Abstract: Methods and system for atrial fibrillation mapping utilizing cardiac mapping based on medical image(s). The methods and system also adapted for any balloon based catheters including cryoballoon catheter, laser balloon catheter, or “hot balloon” catheter, as well as circular catheters. The methods and system includes overlaying of two or more images on top of each other (where the images are of various types or modalities) and aligning the images, where the transparency between the images can be adjusted for navigating and optimal placement of the balloon based catheters or circular catheters. The cardiac system also adopted for guiding optimal placement of the left ventricular (LV) lead placement for cardiac re-synchronization (CRT) therapy, and for mapping and displaying activation times from various branches of the coronary sinus for optimizing CRT therapy.

Abstract: Methods and system for atrial fibrillation ablations utilizing cardiac mapping based on medical image(s). The methods and system also adapted for any balloon based catheters including cryoballoon catheter, laser balloon catheter, or “hot balloon” catheter, as well as circular catheters. The methods and system includes overlaying of two or more images on top of each other (where the images are of various types or modalities) and aligning the images, where the transparency between the images can be adjusted for navigating and optimal placement of the balloon based catheters or circular catheters. The images include 3-dimensional (3D) volume rendered computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance (MR) in segments, where the segments represents anatomical structures in separate digital files, which can be selectively turned ON or OFF. The method and system may also comprise the ability to monitor esophageal temperature, and act on pre-determined levels.

Abstract: Methods and system for atrial fibrillation ablations utilizing cardiac mapping based on medical image(s). The method and system also adapted for any balloon based catheters including cryoballoon catheter, laser balloon catheter, or “hot balloon” catheter, as well as circular catheters. The methods and system includes overlaying of two or more images on top of each other (where the images are of various types) and aligning the images, where the transparency between the images can be adjusted as an aid for optimal placement of the balloon based catheters or circular catheters. 3D volumetricTags and markers are also placed on 3D images such as CT and MRI images which are indicative of where the tissue has been ablated. The method and system also comprises the ability to monitor esophageal temperature, and to activate alarms and/or energy delivery interrupt based on pre-determined esophageal temperature parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for atrial fibrillation ablations utilizing a fluoroscopy and/or medical image(s) based cardiac mapping system adapted for balloon based catheters including cryoballoon catheter. The method and system incorporates overlaying two or more sets of images on top of each other where the transparency between the images can be adjusted as an aid in the optimal placement of the balloon based catheters. Further, tags and markers are also placed on fluoroscopic and/or other medical images indicative of where the tissue that has been ablated. The method and system also comprises the ability to monitor esophageal temperature, and to activate alarms and/or energy delivery interrupt based on pre-determined esophageal temperature parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing safety of cardiac ablation procedures comprises a computer based system that monitors the esophageal temperature, and a fluoroscopy (medical images) based cardiac mapping system for cryoballoon or radiofrequency (RF) ablations. The esophageal temperature is monitored utilizing an esophageal probe which may have any number of temperature sensing members. The esophageal probe may also have pre-formed shape. During atrial fibrillation ablations, based on a pre-determined increase in esophageal temperature (from any thermistor), the computer based system activates different levels of alarm(s), and/or initiates ablation energy interrupt based on pre-defined programmed values. The method and system is also used for guiding placement of cryoballoon and performing cryoablations. The placement of cryoballoon catheter or a circular catheter is based on superimposing a high resolution (dye injected) image and a live fluoroscopy image and adjusting transparency between the two images.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing safety of cardiac ablation procedures comprises a computer based system that monitors the esophageal temperature. The esophageal temperature is monitored utilizing an esophageal probe which may have any number of temperature sensing members. The esophageal probe may also have pre-formed shape. During atrial fibrillation ablations, based on a pre-determined increase in esophageal temperature (from any thermistor), the computer based system activates different levels of alarm(s), and/or initiates ablation energy interrupt based on pre-defined programmed values. The method and system may also be used during cryoablations.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing safety of cardiac ablation procedures comprises a computer based system that monitors the esophageal temperature. During atrial fibrillation ablations, based on a pre-determined increase in esophageal temperature, the computer based system activates different levels of alarm(s), and/or initiates ablation energy interrupt based on pre-defined programmed values. In one embodiment, an esophageal cooling means is incorporated for cooling the esophagus during the procedure. If the temperature starts to increase a cooling means can be initiated and/or an ablation interrupt means is activated based on pre-determined events.

