Abstract: An implantable cranial medical device includes a housing configured to be positioned on a skull of a subject such that at least a portion of the housing covers a burr hole of the skull. The medical device also includes a brain catheter connector extending from the housing and configured to extend within the skull. The brain catheter connector includes a first connector and a second connector. The second connector extends farther away from the housing than the first connector. Additionally, the medical device includes a first fluid path extending through the housing and the first connector, and a second fluid path extending through the housing and the second connector. The first and second fluid paths are not in fluid communication with one another within the housing.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a housing having a bottom configured to face the skull and a top configured to face a scalp when implanted. The device includes a first catheter connector configured to couple to a first dual lumen catheter. The first connector extends from the housing. The device comprises a second catheter connector configured to couple to a single lumen catheter. The second catheter connector extends from the housing. The device includes an opening defined by the top of the housing. The opening is configured to be accessed by a needle percutaneously inserted through the scalp when the device is implanted. The device includes a first fluid pathway from the first catheter connector to the opening defined by the top of the housing, and the device includes a second fluid pathway from the first catheter connector to the second catheter connector.

Abstract: A catheter-mounted balloon includes an inflatable chamber defining a volume expandable from a deflated state to an inflated state, the inflatable chamber having a distal transition portion, a proximal transition portion, and a cylindrical body portion disposed between the distal transition portion and the proximal transition portion. The cylindrical body portion of the inflatable chamber includes a pleat zone having a pleat when the inflatable chamber is in the deflated state. The catheter-mounted balloon further includes an electrode disposed along a wall of the inflatable chamber. The pleat traverses the electrode such that is electrode is pleated as well.

Abstract: A catheter-mounted balloon includes an inflatable chamber defining a volume expandable from a deflated state to an inflated state, the inflatable chamber having a distal transition portion, a proximal transition portion, and a cylindrical body portion disposed between the distal transition portion and the proximal transition portion. The cylindrical body portion of the inflatable chamber includes a pleat zone having a pleat when the inflatable chamber is in the deflated state. The catheter-mounted balloon further includes an electrode disposed along a wall of the inflatable chamber. The pleat traverses the electrode such that is electrode is pleated as well.

Abstract: A system includes a first port comprising a first inlet, a first outlet, a first fluid pathway extending from the first inlet to the first outlet, a second inlet, a second outlet, and a second fluid pathway extending from the second inlet to the second outlet. The system further includes one or more CSF catheters having a first lumen, a first distal opening in fluid communication with the first lumen, a second lumen, and a second distal opening in fluid communication with the second lumen. The one or more CSF catheters are, or are configured to be, operatively coupled with the first implantable device such that the first lumen is in fluid communication with the first fluid pathway and the second lumen is in fluid communication with the second fluid pathway. At least the first distal opening is configured to be placed in the CSF-containing space. The system further includes a second port having a third inlet, a third outlet, and a third fluid pathway extending from the third inlet to the third outlet.

Abstract: A catheter-mounted balloon includes an inflatable chamber defining a volume expandable from a deflated state to an inflated state, the inflatable chamber having a distal transition portion, a proximal transition portion, and a cylindrical body portion disposed between the distal transition portion and the proximal transition portion. The cylindrical body portion of the inflatable chamber includes a pleat zone having a pleat when the inflatable chamber is in the deflated state. The catheter-mounted balloon further includes an electrode disposed along a wall of the inflatable chamber. The pleat traverses the electrode such that is electrode is pleated as well.

Abstract: A catheter-mounted balloon includes an inflatable chamber defining a volume expandable from a deflated state to an inflated state, the inflatable chamber having a distal transition portion, a proximal transition portion, and a cylindrical body portion disposed between the distal transition portion and the proximal transition portion. The cylindrical body portion of the inflatable chamber includes a pleat zone having a pleat when the inflatable chamber is in the deflated state. The catheter-mounted balloon further includes an electrode disposed along a wall of the inflatable chamber. The pleat traverses the electrode such that is electrode is pleated as well.

Abstract: A catheter-mounted balloon includes an inflatable chamber defining a volume expandable from a deflated state to an inflated state, the inflatable chamber having a distal transition portion, a proximal transition portion, and a cylindrical body portion disposed between the distal transition portion and the proximal transition portion. The cylindrical body portion of the inflatable chamber includes a pleat zone having a pleat when the inflatable chamber is in the deflated state. The catheter-mounted balloon further includes an electrode disposed along a wall of the inflatable chamber. The pleat traverses the electrode such that is electrode is pleated as well.

