Abstract: Techniques are provided for exploiting left atrial pressure (LAP) measurements to determine various ventricular mechanical and electromechanical contraction intervals and for evaluating ventricular dyssynchrony based on those intervals. In one example, LAP measurements are combined with right ventricular pressure (RVP) measurements to determine the interventricular mechanical delay, which is the primary parameter representative of ventricular dyssynchrony. Other intervals determined based, in part, on LAP measurements include the electromechanical delay for the left ventricle (LV), as well as the LV systolic and diastolic intervals. Techniques are also described herein for detecting various RV intervals including the electromechanical delay for the RV, as well as the RV systolic and diastolic intervals.

Abstract: A method for reducing occurrences of atrial arrhythmias includes obtaining measures indicative of atrial pressure of a patient, and monitoring for a change in the measures indicative of atrial pressure that is indicative of an increased vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia. In response to detecting the change in the measures indicative of atrial pressure that is indicative of the increased vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia, pacing therapy that is adapted to reduce atrial pressure and thereby reduce vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia is selectively delivered. Additionally, or alternatively, pacing therapy is adjusted to reduce atrial pressure and thereby reduce vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia.

Abstract: A method for reducing occurrences of atrial arrhythmias includes obtaining measures indicative of atrial pressure of a patient, and monitoring for a change in the measures indicative of atrial pressure that is indicative of an increased vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia. In response to detecting the change in the measures indicative of atrial pressure that is indicative of the increased vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia, pacing therapy that is adapted to reduce atrial pressure and thereby reduce vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia is selectively delivered. Additionally, or alternatively, pacing therapy is adjusted to reduce atrial pressure and thereby reduce vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia.

Abstract: Implantable systems, and methods for use therein, for monitoring for mitral valve regurgitation (MR) are provided. An electrogram (EGM) signal and a corresponding pressure signal are obtained, where the EGM signal is representative of electrical functioning of the patient's heart during a plurality of cardiac cycles, and the corresponding pressure signal is representative of pressure within the left atrium the patient's heart during the cardiac cycles. Windows of the pressure signal are defined, based on events detected in the EGM signal, and measurements from the windows are used to monitor for MR.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a motion of a cardiac tissue. The system includes a motion sensor configured to operably couple to the cardiac tissue. The motion sensor includes an electroactive polymer and is further configured to result in a deflection in the electroactive polymer when the cardiac tissue undergoes the motion. The deflection in the electroactive polymer generates an electrical event.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for exploiting left atrial pressure (LAP) measurements to determine various ventricular mechanical and electromechanical contraction intervals and for evaluating ventricular dyssynchrony based on those intervals. In one example, LAP measurements are combined with right ventricular pressure (RVP) measurements to determine the interventricular mechanical delay, which is the primary parameter representative of ventricular dyssynchrony. Other intervals determined based, in part, on LAP measurements include the electromechanical delay for the left ventricle (LV), as well as the LV systolic and diastolic intervals. Techniques are also described herein for detecting various RV intervals including the electromechanical delay for the RV, as well as the RV systolic and diastolic intervals.

Abstract: Implantable systems, and methods for use therein, for monitoring for mitral valve regurgitation (MR) are provided. An electrogram (EGM) signal and a corresponding pressure signal are obtained, where the EGM signal is representative of electrical functioning of the patient's heart during a plurality of cardiac cycles, and the corresponding pressure signal is representative of pressure within the left atrium the patient's heart during the cardiac cycles. Windows of the pressure signal are defined, based on events detected in the EGM signal, and measurements from the windows are used to monitor for MR.

Abstract: Implantable systems, and methods for use therein, for monitoring for mitral valve regurgitation (MR) are provided. An electrogram (EGM) signal and a corresponding pressure signal are obtained, where the EGM signal is representative of electrical functioning of the patient's heart during a plurality of cardiac cycles, and the corresponding pressure signal is representative of pressure within the left atrium the patient's heart during the cardiac cycles. Windows of the pressure signal are defined, based on events detected in the EGM signal, and measurements from the windows are used to monitor for MR.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting set-up of a multi-electrode lead (MEL). In accordance with specific embodiments, such an MEL includes N groups of electrodes, with each of the N groups including at least M electrodes, where N?2 and M is ?2. Electrodes in a same group are within 5 mm of one another. Electrodes in separate groups are at least 10 mm from one another. Specific embodiments relate to methods for identifying cathode-anode electrode configurations that can be used to not exceed a maximum acceptable capture threshold, and that provide a sensed intrinsic R-wave amplitude of at least a minimum acceptable sensing threshold. Such thresholds can be default values, or can be defined by a user (e.g., clinician, physician, nurse, or the like).