Abstract: A method and system of electroanatomical mapping comprises bringing a patient's image such as a fluoroscopic image and intracardiac signals into a computer based mapping system. Electroanatomical mapping or superimposing of cardiac electrical activity on fluoroscopic image is provided by placing visual indicators on electrode pairs of various catheters including standard catheters and ablation catheter. Visual indicators are coupled or linked to underlying electric signals from those electrode pairs via software coding, whereby electrical activity sequence of the heart is provided and updated in real-time on fluoroscopic image. A combination of fluoroscopic image and CT or MRI may also be used. The mapping system further comprises various algorithms for aiding in cardiac mapping and ablation of cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: A method and system of electroanatomical mapping comprises bringing a patient's image such as a fluoroscopic image and intracardiac signals into a computer based mapping system. Electroanatomical mapping or superimposing of cardiac electrical activity on fluoroscopic image is provided by placing visual indicators on electrode pairs of various catheters including standard catheters and ablation catheter. Visual indicators are coupled or linked to underlying electric signals from those electrode pairs via software coding, whereby electrical activity sequence of the heart is provided and updated in real-time on fluoroscopic image. A combination of fluoroscopic image and CT or MRI may also be used. The mapping system further comprises various algorithms for aiding in cardiac mapping and ablation of cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: A method and system of electroanatomical mapping comprises bringing a patient's image such as a fluoroscopic image and intracardiac signals into a computer based mapping system. Electroanatomical mapping or superimposing of cardiac electrical activity on fluoroscopic image is provided by placing visual indicators on electrode pairs of various catheters including standard catheters and ablation catheter. Visual indicators are coupled or linked to underlying electric signals from those electrode pairs via software coding, whereby electrical activity sequence of the heart is provided and updated in real-time on fluoroscopic image. A combination of fluoroscopic image and CT or MRI may also be used. The mapping system further comprises various algorithms for aiding in cardiac mapping and ablation of cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stopping of ablation energy delivery to tissues during cardiac ablation procedures provides added safety. The apparatus uses control switch mechanism comprising relay switch and circuitry inserted between the ground patch and ablation generator. Alternatively, the control switching means can be on the catheter side of the ablation circuit. The switching mechanism is connected to a computer, which controls the on-off switch based on pre-determined conditions. When the control switch part of the circuit is opened, the ablation generator shuts of immediately. The software in the computer is configured, such that the computer controlled stopping of energy delivery only occurs when patient safety is at risk.

Abstract: Method and system of increasing safety of ablation of cardiac arrythmias, especially AVNRT and antero-septal accessory pathway ablations. A computer based system acquires, conditions, and analyzes the timing relationships between atrial and ventricualr signals during normal sinus (NSR) and junctional rhythms (JR) during ablation. If the timing analyses determines a safety issue, such as loss of retrograde conduction during junction rhythm, while slow pathway modification is being performed, the computer electronically disconnects the ablation circuit. This immediately stops the energy delivery to the tissues and provides a chance to reposition the ablation catheter tip to a more safer location. The ablation may be using radiofrequency (RF), cryoablation, or with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The functionality and circuitry of the system may also be incorporated within an ablation generator, EP recording and monitoring system, or a cardiac mapping system.

Abstract: A method and system to provide pre-determined electrical pulses for neuromodulating vagus nerve(s) or its branches to provide therapy for bulimia/eating disorders, comprises implantable and external components. The electrical pulses to vagus nerve(s) may be stimulating and/or blocking. The pulsed electrical stimulation/blocking to vagus nerve(s) may be provided using one of the following stimulation systems, such as: a) an implanted stimulus-receiver with an external stimulator; b) an implanted stimulus-receiver comprising a high value capacitor for storing charge, used in conjunction with an external stimulator; c) a programmer-less implantable pulse generator (IPG) which is operable with a magnet; d) a microstimulator; e) a programmable implantable pulse generator; f) a combination implantable device comprising both a stimulus-receiver and a programmable implantable pulse generator (IPG); and g) an implantable pulse generator (IPG) comprising a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A method and system for providing pulse electrical stimulation to at least one of sacral plexus or its branches or portions, inferior hypogastric plexus or its branches or portions, superior hypogastric plexus or its branches or portions in a patient, to provide therapy for one of erectile/sexual dysfunction, prostatitis, pelvic pain, and pain originating from prostatitis pathology. The stimulation system comprises both implanted and external components.

