Abstract: An implantable assembly for defibrillation and monitoring and/or regulating the beat of a heart. The defibrillation electrode is flexible and preferably made of braided carbon fiber and conductive metallic wire. It provides a low polarization, low capacitance and low impedance electrical interface with body fluid and/or excitable tissue. The conductivity of the defibrillation electrode is increased over electrodes made only of carbon fiber by the presence of the conductive metallic wire in the preferred embodiment, or by a thin exterior coating of titanium and silver in another embodiment. This electrode delivers energy more efficiently to body tissue than conventional defibrillation electrodes, resulting in lower energy needed to achieve defibrillation, which allows batteries powering the defibrillator to last longer.

Abstract: A method of completely filling an the interior cavity of a bourdon tube in a pressure gauge with a gelatinous substance ,comprising the steps of:a) evacuating the interior cavity of the bourdon tube to a vacuum level not greater than 50 millitorr;b) depositing a predetermined amount of a gelatinous substance in the interior cavity; andc) venting the interior cavity to remove the vacuum level, whereby increasing air pressure forces the deposited gelatinous substance to completely fill the interior cavity.

Abstract: A tool having a handle portion and a curved tongue extending from the handle. The curve of the tongue is sufficient that, when the distal end of the tongue is placed substantially parallel to the spinal cord within the epidural space, the proximal portion of the curve extends substantially parallel to the plane passing between spinal vertebrae. The tongue is formed of a pliant material having sufficient rigidity to separate epidural fat to form a pocket in the epidural space, but sufficiently pliant to prevent trauma to the dura and the spine upon contact. A circular disc, having a thickness and width substantially equal to the thickness and width of the electrode to be placed in the pocket, is formed in the distal end of the tongue to shape the pocket to the size of the electrode.

Abstract: A medical electrode placement system including a stylet insertable within an electrode carrying lead to provide stability to the lead during electrode placement within the body. The stylet includes a knob secured to one end thereof and a lead engagement device mechanically connected to the knob for imparting movement to a lead in accordance with manipulation of the knob. In a preferred embodiment, the lead engagement device is spaced from the knob to accommodate differences in length from lead to lead and may take the form of a clamp. The lead engagement device may be formed of a body member having a lead accepting groove therein, the groove being configured to compress a lead of desired cross section when placed within the groove. Finger(s) may be provided to project into the lead accepting groove to further enhance the engagement of the lead. In some instances, x-rays may be employed to provide a view of the lead placement.

Abstract: A lead is disclosed for being inserted within a human or animal body for applying electrical stimulation to the spinal cord of the recipient, whereby selected pain is effectively relieved by the application of an electrical signal of selected frequency, pulsewidth and amplitude to the lead. In particular, the lead comprises a spherically-shaped, distal electrode adapted to be disposed near a selected segment of the spinal cord whereby maximum stimulation may be applied to the afferent nerves passing therethrough, a first conductor taking the form of a helically-wound coil extending from the distal electrode to a first tubular contact, and a second conductor disposed axially of the first-mentioned coil and forming an extension extending beyond the first-mentioned contact and terminated in a second tubular contact.