Abstract: A helical element for insertion into tissue comprises a helical element having an insertion end, a protruding end and an open central area within the wire, rods, filaments, cables or the like that form the helix. The helical element has at least its insertion end covered by a cap of a water-soluble or water-dispersible composition. The cap is provided with a surface shape in a cross-section in which surface variations are present in the cross-section which create a surface orientation where a line from the center of the cross-section can intersect the surface, and a line perpendicular to said radius at a point of intersection with said surface forms four quadrants, three of said quadrants containing water-soluble or water-dispersible cap material. There is either a hollow area within the composition within the open central area or the material is more porous than the remaining material.

Abstract: A lead assembly having a ring electrode is adapted for implant and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The lead assembly includes a first porous member disposed around the ring electrode at the distal end of the lead assembly, which can be used as a sensing or pacing interface with the cardiac tissue. In addition, a second porous member is disposed over the first porous member and is electrically coupled with the ring electrode.

Abstract: A helical element for insertion into tissue comprises a helical element having an insertion end, a protruding end and an open central area within the wire, rods, filaments, cables or the like that form the helix. The helical element has at least its insertion end covered by a cap of a water-soluble or water-dispersible composition. The cap is provided with a surface shape in a cross-section in which surface variations are present in the cross-section which create a surface orientation where a line from the center of the cross-section can intersect the surface, and a line perpendicular to said radius at a point of intersection with said surface forms four quadrants, three of said quadrants containing water-soluble or water-dispersible cap material. There is either a hollow area within the composition within the open central area or the material is more porous than the remaining material.

Abstract: A lead has a flexible lead body which extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The lead body has a conductor coupled with an electrode. At least a portion of the flexible lead body includes a polymer of vinylidene fluoride, or a polymer of vinylidene fluoride and silicone rubber. The polymer of vinylidene fluoride includes, but is not limited to, a homopolymer, a copolymer, or a terpolymer.

Abstract: A helical element for insertion into tissue comprises a helical element having an insertion end, a protruding end and an open central area within the wire, rods, filaments, cables or the like that form the helix. The helical element has at least its insertion end covered by a cap of a water-soluble or water-dispersible composition. The cap is provided with a surface shape in a cross-section in which surface variations are present in the cross-section which create a surface orientation where a line from the center of the cross-section can intersect the surface, and a line perpendicular to said radius at a point of intersection with said surface forms four quadrants, three of said quadrants containing water-soluble or water-dispersible cap material. There is either a hollow area within the composition within the open central area or the material is more porous than the remaining material.

Abstract: A method for securing a coil or cable conductor to an electric element including an implantable electric element having a longitudinal edge electrically coupled to a coil or cable conductor. The coil or cable having filars with ends configured to contact the longitudinal edge of the electric element. The ends secured to the longitudinal edge by welding, soldering or an electrically conductive adhesive.

Abstract: A joint for a cardiac stimulation lead is disclosed that connects a lead body and a coil conductor with an isodiametric junction. The lead body includes a counterbore disposed at its distal end. The lead body's counterbore securably receives the inner insulator of the coil conductor. Alternatively, the coil conductor includes a counterbore disposed at its proximal end. The coil conductor's counterbore securably receives the distal end of the lead body.

Abstract: A lead assembly having a ring electrode is adapted for implant and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The lead assembly includes a first porous member disposed around the ring electrode at the distal end of the lead assembly, which can be used as a sensing or pacing interface with the cardiac tissue. In addition, a second porous member is disposed over the first porous member and is electrically coupled with the ring electrode.

Abstract: A lead assembly having a ring electrode is adapted for implant and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The lead assembly includes a first porous member disposed around the ring electrode at the distal end of the lead assembly, which can be used as a sensing or pacing interface with the cardiac tissue. In addition, a second porous member is disposed over the first porous member and is electrically coupled with the ring electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a cardiac lead in place within the vasculature of the heart includes a coil having a normal helical shape and a stylet for holding the coil straight during insertion of the coil through a lumen of the lead. Upon retraction of the stylet, the coil returns to its helical shape along with the lead, forcing portions of the lead into contact with the vessel wall.