Abstract: A ventricular assist device incorporating a rotary pump configured to be in fluid communication with a heart and systemic circulation of a subject to assist blood flow from the heart to the systemic circulation. The device includes a pump drive circuit for applying power to the pump, one or more sensors for sensing one or more electrogram signals (such as subcutaneous pre-cordial electrode signals) in the patient, and a signal processing circuit to determine the presence or absence of a reduction in cardiac blood flow, ischemic condition or myocardial infarction condition based on subcutaneous pre-cordial electrode signals, to control power supplied to the pump from the pump drive circuit, and to operate the pump in either a normal sinus rhythm mode in the absence of an ischemic condition or myocardial infarction condition, or a modified mode of operation in the presence of an ischemic condition or myocardial infarction condition.

Abstract: A blood pump incorporating a rotary pump such as a rotary impeller pump implantable in fluid communication with a ventricle and an artery to assist blood flow from the ventricle to the artery. The device may include a pump drive circuit supplying power to the pump, one or more sensors for sensing one or more electrophysiological signals such as subcutaneous, pre-cordial ECG signals and a signal processing circuit connected to the sensors and to the pump drive circuit. The signal processing circuit is operative to detect the sensor signals and control power supplied to the pump from the pump drive circuit so that the pump may run in a normal sinus rhythm mode, with a varying speed synchronized with the cardiac cycle. When an ischemic or myocardial infarction condition is detected, the pump drive circuit may also run the pump in an ischemia or myocardial infarction mode different from the normal sinus rhythm mode.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device incorporating a rotary pump, such as a rotary impeller pump is implantable in fluid communication with a ventricle and an artery to assist blood flow from the ventricle to the artery. The device includes a pump drive circuit supplying power to the pump, one or more sensors for sensing one or more electrophysiological signals such as electrogram signals in and a signal processing circuit connected to the sensors and the pump drive circuit. The signal processing circuit is operative to detect the sensor signals and control power supplied to the pump from the pump drive circuit so that the pump runs in a pulsatile mode, with a varying speed synchronized with the cardiac cycle so that it operates in copulsation or counterpulsation with the cycle. The cardiac cycle for purposes of synchronization can also be based on an average of two or more cardiac cycles.

Abstract: A TET system is operable to vary an amount of power transmitted from an external power supply to an implantable power unit in accordance with a monitored condition of the implantable power unit. The amount of power supplied to the implantable power unit for operating a pump, for example, can be varied in accordance with a cardiac cycle, so as to maintain the monitored condition in the power circuit within a desired range throughout the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device incorporating a rotary pump, such as a rotary impeller pump is implantable in fluid communication with a ventricle and an artery to assist blood flow from the ventricle to the artery. The device includes a pump drive circuit supplying power to the pump, one or more sensors for sensing one or more electrophysiological signals such as electrogram signals in and a signal processing circuit connected to the sensors and the pump drive circuit. The signal processing circuit is operative to detect the sensor signals and control power supplied to the pump from the pump drive circuit so that the pump runs in a pulsatile mode, with a varying speed synchronized with the cardiac cycle. When an arrhythmia is detected, the pump drive circuit may also run the pump in an atrial arrhythmia mode or a ventricular arrhythmia mode different from the normal pulsatile mode.

Abstract: A TET system is operable to vary an amount of power transmitted from an external power supply to an implantable power unit in accordance with a monitored condition of the implantable power unit. The amount of power supplied to the implantable power unit for operating a pump, for example, can be varied in accordance with a cardiac cycle, so as to maintain the monitored condition in the power circuit within a desired range throughout the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A TET system is operable to vary an amount of power transmitted from an external power supply to an implantable power unit in accordance with a monitored condition of the implantable power unit. The amount of power supplied to the implantable power unit for operating a pump, for example, can be varied in accordance with a cardiac cycle, so as to maintain the monitored condition in the power circuit within a desired range throughout the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a neurostimulator system includes a pulse generator module and a power source and control module. The pulse generator module includes an electrical stimulation lead and electrodes and is configured to be implanted within a body of a subject, to provide a therapy to the subject, and to receive power wirelessly from a source remote from the pulse generator module. And the power source and control module is configured to be located external to the body of the subject, to cause the pulse generator module to affect the therapy, and to provide power wirelessly to the pulse generator module.

Abstract: A circulatory assist system is disclosed, the system including an implantable electrical device having an electric motor, an implantable controller connected to the implantable electrical device, and an implantable power source connected to the controller for supplying power to the controller. The controller is attachable to a first side of a percutaneous connector. A second side of the percutaneous connector, opposite to the first side, allows external connectivity to said controller.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a neurostimulator system includes a pulse generator module and a power source and control module. The pulse generator module includes an electrical stimulation lead and electrodes and is configured to be implanted within a body of a subject, to provide a therapy to the subject, and to receive power wirelessly from a source remote from the pulse generator module. And the power source and control module is configured to be located external to the body of the subject, to cause the pulse generator module to affect the therapy, and to provide power wirelessly to the pulse generator module.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device incorporating a rotary pump, such as a rotary impeller pump is implantable in fluid communication with a ventricle and an artery to assist blood flow from the ventricle to the artery. The device includes a pump drive circuit supplying power to the pump, one or more sensors for sensing one or more electrophysiological signals such as electrogram signals in and a signal processing circuit connected to the sensors and the pump drive circuit. The signal processing circuit is operative to detect the sensor signals and control power supplied to the pump from the pump drive circuit so that the pump runs in a pulsatile mode, with a varying speed synchronized with the cardiac cycle. When an arrhythmia is detected, the pump drive circuit may also run the pump in an atrial arrhythmia mode or a ventricular arrhythmia mode different from the normal pulsatile mode.

