Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to tie housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: A hearing aid module (60) is shaped for insertion into a tunnel (40) made through the soft tissue that connects the retro-auricular space (50) with the ear canal (30). A hollow tube (44) may first be chronically or acutely implanted in such tunnel, and the hearing aid module inserted into the tube. The tube or hearing aid module may have a coating (45) containing a steroid or drug adapted to minimize infection and/or inflammation. The hearing aid module contains a speaker (65), a battery or other power source (66) powering the module, signal processing circuitry (67), and a microphone (63). Telemetry circuitry (69) within the module allows the signal processing circuitry to be programmed with a desired frequency response or signal processing strategy using an external programming unit (74). A remote control unit (75) permits the user to make simple adjustments, such as volume and/or tone control.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: Embodiments of implantable infusion pumps are provided that use a process of converting a first substance to a second gaseous substance (e.g. by electrolysis) to provide a motivating force to expel a desired fluid (e.g. drug or medication) from the pump into the body of a patient. An expandable sack may be provided around a gas producing electrolytic cell, such that as the gas expands it displaces a portion of the volume originally allocated to the desired fluid, and thereby forces the fluid from the pump. Pumps may be provided with a double septum to allow refilling of the desired fluid while simultaneously allowing removal of the generated gas from the system while using a single needle. Recharging of pump batteries may occur by direct electrical conduction through one or more needles and/or by r.f. energy transfer. Programming of the pump may occur by way of conductive paths provided by one or more needles or by means of r.f. transfer.

Abstract: An external infusion device system for infusing a fluid into a patient, the system including a reusable infusion device housing, a gas power source and disposable reservoir. The disposable reservoir is insertable into the reusable infusion device housing to infuse the fluid into the patient. The gas power source is for generating a gas to expel the fluid from the fluid reservoir. The disposable reservoir includes a reservoir housing, a fluid reservoir, an outlet, a gas power source, an expansion chamber and a regulating valve assembly. The fluid reservoir is within the reservoir housing for containing the fluid to be infused into the patient. The outlet is in the reservoir housing and provides a path through which the fluid is expelled to be infused into the patient. The expansion chamber is disposed between the gas power source and the fluid reservoir to receive the gas from the gas power source. The expansion member expands into the fluid reservoir to expel the fluid from the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: This invention is a retinal electrode array assembly and methods of using the same that facilitate surgical implant procedures by providing the operating surgeon with visual references and grasping means and with innovations that reduce actual and potential damage to the retina and the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is made from an electronic subassembly hermetically sealed in a ceramic case filled with a potting material. Use of the potting material enhances the capacity of the device to withstand mechanical shock without failure. The device includes a hollow ceramic or other case having an open end to which a metal ring is hermetically bonded. The inside surface of the ceramic case is treated (cleansed and activated) to assure the potting material adheres to it. The potting material, while in a non-cured fluid or quasi-fluid state, is inserted inside of the ceramic case. The electronic circuitry is next inserted into the open end of the ceramic case while the potting material is still in a non-cured, soft or fluid state. The electronic circuitry displaces some of the potting material and the potting material fills the voids between the electronic circuitry and the ceramic case.

Abstract: An electrode array suitable for insertion into the cochlea has a drug delivery channel therein. In a preferred embodiment, electrical stimuli may be applied near the modiolar wall of the cochlea via spaced-apart electrode contacts embedded along a front edge of a flexible carrier, which flexible carrier comprises the body of the electrode array. The front edge, and hence the electrode contacts, may be held against the modiolar wall by a flexible positioner placed on the back side of the flexible carrier. Drugs may be delivered deep into the cochlea through the drug delivery channel that passes longitudinally through the center of the flexible carrier. In an alternative embodiment, the drug delivery channel may be included within the positioner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fully implantable cochlear implant system (FICIS) that allows various configurations of different modules to be combined so as to meet the needs of a particular patient, including very young patients. At least three main modules are used in the FICIS, including (1) a small implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS) module, with permanently attached cochlear electrode array; (2) an implantable speech processor (ISP) module, with integrated microphone and rechargeable battery; and (3) an external module. In one embodiment, the external module may comprise an external speech processor (ESP) module. In another embodiment, the external module may comprise an external battery charger (EBC) module. The ICS and ISP modules are configured to facilitate long time reliable use of the ICS module, e.g., for the lifetime of the patient, and low-risk, relatively easy replacement of the ISP module.

Abstract: An inflatable cochlear electrode array adapted for insertion into a human cochlear includes a flexible carrier on which a multiplicity of spaced-apart electrode contacts are carried, preferably along one side, e.g., a medial side, of the carrier. The flexible carrier also includes an inflatable compartment or section. In one embodiment, the inflatable section is located at the distal tip of the electrode array on a side of the flexible carrier that is opposite the electrode contacts. In another embodiment, the inflatable compartment or section is located along at least one half of the full length of the flexible carrier, forming a spine. In either embodiment, the electrode is readily inserted into the cochlea to a desired depth while the inflatable compartment or section remains in a deflated state. Thereafter, a desired modiolus-hugging position is achieved by inflating the inflatable compartment or section by injecting therein a suitable biocompatible fluid.

Abstract: There is provided a method of supplying a fluid to a placement site. For instance, a sensor set is first mounted onto a skin of a user, and a placement site is contacted with the sensor set. The sensor set includes a base to secure the sensor set to the skin of the user; a cannula coupled to and extending from the base; an insertion device operatively coupled to the sensor set and the cannula to facilitate insertion of the cannula to contact the placement site; an externally extending conduit; and a sensor. The cannula has at least one lumen with an end for fluid communication with the placement site, and also has at least one port formed near another end of the lumen opposite the end for fluid communication. The conduit is in fluid communication with the at least one port of the cannula. The sensor has a sensor portion exposed by the at least one port in the at least one lumen of the cannula to determine a body characteristic of the user at the placement site.

Abstract: An implantable system, such as a neural stimulator or a cochlear implant system, includes a rechargeable battery configuration having improved recharging and lifetime characteristics. The battery is housed within the implant's case and has first and second electrode plates. Each electrode plate has a plurality of slits that extend across a substantial portion of the plate's surface area. The slits in the electrode plates reduce the magnitude of eddy currents induced in the plates by external ac magnetic fields allowing faster battery recharging times. Alternatively, the electrode plates are wrapped in a spiral configuration such that, in the plane of the spiral, the electrode plates have a small cross-sectional area and no closed current loops. Additionally, the implant device may be housed in a case formed of a high-resistivity material and a circuit included in the implant device is configured to avoid large current loops that would result in eddy current heating.

Abstract: An implantable living tissue stimulator avoids the use of conventional coupling capacitors in its output stage, yet still prevents an average dc current flow from flowing through living tissue in electrical contact with the stimulator. The output stage generates and applies a biphasic stimulating current pulse to selected paired output terminals. The terminals, in turn, are electrically connected to respective electrodes which are positioned so as to contact the living tissue to be stimulated. In one embodiment, special circuitry is employed within the output stage to block dc current flow through the living tissue and to balance the electrical charge that is delivered to the living tissue. In another embodiment, the electrodes themselves are made from a material that allows them to function as a capacitor. In yet an additional embodiment, the coupling capacitors are integrated into the leads that connect the output terminals of the output stage with the electrodes.