Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for anchoring implantable medical devices to maintain an implanted position. In some embodiments, the medical devices are stimulation leads which are implanted near a portion of the neural anatomy for providing stimulation thereto. To maintain position of the lead, the lead is anchored with the use of a tissue-captured anchor which is attached to the lead at a desired point of anchoring. The anchor maintains position of the lead by resisting movement of the anchor between tissue layers at the point of anchoring.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pumping and oxygenating blood are provided that include a gas removal system. An integrated blood processing unit is provided in which a gas removal/blood filter, pump and blood oxygenation element are mounted within a common housing. The gas removal system includes a sensor mounted on the housing to sense the presence of gas, and a valve is operably coupled to the sensor to evacuate gas from the system when the sensor detects an accumulation of gas.