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 cardiac mapping comprises acquiring patient's cardiac signals into a computer based system. The computer based system may be a cardiac mapping system, cardiac recording/monitoring system, or any other computer based system. The method and system comprises algorithms/programs capable of analyzing the intracardiac signals for determining at least one of locating the “zone of slow conduction”, checking post-pacing interval (PPI), or checking line of block. This disclosure is useful in cardiac ablation procedures for treating cardiac arrhythmias especially atial flutters and isthmus dependent atrial flutters. The above computer based algorithms can also be activated by voice activation.

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: 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 of remotely controlling an implanted stimulator for providing electrical pulses to nerve tissue, comprises an implantable stimulator, an interface unit, and a mobile device such as a modified PDA/cell phone (or pocket PC/cell phone). The implanted stimulator may be for vagus nerve(s), sacral plexus, spinal cord or the like. The implanted stimulator comprises an implanted pulse generator (IPG) and a stimulus-receiver module. Interrogation and programming of the implanted stimulator may be performed remotely via a modified PDA/cell phone over a wide area network. The interface unit at the patient end comprises a telemetry module, and may be part of an external stimulator or a programmer. In one aspect of the invention, in addition to remote interrogation and programming, a patient's clinical data/information, report, and invoicing information can-be retrieved from a server, reviewed, and updated on the modified PDA/cell phone over a wide area network.

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: A system and method for providing pulsed electrical stimulation to one or both vagus nerve(s) of a patient to provide therapy for obesity, eating disorders, neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The electrical pulses can be provided either unilaterally or bilaterally (left and right vagus nerves) and can be supra-diaphramatic or be sub-diaphramatic. The system comprising implantable stimulator, lead(s), an external stimulator, and a programmer. The implantable stimulator, comprising a pulse generator module, and a stimulus-receiver module which is used in conjunction with an external stimulator. Control circuitry ensures selective operation of one of the modules of the implanted stimulator, at a time. Further, 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.

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: A method and system 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 stimulation 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 programmable implantable pulse generator; e) a combination implantable device comprising both a stimulus-receiver and a programmable IPG; and f) an IPG comprising a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A method and system for neuromodulation therapy for urinary incontinence and urological disorders comprises an implantable lead stimulus-receiver, and an external stimulator-transmitter having a power source, controlling circuitry, and predetermined programs. The stimulator-transmitter further includes a primary coil which inductively transfers electrical signals to the lead-receiver, which is also in electric contact with the sacral nerves. The external stimulator-transmitter emits electrical pulses to stimulate the sacral plexus according to a predetermined program. In one mode of operation, the operator may program one of the predetermined programs, in another mode, the electrical parameters may be “custom” programmed for the patient, and stored in the memory.

Abstract: An external pulse generator comprising a primary coil and adapted to inductively couple to an implanted receiving means, is designed to deliver neuromodulation therapy for disorders comprising obesity, eating disorders, anxiety and the like. The external pulse generator contains limited number of predetermined programs. These programs provide the patient or caretaker a means to adjust the therapy within confined limits, or turn the device off. The predetermined programs contain unique combination of pulse amplitude, pulse width, frequency of stimulation, and on-off time. In another mode of operation, the parameters can be individually adjusted and the stimulation therapy program can be “customized” for the patient, and stored in the memory. The programs are capable of being modified with a programming station connected to the pulse generator with a RS232-C serial connection.

Abstract: A method of countering terrorism or hostile activity in an airplane by using a multitude of built-in systems within the aircraft. The built-in systems includes chemical sprays, laser guns, and pre-programmed sound alarm systems. The aerosol chemicals range from benign fogging agents to non-lethal incapacitating agents from the categories of inhalants, general anesthetics, and irritants. Any of the systems can be used singly or in any combination. These systems can be activated manually from the control panel in the cockpit, or via a remote wireless activation system by the flight crew from anywhere within the plane. Such activation being password and code protected.