Abstract: In some examples, an implantable medical device (IMD) that includes a pulse generator comprising a housing, electrodes, and circuitry configured to deliver cardiac pacing via the electrodes. The IMD may further include a lead including at least one of the electrodes, an elongate body, a fixation helix, and a connector segment. A width of the helix transverse to a longitudinal axis of the lead is greatest at a distal end of the helix. A proximal end of the elongate body may be connected to a distal end of the pulse generator, and the helix may be attached to a distal end of the elongate body. The pulse generator may include a first connector tab. A distal end of the connector segment may be configured to receive the proximal end of the elongate body and a proximal end of the connector segment may include at least one second connector member configured to engage the first connector tab.

Abstract: In some examples, an implantable medical device (IMD) that includes a pulse generator comprising a housing, electrodes, and circuitry configured to deliver cardiac pacing via the electrodes. The IMD may further include a lead including at least one of the electrodes, an elongate body, a fixation helix, and a connector segment. A width of the helix transverse to a longitudinal axis of the lead is greatest at a distal end of the helix. A proximal end of the elongate body may be connected to a distal end of the pulse generator, and the helix may be attached to a distal end of the elongate body. The pulse generator may include a first connector tab. A distal end of the connector segment may be configured to receive the proximal end of the elongate body and a proximal end of the connector segment may include at least one second connector member configured to engage the first connector tab.

Abstract: Temporary touch-proof connectors are disclosed that include an insulating body defining a passageway having an open leading end configured to receive a connector element of a medical lead and an enclosed trailing end shielding the connector element.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a medical lead with a retrieval wire that extends from the proximal end of the lead. The retrieval wire allows a physician to insert the medical lead into a patient and grab the retrieval wire to pull the proximal end of the lead away from the implant site. Upon gaining access to a lead connector on the proximal end of the medical lead, the physician may remove the retrieval wire and couple the lead connector to an implantable medical device that provides stimulation therapy. In this manner the physician may avoid damaging the lead connector when retrieving the medical lead. In addition, the retrieval wire may be used to provide test stimulation to verify correct electrode location. The medical lead may be used to stimulate tissue such as the stomach, small intestine, and the large intestine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for stimulating a colon of a patient to relieve chronic constipation. Specifically, a colon stimulation system applies one or more electrical stimuli to the colon of the patient in order to induce peristaltic activity in the colon to relieve chronic constipation. In accordance with the invention, the colon stimulation system induces peristaltic activity in the colon by applying an electrical stimulus to the colon to cause a portion of the colon to contract to a contracted state and removing the electrical stimulus to cause the colon to relax. While in the contracted state, the colon is substantially fully contracted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for stimulating a colon of a patient to relieve chronic constipation. Specifically, a colon stimulation system applies one or more electrical stimuli to the colon of the patient in order to induce peristaltic activity in the colon to relieve chronic constipation. In accordance with the invention, the colon stimulation system induces peristaltic activity in the colon by applying an electrical stimulus to the colon to cause a portion of the colon to contract to a contracted state and removing the electrical stimulus to cause the colon to relax. While in the contracted state, the colon is substantially fully contracted.

Abstract: Temporary touch-proof connectors are disclosed that include an insulating body defining a passageway having an open leading end configured to receive a connector element of a medical lead and an enclosed trailing end shielding the connector element.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a medical lead with a retrieval wire that extends from the proximal end of the lead. The retrieval wire allows a physician to insert the medical lead into a patient and grab the retrieval wire to pull the proximal end of the lead away from the implant site. Upon gaining access to a lead connector on the proximal end of the medical lead, the physician may remove the retrieval wire and couple the lead connector to an implantable medical device that provides stimulation therapy. In this manner the physician may avoid damaging the lead connector when retrieving the medical lead. In addition, the retrieval wire may be used to provide test stimulation to verify correct electrode location. The medical lead may be used to stimulate tissue such as the stomach, small intestine, and the large intestine.