Abstract: A stimulation lead for connecting a pulse generator having a plurality of outputs to electrodes of an electrode array includes a flexible body and the electrode array. The electrode array is distal to the flexible body and the flexible body has a proximal portion and an interface portion. A selection circuit within the interface portion has a plurality of inputs, each input of the selection circuit connected to an output of the pulse generator and a plurality of outputs, each output of the selection circuit being coupled to a respective one of the electrodes of the electrode array. The plurality of outputs of the selection circuit are greater in number than the plurality of outputs of the pulse generator.

Abstract: A stimulation lead for connecting a pulse generator having a plurality of outputs to electrodes of an electrode array includes a flexible body and the electrode array. The electrode array is distal to the flexible body and the flexible body has a proximal portion and an interface portion. A selection circuit within the interface portion has a plurality of inputs, each input of the selection circuit connected to an output of the pulse generator and a plurality of outputs, each output of the selection circuit being coupled to a respective one of the electrodes of the electrode array. The plurality of outputs of the selection circuit are greater in number than the plurality of outputs of the pulse generator.

Abstract: A therapy system includes a therapy module implantable within a mammalian body that provides a given therapy and a control module implantable within the mammalian body that effects the therapy provided by the therapy module. The control module is physically separate from the therapy module.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the controlled release or exposure of reservoir contents. The device includes a substrate, a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate, reservoir contents disposed in the reservoirs, discrete reservoir caps covering each reservoir to seal the reservoir contents in the reservoirs, and control circuitry for selectively disintegrating the reservoir caps to release or expose the reservoir contents in vivo. At least one of the reservoir caps comprises a first electrically conductive layer coated with one or more protective layers. In one embodiment, the control circuitry comprises an electrical input lead and an electrical output lead connected to and directly contacting each of said reservoir caps and a source of electric power for applying an electrical current through each reservoir cap in an amount effective to rupture each of the reservoir caps.

Abstract: Medical device and methods are provided for controlled drug delivery in a cardiac patient. The device includes an implantable drug delivery module comprising reservoirs containing a drug and a control means for selectively releasing an effective amount of drug from each reservoir; one or more electrodes or sensors for cardiac monitoring, stimulation, or both; and a microcontroller for controlling operational interaction of the drug delivery module and the cardiac electrode. The electrodes may comprise ECG monitoring, cardioversion, or cardiac pacing electrodes.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for electrical stimulation of neural tissue and controlled drug delivery to a patient. The device includes an implantable drug delivery module which comprises a plurality of reservoirs, a release system comprising at least one drug contained in each of the reservoirs, and control means for selectively releasing a pharmaceutically effective amount of drug from each reservoir; a neural electrical stimulator which comprises a signal generator connected to at least one stimulation electrode for operable engagement with a neural tissue of the patient; and at least one microcontroller for controlling operational interaction of the drug delivery module and the neural electrical stimulator. The microcontroller may control the signal generator and the control means of the drug delivery module. The device may further include a sensor operable to deliver a signal to the microcontroller, for example to indicate when to deliver electrical stimulation, drug, or both.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for electrical stimulation of neural tissue and controlled drug delivery to a patient. The device includes an implantable drug delivery module which comprises a plurality of reservoirs, a release system comprising at least one drug contained in each of the reservoirs, and control means for selectively releasing a pharmaceutically effective amount of drug from each reservoir; a neural electrical stimulator which comprises a signal generator connected to at least one stimulation electrode for operable engagement with a neural tissue of the patient; and at least one microcontroller for controlling operational interaction of the drug delivery module and the neural electrical stimulator. The microcontroller may control the signal generator and the control means of the drug delivery module. The device may further include a sensor operable to deliver a signal to the microcontroller, for example to indicate when to deliver electrical stimulation, drug, or both.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the controlled release or exposure of reservoir contents. The device includes a substrate, a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate, reservoir contents disposed in the reservoirs, discrete reservoir caps covering each reservoir to seal the reservoir contents in the reservoirs, and control circuitry for selectively disintegrating the reservoir caps to release or expose the reservoir contents in vivo. At least one of the reservoir caps comprises a first electrically conductive layer coated with one or more protective layers. In one embodiment, the control circuitry comprises an electrical input lead and an electrical output lead connected to and directly contacting each of said reservoir caps and a source of electric power for applying an electrical current through each reservoir cap in an amount effective to rupture each of the reservoir caps.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for electrical stimulation of neural tissue and controlled drug delivery to a patient. The device includes an implantable drug delivery module which comprises a plurality of reservoirs, a release system comprising at least one drug contained in each of the reservoirs, and control means for selectively releasing a pharmaceutically effective amount of drug from each reservoir; a neural electrical stimulator which comprises a signal generator connected to at least one stimulation electrode for operable engagement with a neural tissue of the patient; and at least one microcontroller for controlling operational interaction of the drug delivery module and the neural electrical stimulator. The microcontroller may control the signal generator and the control means of the drug delivery module. The device may further include a sensor operable to deliver a signal to the microcontroller, for example to indicate when to deliver electrical stimulation, drug, or both.