Abstract: An implanted medical system includes a medical lead, an anchoring device and at least one suture secured circumferentially about the anchoring device to cause compression of the anchoring device on the medical lead. In particular, the anchoring device is received coaxially over the medical lead and includes an elastomeric sleeve and a compression governor. The elastomeric sleeve has a substantially elongate, hollow, and tubular body. The compression governor is substantially more rigid than the elastomeric sleeve and is coaxially secured to the elastomeric sleeve. The compression governor defines an inner bore having an effective diameter and is adapted to limit compression at a pre-selected minimum effective diameter to limit compressive forces exerted on the lead by the anchoring device.

Abstract: An implantable medical system for anchoring a medical lead implanted in a patient includes a medical lead, an anchoring device received coaxially over the medical lead, and at least one fastener secured circumferentially about the anchoring device to cause compression of the anchoring device on the medical lead. The anchoring device includes an elastomeric sleeve having a substantially elongate, hollow, and tubular body and a compression governor coaxially secured about the elastomeric sleeve. The compression governor is adapted to limit compressive forces exerted on the lead by the anchoring device at a predetermined limit and provides a visual indicator that the predetermined limit has been reached.

Abstract: One example includes an implantable lead with an elongate lead body including a proximal portion and a distal portion. The lead includes a coupler configured to be coupled to an implantable medical device, a conductor, extending through the coupler, a first electrode, and a first electrostimulation capacitor located at the distal portion of the lead body, the first electrostimulation capacitor including a capacitance value that is large enough to store an electrostimulation charge of an electrostimulation energy that is large enough to perform electrostimulation of tissue. The lead includes a first switch located at the distal portion of the lead body and coupled to the conductor, the first switch configured to selectively couple the first electrostimulation capacitor to the first electrode during a stimulating state and to selectively couple the first electrostimulation capacitor to the conductor during a charging state.

Abstract: One example includes an implantable lead including an elongate lead body which includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. In the example, the lead includes a coupler configured to couple to an implantable medical device. The lead includes a first conductor, coupled to the coupler, and extending away from the coupler at least partially through the lead. The lead includes a first electrode, located on the lead away from the coupler and a first switch, located on the lead away from the coupler, the first switch configured to control conductivity between the conductor and the electrode. The lead also includes a first controller circuit, coupled to the conductor and including a first multiplexer circuit configured to multiplex over the conductor a first signal and a second signal, the first controller circuit configured to control the first switch based at least on the first signal.

Abstract: Diagnostic imaging methods, methods of detecting the margin of tissue structures and bioresponsive needle systems are disclosed. The methods rely on the use of strain signals provided by a strain gage mounted on the wall of one or more needles as the needle or needles are moved through tissue. The systems employ a strain gage mounted on the wall of the needle and a strain monitor providing feedback to a user.

Abstract: A fiber optic endoscope which uses a bundle of coherent fiber to convey both an optical image in one direction and illumination light in the other direction. A fraction of the optical fibers are used for the illumination, and others of the fibers are used for the image. Notched fibers can be used for the illumination.

Abstract: A miniaturized endoscope is formed by passing light in both directions down the endoscope.

Abstract: A low voltage track lighting system is provided wherein the track transmits current at 12 V AC to standard quartz halogen 12 volt lamps. The track may be made of interlocking components, namely; an electrical strip made of copper tubes partially embedded in a flexible plastic member, and a metal bracket for attachment to a ceiling, wall, or other support. The attachment system between the track and a given fixture uses magnetic attraction, and wherein replaceable magnets in the mount of each fixture attach to the metal bracket of the track to hold the fixture in place and provide the force for contact with the electrical strip.