Abstract: An implantable lead for sensing mechanical activity of a human heart has an insulating polymeric tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the lead, an electrical conductor provided in the lumen of the polymeric tube, and a sensor connected to the conductor at the distal end thereof. The polymeric tube is provided with a conductive surface layer along the inner face between the polymeric tube and the electrical conductor, the conductive surface layer being in electrical contact with this conductor. Accumulation of electrical charges between the electric conductor and the polymeric tube is thereby prevented.

Abstract: A method for producing a biocompatible material of the formula NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1 includes the steps of a) providing a Na-precursor and a K-precursor for NaxKyNbO3, b) mixing the precursors in solution wherein said precursors first react to form a sol and thereafter a gel, c) heat treating the gel to obtain an oxide of the material NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1. The material can be produced as a film, and the material or film can be provided on the exterior surface of a medical implant that will come into contact with body tissue and/or body fluids upon implantation thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing a biocompatible material of the formula NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1 includes the steps of a) providing a Na-precursor and a K-precursor for NaxKyNbO3, b) mixing the precursors in solution wherein said precursors first react to form a sol and thereafter a gel, c) heat treating the gel to obtain an oxide of the material NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1. The material can be produced as a film, and the material or film can be provided on the exterior surface of a medical implant that will come into contact with body tissue and/or body fluids upon implantation thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing a biocompatible material of the formula NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1 includes the steps of a) providing a Na-precursor and a K-precursor for NaxKyNbO3, b) mixing the precursors in solution wherein said precursors first react to form a sol and thereafter a gel, c) heat treating the gel to obtain an oxide of the material NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1. The material can be produced as a film, and the material or film can be provided on the exterior surface of a medical implant that will come into contact with body tissue and/or body fluids upon implantation thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing a biocompatible material of the formula NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1 includes the steps of a) providing a Na-precursor and a K-precursor for NaxKyNbO3, b) mixing the precursors in solution wherein said precursors first react to form a sol and thereafter a gel, c) heat treating the gel to obtain an oxide of the material NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1. The material can be produced as a film, and the material or film can be provided on the exterior surface of a medical implant that will come into contact with body tissue and/or body fluids upon implantation thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing a biocompatible material of the formula NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1 includes the steps of a) providing a Na-precursor and a K-precursor for NaxKyNbO3, b) mixing the precursors in solution wherein said precursors first react to form a sol and thereafter a gel, c) heat treating the gel to obtain an oxide of the material NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1. The material can be produced as a film, and the material or film can be provided on the exterior surface of a medical implant that will come into contact with body tissue and/or body fluids upon implantation thereof.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulator has an implantable cardiac lead that carries a temperature sensitive element with a surface thereof in contact with biological matter. The temperature sensitive element emits a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of biological matter, such as blood, in contact with the surface of the temperature sensitive element. Processing circuitry receives the temperature signal and determines a variability thereof within a selected time interval. A status signal is emitted dependent on this variability.

Abstract: In a device and method for a medical implant for monitoring progression of heart failure in a human heart, an activity sensor provides information related to the activity level of a patient and an oxygen sensor provides information related to the level of oxygen content in venous blood. A determined level of venous oxygen content at a determined activity level is obtained, and that level of venous oxygen content is compared to stored values at a corresponding activity level. The result of the comparison is used as a basis for determining a degree of heart failure.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulator has an implantable cardiac lead that carries a temperature sensitive element with a surface thereof in contact with biological matter. The temperature sensitive element emits a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of biological matter, such as blood, in contact with the surface of the temperature sensitive element. Processing circuitry receives the temperature signal and determines a variability thereof within a selected time interval. A status signal is emitted dependent on this variability.

Abstract: A method for producing a biocompatible material of the formula NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1 includes the steps of a) providing a Na-precursor and a K-precursor for NaxKyNbO3, b) mixing the precursors in solution wherein said precursors first react to form a sol and thereafter a gel, c) heat treating the gel to obtain an oxide of the material NaxKyNbO3, 0?x?0.8, 0.2?y?1, x+y=1. The material can be produced as a film, and the material or film can be provided on the exterior surface of a medical implant that will come into contact with body tissue and/or body fluids upon implantation thereof.

Abstract: An implantable lead for sensing mechanical activity of a human heart has an insulating polymeric tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the lead, an electrical conductor provided in the lumen of the polymeric tube, and a sensor connected to the conductor at the distal end thereof. The polymeric tube is provided with a conductive surface layer along the inner face between the polymeric tube and the electrical conductor, the conductive surface layer being in electrical contact with this conductor. Accumulation of electrical charges between the electric conductor and the polymeric tube is thereby prevented.

Abstract: In a cardiac assist device and method, a microphone is placed in contact with the epicardium of the heart of a patient, and heart and lung sounds are simultaneously detected at the placement location of the microphone. The heart and lung sounds are automatically analyzed to set an appropriate cardiac therapy for the patient.