Abstract: Systems and methods for heart stimulation in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

Abstract: A conductive hydrogel precursor solution cures after injection into the vasculature of the myocardium. The vasculature acts as a mold for the hydrogel and allows for a pacing signal to be conducted across the myocardium and not at a single point like traditional pacing leads. The catheter-based delivery can accurately place the hydrogels into the myocardial veins and can fill the venous tributaries. In situ crosslinking of the hydrogel precursor solution is achieved through several mechanisms, such as redox initiation by mixing a reducing reagent and oxidizing agent after injection. Conductivity is achieved by doping in conductive polymers or other conductive elements such as ionic species, metallic nanoparticles, or graphene nanoplatelets. To ensure long-term conductivity, hydrogel macromers may be synthesized without hydrolytically labile groups such as esters, and the conductive elements may be conjugated directly to the hydrogel matrix.

Abstract: A surgical needle is configured to detect whether a distal tip of the surgical needle perforates or ends up in an undesirable location, or detect whether the distal tip of the surgical needle has accessed a desired location. The surgical needle includes a hub and a body connected to the hub. The body has a hollow core and includes a sharp-pointed tip at a distal end. A first electrode is formed by the sharp-pointed tip of the body. At least a second electrode is provided around the body. The first and second electrodes are connected to a wired connector that can be plugged into an external sensing system. The external sensing system can monitor impedance, electrical parameters, or other parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for heart stimulation in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated.