Abstract: Techniques for selecting electrode combinations for stimulation therapy include delivering stimulation via each of at least two electrode combination classes during a therapy evaluation period. A first one of the classes comprises one or more electrode combinations that include electrodes within one or two columns of an implantable array of electrodes. The array may include at least three electrode columns. A second one of the classes comprises one or more electrode combinations that include electrodes within at least three electrode columns of the implantable array of electrodes. A preferred one of the electrode combination classes for a patient, and/or a number of leads to implant within the patient, may by selected based on feedback collected from the patient during the therapy evaluation period.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting electrode combinations for stimulation therapy are described. The techniques include selecting one or more electrode combinations based on information associating a plurality of electrode combinations with at least one value of a therapy metric. The therapy metric comprises a quantifiable result of delivery of stimulation, and may be generated computer modeling of delivery of stimulation via the electrode combinations. In one embodiment, a clinician may deliver stimulation via a baseline electrode combination, receive patient feedback to the baseline electrode combination, select a therapy metric based on the patient feedback, and select additional electrode combinations based on the selected therapy metric and the information associating the electrode combinations with therapy metric values.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a lead body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a spiral segment between the proximal end and the distal end. The spiral segment has a center, a proximal beginning point and a distal ending point. The proximal beginning point is closer to the center than the distal ending point. The lead further includes a contact element disposed in proximity to the proximal end of the lead body and an array of electrodes disposed at the spiral shaped segment of the lead body. A conductor extends within the lead body from the contact element to an electrode of the array and electrically couples the contact element and the electrode of the array.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting electrode combinations for stimulation therapy include delivering stimulation via each of at least two electrode combination classes during a therapy evaluation period. A first one of the classes comprises one or more electrode combinations that include electrodes within one or two columns of an implantable array of electrodes. The array may include at least three electrode columns. A second one of the classes comprises one or more electrode combinations that include electrodes within at least three electrode columns of the implantable array of electrodes. A preferred one of the electrode combination classes for a patient, and/or a number of leads to implant within the patient, may by selected based on feedback collected from the patient during the therapy evaluation period.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes a connector header for making electrical and mechanical connections with a proximal connector assembly of an electrical medical lead and includes a retainer for retaining a penetrable grommet within a header grommet aperture. A connector block disposed within a header body of the connector header has a threaded bore aligned with a header grommet aperture and a connector block bore aligned with a header connector bore. The penetrable grommet is disposed within the header grommet aperture, and a setscrew is threaded into the threaded bore having a setscrew socket disposed to be engaged by a tool inserted through the penetrable grommet within the header grommet aperture to enable rotation of the setscrew within the threaded bore to tighten the setscrew against or to loosen the setscrew from a lead connector element received in the header connector bore.

Abstract: Improvements in connector headers of implantable medical devices (IMDs) for making electrical and mechanical connections with a connector element of a proximal connector assembly of an electrical medical lead and components thereof are disclosed. A connector block disposed within a header body of the connector header has a threaded bore aligned with a header grommet aperture and a connector block bore aligned with a header connector bore. A penetrable grommet is disposed within the header grommet aperture, and a setscrew is threaded into the threaded bore having a setscrew socket disposed to be engaged by the tool inserted through the penetrable grommet within the header grommet aperture to enable rotation of the setscrew within the threaded bore to tighten the setscrew against or to loosen the setscrew from a lead connector element received in the header connector bore.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an implantable medical device assembly having a more space-efficient housing and components, as well as processes for assembling the implantable medical device with reduced assembly cost and less complexity. The implantable medical device may incorporate a battery, capacitor, circuit assembly, feedthrough assembly, and interconnect assembly with respective electrical terminals. This configuration permits the use of automated electronic module assembly techniques such as parallel gap or ribbon bond welding to electrically connect the terminals. A feedthrough assembly may present a set of terminals adjacent a corresponding set of circuit terminals, also enabling the use of automated welding techniques.