Abstract: Method and systems for neuromodulating vagus nerve(s) to provide therapy for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders comprises implantable and external components. The pulsed electrical stimulation to vagus nerve(s) is used for disorders such as epilepsy, depression, anxiety disorders, neurogenic pain, compulsive eating disorders, obesity, dementia including Alzheimer's disease, and migraines. The pulsed electrical pulses to vagus nerve(s) may be provided using various forms of implanted pulse generators or various forms of implanted stimulus-receiver used with an external stimulator. The external components such as the programmer may communicate with the implanted pulse generator (IPG) utilizing magnetic inductive coupling or via wireless telemetry. Further, the external components such as the programmer or external stimulator may also comprise circuitry for networking with remote computers.

Abstract: A method and system for providing electrical pulses for neuromodulating a cranial nerve of a patient utilizing an implantable stimulator. The implantable stimulator comprising a pulse generator module and a stimulus receiver module for coupling with an external stimulator. Control circuitry ensures selective operation of one pulse generator module. The external stimulator comprises a telemetry module for remotely activating (or de-activating) programs over the internet, to arrive at the optimal program for each patient. Once the optimal “dose” is titrated using the external stimulator, the implanted pulse generator can then be programmed to such parameters. The external stimulator in conjunction with the implanted stimulus receiver can override the implanted pulse generator, to provide extra dose of therapy or to conserve the implanted battery. The external stimulator is also networked to other computers.

Abstract: System and method of wireless remote control of various defense systems installed aboard an airplane, wherein such defense systems comprise at least one of releasing gases, releasing chemical sprays, fogging, spraying sticky glue, firing laser guns, and sounding alarms. Small easy to conceal, microprocessor based transmitter means communicate with receivers, which are configured and adapted to be part of the control circuitry for the defense measures aboard the airplane. The transmitter means further have bi-directional telemetry means, to facilitate communications among crew members and ground personnel, while hostile situation is likely or is present aboard the aircraft. In one aspect of the invention the transmitter means can also activate auto flight navigation system, if required. The wireless remote control system of the invention can have more than one type of transmitter, with various levels of software lockouts, for different crew members to activate the defense systems.

Abstract: A method and system for providing electrical pulses for neuromodulating sacral nerves of a patient utilizing an implantable stimulator. The implantable stimulator comprising a pulse generator module and a stimulus receiver module for coupling with an external stimulator. Control circuitry ensures selective operation of one pulse generator module. The external stimulator comprises a telemetry module for remotely activating (or de-activating) programs over the internet, to arrive at the optimal program for each patient. Once the optimal “dose” is titrated using the external stimulator, the implanted pulse generator can then be programmed to such parameters. The external stimulator in conjunction with the implanted stimulus receiver can override the implanted pulse generator, to provide extra dose of therapy or to conserve the implanted battery. The external stimulator is also networked to other computers.

Abstract: Method and system for ablating selected portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to provide therapy or alleviate symptoms for GI tract or liver tumors, obesity, motility disorders, GERD, or to induce weight loss. The ablation procedure may be performed endogastrically via mouth and esophagus in an anesthetized patient. Alternatively, the ablations may be performed epigastrically using laproscopic tools. The ablation may involve one of the following: a) ablating tissues of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; b) ablating tissues of the liver; c) disruption of pacemaker region of the stomach; d) disruption of muscle layers of gastric wall; e) vagal nerve(s) disruption; f) ablation of endogastric lining for cells that produce the hunger hormone ghrelin; and g) disruption of enteric nervous system.

Abstract: A method and system for providing rectangular and/or complex electrical pulses to cortical tissues of a patient for providing therapy or alleviating symptoms for at least one of tinnitus, essential tremor (ET) including Parkinson's disease, depression, or for providing improvement of functional recovery following stroke. The intracranial electrodes may be implanted on the dura, or subdurally on the pia mater of the cortical surface. The placement of the electrodes may utilize cortical sensing and/or digital imaging techniques, such as fMRI, MRI, or CT. The pulse generator system comprises implantable and external components. The pulse generator may be an implanted pulse generator (IPG) or an external stimulator coupled with an implanted stimulus-receiver. The IPG may also comprise a rechargeable battery. In one embodiment the pulse generator may also comprise a selected number of predetermined/pre-packaged programs.