Abstract: A system for augmenting uterine forces includes a medical apparatus having a balloon body that transitions between a compacted state and an expanded state, a catheter that receives the medical apparatus and obtains electrical signals indicative of intrinsic uterine contractions, and a controller coupled to the catheter to receive the electrical signals, and to a source of an agent. The controller processes the electrical signals to detect an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction, an increase in uterine contraction forces, or a decrease in uterine contraction forces. In response to a detection of an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction or an increase in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes an agent to be delivered from the agent source to the balloon body to expand the balloon body. In response to a detection of a decrease in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes agent to discharge from the balloon body to collapse the balloon body.

Abstract: Hemodynamic performance of a heart may be improved by determining, from a location associated with a diaphragm, an occurrence of a valid cardiac event; and then delivering asymptomatic electrical stimulation therapy directly to the diaphragm at termination of a diaphragmatic stimulation delay period that is timed relative to the occurrence of the valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period may be automatically established by sensing a plurality of cardiac events directly from a diaphragm; and for each of the sensed cardia events, determining whether the sensed cardiac event represents a valid cardiac event or a non-valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period is then calculated based on a plurality of sensed cardia events that are determined to be valid.

Abstract: Hemodynamic performance of a heart may be improved by determining, from a location associated with a diaphragm, an occurrence of a valid cardiac event; and then delivering asymptomatic electrical stimulation therapy directly to the diaphragm at termination of a diaphragmatic stimulation delay period that is timed relative to the occurrence of the valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period may be automatically established by sensing a plurality of cardiac events directly from a diaphragm; and for each of the sensed cardia events, determining whether the sensed cardiac event represents a valid cardiac event or a non-valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period is then calculated based on a plurality of sensed cardia events that are determined to be valid.

Abstract: A controller delivers electrical stimulation therapy to a diaphragm through the one or more electrodes, and obtains a signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity from a pressure measurement source. The electrical stimulation therapy is defined by stimulation parameters. The controller obtains at least one additional signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity by changing at least one of the stimulation parameters, and delivering an electrical stimulation therapy to the diaphragm in accordance with the changed one of the plurality of stimulation parameters. The controller repeats the process of obtaining additional signals indicative of pressure based on a changing stimulation parameter by scanning through a range of values for the changing stimulation parameter.

Abstract: Hemodynamic performance of a heart may be improved by determining, from a location associated with a diaphragm, an occurrence of a valid cardiac event; and then delivering asymptomatic electrical stimulation therapy directly to the diaphragm at termination of a diaphragmatic stimulation delay period that is timed relative to the occurrence of the valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period may be automatically established by sensing a plurality of cardiac events directly from a diaphragm; and for each of the sensed cardia events, determining whether the sensed cardiac event represents a valid cardiac event or a non-valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period is then calculated based on a plurality of sensed cardia events that are determined to be valid.

Abstract: Hemodynamic performance of a heart may be improved by determining, from a location associated with a diaphragm, an occurrence of a valid cardiac event; and then delivering asymptomatic electrical stimulation therapy directly to the diaphragm at termination of a diaphragmatic stimulation delay period that is timed relative to the occurrence of the valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period may be automatically established by sensing a plurality of cardiac events directly from a diaphragm; and for each of the sensed cardia events, determining whether the sensed cardiac event represents a valid cardiac event or a non-valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period is then calculated based on a plurality of sensed cardia events that are determined to be valid.

Abstract: A system for augmenting uterine forces includes a medical apparatus having a balloon body that transitions between a compacted state and an expanded state, a catheter that receives the medical apparatus and obtains electrical signals indicative of intrinsic uterine contractions, and a controller coupled to the catheter to receive the electrical signals, and to a source of an agent. The controller processes the electrical signals to detect an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction, an increase in uterine contraction forces, or a decrease in uterine contraction forces. In response to a detection of an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction or an increase in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes an agent to be delivered from the agent source to the balloon body to expand the balloon body. In response to a detection of a decrease in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes agent to discharge from the balloon body to collapse the balloon body.