Abstract: Improvements in connector headers of implantable medical devices (IMDs) for making electrical and mechanical connections with a connector element of a proximal connector assembly of an electrical medical lead and components thereof are disclosed. A connector block disposed within a header body of the connector header has a threaded bore aligned with a header grommet aperture and a connector block bore aligned with a header connector bore. A penetrable grommet is disposed within the header grommet aperture, and a setscrew is threaded into the threaded bore having a setscrew socket disposed to be engaged by the tool inserted through the penetrable grommet within the header grommet aperture to enable rotation of the setscrew within the threaded bore to tighten the setscrew against or to loosen the setscrew from a lead connector element received in the header connector bore.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an implantable medical device assembly having a more space-efficient housing and components, as well as processes for assembling the implantable medical device with reduced assembly cost and less complexity. The implantable medical device may incorporate a battery, capacitor, circuit assembly, feedthrough assembly, and interconnect assembly with respective electrical terminals. This configuration permits the use of automated electronic module assembly techniques such as parallel gap or ribbon bond welding to electrically connect the terminals. A feedthrough assembly may present a set of terminals adjacent a corresponding set of circuit terminals, also enabling the use of automated welding techniques.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an implantable medical device assembly having a more space-efficient housing and components, as well as processes for assembling the implantable medical device with reduced assembly cost and less complexity. The implantable medical device may incorporate a battery, capacitor, circuit assembly, feedthrough assembly, and interconnect assembly with respective electrical terminals. This configuration permits the use of automated electronic module assembly techniques such as parallel gap or ribbon bond welding to electrically connect the terminals. A feedthrough assembly may present a set of terminals adjacent a corresponding set of circuit terminals, also enabling the use of automated welding techniques.

Abstract: The invention discloses a subcutaneous electrode array or SEA for use in medical devices. The arrangement provides an enhanced capability for detecting and gathering electrical cardiac signals via the array of relatively closely spaced subcutaneous electrodes. Further, switching circuits, signal processors and memory to process electric cardiac signals are implemented to enable a leadless orientation-insensitive SEA scheme for receiving the electrical signal from the heart. The SEA is distributed over the perimeter of the implanted medical device and includes a non-conductive surround shroud of biocompatible material. The surround shroud is placed around the periphery of the case of the implanted medical device. Various configurations of recesses, each of which contain individual electrodes, are implemented to provide an enhanced signal to noise ratio for improved signal quality.

Abstract: A capacitive filter feedthrough assembly and method of making the same are disclosed for shielding an implantable medical device such as pacemaker or defibrillator from electromagnetic interference or noise. A ferrule is adapted for mounting onto a conductive device housing by welding, soldering, brazing or gluing, and supports a terminal pin for feedthrough passage to a housing interior. A capacitive filter is mounted at the inboard side of a device housing, with capacitive filter electrode plate sets coupled respectively to the housing and the terminal pin by an electrically conductive combination of solder and brazing. In one embodiment of the invention, multiple capacitive filters are provided in an array within a common base structure, where each capacitive filter is associated with a respective terminal pin.

Abstract: A hand operable bipolar scissors instrument comprising two interfacing pivotal blade members which are each an electrode electrically insulated from the other and individually pivotable in relation to each other. Each blade member comprises a substrate base upon which a layer of non-conductive material is secured on the interior surface thereof so that the non-conductive material of each blade member interfaces with that of the other at the meeting surfaces.

Abstract: A hand operable bipolar combination scissors and forceps instrument. The instrument comprises two interfacing blade members wherein at least one blade member is pivotable in relation to the other blade member and wherein each blade member is an electrode to which current can flow. Each blade member is shaped to cooperate with the other blade member to thereby form a distal forceps portion and a proximal scissors portion wherein the respective scissors portions are electrically insulated from each other along their interfacing surfaces. Preferably, each blade member is individually pivotable in relation to the other blade member, and the instrument is dimensioned to have utility in endoscopic or other similar procedures.