Abstract: A defibrillator capable of delivering a damped biphasic truncated (DBT) defibrillation pulse is provided. An energy storage circuit is coupled across a high voltage switch such as an H-bridge for delivering a defibrillation pulse to the patient through a pair of electrodes. A controller operates to control the entire defibrillation process and detects shockable rhythms from the patient via an ECG front end. The energy storage circuit consists of an energy storage capacitor, a series inductor, a shunt diode, and optionally a resistor in series with the inductor. The controller measures as the patient dependent parameter the time interval between the initial delivery of the defibrillation pulse and the occurrence of the peak current or voltage to determine the first and second phases of the defibrillation pulse to provide for compensation for patient impedance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating neurological disorders by electrically stimulating cells implanted in the nervous system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes preparing cells for implantation while the cells are in a first, at least partially undifferentiated state. The cells are then implanted at an implantation site within the patient's skull cavity while in the first state, and at least one electrode is positioned to be in electrical communication with the implantation site. The patient's neural dysfunction is at least partially corrected by differentiating the cells at least until the cells achieve a second state, with the cells in the second state having an increased level of differentiation and increased neurocharacteristics when compared to the cells in the first state. Differentiating the cells can include applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode while the electrode is in electrical communication with the implantation site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for neural stimulation may include a stimulus unit; a first electrode assembly having a first set of contacts; and a second set of contacts. The stimulus unit can be an implantable pulse generator including a first terminal that can be biased at a first signal polarity and a second terminal that can be biased at a second signal polarity. The first electrode assembly includes a support member configured to be placed at the stimulation site, the first set of contacts carried by the support member, and a first lead configured to be attached to the first terminal of the implantable pulse generator for biasing the surface contacts at the first polarity. The second set of contacts is detached from the surface electrode assembly. The second set of contacts can be one or more conductive elements fixed to or forming portions of the implantable pulse generator, or a separate electrode array.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.

Abstract: The present disclosure suggests methods of selecting a stimulation site for stimulating a patient's brain or methods of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body function. In one exemplary implementation, such a neural function may be effectuated by selecting a stimulation site, positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site, and applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode. If one aspect, this stimulation site may be selected by a) identifying a second body function that is a corollary to the impaired body function, and b) determining a corollary location of the patient's brain that is associated with the second body function and is ipsilateral to the impaired body function.

Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).

Abstract: System and methods for effectuating and/or facilitating visual function in a patient. One embodiment of a system comprises a neural stimulation system and a visual training system. The neural stimulation system can include a pulse generator and a stimulus delivery device coupled to the pulse generator. The stimulus delivery device is configured to deliver a stimulus to the brain of the patient. The visual training system can include a computer and a display coupled to the computer. The computer has a computer operable medium containing instructions to provide a visual output to the patient via the display.