Abstract: A medical delivery system includes an outer catheter extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a suction device positioned at the outer catheter distal end and coupled to a suction conduit; a delivery catheter extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the delivery catheter having an outer diameter adapted to be advanced through the outer catheter; a sealing member positioned at the outer catheter proximal end adapted to form an air-tight seal with the delivery catheter outer diameter; a puncture tool having a distal sharpened tip adapted to be advanced through the delivery catheter and into a targeted implant site a controlled distance to form a puncture.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead having an elongated lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a first electrode positioned at the distal end of the lead body, a second electrode spaced proximally from the first electrode, the second electrode being a flexible conductive coil and having a distal end. A first electrode sleeve is coupled to the first electrode, and a second electrode sleeve is coupled to the second electrode and positioned within the proximal end of the lead body and proximal the distal end of the second electrode to provide flexibility in a distal lead body portion.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead for establishing an electrical connection with a tissue of the body, the lead having a lead body and a semi-cylindrical cuff. In the preferred embodiment the semi-cylindrical cuff features one or more electrodes. The semi-cylindrical cuff having a long flap which wraps about the cuff and a short flap which wraps about the long flap. The semi-cylindrical cuff is relatively stiff as compared to the short flap. The short flap, in turn, is relatively the same stiffness as the long flap. The stiffness of each flap may be varied, however, so that one is more or less than the other, and in turn, than the cuff. Through such a multi-flap construction the electrodes may be positioned proximal to a nerve in such a manner that the mechanically induced damage may be minimized or even entirely eliminated. Finally, a method of implanting such an electrode is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for stimulating a colon of a patient to relieve chronic constipation. Specifically, a colon stimulation system applies one or more electrical stimuli to the colon of the patient in order to induce peristaltic activity in the colon to relieve chronic constipation. In accordance with the invention, the colon stimulation system induces peristaltic activity in the colon by applying an electrical stimulus to the colon to cause a portion of the colon to contract to a contracted state and removing the electrical stimulus to cause the colon to relax. While in the contracted state, the colon is substantially fully contracted.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead, a system for providing electrical stimulation or sensing using such a lead, and methods of implanting, making and using same are described. The lead includes a rapidly connectable and/or interchangeable distal line that may be attached to a connector located distally from a distal end of a stimulating electrode. The rapidly connectable or interchangeable line may be sutured to a patient's muscle or other tissue. A physician may select a distal suture line of the present invention on the basis of the desired characteristics of the line, and then connect, secure or attach same to the lead body just prior to the surgical operation in which the stimulating or sensing medical electrical lead of the present invention is to be employed. The desired characteristics of the suture line may relate to thickness or diameter, length, the material from which the line is made, biodegradability, and the like.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for stimulating a colon of a patient to relieve chronic constipation. Specifically, a colon stimulation system applies one or more electrical stimuli to the colon of the patient in order to induce peristaltic activity in the colon to relieve chronic constipation. In accordance with the invention, the colon stimulation system induces peristaltic activity in the colon by applying an electrical stimulus to the colon to cause a portion of the colon to contract to a contracted state and removing the electrical stimulus to cause the colon to relax. While in the contracted state, the colon is substantially fully contracted.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead, a system for providing electrical stimulation or sensing using such a lead, and methods of implanting, making and using same are described. The lead includes a rapidly connectable and/or interchangeable distal line that may be attached to a connector located distally from a distal end of a stimulating electrode. The rapidly connectable or interchangeable line may be sutured to a patient's muscle or other tissue. A physician may select a distal suture line of the present invention on the basis of the desired characteristics of the line, and then connect, secure or attach same to the lead body just prior to the surgical operation in which the stimulating or sensing medical electrical lead of the present invention is to be employed. The desired characteristics of the suture line may relate to thickness or diameter, length, the material from which the line is made, biodegradability, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intramuscular medical electrical lead, a system for providing electrical stimulation or sensing using such a lead, and methods of implanting, making and using same. The lead includes at least a first fixation member disposed distally or proximally from a sensing or stimulating electrode, and may further include a second fixation member disposed at the opposite end of the electrode form the first fixation member. The fixation members permit the electrode to be reliably and fixedly secured within a patient's muscle tissue at a desired site, and to remain so secured for a predetermined suitable period of time.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead for establishing an electrical connection with a tissue of the body, the lead having a lead body and a semi-cylindrical cuff. In the preferred embodiment the semi-cylindrical cuff features one or more electrodes. The semi-cylindrical cuff having a long flap which wraps about the cuff and a short flap which wraps about the long flap. The semi-cylindrical cuff is relatively stiff as compared to the short flap. The short flap, in turn, is relatively the same stiffness as the long flap. The stiffness of each flap may be varied, however, so that one is more or less than the other, and in turn, than the cuff. Through such a multi-flap construction the electrodes may be positioned proximal to a nerve in such a manner that the mechanically induced damage may be minimized or even entirely eliminated. Finally, a method of implanting such an electrode is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes within its scope a low-cost temporary lead for pacing, sensing, monitoring, or defibrillating at least a portion of a human or animal organ, and methods for implanting and making same. The lead has at least two electrodes and distal and proximal ends, and a novel weakened zone disposed between the blunt end of a needle and at least two electrical connectors attached to the proximal end of the lead body. The novel weakened zone permits the needle to be separated from the connectors by application of a sufficiently large bending moment or pulling force thereto. Following separation of the connectors from the needle, the connectors may be attached directly and quickly to an external electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the optimum location for implanting a muscle stimulating electrode. A test probe is provided for producing an electric current at various muscle tissue locations to determine comparative threshold measurements of the selected muscle tissue locations and determine the optimum location for implanting the muscle stimulating electrode.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator particularly adapted for implantation in the abdomen. The pulse generator displays a generally flattened configuration having two generally opposed major surfaces and a smaller, circumferential edge surface, and includes a plurality of electrical connectors located in a connector module mounted to one of the major surfaces of the pulse generator. The housing of the pulse generator contains a hybrid circuit mounted generally parallel to the major surfaces of the pulse generator, connected to the electrical connectors by means of feedthroughs passing through one of the major surfaces of the pulse generator, located adjacent to the edges of the hybrid circuit and perpendicular thereto.