Abstract: A pressure cuff includes a pad having a seat for receiving a vessel therealong through which a fluid under pressure flows. A pressure sensor is mounted inside the pad and includes a flexible flat diaphragm in the seat for engaging the vessel in flat contact therewith. A flexible strap is provided to clamp the pad in abutting contact with the vessel for measuring pressure through the wall thereof.

Abstract: A passive stabilizer for an electrode lead of a cardiac pacemaker for maintaining the electrode tip in interstitial contact with the endocardium until a sufficient amount of tissue ingrowth has occurred to secure the electrode tip in place. The passive stabilizer is secured to the lead of the cardiac stimulating device adjacent the electrode tip and comprises a sleeve having at least two groups of resilient tines, each group of tines being longitudinally displaced along the axis of the conductive lead with a first group being disposed between the second group and the electrode tip. The tines extend radially outwardly from the lead at a substantially right angle, with the tines of the first group extending outwardly a distance less than that of tines of the second group. Additionally, the tines of the first group are circumferentially staggered with respect to the tines of the second group.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker lead has a structure which provides an enhanced sensitivity to atrial P-waves. The distal end of the lead has two sensing electrodes disposed thereon to contact atrial cardiac tissue and to detect near field P-waves with greater sensitivity than far field R-waves.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for manually altering the function of the distal electrodes of a body implantable tissue stimulator assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the polarity of distal electrodes may be reversed by axially repositioning the proximal connectors within the female connector assembly of a tissue stimulator.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for manually altering the function of the distal electrodes of a body implantable tissue stimulator assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the polarity of distal electrodes may be reversed by axially repositioning the proximal connectors within the female connector assembly of a tissue stimulator.