Abstract: In some aspects ischemia is indicated based on cardiac pressure measurements. For example, ischemia may be indicated based on an increase in an intraventricular electromechanical delay where mechanical contractions are detected by measuring pressure in a cardiac chamber. Ischemia detection also may involve obtaining timing information relating to a mechanical contraction of at least one ventricle to identify an intraventricular dyssynchrony. In this case, pressure measurements may be used to identify the timing of the mechanical contraction. Ischemia may be indicated based on a change in a time interval associated with a systolic interval of a ventricle. Ischemia also may be indicated based on an intracardiac electrogram-based indication of ischemia in conjunction with an increase in mean left atrial pressure and/or an increase in the size of a v-wave.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for affecting conduction and/or operation of the AV node and/or AV bundle. Various exemplary methods include delivery of one or more stimulation pulses to affect conduction and/or operation of an AV node and/or AV bundle. Such delivery optionally stimulates nerves and/or tissue. Nerve stimulation optionally includes parasympathetic nerve stimulation to decrease conduction of the AV node and/or AV bundle. Tissue stimulation optionally causes tissue to enter a refractory period. Various exemplary methods include delivering one or more stimulation pulses during postinspiration. Other exemplary methods and/or devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump for conveying a fluid comprises a flexible tube having an outer surface and a lumen for carrying the fluid such as a therapeutic agent. The tube has a length defined by opposed ends of the tube, the outer surface of the body carrying a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electroactive polymer actuators. The plurality of actuators are adapted to be responsive to electrical signals for energizing the actuators sequentially along the length of the tube to move a lumen pinch-off along the length of the tube to thereby convey the fluid from one end of the tube to the other end by means of a peristaltic pumping action. The peristaltic pump may be incorporated into a medical lead, such as an endocardial pacing lead, carrying at least one electrode.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for decreasing workload, maintaining or increasing cardiac output and/or achieving a desirable autonomic balance by stimulating one or more parasympathetic nerves. Various exemplary methods include delivering one or more stimulation pulses postinspiration and/or based at least in part on detection of one or more cardiac event. Other methods and/or devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Terminating supraventricular arrhythmias through parasympathetic nerve stimulation. The method comprises detecting a supraventricular arrhythmia, stimulating a parasympathetic nerve and determining whether the supraventricular arrhythmia terminated or worsened. Various exemplary methods include delivering one or more stimulation pulses during postinspiration and/or in response to one or more cardiac events.

Abstract: The ability to continuously monitor concentrations of any of a plurality of blood-borne substances, such as proteins, improves patient monitoring and overall care through early detection of cardiac threats. Ultrasound-based technology used in analytical chemistry to determine amounts of particles suspended in a colloidal composition can be employed in an implantable sensor to monitor levels of many different substances in the blood. A sensor system is implanted in or near a blood vessel in the body and generates an electric or acoustic field directed at that blood vessel. A receiver near the generator detects energy emitted once the assaulting field is turned off. Changes in the relative amounts of the substance(s) being monitored appear as changes in the amount of energy emitted once the assaulting field is removed. The sensor may be implemented in an implantable cardiac therapy device. A non-implantable or transcutaneous sensor may also be used to monitor cardiac health.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for increasing efficiency and/or increasing success of terminating ventricular tachyarrhythmia. An exemplary method includes stimulation of a parasympathetic nerve before, during and/or after delivery of antitachycardia pacing pulses, a cardioversion stimulus and/or a defibrillation stimulus. Various exemplary methods include delivering one or more stimulation pulses during postinspiration. Other methods and/or devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to providing systems and methods that can reduce the likelihood of arrhythmia onset by effecting a treatment, responsive to a detected premature event, that mimics or otherwise attempts to emulate a healthy heart's natural recovery process. In one particular embodiment, the premature event comprises a premature ventricular contraction or “PVC”, and the treatment comprises pacing the patient to mimic or otherwise emulate a turbulence pattern that is typically exhibited by a healthy heart when the heart attempts to recover from the PVC.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods include altering conduction and/or operation of the AV node and/or AV bundle to help classify arrhythmias.

Abstract: A biogenerator, having a biomotor portion and a generator portion, suitable for use with, in and/or as an implantable device. A method of inducing an electromagnetic force in a coil using a biomotor.

Abstract: An exemplary electrode portion, capable of placement in a vessel of a patient's body, includes a double helix. Exemplary implantable stimulation devices, lead assemblies and methods are also disclosed.