Abstract: A system for augmenting uterine forces includes a medical apparatus having a balloon body that transitions between a compacted state and an expanded state, a catheter that receives the medical apparatus and obtains electrical signals indicative of intrinsic uterine contractions, and a controller coupled to the catheter to receive the electrical signals, and to a source of an agent. The controller processes the electrical signals to detect an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction, an increase in uterine contraction forces, or a decrease in uterine contraction forces. In response to a detection of an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction or an increase in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes an agent to be delivered from the agent source to the balloon body to expand the balloon body. In response to a detection of a decrease in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes agent to discharge from the balloon body to collapse the balloon body.

Abstract: An intrauterine balloon apparatus to augment uterine birthing forces and assist fetal descent during parturition is provided. The body of the balloon apparatus begins packaged in a compressed state minimizing volume, enabling delivery through the birth canal. The apparatus is advanced to a proximal uterine location and deployed for operation by introducing a pressurized agent through its conduit, causing the body to expand and apply directional forces towards the infant and birth canal. The balloon body is shaped to apply pressures dispersed towards the infant and the bidirectional conduit enables fluid conduction as the infant descends. After the infant has successfully descended and been delivered through the birth canal, pressure within the balloon body is relieved through the conduit thereby collapsing the volume of the balloon body and enabling retraction through the birth canal.

Abstract: An intrauterine balloon apparatus to augment uterine birthing forces and assist fetal descent during parturition is provided. The body of the balloon apparatus begins packaged in a compressed state minimizing volume, enabling delivery through the birth canal. The apparatus is advanced to a proximal uterine location and deployed for operation by introducing a pressurized agent through its conduit, causing the body to expand and apply directional forces towards the infant and birth canal. The balloon body is shaped to apply pressures dispersed towards the infant and the bidirectional conduit enables fluid conduction as the infant descends. After the infant has successfully descended and been delivered through the birth canal, pressure within the balloon body is relieved through the conduit thereby collapsing the volume of the balloon body and enabling retraction through the birth canal.

Abstract: A controller delivers electrical stimulation therapy to a diaphragm through the one or more electrodes, and obtains a signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity from a pressure measurement source. The electrical stimulation therapy is defined by stimulation parameters. The controller obtains at least one additional signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity by changing at least one of the stimulation parameters, and delivering an electrical stimulation therapy to the diaphragm in accordance with the changed one of the plurality of stimulation parameters. The controller repeats the process of obtaining additional signals indicative of pressure based on a changing stimulation parameter by scanning through a range of values for the changing stimulation parameter.

Abstract: A controller detects a cyclic cardiac event of the patient based on a signal obtained from one or more electrodes configured for placement on or near a diaphragm, and delivers an electrical stimulation therapy to a diaphragm of the patient through the one or more electrodes. The delivery of electrical stimulation therapy is timed to the detection of the cyclic cardiac event, and the electrical stimulation therapy is defined by stimulation parameters. The controller monitors a pressure associated with the intrathoracic cavity of the patient based on a signal provided by a pressure measurement source configured to provide a signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity, to determine whether an adjustment of one or more of the stimulation parameters is warranted.

Abstract: A controller delivers electrical stimulation therapy to a diaphragm through the one or more electrodes, and obtains a signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity from a pressure measurement source. The electrical stimulation therapy is defined by stimulation parameters. The controller obtains at least one additional signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity by changing at least one of the stimulation parameters, and delivering an electrical stimulation therapy to the diaphragm in accordance with the changed one of the plurality of stimulation parameters. The controller repeats the process of obtaining additional signals indicative of pressure based on a changing stimulation parameter by scanning through a range of values for the changing stimulation parameter.

Abstract: Hemodynamic performance of a heart may be improved by determining, from a location associated with a diaphragm, an occurrence of a valid cardiac event; and then delivering asymptomatic electrical stimulation therapy directly to the diaphragm at termination of a diaphragmatic stimulation delay period that is timed relative to the occurrence of the valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period may be automatically established by sensing a plurality of cardiac events directly from a diaphragm; and for each of the sensed cardia events, determining whether the sensed cardiac event represents a valid cardiac event or a non-valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period is then calculated based on a plurality of sensed cardia events that are determined to be valid.

