Abstract: The present invention discloses an implant for placement in the retropubic space of a patient. Novel methods and assemblies for use in conjunction with the implant are also described.

Abstract: Surgical articles that are conveniently and securely coupled are disclosed. Improved surgical procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A foreign body retrieval device is disclosed. The device moves between an open position for receiving the foreign body and a closed position for capturing the foreign body. A novel method for retrieving a foreign body such as a stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable article and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the position of the sling to be permanently changed during and/or after implantation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The invention is a repositionable handle for an arcuate needle configured to be minimally invasive. The invention is for use with a sling assembly that allows a sling to be controllably implanted in a therapeutically effective position. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced.

Abstract: An implantable sensing device includes a sensing element and a mounting element. The mounting element has a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis therethrough. The sensing element is positioned at the first end of the mounting element with the mounting element having a length that is adjustable along the longitudinal axis. The mounting element includes a sleeve having a first open end and a second open end with the longitudinal axis therethrough. The sensing element is positioned in the second open end and includes a lead body connected thereto extending through the second open end. The sleeve includes an outer sleeve member coupled for adjustment along the longitudinal axis with respect to an inner sleeve member. Further, the mounting element may include a flexible element about the first open end extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis and a flange element extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis from at least a portion of the second end.

Abstract: A method for operating an implantable therapy system to conserve energy includes providing an implantable sensing device that generates a signal as a function of a physiological parameter of a patient during a treatment period. The signal is monitored during at least portions of the treatment period to detect a physiological event for use in controlling therapy of the patient during the treatment period. Energy consumption by the sensing device is terminated during the treatment period for at least portions of the treatment period when signal monitoring is not performed. Another method for operating an implantable therapy system for conserving energy includes providing an implantable component for performance of a function during a treatment period for the therapy system. The implantable component is operable in at least a first state during the treatment period and a second state outside of the treatment period; the first state using more energy than the second state.

Abstract: A testing method for use with a patient stimulation system includes providing a stimulation system including a patient control unit. The patient control unit initiates and terminates treatment periods. At least one period of stimulation to stimulate the patient is automatically provided upon initiating a treatment period. Another method includes a system test method for use with a therapy system. The method includes providing a therapy system having a plurality of components; the therapy system physiologically interacting with a patient. A diagnostic self test of a component of the therapy system is performed internally to the system to determine if the component is functioning properly at a time when the therapy system is not interacting physiologically with the patient. Apparatus for using such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of predicting critical points in patient respiration includes monitoring at least one characteristic of a respiratory effort waveform of a patient to detect a respiratory event. A refractory period is defined that includes a hard refractory period during which time the respiratory event cannot be responded to and a soft refractory period following the hard refractory period. The respiratory event outside of the refractory period is detected as a function of a first set of predetermined parameters for the monitored at least one characteristic and the respiratory event within the soft refractory period is detected as a function of a second set of predetermined parameters for the monitored at least one characteristic. The respiratory event may be inspiration onset and the characteristic of the respiratory effort waveform monitored is at least one of slope and amplitude.

Abstract: A gain control method for providing a gain controlled signal representative of a periodic physiological parameter of a patient includes providing a signal characteristic of the periodic physiological parameter. The periodic physiological parameter includes a plurality of periodic cycles. Gain of the signal is updated only once per periodic cycle following detection of a periodic event. The updating is performed by monitoring an amplitude of the signal between detection of periodic events and comparing the amplitude to a gain control amplitude threshold. Gain of the signal is updated as a function of the comparison. Further, gain is updated following expiration of a predetermined period of time if a periodic event is not detected within the predetermined period of time. The physiological parameter may be respiratory effort. An apparatus for providing such gain control is also provided.

Abstract: The implantable eyelid electrode apparatus includes a body of nonconductive material having first and second edges and first and second ends. A longitudinal axis extends between the first and second ends and a distance from the longitudinal axis to at least one of the first and second edges decreases towards at least one of the first and second ends. Conductive material is positioned at a surface of the body and at least one lead wire is in electrical contact with the conductive material. Further, the conductive material may include a number of conductive electrodes which are capable of being connected as an anode, a cathode, or left in an open configuration. The conductive electrodes may be strip electrodes positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and further, the plurality of conductive electrodes may be configured in a guarded multipolar configuration. An electrode device may be implanted in the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid or both.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device having circadian muscle stimulation. In particular the present invention operates in one of two states, either day mode or night mode. During the day mode, muscle stimulation and conditioning are performed according to a first schedule. During the night mode, muscle stimulation and conditioning are performed according to a second schedule. In addition, the night mode is only reached if the night mode is permitted, a set number of sensed beats are less than the night mode rate, and the time of day is nighttime. The night mode is interrupted if the night mode is turned off, the time of day is daytime, or a set number of beats are greater than the night rate. In short, the present invention provides for skeletal muscle stimulation at a less fatiguing level during the night than during the day.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device having muscle augmentation after a confirmed arrhythmia. In particular the present invention operates, in a first embodiment, to sense a cardiac event, next it determines whether the cardiac event is a cardiac arrhythmia, if the event is not a cardiac arrhythmia the devices delivers stimulation to a skeletal muscle grafted about a heart, but if the event is a cardiac arrhythmia the device inhibits delivery of skeletal muscle stimulation and once the arrhythmia is confirmed, then delivers therapeutic stimulation to the heart. In a second embodiment the present invention operates to re-initiate skeletal muscle stimulation once the arrhythmia is confirmed but prior to the delivery of the therapeutic stimulation to the heart.

Abstract: A device and algorithm for a combined cardiomyostimulator and a cardiac pacer-cardioverter-defibrillator.

Abstract: A cardiac assist system which provides simultaneous cardiac assistance during a confirmed cardiac arrythmia, but which provides for the inhibition of the cardiac assistance in the event battery voltage drops below a predefined point. In particular the present invention features a battery voltage safety limit during the deliver VF therapy state. During VF therapy state the system provides skeletal muscle stimulation while charging a defibrillation output capacitor. The battery voltage safety limit is set above a threshold which will insure proper device functionality, i.e. above the power-on-reset threshold (hereafter "POR"). If the battery voltage safety limit is reached the system inhibits the skeletal muscle stimulation to thereby avoid reaching the POR threshold, but yet still maintain the charging of the defibrillation output capacitor. Once charging of the defibrillation output capacitor is completed a synchronization routine is begun and defibrillation therapy is delivered.