Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: A lead implantation system with an introducer, a lead configured to engage with the introducer such that the introducer can convey the lead to a desired internal target location, and at least one sensor. The sensor is adapted to generate an indicator of desired engagement of the system with the desired target tissue location prior to engagement of the lead with the target tissue. Also a method of implanting an implantable patient lead including advancing a lead implantation assembly towards a desired target location along an introduction axis and monitoring at least one indicator of lead implantation assembly position along the lead introduction axis. At least one indicator can be generated by the lead implantation assembly. Advancing of the lead introduction assembly can be halted when the monitoring indicates contact with the desired target tissue. The patient lead can then be advanced towards the target tissue and fixed to the target tissue.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure involve an internal pulse generator for administering electrotherapy via an implantable medical lead having a lead connector end on a proximal end of the lead. In addition, implementations involve testing of the medical lead at the proximal lead connector end to ensure proper placement of the lead, and an interface device for facilitating the connection of the proximal lead connector end to a testing device. The interface device may provide for one or more electrical connection points disposed on a connector sleeve. The connection points provide electrical communication between the lead connector end of the lead and one or more leads of a testing device in such a manner as to minimize potential damage to the lead connector end.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead disclosed herein may include a longitudinally extending body, a helical anchor and a lead connector end. The longitudinally extending body may include a distal end, a proximal end, a braid-reinforced inner tubular layer extending between the proximal and distal ends, and an outer tubular layer extending between the proximal and distal ends. The braid-reinforced inner tubular layer may extend through the outer tubular layer in a coaxial arrangement. The helical anchor electrode may be operably coupled to a distal end of the braid-reinforced inner tubular layer. The lead connector end may be operably coupled to the proximal end of the body and include a pin contact operably coupled to a proximal end of the braid-reinforced tubular layer.

Abstract: Methods for assessing, diagnosing and treating medical conditions using SvO2 and hematocrit measurements alone, or in combination with other measurements related to cardiac activity are provided. These includes methods for distinguishing true anemia from diluted anemia, methods for anemia detection, methods for measuring disease progression based on anemia trending, methods for managing therapy delivery, methods for managing heart failure drug therapies, methods for cardiac output optimization based on SvO2, methods for cardiac resynchronization therapy lead placement, method for detection of heart failure decompensation, and methods to monitor and treat systolic versus diastolic heart failure are provided.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The lead may include a longitudinally extending body, an electrical conductor, a tube and an electrical component, such as, for example, an electrode for sensing or pacing, a defibrillation coil, a strain gage, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an integrated chip, an inductor, etc. The body may include a distal end and a proximal end. The electrical conductor may extend through the body between the proximal end and the distal end. The tube may be swaged about an outer circumferential portion of the electrical conductor. The electrical component may be on the body and electrically connected to the tube.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and treating irregular metabolic function. The systems and methods generally include an implantable medical device that measures various physiological parameters. Such physiological parameters generally provide an indication of the patient's metabolic rate, respiratory rate, and activity level. For example, the medical device may measure the patient's relative movement, or may measure the patient's oxygen consumption. These measures are then recorded, and the recorded data is used to determine the normal relationship between metabolic rate and other physiological parameters for that patient. The baseline relationship is then used to determine if the patient experiences an increase or decrease in metabolic rate that is not explained by changes in other physiological parameters. Further testing, and treatment if necessary, can be performed if the physiological parameters indicate irregular metabolic function.

Abstract: A lead implantation system with an introducer, a lead configured to engage with the introducer such that the introducer can convey the lead to a desired internal target location, and at least one sensor. The sensor is adapted to generate an indicator of desired engagement of the system with the desired target tissue location prior to engagement of the lead with the target tissue. Also a method of implanting an implantable patient lead including advancing a lead implantation assembly towards a desired target location along an introduction axis and monitoring at least one indicator of lead implantation assembly position along the lead introduction axis. At least one indicator can be generated by the lead implantation assembly. Advancing of the lead introduction assembly can be halted when the monitoring indicates contact with the desired target tissue. The patient lead can then be advanced towards the target tissue and fixed to the target tissue.