Abstract: A lead for placement on a diaphragm includes a sensor assembly, a connector, and a lead body. The sensor assembly includes a housing having a first end surface and a second end surface opposite the first end surface. The first end surface is intended to contact the diaphragm. The sensor assembly includes at least one fixation structure also associated with the first end surface. The fixation structure is configured to preserve the hermetic integrity of the intrathoracic cavity. The fixation structure may extend through the diaphragm and transition to a state that forms a seal between itself and tissue of the diaphragm. Alternatively, the fixation structure may surround the sensor assembly and form a seal between itself and the surface of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Hemodynamic performance of a heart may be improved by determining, from a location associated with a diaphragm, an occurrence of a valid cardiac event; and then delivering asymptomatic electrical stimulation therapy directly to the diaphragm at termination of a diaphragmatic stimulation delay period that is timed relative to the occurrence of the valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period may be automatically established by sensing a plurality of cardiac events directly from a diaphragm; and for each of the sensed cardia events, determining whether the sensed cardiac event represents a valid cardiac event or a non-valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period is then calculated based on a plurality of sensed cardia events that are determined to be valid.

Abstract: An intrauterine balloon apparatus to augment uterine birthing forces and assist fetal descent during parturition is provided. The body of the balloon apparatus begins packaged in a compressed state minimizing volume, enabling delivery through the birth canal. The apparatus is advanced to a proximal uterine location and deployed for operation by introducing a pressurized agent through its conduit, causing the body to expand and apply directional forces towards the infant and birth canal. The balloon body is shaped to apply pressures dispersed towards the infant and the bidirectional conduit enables fluid conduction as the infant descends. After the infant has successfully descended and been delivered through the birth canal, pressure within the balloon body is relieved through the conduit thereby collapsing the volume of the balloon body and enabling retraction through the birth canal.

Abstract: An intrauterine balloon apparatus to augment uterine birthing forces and assist fetal descent during parturition is provided. The body of the balloon apparatus begins packaged in a compressed state minimizing volume, enabling delivery through the birth canal. The apparatus is advanced to a proximal uterine location and deployed for operation by introducing a pressurized agent through its conduit, causing the body to expand and apply directional forces towards the infant and birth canal. The balloon body is shaped to apply pressures dispersed towards the infant and the bidirectional conduit enables fluid conduction as the infant descends. After the infant has successfully descended and been delivered through the birth canal, pressure within the balloon body is relieved through the conduit thereby collapsing the volume of the balloon body and enabling refraction through the birth canal.

Abstract: A system for augmenting uterine forces includes a medical apparatus having a balloon body that transitions between a compacted state and an expanded state, a catheter that receives the medical apparatus and obtains electrical signals indicative of intrinsic uterine contractions, and a controller coupled to the catheter to receive the electrical signals, and to a source of an agent. The controller processes the electrical signals to detect an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction, an increase in uterine contraction forces, or a decrease in uterine contraction forces. In response to a detection of an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction or an increase in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes an agent to be delivered from the agent source to the balloon body to expand the balloon body. In response to a detection of a decrease in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes agent to discharge from the balloon body to collapse the balloon body.

Abstract: A catheter to access and navigate the uterine cavity through the cervical canal for delivering, deploying, and facilitating operation of a peripheral intrauterine medical apparatus during parturition includes an elongated, flexible tubular catheter body with a handle at the proximal end controlling a steering mechanism and deflecting the distal tip. The catheter includes a lumen that extends the length of catheter body to a distal end region of the catheter. The peripheral medical apparatus is located in the distal end region and is configured to deploy from the distal tip of the catheter into the uterine cavity. A soft catheter tip reduces the likelihood of injury during intrauterine navigation and placement, and sensors associated with the catheter body provide signals that allow for the monitoring of infant, umbilical cord, placenta and uterine muscle activity during labor to assist operation of the peripheral medical apparatus.