of surface (skin) electrodes. Thin film electrodes disposed on a top surface of a feedthrough are adapted to connect into an assembly at the peripheral edge of the implantable device. Each of the electrodes comprise an integral element of a subcutaneous electrode array or SEA which detects cardiac depolarizations that are communicable and displayable by a portable device programmer. The thin film electrode is a complete functional component with a hermetically attached weld ring adapted for direct welding into the implanted device casing. The distribution and dispersion of the electrodes around the perimeter of the pacemaker provide a maximum and equidistance setting of electrode pairs for either three or four preferred electrode configurations.